Bhishma, the supreme commander of the Kaurava forces, was destined to be a great warrior and to always uphold Dharma, but he was also destined to always keep his father happy and to never have children. Learn why!   Music: Peony Morning - TrackTribe ►Stories of India Retold Podcast Website: https://storiesofindiaretold.podbean.com  Watch the Video Podcast: ► YouTube: https://youtu.be/o8HMnkno1LE   ►Spotify video: https://open.spotify.com/show/2yJBzZD1xlclGy8OufkQMs?_ga=2.88777307.1729303884.1714411700-715675952.1714411700  Listen to the Stories of India Retold Podcast ..read more

All about the Mahabharata and its author, Krishna Dwaipayana (Veda Vyasa), why he composed it, why Mahabharata is considered the greatest story ever told, who and what it is about, why it is considered sacred, why the stories found in this great epic is relevant to this day and more! Music: Peony Morning - TrackTribe ►Stories of India Retold Podcast Website: https://storiesofindiaretold.podbean.com  Watch the Video Podcast: ► YouTube: hhttps://youtu.be/ZCOFbiqtU3c  ►Spotify video: https://open.spotify.com/show/2yJBzZD1xlclGy8OufkQMs?_ga=2.88777307.1729303884.1714411700-715675952.1714 ..read more

Dear Listener, Welcome to the new and improved version of the Stories of India Retold Podcast. We will start from the beginning of the Mahabharata (yet again) but with better story telling and even a video element to it.  I hope you will listen to the new episodes.  Thank you so much for your continued support. Much Love, Nivi.  ►Stories of India Retold Podcast Website: https://storiesofindiaretold.podbean.com  Watch the Video Podcast: ► YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1pU1qiKljk-yADyJ0pHzsA  Listen to the Stories of India Retold Podcast  ► Apple: https ..read more

The heroes Arjuna and Krishna are involved in the burning of the Khandava forest–a dark episode in the Mahabharata known as the Khandava Daha(burning). Thousands died-particularly the people belonging to the Naga tribe; their leader Takshaka and his son survive and they would never forget or forgive this injustice. This story from the Khandava Daha Parva or episode, tells us the story of: -Arjuna and Krishna's deal with Agni. -The reasons for burning the Khandava tract -Arjuna and Krishna's fight against Indra. -The few who escaped the fire.  -New allies and enemies.   Podcast websit ..read more

Arjuna’s actions lead to his exile from Khandavaprastha for 12 years. Arjuna spends the 12-years traveling, building allies and falling in love a few times. Come, follow Arjuna’s adventures! In order to avoid any chance of breeding resentment amongst themselves, the Pandava brothers decide to set rules regarding their marriage–the rule was simple–if, when a brother was in a room with Draupadi, another brother may not enter that room. Did any brother break that rule? What consequence would they face if they–wittingly or unwittingly–break the rule? Listen to the stories of: - Reasons for Arjuna ..read more

Pandavas are finally returning home! Their very advantageous marriage to Draupadi proves to be a brilliant strategy as the Kauravas are taking notice and are calling them back home. This absolutely does not mean that all the Kauravas are glad to see them. Still, the pressure on the Kauravas to do the right thing is intense. The Pandavas are coming home, and there is nothing they can do about it. Listen to the stories of: -How things changed for the Pandavas after their marriage to Draupadi. -Kauravas react to news that Pandavas were alive -Pandavas return to Hastinapura -How things were settle ..read more

How acceptable was a marriage like that of Draupadi and Pandavas in their time? How did society evolve with respect to attitudes about different types of relationships and marriages? Dig deeper into the stories of why Draupadi was destined to have five husbands and look into the concept of polyandry and its practice in ancient India. Polygamy: marriage in which a spouse of either sex may have more than one mate at the same time Polygyny: the state or practice of having more than one wife or female mate at a time Polyandry: the state or practice of having more than one husband or male mate at o ..read more

Draupadi was a catch. She was the princess of Panchala, a kingdom which was both wealthy and influential. The young Pandavas needed a powerful ally and Panchala fit the bill perfectly. When they heard that Drupada had arranged for a swayamvara for his daughter Draupadi, the Pandavas joined numerous other kings and princes to try and win her hand. Things get a little complicated because they attended the swayamvara disguised as brahmanas.    Music: Venkatesananda-Jesse Gallagher; At Depth-Lish Grooves; Yoga Style-Chris Haugen Blog: http://storiesofindiaretold.com Podcast website ..read more

The #Kauravas and #Pandavas come from line of rulers belonging to illustrious Chandravamsha (Chandra-Moon)or the #Lunar Dynasty. The #Bharata, #Puru, #Kuru and #Yadu #clans came from this #legendary #Kshatriya (warrior class) house. They ruled the northern Indian #subcontinent in the #Vedic age (late Bronze-early Iron Age) and left an indelible mark on the religious, social and cultural identity of present-day India and beyond. Listen to the #podcast: The founders of the different clans which emerged from the #dynasty The #love #stories and marriages of some of the more famous rulers of the C ..read more

Rakshasa Baka was a bully who terrorized the people of Ekachakra. The people of #Ekachakra were ruled by an incompetent King who did nothing to keep them safe. #Baka volunteered to provide the people with protection from invaders and enemies; however, in exchange he demanded that the people of Ekachakra take turns to provide him with payment, which, unfortunately included eating the person who delivered it to him. The #Pandavas made Ekachakra their temporary home while in hiding. When the truth about Baka became known to them, they decided that it was their duty to protect innocent people and ..read more