Devlok With Devdutt Pattanaik

Harishchandra, one of Ramas ancestors, is the topic of discussion in this episode.Known for his honesty, loyalty and for keeping his word, Harishchandra is one of the most talkedabout rulers/characters in Hindu mythology.Devdutt Pattanaik begins the discussion with Harishchandras journey when he decides to sell his wife and son away. Devdutt also narrates another anecdotes related to the great Suryavanshi king.

In this episode, Devdutt Pattanaik talks in detail about all the characters that are part of both the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.Explaining the idea behind the term, chiranjeevi, Devdutt tells us why some characters exist in both the eras. He talks about Hanuman, Narad muni, Parashurama etc. He also explains the idea behind Parashurama and Rama, both avatars of Vishnu, coming face to face at the same time.Devdutt also touches upon the rishis that seem to have attained some level of nirvana and moksha to be able to live for a longer period of time, thus enabling them to exist in different eras at different times.

In this episode, Devdutt Pattanaik introduces us to the various siblings in Hindu mythology.The most famous ones like RavanSurpanakha and KrishnaSubhadra are discussed. But the emphasis is on the many more siblings that appear vaguely in the epics.We are introduced to Yama and Yami, Draupadi and Dhrishtadyumna, the sister of the Pandavas, Duhsala, Kripa and Kripi, Hidimba and Hidimbi, Rukmini and Rukmi. Devdutt narrates interesting stories about these characters, explaining how and what role they played in the larger scheme of things.He also tells us about Santoshi Maa, who was essentially brought to life to provide Ganesha and Karthikeya with a sister.

The prominent women of Ramayana and Mahabharata Sita and Draupadi are discussed in this episode. Beginning with their unusual births, Devdutt Pattanaik tells us how, in spite of being princesses, Sita and Draupadi were polar opposites in their personalities. He narrates stories from Sitas childhood and explains why Draupadi never had a childhood. He talks about their families, spouses and their roles in shaping the iconic epics. Devdutt explains how even the common motifs like fire have different meanings for the two women. He also talks about how and where Sita and Draupadi are worshiped and why they are considered avatars of Devi.

Devdutt Pattanaik begins the episode with the explanations of the terms like Varna and Jaat.He tells us how these terms became part of our vocabulary and how their meanings changed slightly over time. He also explains the terms Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Shudra and the demarcation started.He discusses the different criteria for classification of people profession, color and others. These criteria changed from the times of Ramayan and Mahabharat to the times of colonization.He discusses Rama, Karna, Krishna and other characters in Hindu mythology whose life experiences were shaped by their varna.

In this episode, Devdutt Pattanaik talks in detail about the two dark avatars of Vishnu, Varaha and Narasimha. Narrating how the two avatars came into being, Devdutt compares them to the other calm avatars of Vishnu.He brings our attention to the different characteristics of Varaha and Narasimha. He also briefly tells us about the temples that house these deities and how they are worshiped.Devdutt gives us an interesting backstory of Jaya and Vijaya, the dwarapalas of Vaikunt and how they were instrumental in the coming to life of Varaha and Narasimha.

This episode is an extensive discussion on the various women in Mahabharat. Devdutt begins with Ganga and Satyavati and moves on to Amba, Ambika, Ambalika and Kunti, Madri and Gandhari.He talks about the changing roles of women from the time of the Vedas to the latter stage of Mahabharat. An indepth comparison is drawn to emphasize on the changing norms, ideals and rules across time.He also gives us a brief introduction not just on Draupadi but also on the other wives of the Pandavas. Devdutt gives examples of various strong, benevolent, wise and honest women that shaped the Mahabharata in their own way.

A child gives birth to a mother. This adage is explored in this episode of Devlok with Devdutt Pattanaik. Devdutt talks about the various mothers in Hindu mythology.We discuss the good mothers that put the needs of the children before their own and we talk about the notsogood mothers that acted on their whims and fed their temptations.A brief understanding of Kunti, Gandhari, Parvati, Sita, and others is provided by Devdutt. We also talk about characters in our mythology that have two mothers like Krishna and Karna.A comparison is drawn between the mothers of different generations too, to provide us with an idea of the change in time.

