A master warrior. A devoted student. A mission fueled by revenge. We dive into the riveting tale of Drona and Arjuna: a legendary teacher-student duo whose relationship shaped the destiny of empires. This isn’t your average guru-disciple story. It’s a story about the complex bond between Drona and Arjuna—how ambition, loyalty, and betrayal shaped one of Indian mythology’s most powerful relationships; this is a tale of power, privilege, and the price of greatness.

What made Arjuna Drona’s favorite and what did it cost others to protect that title?

Why did Drona, a master of weapons, demand the thumb of a boy (Ekalavya) who called him guru?

And how does an ancient rivalry between two childhood friends (Drupada) ignite a war that changes history?

This episode draws striking parallels between ancient India's pursuit of excellence as warriors and today’s modern-day educational rat race—from elite prep schools to college scandals—where access, privilege, and performance determine your place in the world.

Tune in for a story that’s equal parts myth, ambition, and human emotion.

Subscribe now so you don’t miss the next chapter in the epic saga of India’s greatest legends.

#IndianMythology #Mahabharata #DronaAndArjuna #EpicStories #Arjun #StoriesOfIndia #AncientIndia #PodcastIndia #MythologyPodcast #EducationSystem #Gurukul #DharmaAndRevenge

Reference:

The Mahabharata 1: Complete and Unabridged; translated by Bibek Debroy. (2015). Penguin Random House India. (Original work published 2010)

Let's Connect:

►YouTube: hhttps://youtu.be/VMBjcYG_uWY

►Stories of India Retold Podcast Blog: What Drona & Arjuna’s Story Teaches Us About Success, Destiny https://storiesofindiaretold.com/stories-from-mahabharata/what-drona-arjunas-story-teaches-us-about-education-obsession/

►Stories of India Retold Podcast Website: https://storiesofindiaretold.podbean.com Listen to the Stories of India Retold Podcast

► Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stories-of-india-retold/id1612002041

►Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2XCH6ZI6H582CIDjY9u35w?si=cd245a77e5e94d3a

►Amazon music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/08a630be-6249-41f5-a984-7666f047fd3f/stories-of-india-retold ...or wherever you listen to #podcast

Images: #Wikimedia Commons #Canva

In this episode, we dive into the powerful and timeless story of Shakuntala and Duhshanta (Dushyanta) as told in the Mahabharata. Shakuntala’s journey highlights themes of women’s rights, autonomy, and justice. Far more than a love story, Shakuntala is a strong, bold young woman, who stands up for herself and her son in the face of betrayal and abandonment. Tune in as we unravel the lessons from Shakuntala’s courage and resilience through this young woman’s story from the ancient times.

Links:

►Blog post - See Why Shakuntala Says A Wife Must be Cherished https://storiesofindiaretold.com/miscelleneous/see-why-shakuntala-says-a-wife-must-be-cherished/

►BORI Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcLzr93ByFE&t=263s

►Stories of India Retold Podcast Website: https://storiesofindiaretold.podbean.com

#bharat #mythology #ancientindia #story #podcast

References:

Dalal, Roshen (2010). “The Religions of India: A Concise Guide to Nine Major Faiths.” Penguin Books India.

Ryder, A. (2014). Shakuntala. Createspace Independent Publishing Platform. Sternbach, L. (1941).

A SOCIOLOGICAL STUDY OF THE FORMS OF MARRIAGE IN ANCIENT INDIA (A Résumé). Annals of the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute, 22(3/4), 202–219. http://www.jstor.org/stable/43975949

The Mahabharata 1: Complete and Unabridged; translated by Bibek Debroy. (2015). Penguin Random House India. (Original work published 2010)

Images: #Wikimedia Commons #Canva

The Suras (Gods/good) and Asuras (Anti-god/evil) must work together to obtain the precious nectar of immortality, Amrita; in a process called Samudra Manthana or Churning of the Ocean. Along the way, they face many obstacles and even a deadly poison that threatens to destroy the world. From the appearance of divine treasures to Vishnu's clever tricks, this episode explores the intense struggle, wisdom, and lessons learned through compassion, perseverance, unity, and divine intervention.

#purana #bharat #samudramanthan #khumbhmela #churningoftheocean

The Bhagavata Purana 2, translated by Bibek Debroy.

