Indian Epics Blog

Draupadi: The Fire-Born Princess [Graphic Novel on Reserve]                  Part D, Pages 88-115 Draupadi Graphic Novel Cover Page.  Source :  Indian Epics Blog POV: Third person Summary : The war begins and Draupadi watches from afar at the harsh granduer of it all; the first day brings no deaths that are close to Draupadi, except Uttaraa's brother dies The women tend to men's wounds but as the days pass, Draupadi becomes more worried at the war her divine destiny foretold she would help come to pass On one day, Arjuna's son Abhimanyu is killed very dishonorably and the Pandavas swear revenge on Drona who is fighting for Kauravas, who also had a hand in defeating Abhimanyu They trick Drona and Draupadi's brother, born of the flame to kill him, does him in and when Drona's son hears of this, he swears revenge (which he will later take) The battle rages is on and one by one the Kauravas fall under the hands of the Panda...

Draupadi: The Fire-Born Princess [Graphic Novel on Reserve]                  Part C, Pages 60-87 Draupadi Graphic Novel Cover Page.  Source :  Indian Epics Blog POV: Third person Summary : On Vyasa's suggestion, Arjuna leaves to train with the gods and his father Indra; Arjuna is Draupadi's soft spot and she is sad for the years without it When he returns, Krishna also comes to visit and he and Arjuna's bromance make Draupadi laugh for the first time in years; One day, Draupadi is approached by Jayadratha, king of Sidhu and he tries to kidnap her after she says no to his advances; the Pandavas stop him, and after being dishonoured again, Draupadi expects them to kill him but Yud lets him go; at the moment she cannot understand this forgiveness and seethes Their years in exile are coming to an end but they must spend the thirteenth year in exile unknown with not a single person being able to recognise them; all the while ...

Draupadi: The Fire-Born Princess [Graphic Novel on Reserve]                  Part B, Pages 32-59 Draupadi Graphic Novel Cover Page.  Source :  Indian Epics Blog POV: Third person Summary : So Draupadi warns the court who seek to dishonour her and have diminished her dignity that she, born a full woman straight of the fire to royal blood, was no mere woman.  However, they still mock her and ask what kind of woman would be married to five men? Karna is at the front of the mockery, telling her she must disrobe as her hubbies have done in shame; Draupadi then tells the story of how she came to have five husbands: It was her swayamvara and whosoever could hit the suspended fish ornaments with five arrows using their reflection int the pool below would be her hubby Krishna warns her that she will have to make a difficult choice; indeed, Karna seem sup to the task but Draupadi quickly denies him before he can even begin, ...

Draupadi: The Fire-Born Princess [Graphic Novel on Reserve]                  Part A, Pages 1-31 Draupadi Graphic Novel Cover Page.  Source :  Indian Epics Blog POV: Third person Summary : Starts off at the beginning where Draupadi and her mans dem (the Pandavas) are trekking up the mountain for their Mahaprasthana ; as Draupadi climbs she tells the story of her life, remembering Krishna first and then starting from the very beginning (before she was even born) She tells the story of Bheeshma, born to Ganga and the king, and how he took his oath in front of the gods; in this version, both Dhritarashtra and Pandu are the sons of Bheeshma's half brother (interesting) Next the story of Pandu being crowned and here it is said that Dhritarashtra has growing resentment for his brother because he is crowned instead of him; The story of the Gandhari, Kunti and Madri, the wives of the two brothers and then the mothers of the ...

Gandhari: A Mother Blinded By Love [Comic on Reserve] Gandhari Comic Cover Page.  Source :  Indian Epics Blog POV: Third person Summary : Gandhari is introduced as the princess of Gandhara and has many virtuous qualities, like a deep love of god and truth; she also prayed a lot Lord Shiva appears while she is praying and tells her she will have 100 hundred sons Later on, a proposal for Gandhari's hand in marriage is sent to the King from Hastinapura; it is none other than Dhritarashtra, the blind King Gandhari's father is wary but eventually agrees; knowing her future husband is blind, Gandhari blindfolds herself so that she may live like him and experience life as he does Everybody is talking about the honourable woman who blinded herself for her hubby as the celebrations of marriage fill the air Soon she becomes pregnant, but the pregnancy lasts a long time and all her worried for she was meant to give birth ever since Kunti, her sister-in-law and mother of th...