The eternal debate between Lakshmi and Saraswati continues in this episode.Devdutt Pattanaik gives the audience the back stories to both the divine deities, their significance during the Vedas, their transformation during the Puranas and their formidable presence in our lives.Devdutt also provides us with an understanding of how the deities are worshiped and why. We also understand why the ageold saying that the Goddess of Wealth and the Goddess of Knowledge gathered speed over generations.

In this episode, Devdutt Pattanaik gets to the core of how and when the two epics Ramayan and Mahabharat came into existence.Were they recitals at their nascent stage Are they original stories Were they passed on as a written text He explores the various ideas and puts forth the famous theories.We learn about the mediators that helped pass on the texts as we know it. He also talks about Veda Vyasa and Valmiki and how their ideas and lives were influenced by the circumstances around them requiring them to then note it down.

In this episode, Devdutt Pattanaik talks about the origin and significance of Vrata, both psychologically and scientifically.He provides his interpretation on the beginning and the growth of vratas around the country and discusses the various vratas observed by men and women in the different parts of the country some include abstaining from food, water, walking barefoot, while others customs like Karva Chauth.Devdutt also touches upon vratas like Santoshi Maa vrata, Vat Savitri vrata and Navaratri vrata.

Devdutt Pattanaik discusses the many nature gods that predate the idea or school of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva in this episode. Besides Indra, Vayu and Agni, Devdutt introduces Som, Usha, Arun, Aranyani, Saraswati, Vagdevi, Varun and Mitra. He narrates stories of these Vedic gods and goddesses, highlighting their origins, characteristics, appearances and functions. He also draws a comparison between the Vedic gods of India and that in the Roman and Greek culture, like Indra and Zeus, Mitra and Jesus. He also focuses on how Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva took precedence over the Vedic gods and goddesses over a period of time.

The Pandavas spent 13 years in exile after losing to the Kauravas in a game of dice. In this episode, Devdutt Pattanaik tells us about the lives of the Pandavas and Draupadi while in the forest.Beginning with Yudhishtir, the oldest of the Pandavas, Devdutt narrates stories that encapsulate the lessons learnt by the Pandavas through the rishis, birds and tapasvis.He brings to our notice the change in the graph of each of the Pandavas from the beginning of their exile to the 13th year, emphasizing on the fact that all the experiences in the forest and those during the Agyatvaas the 13th year in exile when each of them had to spend their days is disguise enabled them to become kind, wise and wellinformed kings.

In this episode, Devdutt Pattanaik talks extensively about one of the most misinterpreted, misrepresented and misunderstood character in Indian mythology Karna.He takes us through Karnas journey that begins as a boon granted by sage Durvasa to Kunti. The consequences of being an unwed mother scared Kunti so she abandoned her son resulting in Karna growing up as a charioteers son.Devdutt narrates many interesting anecdotes from Karnas childhood that stress on the significance of some of his names Daanveer and Daanshoor.While touching upon the obvious narrative of Karna, Devdutt also introduces us to aspects of the warriors life that force us to do some thinking about caste, creed, goodness of heart and duty.

In this episode, Devdutt Pattanaik describes the significance of mountains in Hindu mythology. He begins by stating the example of Mount Meru, the sacred mountain with five peaks that finds a mention not just in Hindu but also Jain and Buddhist cosmology.This mountain is said to be the center of all physical, metaphysical and spiritual universes. Hindu mythology specifically gives a great deal of importance to mountains. Kailash Parbat, Gandhamadhan, Himavan, Mandar, Chitrakoot, Govardhan Parbat all have roles to play in the various stories about gods, devas and characters from the two epics Mahabharat and Ramayan.Devdutt narrates stories about these mountains and explains the reason behind mountains being symbols of strength.

By focusing on the illustrious Surya Vansh, Devdutt Pattanaik talks about Rama and his ancestors in this episode. He begins with Dilip, Raghu and Aja narrating stories about them that establish connections between them and Dharma, Artha and Kama. He talks about Yuvanashva, Harishchandra, Prithu, Mandhata, Bhagirath and Dasharath. All of the stories tell us about a king that is torn between his duties and family who must make a decision that will bear consequences which will show the strength of his character and prove that he is indeed a true Surya Vanshi.

