The Rishi Who Redefined Marriage Terms – Mahabharata Tales

 Rishi Jaratkaru accepted marriage only on his own terms—no wealth, no bargaining.

This short video shows how the Mahabharata challenges ideas of marriage, consent, and personal agency.
Watch here → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vp2nc4Itdww

Family Duty vs. Self-Denial – The Dilemma of Rishi Jaratkaru

 The Mahabharata tells of Rishi Jaratkaru, pressed to marry to save his family line while devoted to a life of restraint.

This video explores that tension between duty and personal choice.
Watch here → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKcNlL6X6cE

The Connection Between Durga Puja and Rama's Story

 Many people celebrate Durga Puja in Bengal and eastern India, but did you know that the festival is linked to Rama's worship of the goddess Durga? This story, while not in the Valmiki Ramayana, is mentioned in other Hindu texts.

One such text is the Devi Bhagavat Purana. The narration in this text is less detailed compared to others, but it still provides a clear account. It states that when Rama and Lakshmana were wondering how to get Sita back, Rishi Narada approached them and instructed Rama to worship the goddess. Narada advised Rama to perform this worship for nine days and nights during the month of Ashwin (September-October) and even agreed to be the priest for the ceremony.

Rama and Lakshmana, guided by Narada, performed the worship. On the eighth day, the goddess appeared before them, riding a lion. She reminded Rama that he was an incarnation of Vishnu and Lakshmana of the snake Shesha. She then blessed them, stating that Lakshmana would kill Indrajit and Rama would defeat Ravana. After her blessing, she disappeared. 

Following the successful worship, Rama and his army crossed over to Lanka by building a bridge. As the goddess had promised, Lakshmana killed Indrajit, and Rama killed Ravana, completing their mission.

This narrative shows how different Hindu scriptures complement each other and provide additional details to well-known stories. Another text, the Brihad-Dharma Purana, also mentions this story, which will be explored in a future video.

To understand the full story and its significance, watch the complete video here: 

Markandeya Purana : Madalasa’s Cradle Songs - Birth of Alarka - Part 01 of the series on Alarka

• The Crowning of Ritadhvaja and Madalasa
• The Birth of the First Son, Vikranta
• Madalasa's Teachings on the True Self
• The Naming of the Second and Third Sons
• The Birth of the Fourth Son and King Ritadhvaja’s Concern
• Madalasa's Explanation of Names and Identity
• The King's Plea for a Different Path
• Philosophy and Significance
• Relevance in Modern Lives
• Call to Action

The Crowning of Ritadhvaja and Madalasa

After many years upon the throne, King Shatrujit passed away. With Shatrujit gone, and after a period of mourning, Ritadhvaja was then crowned king of the land, by the people. Ritadhvaja was brave, but he was also gentle and noble. He ruled with care, treating his subjects as though they were his own children. With Ritadhvaja as the king, he ruled along with his queen, Madalasa.

---

The Birth of the First Son, Vikranta

In due time, Madalasa got to know that she was with child. When the time came, Madalasa gave birth to a healthy baby boy. Everyone in the kingdom was pleased with the news. Rejoicing took place. The king said this would grow up to be a strong warrior and named the infant, Vikranta, the courageous one. Celebrations continued. Madalasa smiled when she saw the celebrations. There was something that she knew, something which the others did not.

---

Madalasa's Teachings on the True Self

One day, Vikranta lay in his mother’s lap, crying, as all babies do. The nurse maidens tried to cheer him, but Madalasa looked at her son and spoke in a way no one expected. She began teaching her son about life itself. “My son,” she said, “you are pure. Your true self has no name. The name Vikranta was given to you a few days ago, but you are something beyond any name. You are not this body of flesh and bone. This body is made from the same five elements as the world around you—earth, water, fire, air, and space. It grows only because of food and water, and one day it will fade. But your real self will remain even when this body is gone. So why do you cry? Do you cry because you have been born here, pushed inside a frame of skin and senses? Birth is a beginning and a binding. Because of deeds of past lives, you have entered this body. Now you must live inside it until it falls away. But remember, my son, this body is only a covering, not who you truly are.”

