Tales from the Upanishads

by Mahesh Sharma

Upanishads are called Adhyatma Vidya (spiritual knowledge) or Brahma Vidya as they convey the essence of the Veda teachings. They constitute that eternal beacon which has been illuminating the creation right since its inception by its undesirable, eternal and ever-relevant light. Its light contains that element of immortality which has nurtured and nourished the very root of the Sanatana dharma. It is a unique gift from India to the world for its eternal welfare.

There are believed to be ten Upanishads: Isha, Kena, Katha, Pashana, Mundaka, Mandookya, Taittareya, Eitareiya, Chandogya and Brihadaaranyaka.

Table of Contents:

• Preface
• Raji Becomes Indra
• Kaartaveerya
• Goddess Parvati
• Maya-Darshan
• Raja Shveta
• Tale of River Godavari’s Origin
• Demon Sindhusen
• Hospitality to the Guest
• The Great Sage Kanva
• Theft of Gem Syamantaka
• Birth of Shukadeva
• Release from Bondage
• Girl with the Smell of Fish
• Ruru
• Nara-Narayana
• Benediction Saving Sage Bhrigu’s Lineage
• Goddess Lakshmi Becomes a Mare
• Curse on Sage Narada
• Maharshi Chyavan
• King Mandhata
• Miracle of the Super-Power
• Tarakasura (Demon Taraka)
• The Great Sage Yagyavalkya
• The Origin of Earth
• Lakshi Displeased
• Curse on Vapu (Apsara)
• No Sunrise!
• Madhu-Kaitabha
• Boon for a Long Age
• Naabhaaga
• Khanitra
• Vedavyasa-Krishna Dwaipayana
• Bheeshma, the Son of Ganga
• The Trinity in the Form of Woman
• A Camouflaging Move
• Boon to Shree Krishna
• The Son of Vishnu: Ekaveera
• Kaal-Ketu
• Narada Becomes a Woman
• Ravana Held as Captive
• No Vice Like Avarice
• The Merit of Penance (Tapa)
• Glory of Purushottam Teertha
• Ahalya’s Marriage
• Curse on Indra
• Teertha Janasthan’s Glory
• A Deadly Curse
• Marriage of Shiva
• Weight of the Small Finger
• Death of Yamaraja
• Shukra Teertha
• Boon to Kubera
• The First Offering
• A Lesson
• Glory of Rudraksha (Bead)
• Goddess Bhramari
• Surabhi (The Cow)
• Yagya, Dakshina and Phala
• Swaahaa
• Tulsi and Shankhachooda
• Ganga
• Marriage of Ganga and Vishnu
• Vedavati
• Swadha
• Chaakshashu Manu
• Kama-Deva Incinerated
• Wrath of Lord Shiva
• A Man Becomes a Woman
• A Great Donation
• The Serpent-Son
• Maatrikaas (The Divine Mothers)
• Dhanavantari
• Govinda Teertha
• Fight Between a Pigeon and an Owl
• Drops of Nectar
• Lakshmi-Alakshmi.