Brad's Indian Epics Blog

Matsya, Wikicommons Matsya the Savior Matsya was the first incarnation of Vishnu. He was credited with saving Manu, the first human. What is not known about Matsya is that he is also credited with saving various different animals. Elephants are held very highly in cultural regards as they are very noble and smart animals. Matsya recognized this and decided right after he saved Manu from the floods that he must also save the elephants. This is where the story picks up. Matsya had just finished rescuing Manu from a great flood and place him atop a mountain. This is when Manu mentioned to Matsya, "I very grateful for my rescue, but I am sad to inform you that there is still a being that is very much in need of saving." Matsya was startled by this retort and immediately question Matsya. "What do you mean? I just saved you from the great flood! Who else could be in need of saving, you are the first man!" Manu was hesitant to respond but replied. "What ab...

Bhima, Wikicommons Bhima the Ungrateful Bhima was very well known for being a Pandu, but he was equally known for his hunger. Bhima always had a club in hand, weapon or sandwich. Bhima's favorite was sandwich consisted on flat bread, naan, and two mackerel. Hastinapur being a city of importance saw a lot of trade in its day. There would be fisherman that would navigate the river adjacent to it with their bounty of fish. Fish was even caught in Hastinapur, but never in the large numbers that the fishmongers had. Naturally Bhima was attracted to the fishmongers as they were the couriers of his favorite food, mackerel. Bhima would be the first one to greet the fishmongers as they entered the city of Hastinapur. Bhima would chat about what they had caught and how many. The fishmongers would often entertain Bhima and even offer him free fish for the chat. Bhima would always light up when he was rewarded with a fish, because that meant he would soon be eating. This cycle of Bh...

Bhima fighting with Duryodhana, Wikicommons Bhima the Boastful It is the closing moments of the war with the Duryodhana's army, and Bhima spots Duryodhana at the surface of the lake taking a breath. Their eyes lock and Bhima begins to make his way towards Duryodhana. At this point Bhima is covered in blood after he had mutilated and drank the blood of Dushasana. Bhima at this point had already encountered Duryodhana on many occasions. The two were both formidable opponents of nearly equal strength. Bhima was armed with his mace, and it was forbidden to strike below the waist with a mace as it is deemed not deemed honorable. Bhima and Duryodhana fight for some time, all the while Krishna is urging Bhima to strike Duryodhana with his mace at his thighs. Bhima feels that he can not win this fight and finally gives into Krishna's advice and strikes both of Duryodhana's thighs. Duryodhana falls to the ground as he is mortally wounded. Bhima has won the duel, but at the...

Location of Gandhāra the place of Duryodhana's Palace, Wikicommons Shakuni the Sinful Shakuni is a well known dice player, as he was able to beat Yudhishthira for everything he owned and more. Shakuni appears to be just as mad when he bets thirteen years in exile, twelve years of poverty, and one year and disguise. Most would consider that even the potential risk of serving twenty six years away from a normal life in exile, poverty, and disguise would raise enough red flags for any sane person to stop. Shakuni was different as he had lived a very interesting life. Shakuni was the uncle of Duryodhana the eldest son of the blind king. Duryodhana despite being a possible heir for the throne he was disqualified upon the return of the Pandavas. Rightfully the return of the Pandavas angered Duryodhana and his relative Shakuni. This is where the game of dice begins to percolate. As is know the game is held at the palace of Duryodhana and Shakuni wins it all. Shakuni is able ...

Creation of Maya Sita, Adhyatma Ramayana folio, Wikicommons Sita has been away from Rama for almost six months since she was kidnapped by the Demon King Ravana. For this entire duration Sita had not heard a word from Rama. Sita believed with all her heart that Rama would eventually come and save her from the abomination that was Ravana.  Day in and day out Sita would spend most of the day praying that Rama would come and save her. She would pray to Shiva, Vishnu, and even minor gods. Sita was desperate to have her prayers answered. Sita began to day dream that even if Rama did not come to save her that atleast someone strong and capable would come to conquer Lanka so she could get off this dreaded island.  Weeks started to pass freely and there was still no sign of her hero Rama or anyone for that matter. Doubt started to grow from within Sita.  "Could Rama just toss me aside for someone more fair?" she thought.  These dark thoughts started to flood her mind...

Hanuman Origin Lord hanuman singing bhajans, Wikicommons The origins of Hanuman are a confusing tale that not that many people know or understand. Rightfully so Hanuman is a very interesting being that is thought to be  an incarnation of Shiva or even the son of Anjana and Kesari, or even Vayu the wind god. Some even say that Hanuman was born from Anjana with Shiva being the father through the winds of Vayu. If one thing is clear about the origins of Hanuman is that it is shrouded with mystery. I present another origin story of Hanuman.  Hanuman is almost synonmyous with strength, heroism, and loyalty. All of these traits are highly desirable and often are sought after. Hanuman is also referred to as the monkey god, and has presiding power over the monkeys. The true story of Hanuman is much different than previously assumed. Hanuman was originally born to a lowly peasant, Anjali, unknowingly through Vishnu. Vishnu sent Anjali Hanuman, half man half ape, to her as a ...

Agni in Lanka Agni, god of fire, shown riding a ram, Wikicommons The story of Agni, one of the most loved and busy Hindu gods, got captured is a lengthy and emotional. It all starts back when before Agni was even Agni. He used to be known as Inga, a child like any other. Inga was out in the street designated for playing by the village. They were playing a variation of what is now know as soccer. Inga was not the best player as he had quite the temper. He often had to sit out from getting too heated in the competition between the other players. Inga did however posses the traits of a good leader, he was composed, strong, and brave. But as soon as he got angry he would act rashly.  Months and years go by and Inga has developed to become quite the man. He had learned to control his temper and rose to become an acting adviser to the king that reign his village and all surrounding ones. Inga acted as a true proxy of his village and everything he did was in their self interest...

Goblin Tricksters Rakshasa as depicted in Yakshagana, an art form of coastal Karnataka, Wikicommons The island of Ceylon is infamous for its deadly Rakshasa, or goblin, inhabitants. What most adventurers failed to learn was that one of the neighboring islands, Nolyec, is far more dangerous despite having very similar inhabitants. What differentiated the two creatures from the neighboring islands was their wit or lack of. The goblins on Ceylon were able to live off a steady supply of foolish sailors and only really had to rely on their disguise and simple lies. The goblins of Nolyec were far more cunning and thrived with a virtually endless supply of food and part of their success was the fact that nobody had escaped once landing. An exhibition was held by a group of villagers from the mainland. This journey consisted of a crew of 100 warriors and 10 skilled sailors. All of which pledged their life to the cause at hand, and swore to not desert. The primary functi...