The heroic Pandava brothers face a deadly plot at the hands of their treacherous cousins, the Kauravas. Through their wisdom and unity, they outwit their enemies and make a daring escape. It all begins with the construction of a sinister house built of lac (a flammable resin) that was both their prison and their home. With a little help from their wise uncle Vidura and a talented Khanaka/miner (and inspiration from the cunning Jackal!) the Pandavas paved a way for their safety and escape. This is a tale of wisdom and survival from the great epic, the Mahabharata. The Lac house is sometimes also referred to as Wax house or Lakshagriha.

Vidura's Riddle:

"He who knows and understands that there are sharp weapons capable of cutting the body though not made of steel, can never be injured by foes. He lives who protects himself by the knowledge that neither the consumer of straw and wood nor the drier of the dew burns the inmates of a hole in the deep woods. The blind man, who cannot see his way, has no knowledge of direction. Remembering this, be upon your guard. The man who takes a weapon not made of steel given him by his foes, can escape from fire by making his abode like unto that of a jackal, which has many outlets. By wandering a man may acquire the knowledge of ways, and by the stars he can ascertain the direction, and he that keeps his five (senses) under control can never be oppressed by his enemies."

Riddle Source:

The Mahabharata, Volume I., Book 1-3 by Kisari Mohan Ganguli. (n.d.). Www.gutenberg.org. https://www.gutenberg.org/files/15474/15474-h/15474-h.htm

Resources:

The Mahabharata 1: Complete and Unabridged; translated by Bibek Debroy. (2015). Penguin Random House India. (Original work published 2010) Wikipedia Contributors. (2024, August 18). Lac (resin).

Wikipedia; Wikimedia Foundation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lac_(resin)

►Stories of India Retold Podcast Website: https://storiesofindiaretold.podbean.com Listen to the Stories of India Retold Podcast

► Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stories-of-india-retold/id1612002041

►Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2XCH6ZI6H582CIDjY9u35w?si=cd245a77e5e94d3a

►Amazon music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/08a630be-6249-41f5-a984-7666f047fd3f/stories-of-india-retold ...or wherever you listen to #podcast

#bharat #mahabharat #indian #mythology #ancient #story

In this episode, we dive into a heartwarming and thought-provoking tale from the Naga folklore. A young woman, feeling lost and alone, prays to Nagoba, the serpent god, to take her into his family. Her wish is granted, but an unfortunate accident involving the serpent queen's newborns sets off a chain of events that tests the power of forgiveness.

Join in as we explore themes of divine intervention, redemption, and the delicate balance between human intentions and the natural world. This story, tied to the Naga Panchami festival, reminds us of the importance of compassion, healing and our interconnectedness with all living beings.

Tune in for a tale filled with magic, wisdom, and the timeless message of forgiveness.

This story is based on 'Nagoba,' written by Aruna Bhargava from the book "Nagoba and Other Stories." This book is a collection of folk tales from the state of Maharashtra, India.

#NagaPanchami #IndianFolkTales #Forgiveness #SerpentGod #Mythology #FamilyStories #DivineIntervention #SnakeWorship #CulturalTales #Naga

Let's Connect:

►YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1pU1qiKljk-yADyJ0pHzsA

►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Stories-of-India-Retold-105376315392520

►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storiesofindiaretold/ ►Stories of India Retold Podcast Website: https://storiesofindiaretold.podbean.com Listen to the Stories of India Retold Podcast

► Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stories-of-india-retold/id1612002041

►Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2XCH6ZI6H582CIDjY9u35w?si=cd245a77e5e94d3a

►Amazon music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/08a630be-6249-41f5-a984-7666f047fd3f/stories-of-india-retold ...or wherever you listen to #podcast

Images: #Wikimedia Commons #Canva #canvaai

Music: Venkatesananda - Jesse Gallagher, At Depth - Lish Grooves, Beyond - Patrick Patrikios, Hopeless - Jimena Contreras

🌟 Listen to the Fascinating Birth Story of the Pandavas! 🌟

Ever wondered how the legendary heroes of the Mahabharata, the Pandavas, came into being? It starts with an accidental death which led to a fateful curse that changed everything for King Pandu. Pandu turns to Kunti to help him obtain the sons he desperately wants. With Kunti’s boon, the Pandavas are born, each embodying unique qualities of the deities they were born from.

This tale is a mix of emotion, mythology, and destiny that you won’t want to miss!

