Gods and Demons - Stories from Hindu Mythology
A podcast that explores Hindu mythology through cosmic battles between gods and demons. It draws on the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and lesser-known folklore to share tales of Devas and Asuras. Episodes highlight boons, moral struggles, and epic showdowns. The show is aimed at anyone who grew up with these sacred epics or is discovering them for the first time.
Episodes
Episode 48 - Mahisha, The Demon Who Defeated Indra
When Asura princes Rambha and Karambha set out into the wilderness to undertake a dangerous, century-long penance, their devotion catches the eye of the heavens. But Indra, the anxious King of the Gods, fears their growing power and hatches a dark, sneaky plot and disturbs their quest, igniting a dangerous chain of events that will change the fate of the three worlds forever.Out of grief, prophecy
Episode 47 - Andhaka, The Blind Demon Who Saw Light
Andhaka was born in the cosmic darkness when Parvati accidentally covered Shiva's eyes with her hands. Yes, he was a child of Shiva and Parvati. Since he was born in the dark, he was born blind.Adopted by an Asura king, Andhka grew up rejected and ridiculed by everyone due to his blindness. But he was determined to overcome his handicap through hard work. His sight was restored by Brahma and a
Episode 46 - Agastya and the Great Feast
Agastya was in a sticky situation. His wife Lopamudra was not happy. She could not be patient with her husband any longer. Agastya left his wife alone for weeks at a time, to meditate and to roam the mountains. Lopamudra demanded certain luxuries and comforts from Agastya if they were to remain married.Where will Agastya find the gold to get the luxuries his wife demanded. Lucky for him, there was
Episode 45 - Agastya and the Tilted Earth
The Earth is tilted! Everything is leaning to the north! Rivers are flowing backwards, trees are leaning to one side! What was going on? Are we all going to fall of the edge of the earth?It was caused by all the celestial being including gods and rishis gathering at Kailasa to witness Shiva marrying Parvati. Shiva quickly realised it and he did not want a happy occasion to turn into a tragedy. So
Episode 44 - Fall Of The Demon and Return Of The King
The final battle between Rama and Ravana looms. Ravana, alone, defeated, leads the remaining troops to face Rama. But, he still has some tricks left. Can he use his sorcery and magic to outwit Rama?Sita awaits news from the battlefield and she sees a familiar face. A joyous occasion was in store for the citizens are Ayodhya.Listen to this concluding episode of the Ramayana series.Listen, subscribe
Episode 43 - Mahiravana’s Deceit and Hanuman’s Heroism
Ravana is all but defeated. He has lost all his generals and warriors. He lost his brother and now his son Prince Indrajit.Desperate Ravana calls on Mahiravana, Ravana's half-brother from the netherworld and a master of sorcery for help.What evil tricks will Mahiravana use to turn the tide of war? Who will stop the magic of Mahiravana?Listen to this exiting episode from the Ramayana, the story
Episode 42 - Hanuman’s Great Rescue and the Defeat of the Mighty Prince
Rama and Lakshmana have fallen, struck by the mighty Brahmastra deployed by Ravana's son Prince Indrajit. The entire Vanara army had also fallen. Only a few survived, Hanuman being one of them. Jambavan tasks Hanuman to fly to the Himalayas and get the magical herbs that can revive the prices and the army.Can Hanuman retrieve the herbs on time? And what dark sorceries Indrajit has in store? Vi
Episode 41 - Fall of a Giant and Indrajit’s Cruelty
Ravana, desperate to reverse his defeats in the battle against Rama, has to wake his brother, the terrible giant Rakshasa Kumbhakarna. His brother, due to a curse, sleeps for six months to wake just for one day before going back to sleep. He had fallen asleep just a few days ago. But dire times calls for desperate measures.Can the giant avenge his brother's defeats? Can Rama overcome the treme
Episode 40 - Rama’s Magnanimity and Ravana’s Humiliation
Ravana's army has suffered serious defeats against Rama and his Vanara army. His leading generals and sons are defeated. The Rakshasa army is in disarray.A furious Ravana decides to take matters into his own hands. He leads his army to battle. His combat skills are no match to Rama.Soon, Ravana loses his chariot, his horses and his weapons. He is knocked to the ground by Rama's arrows.Is t
Episode 39 - The Battle Between Valour and Sorcery
The battle has finally begun. The mighty Vanara army under Rama's command is smashing the Rakshasa forces of Ravana.When the power or Rama's weapons and the strength of the Vanaras becomes too much to Ravana to face, he sends his son Indrajit who is an expert with sorcery in warfare.His terrible weapon unleashes the power of venomous serpents that causes them to lose their consciousness.Ho