Ganga: The Divine Beauty [Comic on Reserve] Ganga Comic Cover Page.  Source :  Indian Epics Blog POV: Third person Summary : The story of how Ganga came to Earth; she is defined as a great beauty and is said to be able to be able to purify all who cross her path; born to the mountain Himavan (Himalayas!) The gods and goddesses come to Himavan one day to ask him to send Ganga to earth so that she may cleanse its people They are having a very hard time down on earth as asuras are plaguing them and hiding in the ocean during the day; thus, the gods go to a sage who drinks up the oceans waters revealing them (as Vishnu told them they are on the ocean bed), so that the devas  may fight them. When the asuras are defeated, the earth is now without an ocean Many years pass and again they beg that Ganga be sent down to earth, but it does not occur as yet; Vishnu tells them that a king is being gifted a son who from his line, will produce an heir that brings Ganga to Ea...

Saraswati: Stories of the Goddess of Wisdom [Comic on Reserve] Saraswati Comic Cover Page.  Source :  Indian Epics Blog POV: Third person Summary :       The Birth of Saraswati In the first story, the birth of Saraswati is told; she is born of Brahma's mind just after her is finished creating the three worlds and is seated on his lotus in mediation Brahma is so captivated by her beauty that he cannot avert his gaze, and she tries to move to avoid it but he grows a head in every direction to look at her In order to stop this distraction, Shiva destroys the fifth head that appears, and Brahma apologises to Saraswati and asks her to teach him better; she tells him the vedas which he chants They are married, as Saraswati is his shakti       Saraswati Becomes a River In the second story, Saraswati must become a river in order to stop the vadavagni (all consuming fire), and cleanse the people who drink from the river's waters of their ...

Shiva Parvati: A Story of Divine Love [Comic on Reserve] Shiva Parvati Comic Cover Page.  Source :  Indian Epics Blog POV: Third person Summary : Shiva is meditating, waiting for Sati to be reborn on earth after she sacrificed herself Near where he meditates, the mountain king and his wife give birth to Parvati, the reincarnation of Sati; Parvati grows into a beautiful woman and then it is time for her to be married Her father wants her to have the best suitor, and he is told that Parvati is destined to be with Shiva; however, Shiva is in deep meditation and to hurry it up, mountain king sends Parvati and several of her friends to wait on Shiva so that he will fall for Parvati; it is Parvati who falls for him In heaven, the gods go to Brahma to ask him to lead them in the war against Taraka, who has overtaken heaven; Brahma predicts the son of Parvati and Shiva shall be their 'war lord' Kama is sent to help Shiva fall for Parvati (everyone wants to hurry Shiva up...

Sati and Shiva: Perfection Rewarded [Comic on Reserve] Sati and Shiva Comic Cover Page.  Source :  Indian Epics Blog POV: Third person Summary : Brahma and Vishnu discuss getting Shiva a husband; Vishnu advises Brahma to ask Uma to reborn on earth and she is reborn as Sati to Brahma's son, Daksha Even from young Sati is strongly devoted to Shiva, such that when she is old enough, she performs seven deep penances to woo Shiva; so deep that she does not realise Brahma and Vishnu, along with their eternal consorts (Saraswati and Lakshmi) have visited her Back where Shiva is meditating, they convince the ascetic Shiva to go to Sati and he grants her a boon; before she can even wish for him, he asks her to be his consort; she requests he asks the blessings of her father (who from this and henceforth, must have thought he had thus had power over Lord Shiva, this incident seems to be what stirred the later disrespect) They are married and spend their days very happy togeth...

 Bhanumati: Granddaughter Of Krishna  [Comic on Reserve]  Bhanumati: Granddaughter Of Krishna, Comic Cover Page.  Source :  Indian Epics Blog POV: Third person Summary : Opens with celebrations taking place as Krishna and Rukmini's son, Pradyumna has come back after defeating Vajranbha The next day, Krishna and fam set out for Raivataka, and his granddaughter Bhanumati and her friend are up to some fun; they sneak off to play where Bhanumati accidentally bumps into a bad-tempered sage who curses her for "being bad-mannered"; he tells her she will be kidnapped by her "traditional foes"; once a curse has been uttered it can't be taken back; they tell no one what happened. Years pass by and Bhanumati turns into a beautiful maiden and it is soon time for her to be married One day, Krishna and most of the 'warriors' leave Dwarka for a 'pleasure cruise' and leave the city unguarded; Vajranbha's brother, Nikumbha sees this as an oppor...