Madalasa then began rocking the child gently. Her soothing voice and the rocking motion slowed down the cries of the boy. Madalasa continued talking to the boy as if she was talking to a grown-up, albeit softly: “People say, ‘This is my father, my mother, my child, my beloved.’ They form relationships. But these are only bonds of the body. The wise ones know that the real self does not own or possess anyone. When people are confused, they chase pleasures, thinking they will find happiness. But pleasure always fades, and with it comes greater misery. Those who see clearly know this truth: the search for happiness in the outside world only brings more sorrow.”

She stopped, looked at the baby and continued: “Look at the body itself. People decorate it, admire it, and cling to it; but what is it really? There is only bone under the skin. Bright eyes hide the flesh. The body is just a vessel of flesh and bone, nothing more. Yet people live as though the body is their only identity, their only treasure. Think of the earth. It is like a great chariot. The body is a carriage on that chariot. But inside is the rider; the true self. That is who you are. Do not mistake the carriage for the rider.”

“So, give up clinging to ‘this is mine’ and ‘that is not mine.’ Give up pride in the body. Go beyond right and wrong, truth and falsehood, because all these are labels that bind the mind. When you cast aside what ties you down, only then will you be free.”

The baby grew quiet in her lap. To everyone else, these words seemed far too great for an infant. But Madalasa smiled. She knew that even in a cradle, the soul could be reminded about freedom.

Having learnt about the ultimate truth from his mother, Vikranta grew day by day. From his father, he inherited strength and intelligence. From his mother, knowledge about the self which she had planted in him from the very beginning of his life. Unlike other children who grew attached to objects, this boy remained detached. The words of Madalasa had settled within him. He knew that nothing in this world could truly be called “mine.” His mind turned away from the duties and desires of household life. Wealth, power, family, pleasure did not stir him. He lived with a quiet awareness that the self was beyond all these passing things. While his friends played and dreamed of future kingship, he looked inward. His mother’s words had shaped his vision: he saw the body as a covering, the world as a passing show, and the self as something eternal, untouched, and free.

---

The Naming of the Second and Third Sons

When Madalasa’s second son was born, King Ritadhvaja named him Subahu (“the one with mighty arms.”) The court praised this choice, for what better name for a prince than one that promised strength and valour? Yet Madalasa laughed again. To her, names that glorified the body meant little. Strength of arms might win kingdoms, but true strength was in knowing the self that never perishes. As she rocked the infant in her lap, she soothed him with the same knowledge she had given his brother, whispering that he was pure, beyond body and name.

When the third son was born, the king named him Shatrumardana, meaning “the crusher of enemies.” It was a warrior’s name, full of promise. As soon as she heard it, Madalasa laughed even more. How could the self, which was untouched and eternal, have an enemy to conquer? Enemies and victories belonged to the world of illusion, not to the soul. Cradling her son, she reminded him that in truth he had no rivals, no enemies, nothing to defeat. And so, from her words, the boy grew without desire for worldly triumph, unmoved by the fruits of power and conquest.

---

The Birth of the Fourth Son and King Ritadhvaja’s Concern

Then a fourth son was born. The palace once again filled with joy. Ritadhvaja was ready to give him a name, just as he had with the other children. But before he could speak, he saw Madalasa smiling and laughing, the same way she had each time before. Ritadhvaja could not control his curiosity. He had observed it before and it was happening again. He said to Madalasa, “Each time I named our sons, you laughed. I gave them fine names—Vikranta (the mighty one), Subahu (the strong-armed), and Shatrumardana (the destroyer of enemies). Such names are fitting for princes who are born to rule and protect. Tell me, why do you laugh at these names? If you think these are not worthy names, then you give our fourth son his name.”

Madalasa, with gentle composure, replied, “O great king, since you command me, I shall name this child. He shall be called Alarka. Your youngest son will be wise one whose name will become famous.” Hearing this, Ritadhvaja laughed aloud. “Alarka? That is a meaningless name! My sons are born of royal blood. How can such a name suit a prince?”