Episode 38 - Poised for Attack
The demon king Ravana could not believe his eyes, all twenty of them! Gathered beneath his citadel, on the plans of Lanka was the massive thousands strong Vanara army! How could this be? How did they cross the sea? His anger turned to Sita! He wanted her to suffer for the troubles he was under. An evil plan came to his mind!How will Sita maintain her courage and hope in the face of such evil demon
Episode 37 - A Bridge Over The Sea
How will the hundreds of thousands of Vanara foot soldiers cross the mighty southern ocean to reach the island fortress city of Lanka? Rama prayed to Samudra the sea-god for help. He wanted the sea to part so that his army can march across the expanse of one hundred yojanas to Lanka.But Samudra had a better idea - build a bridge with rocks and trees. But how will the rocks float? Is it even possib
Episode 36 - March to Lanka and an Unexpected Surrender
Hanuman brought new of Sita back from Lanka. It brought back hope in Rama and the Vanara army. Under the command of Sugreeva and Hanuaman, The army marched southwards towards Lanka. Everyone was sure that now victory is near and the demon king Ravana's days were numbered, but they had not expected an obstacle on their way - the great southern ocean! How does an army cross the ocean of one hund
Episode 35 - Sita’s Determination and the Demon’s Frustration
Hanuman finally found Sita though under the watchful eye of Ravana. How can Hanuman speak to her to give her the news of Rama? How will he avoid getting caught before he had the chance to reassure Sita?Can Hanuman succeed and escape the heavily fortified city of Lanka and return home to Rama? What dangers awaited him from Ravana's demons? This episode features Hanuman's offer to Sita to re
Episode 34 - Hanuman’s Quest and the Lonely Prisoner
The vanara search party were frustrated by the challenge of crossing the sea to Lanka. Only Hanuman had the strength and the resolve to do it. But, how will he find Sita in the heavily fortified city of Ravana, the Rakshasa king?Where will Sita be? Will she be in Ravana's palace, with his many wives? Hanuman raked his brain to locate Sita. Will she be found alive? Can he rescue her and taker h
Episode 33 - Rama and Hanuman - Friends of the Forest
The search for Sita took Rama and Lakshmana deep into the forest kingdom of Kishkinda. There they met Hanuman, the great Vanara warrior. Vanaras were a divine race of magical beings - neither human nor animal.To get the help of Sugreeva, the deposed king of the Vanaras, Rama had to aid in the defeat of his brother Vali. This caused a great moral dilemma for Rama.Will he ignore his guiding moral pr
Episode 32 - Sita and the Deceitful Deer
Sita saw a golden deer wandering near their hut and wanted Rama to capture it. Ignoring Lakshmana's warnings, Rama went after the deer, to please Sita.They didn't know that the terrible Ravana was behind this magic deer and that the demon king would wreck havoc soon.This is the next episode of our series on Ramayana. #indianmyths #mythology #ancientIndia #ramayana #hindumyths #hindu
Episode 31 - Rama and the Demoness in Disguise
Life in the forest for Rama and Sita was peaceful until an enchanting woman chanced upon them. But, it was no ordinary woman,but a devious demoness who was jealous of Sita's beauty. It was in fact, Shurpanakha, Ravana's evil sister.How will Lakshmana rebuff Shurpanakha and protect Rama and Sita?This episode of Ramayana is full of exiting drama and adventure.Listen, subscribe and share.#ind
Episode 30 - Exile of the Future King
King Dasratha's promise to Kaikeyi from years ago came back to haunt him. Dasaratha wanted to crown Rama as King, but his jealous queen Kaikeyi wanted to banish him to the forest and crown her own son instead.What will Rama do? Will he accept his father's command and leave everything behind for a life in the wilderness?This is the next episode in our series on Ramayana. Listen, follow and
Episode 29 - The Challenge of the Sacred Bow
King Janaka had a beautiful daughter Sita. Her father had vowed that he would give her hand in marriage to the one who could lift and string the mighty bow of Shiva. Many tried and had failed.Chance had brought Prince Rama to his court. Will he be able to meet the King's challenge and take Sita's hand?This is the second story of our Ramayana series. Subscribe and follow.#hindu #hindumyths
Episode 28 - Ravana’s arrogance and the Birth of a Prince
The gods faced a new and mighty enemy - the demon king Ravana of Lanka. He was more powerful than any other foes the devas had faced until then. He had earned boons that protected him from every imaginable enemy - except one. A man.The gods went to Vishnu to plead for his help. Will Vishnu the Protector of the universe be able to help the gods and save the universe?Down on earth, King Dasaratha wa