Elephants play a prominent role in Hindu mythology, both literally and figuratively. In this episode, Devdutt Pattanaik describes the various elephants in Hindu mythology by beginning with how the elephant came into being. He explains that it was one of the symbols of Dhrama that was churned out of the Ocean of Milk during Samudra Manthan and then goes on to talk about Airavat, the white elephant and the carriage for Lord Indra. He narrates stories of Gajendra Moksha the liberation of Gajendra by Vishnu and Gajantaka the death of the elephant demon at the hands of Shiva. Devdutt also explains the importance of elephants in Jainism and Buddhism.

In this episode, Devdutt Pattanaik talks extensively about the Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath. The temple located at Puri, on the eastern coast of India attracts many tourists and is especially known for the Puri Rath Yatra. Devdutt narrates various tales of the siblings Krishna, Balram and Subhadra the prominent deities at the temple. He explains how the rath yatra is performed and deepens our understanding of the various customs and rituals that precede the rath yatra. He also touches upon the history of the temple, deities and the worldfamous kitchen within the temple premises.

In this episode, Devdutt Pattanaik regales the audience with interesting stories and anecdotes about one of Ramas ardent devotees, Hanuman. He is one of the key figures in Ramas story about fighting Ravan and rescuing Sita in the Ramayan, and he even has a kand book devoted to him. It is called the Sundar Kand. This book depicts the story of Hanuman and his travel to Lanka to rescue Sita. Devdutt narrates stories from the Sundar Kand thereby introducing Hanumans various traits and attributes. He tells us about the different encounters Hanuman has faced with asuras, mountains and even kings thus highlighting the fact that Hanuman is not just an interesting character from the epic but also a significant one. In fact, Hanuman is one of the few characters that appear in both Ramayan and Mahabharat.

In this episode, Devdutt Pattanaik talks in detail about the various powders/materials used in a Hindu puja thali. He explains the significance of the items and how they are used in different parts of the country. He also decodes their importance in the three paramparas in Hinduism Shaiv, Shakt and Vaishnav. While followers of the Shiav parampara veer mostly towards bhasm, followers of Shakt parampara give a lot of importance to kumkum and followers of Vaishnav parampara use chandan a lot. Devdutt also tells us about the different festivals around the country where kumkum and haldi play a major role like the Sindoor Khela celebrated in Bengal during Durga Puja and Haldi Kumkum ceremony celebrated in the Western Indian states.

A Sanskrit word for inner soul or self, Aatma is the first principle in Hindu philosophy, especially in the Vedanta school of Hindusim. In this episode, Devdutt Pattanaik tells us how the concept of Aatma developed since the Vedas. He briefly narrates the different Hindu schools of thought and describes a major point of difference between Hinduism and Buddhism Hinduism believes that there is Aatma in every being where as Buddhism does not believe in either soul or self. He also talks about how Aatma is perceived in Jainism, Christianity and Islam.

Surya Vansh and Chandra Vansh refer to the two most illustrious mythological dynasties of ancient India. In this episode, Devdutt Pattanaik describes the famous and the infamous kings of these dynasties. Manu was the progenitor of mankind, who had two children Ikshvaku and Ila. Devdutt narrates interesting stories about Harishchandra, Aja, Rama, Dasharath reiterating some of the Surya Vansh39s strongest traits honesty, integrity and fearlessness. The Pandavas, Kauravas and the Yadavas to which some illustrious characters from the Mahabharat belong, are Chandra Vanshis. Devdutt shows us the different characteristics of the two vanshas through stories.

In this episode, Devdutt Pattanaik reviews the different Indian philosophical schools. Generally, Astik translates to the one who believes in God and Nastik would translate to mean an atheist. Devdutt explains the different terms by drawing comparisons between different religions like Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism. He also explains how some religions like Jainism and Buddhism are Nastik religions owing to the fact that they reject the doctrine of Vedas. He introduces Charvak, another nastik school of thought. Devdutt also explains commonly used terms like Religion and Spirituality against the backdrop of Theism and Atheism.