---

Madalasa's Explanation of Names and Identity

Madalasa answered, “My lord, the names are just a label. They hold nothing, for the true self cannot be bound. The names you have given—are they any less meaningless? Let me explain. You called your first son Vikranta. The word means ‘one who strides with courage, who crosses from one place to another.’ But the atman, the true self within, does not stride from place to place. It is everywhere already—unchanging, all-pervading. So, tell me, what meaning does ‘Vikranta’ really hold for the self? Your second son you named Subahu, ‘the one with mighty arms.’ But the soul has no arms, no form, no limbs. To say it is strong or weak makes no sense. So that name too, in truth, is empty. Your third son you named Shatrumardana, ‘the destroyer of enemies.’ Yet the same soul lives in all beings. Who, then, is the enemy? Who is the friend? Only bodies clash with bodies, elements against elements. The self cannot be crushed, cannot fight, cannot destroy. Differentiation alone breeds anger, rivalry, and hatred. But the atman knows no such divisions. If these names are but empty sounds, then why do you think only Alarka is meaningless? All names are born of custom. The wise know this: the self is beyond names, beyond titles, beyond roles.”

The king listened. In Madalasa’s eyes, every name was like a garment; something to wear for a time, but never the truth of the soul within. After naming their fourth son Alarka, Madalasa cradled him in her arms. Just as she had done with her elder sons, she began to whisper truths into his ears.

---

The King's Plea for a Different Path

But this time the king could not remain silent. Ritadhvaja frowned and said, “What are you doing? Why do you fill the mind of this child with such beliefs? You have misled our other sons. If you love me, care for me, the do me a favour. Guide this son of ours onto the path of action. Do not push him towards the path of withdrawal. He has been born a prince. Teach him his duties. He will need to perform his duties. As the prince, he will have to offer food and water to the ancestors. Let the ancestors not suffer. Let this boy remain. Do not turn this child away from action. Instruct him in the duties of a prince. Teach him the ways that will bring prosperity here, and benefit in the life to come.”

---

Philosophy and Significance

Madalasa reminds her sons, even from infancy, that the true self is beyond body, name, and worldly identity. The body is only a garment stitched from the five elements, temporary and perishable, while the self is eternal and untouched. Names, relationships, pride, and worldly achievements belong to the sphere of illusion; they do not touch the essence of being. In her words, liberation begins with detachment from the idea of “I” and “mine.” Madalasa’s songs are significant because they present philosophy as lived truth taught at the very threshold of life. Having died and re-born, Madalasa is a yogi who sees the truth.

---

Relevance in Modern Lives

Madalasa’s wisdom is strikingly relevant today. In a world that constantly measures worth through names, labels, achievements, possessions, and social roles, her words cut to the core: none of these define who we truly are. In an age of over-attachment to identity and external validation, the reminder that the self is beyond body, beyond possessions, beyond even relationships, can be deeply liberating. Her teaching encourages us to live in society and fulfil responsibilities, but without being enslaved by pride, fear, or attachment.

---

Call to Action

We may not all be able to renounce kingdoms or titles, but we can begin with awareness. Ask yourself: Who am I beyond my name, my job, my possessions? Can I see my body as a vessel, my relationships as sacred yet impermanent, my successes and failures as passing events? Madalasa’s call is not to reject life, but to see through it—to recognize that freedom lies not in gaining more, but in realizing who you already are.

Curses, Psychology, and the Power of Words in the Ramayana

 This video looks at the psychological force of spoken words—how a single curse could shift events and reveal human emotion in the Ramayana.

Watch here → 

When Sadness Becomes Creation: Valmiki’s Words on Rama

 Guided by Narada, Valmiki began writing Rama’s life.

He transformed pain into verse that shaped literature.
See how personal loss sparked enduring poetry.
Watch →

Bengali Ramayana vs Valmiki: Key Differences Explained

 The Bengali retelling of the Ramayana adds new scenes, reshapes characters, and carries the flavour of Bengal’s culture and language.

Explore how it diverges from Valmiki’s Sanskrit original.
Watch now →

When Pain Became Poetry: Valmiki and the First Sanskrit Verse

 A single arrow.

A cry of grief.
From that moment came the world’s first structured Sanskrit verse.
See how Rishi Valmiki’s heartbreak shaped literature.
Watch now → 

Why Draupadi’s Five Sons Were Killed: A Story Leading Back to King Harishchandra

Draupadi’s five sons — the Upapandavas — died at the hands of Ashwatthama during the Kurukshetra war. They never married, never grew old.

Rishi Jaimini raised the question: why did such a fate befall them?

