Tag: Mythology
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Feminine Perspective in Literature
I recently finished reading The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood, a beautifully crafted retelling of the myth of Odysseus, this time through the eyes of Penelop. It’s a powerful reminder of how different and compelling a story can become when told from a woman’s perspective. This book made me reflect on others I’ve read that offer…
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Mahabharata 30: The Creation of this Epic Tale
The ancient epic of Mahabharata, one of the world’s longest and most revered texts, was believed to have been composed in a tranquil village nestled deep within the Himalayas. This village, Mānā, situated beyond Badrināth along the Indo-Tibetan border, holds sacred caves integral to its origin. Vyāsa Gufā, a cave revered as the site where…
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Mahabharata 29: One Man’s Curse, Another’s Boon!
In the kingdom of Panchala, a unique tale unfolded with the birth of Shikhandi. Blessed by Lord Shiva, Drupada and his queen received a boon that their daughter would later become a man. Thus, despite being born as a girl named Shikhandini, she was raised and educated as a prince. Trouble arose when Shikhandini was…
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Mahabharata 28: Yato Dharmaḥ, Tato Jayaḥ
Throughout history and myth, the battle between good and evil often blurs moral lines. In the epic Mahabharata, great warriors like Bhishma, Drona, Karna, and Duryodhana faced their ends through unconventional means. Bhishma fell to Arjuna’s arrows, aided by Shikhandi, once a woman. Drona met his fate through a half-truth that shattered his will to…
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Mahabharata 27: Killing Jayadratha
After Abhimanyu’s death, Arjuna vowed to kill Jayadratha by the next sunset, or he would burn himself alive. Krishna knew the gravity of this promise. To help Arjuna, Krishna guided him to meditate on Shiva that evening, seeking divine protection. At midnight, Krishna called his charioteer, Daruk. He instructed Daruk to prepare the chariot and…
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Mahabharata 26: Hidden Treasure in the Himalayas
After the great war, Yudhishthira was crowned the king of Hastinapur. The kingdom needed a yajna to restore peace and prosperity, but the treasury was empty. The recent war had drained all resources. Yudhishthira sought advice from the sage Veda Vyasa, who directed him to the Himalayas. Vyasa told the Pandavas about a hidden treasure.…
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Mahabharata 25: Tears of Krishna
Krishna, the ever-joyful and serene being, never cried for anything in his life. His spirit remained unshaken, even in the face of adversity. Yet, there is only one moment in his entire life when even Krishna couldn’t contain himself and shed tears—the death of Abhimanyu, the beloved son of Arjuna. Abhimanyu embodied the best virtues…
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Mahabharata 24: Kings in Forest
When the Pandavas were in exile, they spent much of their time in the forest. They kept moving from one location to another. The reason was to avoid destroying the flora and fauna of any single area. By not staying in one place for too long, they preserved the natural beauty and resources of the…
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Mahabharata 23: Death on Wish
Long ago, in a past life, Bhishma was a Gandharva who stole Kamdhenu, a divine cow. This act brought a severe curse upon him and his seven brothers. They were destined to be born on Earth, only to die immediately after birth. However, the Gandharva who physically stole the cow was cursed to live a…
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Mahabharata 22: Unquestioned Loyalty
Bhishma, a paragon of duty, spent his life serving the throne of Hastinapura. Despite not being a king, for over forty years, he wielded authority and maintained the kingdom. His loyalty to the throne was unwavering, but it came at a high cost. Bhishma took a vow of celibacy to ensure his father’s happiness, forsaking…
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Mahabharata 21: Kunti Vs. Men
Kunti’s life is a tale of sorrow and resilience. From a young age, the men in her life wronged her, each in their own way. Her father gave her away to Kuntibhoja, her stepfather, who used her to serve the sage Durvasa. While she gained a powerful boon from this service, it was a burden…
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Mahabharata 20: Bhishma Vs. Women
Bhishma is often seen as a noble and self-sacrificing figure in the Mahabharata. Yet, his actions towards women are troubling. He wronged seven women in his life. Let me explain. First, there’s Amba (1). She wanted to marry another but was abducted by Bhishma for his brother. Her life was ruined, leading her to seek…