The Mahabharata Podcast

After the chaotic succession events concerning the throne of Hastinapura, culminating in the end of the Kuru bloodline, this episode looks at the implications of the vow of Bhīṣma never to take to the throne, despite being the most qualified in every respect, not least with the blood line. The episode continues with raising of the two new crown princes Dhṛtarāṣṭra and Pā

After hearing about how Rama is used by Sages and the Pandavas to give encouragement to one another on their journey to the throne, this episode highlights the citation of Rama as God in the Mahabharata.MusicTrack: "Tame Tide"Music provided by https://slip.streamFree Download / Stream: https://get.slip.stream/qdhjQ7Art of silence by uniqhttps://soundcloud.com/uniqofficial

This episode describes how Rama is cited in the Mahabharata in order to inspire a character in many ways similar to himself, the noble Yuddhistira, to continue on the path to victory, and overcome the various tribulations he faced along with his brothers and wife.MusicTrack: "Tame Tide"Music provided by https://slip.streamFree Download / Stream: https://get.slip.stream/qdhjQ7Ascens

Ayodhya features in the Mahabharata both dependently and independently of Rama. Many Kings have come and gone, both in the line of Ikshvaku, and also not; not least during the Moghul rules, but also in the Indo-Aryan ages. The grand example of devotion in Tulasidas in the 1600s, at also a time of intersection with the Moghuls, reveals much about just how intervowen the devotional s

Many an era of the Vedic times, are covered in the Mahabharata in some form; whether through a narration by a Sage, or a comparison with a character from the past; the Ramayana, Ayodhya and Rama are no exception. 13 of the 18 Parvas cite these, and there is much to be learned on how the Pandavas and others of Hastinapura looked back on the times of the great Rama of Ayodhya.MusicYu

The Eagle has captivated the minds of generations of civilisations all over the world. This episode explores the background of Garuda across multiple contemporary cultures to this day, and explains how Garuda came to prominence through his prolific adventures, including those with the gods, and Vishnu.Music: Forest Walk by Alexander Nakarada | https://creatorchords.comMusic promote

Garuda is one of the opening paintings by the Moghuls in their depictions of the Mahabharata from the 18th century. This episode tells the stories behind their famous paintings also. After hearing of the prowess of Garuda in terms of his presence, strength and virtuousness described in the prayers to him by the host of gods, Garuda finds his mother and himself in a circumstance of

This episode describes the deceit that took place between the two sisters and co-wives of the Sage Kashyapa called Kadru and Vinata based on a gamble on the colour of the tail of a celestial horse. And it continues with the birth and adventures of the Eagle carrier of Vishnu, the son of Vinata, called Garuda. It ends with the terrible dilemma faced by the Sun god, and how Aruna, th

As the story begins to explain the advent of Garuda & the Snakes, prior to the great snake sacrifice, the introduction is made to Sage Astika, the saviour of the snake race. In the stories of Vinata and Garuda, features the celestial steed Uchchaisravas, who appeared after the churning of the ocean. The churning of the ocean led to Shiva drinking the poison that emerged, as wel

This episode begins at the backdrop of the Battle of Kurukshetra, the pinnacle of the epic, and specifically when Yuddhistira is showing his doubts over the chances of a Pandava victory against the likes of Bhishma. Arjuna and Krishna take the reigns, explaining the role of righteousness in victory, and the episode then centres around the prayers offered by Arjuna, to Durga, for th