In this episode, Devdutt discusses the numerous vans forests in Hindu mythology. Forests form an interesting backdrop to many mythological stories. Several gods and devas are associated with forests, providing a close connection with the Hindu way of life. Devdutt talks in depth about how forests have provided prosperity, life and shelter to different beings throughout mythology and how the forest is a space where Matsya Nyay Survival of the Fittest is the norm. With this understanding, he provides an analogy between the workings of forest and those of field.

Devdutt Pattanaik narrates the popular story of Amrit Manthan in a lucid manner explaining how it was the cause for the emergence of various gems, gods and goddesses from the Ocean of Milk. He also explores the essence and the meaning of Dharma, Artha and Kama and how they have become an integral part of Hindu mythology. Devdutt also sheds some light on other stories like Shivas Neel Kant and the Chaar Dhams in this episode.

In the first episode of Season 2, Devdutt breaks down two simple yet abstract ideas of Hindu philosophy Dhyan and Darshan. Providing an analogy between the Hindi and the English disclaimers that open every episode, Devdutt explains that Darshan means to see and Dhyan refers to think about or process what one has seen. With examples ranging from devotees praying at a temple to ascetics giving up on the material world, Devdutt explains how the practice originated in the Vedic era and how it further developed as Jainism, Buddhism and Hinduism became diverse. Although the meaning behind the terms remain the same, they are discussed differently in various texts. Devdutt touches upon these contexts and provides a better understanding of Dhyan and Darshan.

In mythology, shape shifting refers to the ability of any form to physically transform to another form or being. This is generally achieved through the forms inherent intellectual faculty, divine intervention or the use of boons and curses. In this episode, Devdutt Pattanaik talks about the idea of shape shifting and its existence since time immemorial. He introduces us to stories about shape shifting in Hindu mythology. He also talks about some important forms i.e. Mohini a form of Vishnu and discusses the theories behind changing forms.

Hindu mythology abounds with stories of gods and their husbands/wives. Most of these stories are interesting narratives that comprise of necessary storytelling elements like drama, intrigue, romance, thriller and heartbreak. In this episode, Devdutt Pattanaik discusses the tales of love and marriage of the gods in the Hindu pantheon. He also talks about introducing the story form to explain the philosophical ideas to the common man. For example: Shiva, the hermit and Shiva, the householder are two, very deep philosophical ideas and these are explained through various stories of Shiva and Sati, Shiva and Parvati et cetera.

In this episode, Devdutt Pattanaik introduces the Guardians of the Directions the deities who rule the specific directions of space according to Hindu mythology. They are known as Dikpalas.Though frequently mentioned, they are rarely worshiped. The Dikpalas of the cardinal points are Kubera North, Yama South, Indra East and Varuna West. He also discusses the Dikapalas of the intermediate points and their significance in Hindu mythology. The images of these Dikapalas are found on the walls and ceilings of temples and tombs.

In Hindu mythology, the act of the creation of the universe is talked about in more than one manner. Hinduism also defines fourteen worlds seven higher worlds and seven underworlds and how they came into existence also has many different versions. In this episode, Devdutt Pattanaik decodes the various cosmogonic myths surrounding the creation of the world. He explains the various stories accepted by people belonging to different sects i.e: Vaishnavaites believe that Lord Vishnu, in the shape of a boar, plunged into the cosmic waters and brought forth the earth. He offers a neutral viewpoint regarding the roles played by the Hindu pantheon in the creation of the universe.

According to Hindu mythology, all mortal beings are destined to pass through four great epochs in every cycle of creation and destruction. These four epochs are Satya Yuga, Treta Yuga, Dwapara Yuga and Kali Yuga. In this episode, Devdutt Pattanaik explains the different stages of evolution in the Yugas, their significance and the important events that occurred in the different Yugas. He touches upon the Mahabharata and the Ramayana and also talks about the features of the Kali Yuga.

