Explore every episode of the podcast Myths and Morals

Diwali or Deepavali, the festival of lights, is the most popular festival for Indians across the world. In large sections of the Hindu community, it marks the day Lord Krishna defeated the demon King, Narakasura.

In this episode, we explore the backstory of Narakasura who was actually not born as a demon, and look into the real reason why Lord Krishna had to wait so long to put an end to his reign of terror.

When the evil, shape-shifting demon king, Mahishasura, terrorized heaven and earth, there was no one, not even the Gods, who had the power to stop him. He was smart; so no one could trick him. He was strong; so no one could defeat him. Left with no choice, the Gods had to make a bold and unprecedented decision to combat him and his ruthless army.

In this episode, we talk about Durga, the Goddess of War and her epic clash with one of the most terrifying villains in Indian mythology.

In war, it's important to know who your friends and enemies are. But sometimes a battle between fate and honor can blur those lines. This is the story of Vali and his bitter rivalry with his younger brother, Sugriva, who is unfairly forced to suffer the consequences of a terrible misunderstanding. Unable to help his brother understand the error of his ways, Sugriva has to make a choice - ethics or justice.

In this episode, we explore the influence someone's past can have on someone else's future.

They say that if you love someone, you should let them go, in hopes that they’ll come back to you someday. But how much pain are you willing to endure meanwhile? And is it worth it? This is the story of Kannagi, a woman full of compassion and forgiveness even in the face of cruel betrayal. But there’s only so much disappointment a heart can take.

In this episode, we explore the tragic consequences of promises broken, but not for who you’d think.

In this episode, we look at the story of two Kings who achieved power, fame, and wealth by waging wars and invading kingdoms through brute force. The only difference between them was that one of them followed their grandfather's lead and loved God with all his heart since he was a little kid, while the other considered himself God and forced his subjects to worship him. Interestingly, it was the same God that decided to end both their reigns, each in a unique yet spectacular way.

In this episode, we talk about Amba, a Princess consumed by the need for revenge after suffering a life-altering betrayal by one of the most dominating male figures of Mahabharata. Driven to years of extreme self-denial in her pursuit of vengeance, Amba is seen one of the most tragic characters who transforms into possibly one of the first transgender heroes in Indian Mythology.

In this episode we talk about Draupadi, who is one of the most powerfully crafted female characters in Indian mythology that is, unsurprisingly, dominated by male characters. In one of the most dramatic and horrifying scenes of Mahabharata, she is sexually harassed and humiliated in public while her helpless husbands watched in disgust and shame.

And yet when given an opportunity to get instant revenge, she holds back. But why?