Episode 27 - Trishanku’s Sky Kingdom
Trishanku wanted to go to heaven and he could not wait until after his death. He wanted to go to heaven alive!Is this even possible? If anyone it was the great sage Vishvamitra who could do it.Will the gods accept a mortal man as one of their own?This is the second part of the story of Trishanku who ascended to heaven due to the spiritual power of Vishvamitra.#hindumyths #mythology #fables #ancien
Episode 26 - The Fallen Prince
When will someone realise their past mistakes? A prince, who, spoiled by the palace luxuries and Royal power, misbehaves and ill treats the people of the kingdom, deserves harsh punishment. Can Satyavrata learn his lesson and change his behaviour when he loses everthing suddenly?This is the first part of the famous story of Satyavrata, who became Trishanku due to a curse.#hindumyths #mythology #fa
Episode 25 - The King and the Sage
King Kaushika was a powerful king, from a long line of mighty kings. He thought his word meant law in his land. But when he ordered Sage Vasishtha to hand over a magical cow, Kaushika saw someone defy his orders for the first time in his life!Can the spiritual power of a simple Sage defeat the mighty military of Kaushika? How did this conflict change Kaushika?#hindumyths #mythology #storiesforchil
Episode 24 - Bhagiratha and the Descent of Ganga
Bhagiratha had one goal in his life - to keep his promise to his father to bring the holy river Ganga from the heavens down to earth so that he could redeem his family's honour.But Ganga is a mighty celestial river. Can the earth withstand its tremendous force? Who can help soften the impact of Ganga's torrents?#hindumyths #myths #Hindu #storiesforkids #storiesforchildren #fables #Ganges #
Episode 23 - The Hermit Warrior and the Sacred Axe
Can a simple hermit defeat a powerful king? Kartavirya was a cruel warlord who terrorized his people. When he paid back the generous hospitality of a humble hermit with unspeakable violence, his son decided to take matters into his own hands to avenge his father.Can he succeed? Will Vishnu's cosmic powers and Shiva's magical weapon help him defeat the warlords?
Episode 22 - Shiva and the Three Flying Fortresses
The sons of the defeated demon king Taraka had built themselves three cities that could fly wherever they wished. They attacked and harassed the three worlds. Due to Brahmha's boon they could only be defeated if the three of them are shot by a single arrow when the three flying cities are aligned as one.Who had the skills and power to take this tricky shot?
Episode 21 - The Battle Between Taraka and Skanda
Finally the gods had their leader. Skanda, the son of Shiva had been appointed the commander of their army. But can a mere boy defeat the mighty demon king Taraka, who had defeated the king of the gods Indra himself and imprisoned him?The future of the cosmic balance rested heavily on the little shoulders of the boy Skanda.
Episode 20 - Skanda The Six-Headed Warrior
The gods needed a warrior child of Shiva who can defeat the evil demon king Taraka. But, who will bear the heat of Shiva's cosmic power to enable the child to be born?Will Agni, the god of fire be able to help the Devas? Will the cosmic heat dry up even the mighty Ganges river?
Episode 19 - Vinayaka - The Child Who Stopped The Destroyer
Who could have the courage to stop Shiva the Destroyer in his own home? Only a child's love for his mother would give that courage.Parvati longed for a child and decided to create one without Shiva's knowledge. But, when Shiva unknowingly struck the boy down for defying him, Parvati's world collapsed. Can Shiva revive the boy and console Parvati? Will she have her wish for a child of h
Episode 18 - The Princess of the Mountains
The gods need a saviour to help them defeat the evil Asura king Taraka. They called on the god of love to awaken Shiva the destroyer from his long meditative trance.But is the god of love capable of forcing Shiva to wake up even if it means the end of love as we know it?
Episode 17 - Taraka's Wish
Taraka wanted to cheat the gods. He wanted to be defeated only by a child born to Shiva,the destroyer. The catch is that Shiva was a hermit with no interest in settling down and having a family. He was mourning the disappearance of his beloved Sati.Taraka, emboldened with the wish granted, captured and imprisoned Indra and the gods. How can the gods defeat Taraka and get back their kingdom?
Episode 16 - Shiva's Love and Loss
Sati was torn between her love for her husband Shiva and her affection for her father. Will this result in a tragedy of cosmic proportions? Will is threaten to destroy the entire universe?How did the gods save the universe from the furious anger of a Sati?
