Krishna

Prince Devavrata renounces his throne and vows lifelong celibacy so his father can marry—becoming Bhishma. This vow later binds him to fight for the adharmic Kauravas in the great war. His story shows dharma's complexity: sometimes keeping one duty means violating another.

Poor Sudama brings only beaten rice to his divine friend Krishna. Ashamed of his gift, he tries to hide it, but Krishna eats it joyfully. Sudama returns home to find his poverty transformed to wealth. Seva is not about the value of what is offered but the love with which it is given.

Yudhishthira, who never lied, speaks a technical truth meant to deceive—telling Drona that 'Ashwatthama is dead' (the elephant, not the son). The deception works, but Yudhishthira's chariot, which floated due to his virtue, sinks to earth. Some truths told with intent to deceive are worse than lies.

Krishna and queen Satyabhama attack the demon Narakasura, who has stolen from the gods and imprisoned 16,000 princesses. After Krishna weakens the demon, Satyabhama delivers the killing blow. Krishna then marries all the freed princesses to protect them from social stigma, giving each her own palace in Dwaraka.

Demoness Putana, sent by Kamsa, disguises herself as a beautiful woman and tries to poison Krishna through breastfeeding. The divine infant sucks out not only poison but her life force, killing her while lying playfully on her body.

Sudama, a poor brahmin, visits his childhood friend Krishna in Dwaraka. Too ashamed to ask for help, he brings only beaten rice as a gift. Krishna treats him with royal honor and eats the humble gift joyfully. When Sudama returns home without asking for anything, he finds Krishna has transformed his poverty into abundance.

A basket with poisonous snake was sent to Mirabai as an offering for Krishna. She accepted it with gratitude - the snake transformed into a beautiful garland. Devotion transforms danger into blessing.