Sanatan Dharma

When Parvati asked Shiva why she died repeatedly while he remained immortal, Shiva agreed to reveal the Amar Katha in complete privacy. He left his mount Nandi at Pahalgam, the moon at Chandanwari, snakes at Sheshnag Lake. Inside the cave, a pair of pigeons overheard the secret and became immortal; pilgrims still report seeing divine pigeons. The ice lingam forms naturally with the moon.

Sri Yukteswar grants Yogananda the long-sought experience of cosmic consciousness by striking gently on his chest. His soul streams out like fluid light, embracing the circumambient atoms, perceiving all of creation as one.

The only female Alvar saint, Andal (Kothai) dedicated herself completely to Lord Vishnu, composing the Thiruppavai and Nachiar Tirumozhi. Legend says she merged with the deity at Srirangam.

Agni, the fire god, is the sacred messenger between humans and gods, carrying sacrificial offerings to heaven. The first hymn of the Rig Veda is dedicated to him as the priest of the sacrifice, invoker, and bestower of blessings.

When Lord Vamana asked for three steps of land, Bali agreed despite his guru's warning. Vamana covered heaven and earth in two steps. Bali offered his head for the third, and Vishnu granted him rulership of Sutala and promised to be his doorkeeper.

When poisonous serpent Kaliya polluted the Yamuna, young Krishna dove in. Kaliya attacked but Krishna expanded his body, freed himself, and danced on the serpents hoods until Kaliya surrendered and promised to leave.

A bodyguard sacrifices himself and family for the king. The devastated king wants to sacrifice himself in return. Betal asks whose sacrifice was greater. Vikram: the Kings, because he had no obligation - his willingness came from pure love.

When Vishnu plans his incarnation as Krishna, the cosmic serpent Shesha is born as his elder brother Balarama. Armed with his plough and mace, Balarama assists Krishna in numerous adventures, once diverting the Yamuna river to Vrindavan and later dragging Hastinapura toward the Ganga in anger, before departing as a great white serpent returning to the ocean.

When Ravana challenged Bali, the monkey king caught him and held him under his arm for six months. Even the mighty Ravana had to acknowledge greater powers.

When snake goddess Manasa kills merchant Chands seventh son Lakhindar, his bride Behula floats his corpse on a raft for six months to heaven. Her dancing wins back all seven sons lives - in exchange for Chand worshipping Manasa.

Testing the gods, Sage Bhrigu kicked sleeping Vishnus chest where Lakshmi dwelt. Vishnu apologized, proving his humility, but Lakshmi was furious her sacred dwelling was violated. She left Vaikuntha, later reborn as Padmavati at Tirupati.

Poor untouchable hunter Kalketu captures a golden iguana - goddess Chandi in disguise. She grants immense wealth and they found a city. A rare portrayal of caste mobility where divine grace enables social ascent.

Bhakti Devi (personified Devotion) travels with her aged sons Jnana (Knowledge) and Vairagya (Detachment). Upon reaching Gokula, devotion becomes young again, teaching that knowledge and detachment are renewed and rejuvenated through pure devotion to the divine.

Demon Bhasmasura gains boon to turn anyone to ash by touching their head. He tries to use it on Shiva. Vishnu as Mohini tricks him into touching his own head. Evil destroys itself.

Bhrigu asks his father Varuna to teach him Brahman. Through repeated meditation, Bhrigu progressively discovers five sheaths: Food, Life Force, Mind, Intellect, and finally Bliss. Each time he thinks he found Brahman, Varuna sends him back until he realizes Ananda (Bliss) as ultimate reality.

Bharata refused the throne obtained through his mothers scheme. He placed Ramas sandals on the throne and ruled as regent for 14 years.

A donkey and jackal raid farms at night. After feasting, the donkey wants to sing despite the jackals warnings. His loud braying wakes farmers who beat him severely. There is a time and place for everything.

When kusha grass hurt Chanakya, instead of tearing at it, he poured sugar to attract ants who destroyed it from roots. Direct force isnt always effective - understanding problems allows creative indirect solutions.

At the end of Kali Yuga when dharma has almost vanished, Vishnu will be born as Kalki in Shambhala village. Trained by Parashurama and blessed by Shiva with a divine white horse Devadatta and celestial sword, Kalki will ride across earth slaying millions of corrupted rulers, destroying the demon Kali, before inaugurating the new Satya Yuga.

After Shiva burned Kamadeva to ashes, the disfigured god sought restoration at Kamakhya Peeth where Satis yoni had fallen. Through devoted worship of the Tantric goddess, Kamadeva regained his form and beauty.