Writer: Gayatri Madan Dutt

Savitri was the only daughter of King Ashvapati of Madra and his queen, Malavi. The king had prayed to goddess Savitri for this child. So when she was born, she was given the name Savitri. Savitri grew up into a beautiful young woman. Those who looked at her were dazzled.…

• by Gayatri Madan Dutt
• April 22, 2020
• 7 minute read

Princess Savitri chose the simple hermit, Satyavan, for her husband, though she knew that he was destined to die within a year.  They were married. With each passing hour, Savitri’s sorrow grew. On the fated day, in the forest, Satyavan suddenly became ill and lay down. Savitri took his head…

• by Gayatri Madan Dutt
• April 22, 2020
• 7 minute read

Damayanti chose Nala for her husband in preference to the gods. This angered one of the demigods, Kali. He caused Nala to lose his kingdom and all his possessions. Nala and Damayanti went into the forest, but got separated. They took up work under different kings, hiding their true identity. …

• by Gayatri Madan Dutt
• April 21, 2020
• 8 minute read

The strong and handsome Nala ruled over the kingdom of Nishada. Known as the ever-just and always-truthful king, he looked after his people like a father. The people loved him in return. He was an expert bowman, his arrows always finding their mark. He had a deep knowledge of horses…

• by Gayatri Madan Dutt
• April 21, 2020
• 8 minute read

Nala and Damayanti’s love messages to each other were carried by a swan. During her swayamvara, the gods themselves came to try and win her hand. But Damayanti chose Nala for her husband. The gods blessed them for being true to each other. Twin children were born to them. They…

• by Gayatri Madan Dutt
• April 21, 2020
• 7 minute read

Once, long ago, the kingdom of the Bharatas was faced with drought, famine and disease. Its king, Samvarana, was filled with sorrow on hearing the sufferings of his people. Then worse news arrived. The Panchala king declared war on him. How could his small, weakened army face the might of…

• by Gayatri Madan Dutt
• April 22, 2020
• 4 minute read

After a tiring hunt, King Dushyant of Hastinapura found himself riding through a dry desert. He yearned to see water and greenery again. Finally, he came to the beautiful living area of the forest rishis. Peaceful ashrams dotted the landscape. Peacocks danced and cuckoos called in the trees. Bees buzzed…

• by Gayatri Madan Dutt
• April 22, 2020
• 5 minute read

Three young men came to the forest hermitage of the sage Sthulakesha. “We are tired and thirsty,” one of them called out. “Will someone please give us water?” Pramadvara, the sage’s daughter, was inside. She was inspecting the healed wing of a bird she had rescued. “You are well now.…

• by Gayatri Madan Dutt
• April 22, 2020
• 4 minute read