Krishna and Rukmini [Comic on Reserve] Krishna and Rukmini Comic Cover Page. Source : Indian Epics Blog POV: Third person Summary : In Vidarbha, news of Kamsa's defeat by Krishna has traveled fast and far; While the rulers of the kingdom, King Bheeshmaka and his wife are in favour of Krishna, Rukmi, Rukmini's brother, is angered by the death of his so called 'friend' As the councilors gather to discuss, Rukmini pitches in, in favour of Krishna and is immediately falls for him; she is ignored by her brother who scolds her for supporting him Rukmi fights against Krishna with allies of the late Kamsa;  Her parents wish that she would marry Krishna, but her brother convinces their father otherwise; Rukmi tells their father that Rukmini should marry Shishupala (Rukmini calls him a Jackal lol) Rukmi overhears their conversation and decides to send word to Krishna, through a trusted Brahman; she asks that he comes save her but to still spare her people When Krishn...

Epified: Krishna, Episodes 11-20 -Online video, narrated with illustrations 11. Krishna Humbles Brahma Cow grazing and Brahma appears; why would a god share food? Brahma tests Krishna by stealing his friends and cows; Krishna tests back  Brahma recognises his divinity 12. Krishna rides Hastin The ferocious bull called Hastin (source of all cows; but very aggressive) Balarama wants to kill Hastin but Krishna says no and says he will ride the bull by next full moon Does this by playing the flute and feeding Hastin, making him docile "A lesson of kindness" 13. The Saviour of Dharma Radha and Krishna became one soul; Yashoda says no Krishna could not marry Radha due to his own destiny (this revelation made him very sad as he realised he had to follow the destiny to be the saviour of Dharma) 14. Akrur Invites Krishna Kamsa could not defeat Krishna Akrur while devoted to Kamsa, still felt warm towards Krishna and believed in his divinity Although the invit...

Epified: Krishna, Episodes 1-10 -Online video, narrated with illustrations Krishna Comes- An Introduction Story of Krishna Enemies before he was born Was not of our world but we were of his His story came alongside the Pandavas 1. Kamsa Same day born as Indra's son w/ Kunthi Kamsa a bad and cruel ruler Prophecy: 8th child of Devaki would be his downfall so Kamsa threw Devaki and her hubby in prison and killed each child as they were born The 7th child was transported to the womb of Rohini and seen as a miscarriage for Devaki When Devaki was pregnant with Krishna, light filled the prison; word reached Kamsa that Krishna, his slayer had been born 2. Vasudev Meets Yamuna Vasudev fears for his son; they escaped but Devaki was left behind (the great sleep) Vasudev went to the Yamuna and surrendered to it; serpent protected him, allowing him to cross Reached a camp on the other side and switched babies with Yashoda's child, Maya 3. Durga Speaks to Kamsa Kam...

Epified: The Mahabharata, Episodes 9-17 -Online video, narrated with illustrations 9. Son of the Sun "the secret of Kunthi's past" The legendary sage w/ a temper comes to her father's kingdom and everyone is frightened, except her For her kindness, he gives her a mantra that allows her to summon gods Sun god came when she tried it out of curiosity and blessed her with a son; a son born already in armor and with gold earrings She could not keep him and sent him down the river 10. Pandu's Curse Same idea- Pandu takes wives to the forest and there he is cursed (by a hermit this time) for shooting them while they were having sex Because of his curse he decides not to return to Hastinapur and is dismayed he will not have sons Kunthi tells him of her secret mantra 11. Sons of Pandu Same story- the sons, known as the Pandavas  are born from the mantra uttered by both Kunthi and Madri Bhima is dropped by Kunthi and breaks a rock with his otherworldly s...

Epified: The Mahabharata, Episodes 1-8 -Online video, narrated with illustrations An Introduction "foundation of a culture" Vyasa narrates the Mahabharata  to Ganesha (the Lord of beginnings) The Mahabharata is a story of kings and queens, heroes and villains  Contains the "spirit of India" 1. Shantanu the Unfortunate Looking at The Mahabharata  and specifically following all of the stories, as an "account of how Karma happens" Here the story of Ganga and Shantanu is told again; how Ganga must drown her first seven babies to release them from mortality as they are actually the Vasus The last baby, Devavrat, she takes with her when Shantanu finally stops her 2. Devavrate Returns Shantanu sees an archer taming the river Ganges; Ganga appears and tells her it is actually his son and leaves Devavrat with Shantanu His son had been taught the art of war and religion by many of the great sages and deities Later on, Shantanu falls in love again...