The numerous gods in Hindu mythology, although manifestations of one supreme being, are very varied by ways of their personalities. Generally speaking, the devas and devis are benevolent beings who support the physical world. Hindus consider it important to keep their deities happy and content by way of offering them food. Every deity is associated with one of more food items either raw or cooked. In his episode, Devdutt Pattanaik talks about these deities and their favorite foods. He also explores the stories and folk tales behind Krishnas association with maakhan, Ganeshas love for modaks and Shivas affiliation with the bel leaf.

Hinduism lays a lot of importance on Yatra or pilgrimage. It is a popular belief that yatra enables people to connect themselves to their spiritual goals. In this episode, Devdutt Pattanaik touches upon the many famous Hindu pilgrimage centres inclusive of the Dhams, Kshetras, Peetas and the Melas. He also discusses the ideas behind pilgrimage, its birth and growth.

The Bhagvad Gita, as we all know, is the holy book of the Hindus. In this episode, Devdutt Pattanaik breaks down this idea with an indepth analogy based on geography, history and philosophy. Apart from analyzing the dialogue between the Pandava prince, Arjuna and the charioteer, Krishna, Devdutt also discusses the different kinds of Gitas, the ideas of Dharma and Karma and the various translations.

The Ganga is the most sacred river to the Hindus. Along its length and breadth, Hindus pay homage to their ancestors, pray to their gods and cleanse their souls by taking a dip in the river and cupping the water in their hands. They even carry a small amount of water, known as Gangajal on their way back to be used in rituals. Devdutt Pattanaik traces the history of the Ganga in Hindu mythology. He discusses the importance of Ganga as a deity, her corelation with the other deities, especially Shiva, her prominence in different sects and her descent from heaven to earth.

The term Vahana translates as that which carries, that which pulls. In Hindu mythology, a vahana is called a deitys mount. Deities are often depicted riding a vahana or sometimes, the vahana is depicted alongside the deity.In this episode, Devdutt Pattanaik discusses the various mounts. The positive aspects of the mounts are in tandem with the strengths of the deities. While often the mounts function alongside the deities, on some occasions, they act independently. Devdutt also narrates stories of the birth of various mounts in this episode.

Most deities in Hindu mythology possess a weapon or more than one weapon that enables them to tide over a particularly conflicting or tough situation. The users of these weapons are said to have an indepth knowledge about the use and misuse of the astra weapon. Apart from their usage in the epic Ramayana and Mahabharata, they are talked about in the Puranas and Vedas as well. Devdutt Pattanaik discusses the variety of astra possessed by various deities, their USPs and the conditions that existed involving their usage. He also talks in depth about some very wellknown astra like the Sudarshan Chakra, the Brahmastra, Indras Vajra et al.

Ganpati Bappa Morya The most revered and popular God of Hinduism is Lord Ganesha. Devdutt Pattanaik discusses the significance of the elephantheaded god, the legends that encapsulate the idea of Ganesha being the supreme consciousness that pervades all beings. He also talks about how as the son of Shiva, the Destroyer and Parvati, one of the many incarnations of Shakti, Ganesha becomes the symbol of unification for the followers of Shiva and Shakti

Shakti is described as the cosmic energy that powers the world. According to Hindu mythology, Shakti is regarded as a Goddess either a consort or queen of a deity and more importantly Gods active and dynamic form.Devdutt Pattanaik discusses the significance of Shaktis creative energies underlying the cosmos. While Lakshmi is the energy of Vishnu Parvati is the energy of Shiva. As Devi, She takes different forms with respect to her male counterpart and manifests as Kali, Durga, Gauri or Sati. Shakti is revered as the mother Goddess, the universal source of power, vitality and creativity. Understand Her omnipotence through this episode exploration.

At its fundamental level, Hinduism terms heaven and hell as swarga and naraka . Heaven is inhabited by devas and good souls while hell consists of raakshas and pain. However, Hinduism also stresses on the idea of no judgement.In this episode, Devdutt Pattanaik does a comparative study of heaven and hell between 3 religions Hinduism, Christianity and Islam. Understand the phenomenon as he takes you through different views and concepts.

