BharatiyaStories

  Apasthamba and Pitrpaksha Once upon a time in the ancient city of Mahishmathi there lived a brahmin. He was learned and well versed in the scriptures and was well regarded by his fellow vedic pundits. It was the auspicious month of the pitrus. The paksha of the month is view – ie 15 days – was considered the time when all the ancestors visit the earthly plane. It was a period when people across Bharatavarsha follow austerities like avoiding intoxicants, ate more of sattvic food and spent their time in prayers and charity. During this period, it was considered auspicious to call the brahmins home for food. The brahmin in our story in addition to being a well sought after vedic pundit was one of the wealthy people in the city. Although the brahmin was a scholar and well read, he was not humble about his knowledge. He was very proud both of his knowledge and his money. With the coming of ptirupaksha, the brahmin wanted to organize a shrardh in his house. He started the preparation

  The Lord of Shesachala It was a spring day in Vaikunta. Lord Vishnu was reclining. Lakshmi Devi was as usual sitting near his feet. The Lord and his consort were busy discussing certain worldly affairs. The Devi asked him “Lord, you had appeared as many avatars and even as a human avatar to help mankind and also to guide them. The most difficult of ages, the Kaliyug has started. You did a poorna avatar as Krishna and gave the precious Bhagavad Gita to mankind. But shouldn’t you be helping them when they need you the most?” The Lord smiled and remained silent. He gave a meaningful look at the magnificent snake who was guarding the entrance Adisesha also known as the Sheshanag and smiled. At that moment Vayu Bhagavan was coming towards Vaikunta. He thought to himself “Its been awhile since I served Lord Vishnu. Let me pay my respects to the Lord and Devi by blowing some cool breeze that can make them happy.” In his focus on entering Vaikunta, Lord Vayu did not notice Adisesha. He t

  Shiva sells bangles to women in Madurai The birds were chirping. It was spring. Fresh leaves were sprouting everywhere. There was abundance and greenery all around. Spring was there. In this idyllic Taruka Vana the learned sages were doing their penance. Many of them were young in age, though old in their wisdom. They had young wives who were dutiful and beautiful. The women were proud of themselves, their beauty and chastity. The Lord of Madurai, Lord Shiva called as Sundareshwara, decided he wanted to play a divine game (Thiru – divine; vilayadal – game). This time he chose the chose the Taruka Vana and the unsuspecting ladies for his game. Lord Shiva assumed the disguise of a mendicant. Covered only with a loin cloth and smearing ashes from top to bottom, he arrived at the hermitage with a smile and song on his lips. He had a begging bowl in his hands. The women who lived a quiet life in the forest with their husbands were intrigued by this young and handsome stranger. Lik

  Vighna Hartha – Ganapathi helps Parvati Lalitha Sahasranaman - Shlokas 77. Kameshvara Mukha Loka Kalpita Shri Ganeshvara - She Who Gives Rise To Ganesha By A Glance At The Face Of Kameshvara   78. Maha Ganesha Nirbhinna Vighna Yantra Prahar-shita - She Who Rejoices When Ganesha Shatters All Obstacles   The army of Bandasura was proceeding with vigour. They were going towards abode of Lalitha Devi. Bandasura’s atrocities were becoming unbearable in the whole universe and all beings – both the divine and the human alike – were hoping that the Devi along with her army will be able to bring an end to Bandasura The Shakthi sena of the Devi was well prepared. The Goddess had created a Fort of Fire and she and her army of shakthis were camping there. The first phase of the war was very damaging for the Asuras and for Bandasura. They were receding unable to withstand the onslaught of the Shakthi Sena. That night, one of Bandasura’s confidant, Visukran came to meet his chief.

  Vighna Hartha – Shiva worships Ganapathi   Lord Shiva was sitting in Kailash in deep meditation. The Gods were watching and waiting. Things were out of h and.   They wanted a solution from Parameshwara. What was the issue? Three brothers, Vidyunmali, Tarakaksha and Kamalaksha were tormenting all the three worlds. How did it start? Who were they? They were the sons of Tarakasura. As sons of an Asura, they were by nature powerful. They decided to strengthen themselves further with powerful boons. They went on a tapas. At long last, Brahma appeared before them and asked them what they wanted. After many eons Brahma appeared before them. The brothers tried getting the boon of immortality but were denied by Lord Brahma. They asked for the boon of having a wandering fortress each. To protect themselves more, they asked Brahma that they cannot be killed until all their floating fortresses come in one single line on Pushya Nakshatra with a powerful person by one single arrow. Brahma