The Mahabharata, Pages 131-179 POV : Narayan's translated version of  The Mahabharata  Favourite Sentences/Phrases: "The waves of violence never cease. Victory creates animosity; hostilities lie dormant, but continue."- Yud "One should accept food only if one is desperate or loves the person who offers it." - Krishna to Duryodhana  "...the importance of performing one's duty with detachment in a spirit of dedication."  Section Summaries: Action Yud pleads with Krishna to ask one more chance at peace from the king and his sons; when he arrives he is well received but Duryodhana plots against him to try to take him prisoner; he assumes his godly, universal form and frightens everyone; here Ghandari, his mother even attempts to dissuade Duryodhana from war but to no avail; Krishna tries to also dissuade Karna from his loyalty to Duryodhana but this doesn't work either. Hesitant Hero Arjuna is hesitant to do battle (in fact most of the...

The Mahabharata, Pages 85-131 POV : Narayan's translated version of  The Mahabharata  Favourite Sentences/Phrases: "It is said that there could be nothing more gratifying than showing off one's superiority before an enemy reduced to beggary." - Sakuni to Duryodhana  "Only a commoner serving a king could realise that it is a knife-edged existence." - Daumya to Yud when they are deciding to live incognito whilst still in the company of the King of Vitara "Sacrifice, study, charity, truth, forgiveness, mercy, and contentment constitute the eight different paths of righteousness, they say, but which one is most important?" - Dhritarashtra to Vidura Section Summaries: Hundred Questions Duryodhana tries to put on a spectacle of strength to the Pandavas while they are in exile but is captured and must be saved by them (it is said he returns wiser but clearly not considering the next series of events?); after being led to a place by another deer...

The Mahabharata, Pages 40-83 POV : Narayan's translated version of  The Mahabharata  Section Summaries: Uncle's Gift Something must be done of course, for the Pandavas are actually alive! Duryodhana again whispers malice in his father's ears against the Pandavas and Dhritarashtra becomes worried about what the Pnadavas may do; however, even with his son's misgivings, Dhritarashtra instead invites them back to his city and divides the kingdom so that the Pandavas may also rule over a section called Khandavapasthra; it is barren but they make the most of it and come to build a vast beautiful city; Arjuna makes a mistake regarding the vow they all took when another brother was accompnaying Draupadi and is banished for twelve years (marries a princess of the serpent world, Ulupi , [a naga in some versions] and Krishna's sister Subadhra) City of Splendor Duryodhana visiis the Pandavas built kingdom and immediately becomes jealous, of course; he consults with Sakuni...

The Mahabharata, Pages 1-39 POV : Narayan's translated version of The Mahabharata  Favourite sentences/phrases: "...the 'whole mansion of the womb of Nature'." -Vyasa (interesting idea, as nature is mother)  "I will always be your friend; have no doubt about it." - Drona to Drupada Section Summaries: The Eighth Baby Story of Ganga and Santanu  (he could not question her); how she drowned the first seven of her children to release them from their mortal existence and the last had to stay on earth; the last was Devavratha/Bhisma ("one of firm vow"); Santanu takes back his promise to make Bhisma heir upon when he happens upon a woman (Satyavathi) he wants to marry and the condition is that her son is named heir apparent (what is it with deer and leading people astray?); lots of confusion over who will bear a son after Satyavathi's sons do not as yet; Vyasa becomes the father of the next generation to the kidnapped girls Ambika and Amb...

Sita: Daughter of the Earth, Pages 46-91 Main Characters : Sita, Rama, Lakshamana, Ravana, Hanuman POV : The Ramayana from Sita's perspective After defeating the rakshasa, Rama and Lakshamana are blessed with gifts of godly weapons (arrows that never run out, swords that remain "unrusted" and bows that allow arrows to be shot with the speed of light) by Maharishi Agastya. They meet Jatayu, the king of vultures, on their way to Panchavati and he pledges his allegiance to them; Sita proclaims that Panchavati is even more beautiful that the other pages (the images are so beautiful as well, with flowers and peacocks; did a bit of research and the peacock ( Mayura ) is associated with Laskhmi for luck and prosperity) Peacock feathers, the Mayura . Source : Pixabay  A female stranger (dressed in a pretty pink sari) approaches and tries to tempt Rama to marriage; when her attempt fails she tries Lakshmana when Rama prompts her as joke (here the volatility of Lakshman...