Episode 15 - Sati, Shiva and the Arrogant King
Sati was a princess, born to a luxurious life, lived in a grand palace surroounded by dozens of servants. But her heart yearned for a simple life high in the Himalayan mountains.That sounds strange, doesn't it? Could it be because she was secretly in love with Shiva, the Destroyer god who also lives as a simple hermit high in the Himalayan mountains?
Episode 14 - The Boy Who Measured the Universe
Can a king of the demons be too kind and generous and the king of the gods be too mean and jealous? The balance of the Universe was tilted because the Asura king who was a better king than Indra the king of the gods himself!Is this the end of the cosmic balance as we knew it? Can it be corrected by Vishnu?This is the story of a small boy who humbled a very generous but proud king.
Episode 13 - Brave Prahlad and the Man Lion
Can a child be brave enough to stand up to a demon who scared and bullied the entire universe? Prahlad was one such brave child. With the conviction that he was right he stood bravely inspite of harsh punishments. Does his bravery grant him what he always wanted? Peace and happiness for everyone?
Episode 12 - Vishnu and the Stolen Earth
Mother Earth has been kidnapped by the evil Demon Hiranyaksha! She has been dragged down to the deepest depths of the cosmic ocean! Is this the end of Earth as we have known it? Can Vishnu defeat the evil demon and save Earth?
Episode 11 - The Story of Yama and Yami - How Gods Created Night
What would you do if there is no night time? What if there was no yesterday or tomorrow and it is always today? This was the problem the gods tried to solve when they tried to help Yami get over her sadness.This is a beautiful story of the twins Yama and Yami, the first mortals ever to live. Their sibling affection melted the gods' hearts to invent Time itself!This episode is read by Aruna Par
Episode 10 - Surya, Sanjana and the Shadow Queen
How would it be to live close to the Sun? Could the wife of Surya the Sun God stand the blinding heat? Would she tolerate it for the sake of her children? How would she deal with such a cruel dilemma?
Episode 9 - The Light Before Dawn
Ever wonder why sometimes the sky turns deep red and purple early in the morning just before the sun rises? Well, the story behind it is a facinating one, a story of courage and sacrifice of Aruna, the Charioteer of Surya.
Episode 8 - A House of Birds and Serpents
Garuda, the mighty god of all birds struggles to save his mother who is held as a slave by the clan of serpents! His task was to get the pot of Amrit from the gods. But, Amrit is held in Svarga and guarded by the gods! Will Garuda be able to do defeat the gods themselves and bring Amrit to save his mother from slavery?This episode is read by Aruna Parthiban
Episode 7 - Kacha and the Forbidden Secret
The gods were perplexed! Even when they defeat the demons in battle, they keep coming back for more! The demons killed in battle were seen appearing in the battlefield again! What is their secret?The gods sent a secret agent Kacha to go and live with the demons to learn their secret. Will this plan succeed?
Episode 6 - Indra and the Dragon Demon
Why does Indra do this? He seems to continuously invite trouble upon himself and the universe! This time due his own feelings of envy against his own brother he has doomed his kingdom and the universe itself to ultimate destruction by the mighty Vritra, the Dragon Demon.
Episode 5 - The Deadly Poison and the Elixir of Life
The gods and the demons finally manage to churn out magical things from the cosmic milk ocean. But, the deadly Halahala poison came out of the sea threatening to kill all life in the universe! Who will save the universe? Will the devas get Amrit, the Elixir of Life?
Episode 4 - Durvasa's Curse
Indra loses everything from curse by the Rishi Durvasa. Asuras realise that this is their chance to once and for all defeat the Devas!What can the Devas do to defeat the Asura demons? Vishnu suggests that together they churn the milk ocean to find incredible treasure that may help them. The Devas and the Asuras agree to a temperary truce to work together to find the treasures from the Cosmic Milk
Episode 3 - Manu and the Great Flood
What if you're asked to build a big boat and carry every living thing on it in case a massive flood destroyed everything on earth?Sounds familiar? Well, the story according to the Hindu Myths is stightly different to the one you are likely familar with. It involves a giant fish!
Episode 2 - The Beginning
How did the universe begin? Well, the story according to the Hindu Myths is very strage and exiting. It involves, giant eggs, fantastic creatures and magic!
Episode 1 - Introduction to Hindu Mythology
Hindu Myths date back thousands of years. These stories have been in the thoughts and culture of the Hindu people continuously for over 3000 years. This series of episode is an attempt to retell these stories for children in an accessible and relatable language without diluting the drama and exitement of the original stories.The audience for these stories are children with no prior background to H
