Courage & Strength

How Kartavirya Arjuna's theft of the sacred cow led to his death at Parashurama's hands, and how his sons' revenge killing of Jamadagni ignited Parashurama's apocalyptic vow.

Parashurama's vow to cleanse the earth of corrupt warriors twenty-one times, and how he created Kerala by throwing his axe into the sea after giving away all his conquered lands.

The massive bull demon Arishtasura attacks Vrindavan, intent on killing Krishna. After playfully dodging several charges, Krishna grabs the demon's horns, tears one off, and uses it to stab Arishtasura through the heart. The victory prompts Krishna to think about eventually confronting Kansa directly.

Two prized horses meant for the Guru were confiscated by Mughal authorities. Bhai Bidhi Chand, a former thief turned devoted Sikh warrior, used clever disguises - first as a grass-cutter, then as an astrologer - to infiltrate Lahore Fort stables and rescue both horses in daring night escapes.

When the Yamuna river ignored Balarama's call, he dragged her from her course with his plough, permanently changing her path and teaching that all creation must honor the Divine.

Vritra, an enormous serpent (Asura), lay coiled around a mountain imprisoning all the waters. Indra, empowered by Soma and wielding the thunderbolt (vajra) fashioned by Tvashtri, battles and slays the dragon, releasing the waters to flow to mankind.

To win grief-stricken Shiva, Parvati spent a thousand years on fruits, then vegetables, then surviving on fallen leaves (earning the name Aparna), then only air. Shiva tested her by mocking himself in disguise, but her unwavering devotion convinced him.

At his succession ceremony on June 24, 1606, Guru Hargobind asked Baba Buddha Ji to adorn him with a sword rather than the Seli of Guru Nanak. He donned two swords: Miri representing temporal power and Piri representing spiritual authority. This established the Saint-Soldier concept in Sikhism.

After the Battle of Chamkaur where Guru Gobind Singhs two elder sons were martyred, their bodies lay unclaimed as Mughal forces patrolled. Bibi Sharan Kaur, a young woman, risked her life to collect their bodies at night, cremating them with proper rites. She was caught and martyred for this act of devotion. Her courage ensured the Sahibzade received proper last rites.

Woman sage Gargi challenges philosopher Yajnavalkya at King Janakas court, asking about the ultimate warp upon which reality is woven. Her questions push through metaphysical layers until Yajnavalkya explains the imperishable Brahman.

The divine origin of Balarama as the incarnation of Shesha, his miraculous birth through womb-transfer, and his nature as the powerful elder brother who complements Krishna.