Sanatan Dharma

The 16th-century Marathi poet-saint practiced social equality by sharing meals with the untouchables. His commentaries on Hindu scriptures and abhangas made spiritual wisdom accessible to common people.

Sarama, the divine messenger of Indra, is sent to negotiate with the Panis for the return of stolen cows. In a dramatic dialogue, she resists their temptations of wealth and sisterhood, threatening them with Indras might and the Angirasa priests.

The primeval cosmic being Purusha is sacrificed by the gods to create the universe. From his various body parts emerged the animals, the Vedas, celestial bodies, the earth, sky, directions, and the four varnas of humanity.

The demon Vala and the Panis concealed stolen cows, along with Surya (Sun) and Ushas (Dawn), in a mountain cave. Indra, aided by Brihaspati and the Angirasa sages, broke open the cave and released the cows and the light of dawn.

Tvastris three-headed son Vishvarupa secretly aided the Asuras while serving as priest to the gods. Indra discovered this betrayal and slew him. In revenge, Tvashtri created Vritra, leading to the great battle between Indra and the serpent demon.

Soma is both a deity and the sacred drink of immortality (amrita) pressed for ritual offerings. The entire ninth mandala celebrates Somas purification and pressing, describing how this divine nectar empowers the gods and grants immortality.

Princess Sukanya accidentally blinds the meditating sage Chyavana by poking his eyes, mistaking them for glowing insects. She marries him as penance and her devotion later shames even the Ashwini Kumaras.

Vishnu traverses the entire cosmos in three mighty strides - the first covering the earth, the second the atmosphere, and the third reaching the highest heaven where immortals dwell. This feat symbolizes his cosmic sovereignty over all realms.

A dialogue between the twin siblings Yama and Yami, the first mortals. Yami proposes they unite to continue the mortal line, but Yama refuses, citing divine law and the watchful ordinances of Mitra-Varuna. Yama later becomes the god of death.

The sage Atri and his companions were trapped by the Dasyus in narrow straits and earth fissures filled with heat. The Ashvins, responding to his prayers, freed him from his confinement and restored him to safety.

The legendary Saptarishi Agastya humbles the proud Vindhya mountain and drinks the entire ocean to expose the hiding Kalkeyas demons. He also defeats the rakshasa brothers Ilvala and Vatapi through his divine powers.

When the young Bhujyu was abandoned at sea by his father or evil companions, the divine twin physicians Ashvins rescued him using flying ships with one hundred oars, three chariots, and six horses with one hundred feet, bringing him safely home.

The Maruts are fierce storm gods, sons of Rudra and Prishni, who accompany Indra in his cosmic battles. Though they once quarreled with Indra over the sacrifice offered by sage Agastya, they remained his powerful companions in fighting demons.

Beautiful lyrical hymns personifying the Dawn as a radiant goddess who dispels darkness, brings light to the world, and awakens all creatures. She is described as ever young, driving away evil spirits and revealing the path of cosmic order.

The youngest of seven sons of an old woman is fed leftovers by his mother. His wife learns the Santoshi Mata vrat for 16 Fridays. When she observes it faithfully, the goddess appears in her husbands dream, he returns home wealthy, and they establish a happy household.

The story involves Lord Vishnu teaching Sage Narada about a sacred fast to help suffering humanity. It includes tales of a poor Brahmin, a woodcutter, and a sea-merchant who receive prosperity through worship, while those who break their promise are punished.

During a battle between Lord Vishnu and the demon Mur (Murdanav), Vishnu retreated to rest. To defeat the invincible demon, Lord Vishnu created Ekadashi - a being neither god, human, nor animal - who battled and defeated the demon, saving the three worlds.

Queen Veeravati, pampered by her seven brothers, observes Karva Chauth fast but breaks it prematurely after being tricked into thinking the moon had risen. Her husband dies, but through Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvatis grace, she observes the fast correctly and her husband is revived.

The celestial sage Narada travels between worlds spreading devotion and sometimes mischief. His interventions often lead to important divine events and teach lessons about ego, devotion, and cosmic order.

A hungry jackal discovers a wardrum making loud sounds in the forest and fears a monster. Upon investigation, he finds the drum filled with food, teaching that things are not always as fearsome as they seem.