#Mahabharata #Pandavas #Mythology #EpicTales

Let's Connect:

►YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1pU1qiKljk-yADyJ0pHzsA ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Stories-of-India-Retold-105376315392520 ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storiesofindiaretold/

►Stories of India Retold Podcast Website: https://storiesofindiaretold.podbean.com Listen to the Stories of India Retold Podcast

► Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stories-of-india-retold/id1612002041

►Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2XCH6ZI6H582CIDjY9u35w?si=cd245a77e5e94d3a

►Amazon music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/08a630be-6249-41f5-a984-7666f047fd3f/stories-of-india-retold ...or wherever you listen to #podcast

Resources:

Mishra, V. B. (1977). THE PRACTICE OF NIYOGA IN ANCIENT LITERATURE OF INDIA : A SOCIOLOGICAL STUDY. Annals of the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute, 58/59, 773–776. http://www.jstor.org/stable/41691747

Sahgal, S. (2011). GENDERED INQUIRY INTO NIYOGA: APPRAISING THE INSTITUTION FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF FEMALE ACTORS. Proceedings of the Indian History Congress, 72, 179–192. http://www.jstor.org/stable/44146710

The Mahabharata 1: Complete and Unabridged; translated by Bibek Debroy. (2015). Penguin Random House India. (Original work published 2010)

Images: #Wikimedia Commons #Canva #canvaai

Music: Gamela - E's Jammy Jams, Percolate - Loopop, The Six Realms - I Think I Can Help You

Punyakoti's story or Govina Haadu (Song of A Cow) is an extremely popular Kannada folksong. It is also part of Telugu folklore.

Punyakoti finds herself in the clutches of a famished tiger, Arbhuta. Realizing that escape is impossible, Punyakoti pleads with Arbhuta for one final chance to see her son before becoming the tiger's meal. Although hesitant at first, Arbhuta eventually consents to grant Punyakoti's final wish. True to her word, Punyakoti returns to Arbhuta. The depth of Punyakoti's dedication to truth and to doing the right thing deeply moves Arbhuta, ultimately saving Punyakoti's life.

Find the video for the story 👉🏽 https://youtu.be/ON_12DHaEbk

This version of the story is based on the lyrics of Govina Haadu by B. M. Srikantaiah. Find the link for resource used👇🏽

References:

Ankita. (2014b, March 25). Dharani mandala madhyadolage-Punyakoti Original Lyrics by B M Sri ! https://madhurageete.blogspot.com/2014/03/dharani-mandala-madhyadolage-punyakoti.html

#punyakoti #story #kannada #stories #indianstory #telugu #telugufolk

Music: Peony Morning - TrackTribe, Dream Escape - The Tides, The Six Realms - I Think I Can Help You, Venkatesananda - Jesse Gallagher, At Depth - Lish Grooves, Hopeless - Jimena Contreras

The story of the birth of the Kauravas.

-Why the Kurus chose Gandhari as Dhritarshtra's bride?

-How Gandhari gives birth to 100 sons and one daughter, in-vitro?

-Why some in the Kuru court wanted Dhritarashtra to kill the infant Duryodhana?

Gandhari was blessed with a boon to produce 100 sons. So she is frustrated when things don't go exactly as she had hoped–the pregnancy was unusual and she had not given birth to any sons yet. Dwaipayana comes to the rescue and Gandhari finally has her 100 sons, they are all born in-vitro (outside the body).

Dhritarashtra is delighted, but some people in the court have reason to believe that the Kuru dynasty is better off without his heir and first born, Duryodhana.

Let's Connect: ►

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1pU1qiKljk-yADyJ0pHzsA Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Stories-of-India-Retold-105376315392520 ►

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storiesofindiaretold/ ►

Stories of India Retold Podcast Website: https://storiesofindiaretold.podbean.com

Listen to the Stories of India Retold Podcast ►

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stories-of-india-retold/id1612002041 ►

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2XCH6ZI6H582CIDjY9u35w?si=cd245a77e5e94d3a ►

Amazon music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/08a630be-6249-41f5-a984-7666f047fd3f/stories-of-india-retold ...or wherever you listen to #podcast

Music: Beyond - Patrick Patrikios, Peony Morning - TrackTribe,

Resources: The Mahabharata 1: Complete and Unabridged; translated by Bibek Debroy. (2015). Penguin Random House India. (Original work published 2010)