Sudharma and the Manvantaras Once, Indra went to Brishaspati, the teacher of the gods, and asked, “I have heard that the gods change from manvantara (era) to manvantara. Can you please... Read more

Yajnamali and Sumali You will remember that Devamali had two sons named Yajnamali and Sumali. Yajnamali was the elder of the two. Yajnamali divided whatever riches he had received from his f... Read more

Yama’s Abode Yama’s abode is very far away. Those who have accumulated punya have nothing to fear there. But the sinners have every reason to be scared. The righteous enjoy the trip to Yama’... Read more

Varnashrama Dharma There are four classes (varna) and these are brahmanas, kshatriyas, vaishyas and shudras. The brahmanas class is superior to the other three. Brahmanas, kshatriyas and vai... Read more

Vratas A vrata is a religious rite performed on a special occasion. The Narada Purana next describes several such important vratas. One such rite is known as ekadasi vrata, so called because... Read more

Aditi’s Tapasya There was a brahmana named Kashyapa who was the father of Indra and other gods. Kashyapa married two of Daksha’s daughters. They were named Diti and Aditi. The gods (suras or... Read more

Soudasa The sages interrupted Suta. “You are going too fast,” they complained. “Why was this Soudasa and why was he cursed by the sage Vashishtha? How can you proceed witho... Read more

Sagara Yadavi lived in the hermitage and, in due course, gave birth to a son. You will recall that she had been fed some poison. The poison had done her or the baby no harm and was ejected w... Read more

Markandeya Mrikandu had a son named Markandeya. Since Markandeya was born form Vishnu, he shone with radiance and was also a very holy man. He became well-versed in the knowledge of all the... Read more