Devlok With Devdutt Pattanaik Season 2, Episode 26: Harishchandra

1

Dhyan & Darshan

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.

23 min

2

Amrit Manthan

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.

23 min

3

Forest & Field

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.

23 min

4

Astik - Nastik

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.

23 min

5

Surya Vansh & Chandra Vansh

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.

21 min

6

Aatma

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.

23 min

7

Haldi-Kumkum-Chandan-Bhasm

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.

22 min

8

Hanuman

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.

23 min

9

Puri Temple

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.

24 min

10

Elephants

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.

23 min

11

Rama's Ancestors

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.

22 min

12

Mountains

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.

22 min

13

Karna

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.

23 min

14

Years In Exile

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.

24 min

15

Vedic Gods And Goddesses

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.

22 min

16

Vrata

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.

22 min

17

Storytellers Of Ramayana & Mahabharata

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.

23 min

18

Lakshmi & Saraswati

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.

21 min

19

Mothers

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.

24 min

20

Women In Mahabharata

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.

23 min

21

Varaha and Narasimha

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.

21 min

22

Varnas

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.

22 min

23

Sita & Draupadi

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.

22 min

24

Brothers & Sisters

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.

23 min

25

Ramayana Characters In Mahabharata

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.

22 min

26

Harishchandra

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.

22 min

27

Aarti - Toran

In this episode, Devdutt Pattanaik discusses the different elements that are used to decorate the entrance of our houses.Beginning with why the doorway is considered important in Hindu mythology, Devdutt moves on to explain how the definition of Toran changed over the years and civilizations.He also talks about why Aarti is considered a spiritual experience as much as it is a physical one.

22 min

28

Women in Ramayana

In this episode, Devdutt Pattanaik discusses extensively about the various women in the great epic, The Ramayana.While Sitas story is known to most, there are many others whose stories may not have achieved the popularity it deserved.Devdutt narrates stories of Kaikeyi, Kaushalya, Ahilya, Anusuya, Shabari, Trijata, Surpanakha and Mandodari. While some of these women were known to be pious and embodiment of grace, some others were known for their devotion and deep faith.Devdutt discusses some of the events that made these women popular.

22 min

29

Uttar Ramayana

In this episode, Devdutt Pattanaik talks extensively about the last chapter in Ramayan. Beginning the discussion by telling the audience that this chapter was not part of the Valmiki Ramayan, Devdutt goes on to tell us the significance of this chapter.He introduces Luva and Kusha to us and narrates stories of Ramas children in Valmikis ashram.The most crucial part of the Uttar Ramayan is that Valmiki teaches Luva and Kusha the Ramayan, which is the story of their father, and Luva and Kusha sing it to Rama at a gathering.

22 min

30

Yayati

In this episode, Devdutt Pattanaik talks about the infamous king who traded his old age with his younger sons youth. Yayati precedes Rama and Krishna and is one of their ancestors. Devdutt narrates the sad story of Yayati, his obsession with materialistic pleasures and his downfall in detail. He tells us about his sons, one who disagreed to trade his youth with his father and the other, who traded it but ended up never living or enjoying his youth. Devdutt also tells us the subtle meaning hidden in Yayati's life the attachment to materialistic things never ceases and always results in a downfall.

22 min