Bhakti Yoga

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.

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.

The Marathi saint-poet faced worldly troubles including the loss of his family and crops. His abhangas (devotional poems) to Lord Vitthal made him one of Maharashtras most beloved spiritual figures.

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.

A powerful king who transforms into a Brahmarishi through intense penance despite conflicts with Sage Vasishtha. His journey from warrior to sage demonstrates the power of spiritual discipline and determination.

Born into a low caste as a cobblers son, Ravidas faced discrimination but spread messages of equality and social justice. He attained union with God while continuing his worldly duties, never living on alms.

A cruel hunter named Rurudruha unknowingly observes Shivratri while hiding in a Bilva tree. His dropped leaves fell on a Shiva Linga below, and his involuntary fasting completed the vrat. Lord Shiva appeared, removed his evil thoughts, and blessed him.

A merchants son was predicted to die from snakebite in his sixteenth year. After marriage, his wife observes Mangala Gauri fast as advised by her mother. The wife receives the blessing of eternal wifehood and her husbands destined death is averted.

A wealthy but childless merchant observes Monday fasts devotedly. Pleased by his devotion, Lord Shiva grants him a son who will live only twelve years. Through observing Somvar Vrat, the boy dies but is blessed with new life by Lord Shiva.

A Brahmin widow found orphaned Prince Dharmagupta of Vidarbha. Rishi Shandilya advised them to perform Pradosh fast. Through its merit, Dharmagupta met a Gandharva princess, gained their armys help, and recovered his kingdom.

A woman named Sheela suffering in her marriage learns about the Vaibhav Lakshmi vrat from an old lady who was actually Goddess Lakshmi herself. After observing the Friday fast with devotion, her husbands nature transforms completely and their household prospers.

Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati and Narad Muni visited a forest where women came to offer food. Low-class women came first with simple offerings and received Parvatis blessings for marital bliss. This established that sincere early devotion is most precious to the Goddess.

Sushila escaped her cruel stepmother by marrying Kaundinya. She learned the Anant Vrat from women at the river and prospered. When Kaundinya mocked and discarded the sacred thread, poverty returned. After fourteen years of fasting, Lord Vishnu restored their happiness.

Guru Nanak stayed with humble carpenter Bhai Lalo rather than attend wealthy Malik Bhagos feast. When confronted, the Guru squeezed Lalos simple bread and milk dripped out; from Malik Bhagos rich food, blood dripped, demonstrating that honestly earned food is pure.

Hanuman assumed five-faced form to rescue Rama and Lakshmana from the underworld demon Ahiravan. Devotion overcomes impossible obstacles.