Hindu narratives offer explanations for any event. Good things happen because of boons bad things happen because of a curse. Boons and curses served as narrative tools to explain the idea of karma.In this episode, Devdutt provides stories of some interesting boons and curses that resulted in grave consequences. Some stories like that of Kaikeyi and Dasharatha talk about a boon given to Kaikeyi by Dasharatha that takes an interesting turn when Dasharatha is forced to send his son Rama on exile. This event is said to be the result of a curse given to Dasharatha by Shravan Kumars parents when he was a young prince. Watch the episode to understand this phenomenon of boons and curses.

Indra Dev is the God of rain and thunder. He is one of the primary gods of the Vedas who all phenomenons of nature.In this episode, Devdutt Pattanaik highlights Indras characteristics of insecurity and jealousy which drive him to sabotage sages meditations and instigate battles between the devas. He also discusses the shift in Indras position from the Vedas where he is considered the king of all devas to the puranas but his position fades as the Holy Triad emerges.

Hindu mythology boasts of numerous stories of supernatural beings, either fighting against one another for supremacy or joining forces to fight some other being.Devdutt Pattanaik introduces the various supernatural beings from Indian mythology, in this episode. The Hindu universe is divided into different Lokas or worlds and in each world, reside different beings. All of these beings are said to be Brahmas children. Devas reside in DevLok, Asuras live in Paatal, Nagas in NagLok et al. Devdutt does a comparative study of the characteristics of these beings. While Devas are said to be benevolent and debauched, the Rakshasas are shown as mean and ugly. Yakshas are known to hoard everything they get their hands on and Asuras are said to be obsessed with wealth and power.

Various stories and legends surround the prominent figure, Shiva. He is one of the most powerful gods of the Hindu pantheon and is one of the godheads in the Trimurti. Known as the Destroyer, Shiva is perhaps the most complex of Hindu deities. In this episode, Devdutt Pattanaik talks about Shiva being at the core of the centrifugal force of the universe, because of his responsibility for death and destruction. He is the dissolving force but he dissolves in order to create since death is a mode to rebirth. Thus, life and death, creation and destruction, both reside in Shiva. Devdutt also talks about his various manifestations as Bholenath, Mahadev, Nataraja, Vishwanath and Bhairava.

Colors play an important role in Hindu culture and have a deep significance transcending decorative values. Hindus use colors on their deities and their clothes, signifying their qualities. Devdutt Pattanaik introduces the concept of using a specific color for a deity to create an environment that highlights the persona of the god or goddess.Some of the more prominent colors used in our rituals and festivals are red, green and saffron. While goddesses Saraswati and Parvati are seen in red sarees, goddess Laxmi is seen in white. Similarly, sages are seen in saffron. Devdutt does a comparative study on the use of colors by hermits and householders. The legend of the color filled festival, Holi, is also highlighted.

Trimurti translates as three forms. It is an iconographic representation of God in Hinduism which depicts divinity as a threefaced figure. These three faces represent Gods roles of creation, preservation and destruction which are associated with Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Sustainer and Shiva the Destroyer.Devdutt Pattanaik discusses the three personas and their different modalities in this episode. The trio are assisted in their duties by their consorts, Saraswati, Laxmi and Parvati respectively. The specific gods of the Trimurti each have their own origins in Hindu mythology but the single iconographic representation finds its source in the Vedas. It is only after the arrival of the Puranas that Trimurti becomes a standard doctrine.

Devdutt Pattanaik uncovers the hidden stories of the greatest epics in Hindu mythology, Ramayana and Mahabharata. Like the Sumerians, Hindus wrote poetic stories which focused on the powers of the gods. Ramayana translates to the story of Rama. It is believed that Valmiki, a Brahmin whose style of writing poetry was carried forward from that point on, wrote the epic. Following its main hero Rama on his journey to Lanka, Ramayana praises the heroism and virtues of the Aryan warrior princes. Mahabharata meaning The Great India, is said to be written by a Brahmin Veda Vyasa. It is divided into verses interspersed with passages of prose. A story incorporated into the Mahabharata came to be known as the Bhagvad Gita.