The answer, preserved in the Markandeya Purana, goes back far before the Mahabharata — to the life of King Harishchandra, who placed truth above all.

📺 Watch here: 

Story of Ritadhvaja and Madalasa's Miraculous Reunion - from Markandeya Purana

Table of Contents

• The Prince's Desire
• The Curtain of Illusion
• Reality Revealed
• A Happy Reunion
• Lessons Learnt
• Relevance in Today's World
• Philosophy

The Prince's Desire

Ritadhvaja went quiet. Ashvatara sensed something. The prince wanted to say something but had stopped. The king said, "O prince, do say what you want to. Do not hesitate. I will try my best to fulfil your desires. What is it that I can get for you?”

Ritadhvaja thought for a moment and slowly said, "O king, there is one thing I do desire. If, somehow, you could create my Madalasa—show her face to me—I will be very happy. I know what I am saying is not possible, and I also know that it will be an illusion, but that is my heart's desire: to see Madalasa."

Ashvatara said, "You are a dear friend of my sons. Also, you are my guest. As the host, I need to respect the guest and the guest's wishes. Please come with me."

---

The Curtain of Illusion

Ashvatara, his sons, and the prince had been seated in a room. Ashvatara got up, and the princes followed him. He came near a locked door. Closing his eyes, Ashvatara uttered some mantras. He then said to Ritadhvaja, lowering his voice, "Slowly enter this room. There is no light in there. Do not be afraid. I am with you. Watch what happens when you enter the room."

They stepped in. It was pitch dark. Suddenly, a bluish light appeared in the centre of the room. The light began taking shape, and soon it was like a full-grown woman. Ashvatara said to Ritadhvaja, "See if you can recognize this woman."

Ritadhvaja could not control himself. He had recognized her and, saying, "This is my Madalasa," he rushed towards the woman. Ashvatara stopped the prince. He said, "Ritadhvaja, I understand your desire. Also, know that what you are seeing is an illusion. If you touch that, it will vanish. Do you want that to happen? Control yourself."

---

Reality Revealed

Hearing this, Ritadhvaja sat down on the ground. He buried his face in his hands and began lamenting. "What did I just see? It seemed there was a curtain of illusion, and the person behind the curtain was a living person. Was I deceived? I wish I could have gone and touched her."

Ashvatara then asked the prince to get up. He said to the prince, "Listen to me. Hear what I have to say. My sons told me about you and Madalasa. That day, I made a promise that I would bring Madalasa back to you. What you felt was true. It was a curtain of illusion. The person behind the curtain is the living, breathing Madalasa who has returned to the land of the living. Take her with you. Go back home. Return to your kingdom with her."

---

A Happy Reunion

Ritadhvaja took leave of the king and his friends. He thought of his horse, and immediately it appeared. He then climbed onto the horse along with Madalasa. He then asked the horse to carry them towards his father's kingdom. Ashvatara and his sons watched as Ritadhvaja, Madalasa, and the horse vanished in the sky.

The horse flew with the speed of the wind, and soon, flying over the river Karnavati, they reached the palace of Ritadhvaja's father. The prince rushed inside with Madalasa. The king, the queen, and everyone else were very pleased to see the prince so happy and, even more, a living, breathing Madalasa along with him. Ritadhvaja told everyone how Madalasa had come back from the land of the dead, by the grace of Shiva and Sarasvati. Festivities started in honour of the return of the prince and his wife. 

Days passed, and Ritadhvaja and Madalasa spent many happy days in each other's company. When it was time, the old king crowned Ritadhvaja as the king, and he himself retired to the forests.

---

Lessons Learnt

• Longing and Restraint: Ritadhvaja’s yearning to see Madalasa shows how deep human desire can be, yet Ashvatara teaches him the importance of restraint. Unchecked longing can destroy what little one has.
• Illusion and Reality: What first appears as a lifelike vision is, in fact, a veil. Life teaches us that appearances may deceive, and wisdom lies in distinguishing illusion from truth.
• Faith and Grace: Despite doubts, Ritadhvaja eventually receives Madalasa not through his own strength but through divine grace, reminding us that some outcomes are beyond human effort.

---

Relevance in Today's World

• Attachments in Relationships: Modern life is also filled with clinging—whether to people, memories, or ideals. The episode reminds us that love should not become desperate possession but should be tempered with patience.
• Virtual vs. Real: Today’s digital illusions—AI, screens, virtual personas—mirror the curtain of illusion. Just as Ritadhvaja was cautioned not to grasp at shadows, we too must discern between surface images and true presence.
• Grief and Healing: Like Ritadhvaja, many people struggle with loss. The narrative suggests that remembrance is natural, but healing requires faith that renewal is possible.

---

Philosophy

• Ashvatara represents wisdom and restraint, the role of a teacher who knows when to allow longing and when to check it.
• Return of Madalasa is not just a reunion but a message: love is sanctified when guided by divine will, not mere human impulse.

When Anger Turns to Clarity – Ruru’s Tale from the Mahabharata

 Ruru gave half his life to save his beloved, but grief soon turned into vengeance. He swore to kill every serpent he saw, blinded by rage. Yet, when one serpent spoke back, everything changed.

Watch the second part of Ruru’s story from the Mahabharata 

Ruru and Pramadvara: Love, Sacrifice, and the Price of Grief

 What would you be willing to give up for the one you love? The Mahabharata shares the story of Ruru, who gave half his life for Pramadvara. But love and sacrifice soon turned into anger. This tale asks us how far we should go for love, and how grief can change us.

📺 Watch here: |

Why Balarama Turned to Penance in the Markandeya Purana

 In the Markandeya Purana, sage Jaimini sought answers about the Mahabharata. Four wise birds responded with clarity. Among the questions was one about Balarama, the elder brother of Krishna. After taking a life, he turned to penance.

Why did he choose this path?
This narration explores the exchange and what it reveals about choice, error, and responsibility.

Watch here 👉 

Blog Schedule Change: New Posts on Wednesdays

 Due to other work and life commitments, I am adjusting the blog's posting schedule. New posts will now be published on Wednesdays. I appreciate your patience and look forward to sharing the next chapter of Ritadhwaja and Madalasa's story with you on September 17th!

When Love Gives Half a Life: Ruru and Pramadvara’s Story from the Mahabharata

 Ruru gave up half of his life to bring Pramadvara back. What followed was not just a union of love, but a struggle with anger, vengeance, and understanding.

From sacrifice to restraint, this story reveals how choices shape human life.

Full reading here 👉 https://writtenbybabu.substack.com

Ratnakar to Valmiki: A Reminder That Change Is Always Possible

 In the Ramayana, Ratnakar’s journey into Valmiki is not just a story from another age. It is a mirror for our own lives.

When Ratnakar turned inward, repeating a name, he found a path that changed not only his life but also gave the world a voice of wisdom.

This transformation teaches us that no one is ever too far gone to begin again. It also speaks to the importance of persistence, inner focus, and the power of thought.

In my latest video, I explore this journey and its relevance to our lives today.
Watch here: 

Taking a Short Break from Blogger: Technical Issues & Where to Find Me

Update: Taking a Week Off

Hi everyone,

I'm taking a week off from writing on Blogger. The technical issues I mentioned previously still remain, and I need a little time to work on a solution.

You can still find me on Substack and watch my videos on YouTube in the meantime.

• Substack: [https://writtenbybabu.substack.com]

• YouTube: [https://www.youtube.com/@Babu_tells_Tales]

• Wordpress : [https://storieswithbabu.wordpress.com]

I'll be back in a few days. Thanks for your patience!

Choices and Consequences in the Markandeya Purana

 The Markandeya Purana is not distant. It reflects our struggles: Indra’s fear, Tvasta’s craft, Trishiras’ austerity, Vritra’s wrath, Draupadi’s reunion. Each reveals how strength without restraint collapses, and how integration sustains.

based on https://kathaofdevas.blogspot.com/2025/05/decoding-draupadis-truth-markandeya.html 

Penance of Ratnakar: From Bandit to Valmiki

 Ratnakar sat so deeply absorbed in the name of Rama that an anthill grew around him. When revealed by Brahma and Indra, his old identity was gone. From that day, he was Valmiki, the poet-sage of the Ramayana.

Full essay here: https://writtenbybabu.substack.com/
YouTube video releasing Friday.

#Ramayana #Valmiki #Transformation #BhaktiPhilosophy #IndianWisdom