Nisha B. Thakur's Blog, page 3

Gurukul stories of Pandavas | Mahabharata Stories | Folktale stories with moral lesson

 

Guru Drona sits beneath a huge tree. One hundred five princes are standing in front of him.

Guru Drona

Today is your first day in Gurukul. Discipline, Dedication, and Determination are three qualities that bring success to you in education.

105 princes

Namaskar Guru

Guru Drona

Now you may take your seat

Students sit down on the mat.

Guru Drona stands on an open field. 105 Princes are listening to him attentively. He points at a tree.

Guru Drona

Look at that tree. There is a bird on it. Your target is a bird’s eye. Get ready with your bow and arrow.

Yudhishthir

May I start Guru Drona?

Guru Drona

Yes

Yudhishthir aims at the tree.

Guru Drona

What can you see?

Yudhishthir

I can see that bird has its nest on the tree. I have to dart in a way that the nest doesn’t get hurt.

Guru Drona

Good. But you cannot be an archer

Yudhishthir walks back to his place, disappointed.

 

Guru Drona

Now Bhim, it’s your turn

Bhim aims at the tree.

Guru Drona

What can you see?

Bhim

that there are lots of fruits on the tree

Guru Drona

Good. But you cannot be an archer

Bhim walks back to his place, disappointed.

Guru Drona

Now Duryodhana, it’s your turn

Duryodhana aims at the tree.

Guru Drona

What can you see?

Duryodhana

Sir, I can blow away the whole tree

Guru Drona

You lack humility. You cannot be an archer

Duryodhana walks back to his place, disappointed.

Guru Drona

Now Arjun, it’s your turn

Arjun aims at the tree.

Guru Drona

What can you see?

Arjun

I can only see the bird’s eye

Guru Drona

Go ahead

Arjun hits the target like a pro.

Pandavas clap. Duryodhana gets angry.

Guru Drona is teaching students. He is sitting beneath a tree. Karna enters.

Karna

Greetings to wise man!

Guru Drona

Bless you

Karna

Guruji, I am here to become your student. Please teach me archery.

Guru Drona

Are you a royal child?

Karna

No sir. I am a royal servant’s son. My father works for your majesty Bhishma

Guru Drona

Sorry, son, I only teach royals.

Karna

Then you will teach me

Guru Drona

Why don’t you go to my teacher Sage Parshuram? He will surely help.

Karna

Okay. Namaskar

Karna walks away. But Arjun’s arrow walks past him. He, too, hits a dart at Arjun.

Karna

How dare you

Guru Drona

Please don’t talk with my student like that.

Arjun

I was practicing.

Karna

Don’t act smart. You wanted to hurt me so that I never learn archery.

Arjun

Great! So be it! One day I will show you my practice in Warfield.

Karna

Sure

Karna walks away.

Guru Drona is teaching Arjun. He hits a dart at a bird flying in the sky. Eklavya enters.

Eklavya

Greetings wise man

Guru Drona

Bless you! Who are you, son?

Eklavya

I am your student

Guru Dhorna

But I never taught you

Eklavya

Every day I hide in bushes and hear your lecture with Arjun

Guru Dhorna

Great! Can you show me what you have learned?

Eklavya

Sure

Eklavya aims at a dog and dart arrows around him, and makes a cage

Guru Drona

Great

Arjun enters and smiles at Eklavya

Guru Drona

Now that you have learned so much from me, can you give me Guru Dakshina?

Eklavya

Sure

Guru Drona

Present your thumb to me

Eklavya and Arjun are shocked

Eklavya

Sure Sir

He cuts his thumb and gives it Guru Dhorna. Arjun is shocked

Guru Dhorna

Eklavya, your education is over. Now go back to your home

Eklavya cries and leaves.

Moral: Children are like earthen pots, shape them wisely.

Happy Reading!

About the writer: Nisha B Thakur is the author of a highly appreciated novel, The Blue Jinx. 

The Mystery Of The Hidden Key By Author Bharati Guntury

 

Richa, a nine-year-old girl, goes to her grandma’s village along with her mother. In the woods, she sees a rainbow-coloured butterfly who is in fact a boy called Sharan. The boy was cursed by a fairy whom he had captured mistaking her to be a butterfly. He asks Richa to help him, who agrees. He takes her to a tree hollow from where he had noticed rainbow butterflies going in and out. After thinking for some time, Richa realizes that though he looks like a rainbow butterfly, he is missing the indigo colour. Sharan brings her attention to a nearby plant that has indigo flowers. Richa tries to bring one petal close to his wings and the colour mingles into the wings immediately. As soon as this happens, the plant is turned into a beautiful fairy who turns Sharan too into his boy form. The fairy thanks them and tells them that her name is Sapphire and she is a flonary. Flonaries are special fairies who protect the plants and animals. She also tells them that she is one of the nine gem flonaries who take their turns to be the queen. She is the current queen and soon to be followed by Ruby, another gem flonary. Sapphire had cursed Sharan fearing that he meant to harm her. Before she could return to make him normal, Ruby had turned her into a plant. Ruby had been getting impatient to become the queen under the misunderstanding that Sapphire might extend her tenure as the queen. Hence, she cursed Sapphire to be a plant and stay out of their world called Flonasia. Sapphire now decides to go and clarify the misunderstanding with Ruby. Before going, she gives a magic ring to Richa which she can use to meet her anytime. She also gives a magic writing quill to Sharan apologizing for cursing him. Bidding farewell to the children, Sapphire disappears into the tree hollow which they call as the treeway – a way between Flonasia and the human world. Richa and Sharan happily go back to their homes. Richa wishes to visit Flonasia but hesitates to call Sapphire and ask her. With some encouragement from Sharan, they go to the treeway and call Sapphire using the magic ring. She gladly invites them to Flonasia and introduces them to other flonaries and Ruby, who is now repenting about what she did. They all enjoy together in the mesmerizing world of Flonasia.

Moral: We should not trouble plants and animals. We should be patient and ask politely for what we want, without hesitating.

Happy Reading!

This is a feature blog article by author Bharati Guntury.  Find her book on Amazon using the below link:

The Mystery of The Hidden Key (The Flonary Mystery Series Book 3) 

The Mystery of The Hidden Key by author Bharati Guntury

 

Richa, a nine-year-old girl, goes to her grandma’s village along with her mother. In the woods, she sees a rainbow-coloured butterfly who is in fact a boy called Sharan. The boy was cursed by a fairy whom he had captured mistaking her to be a butterfly. He asks Richa to help him, who agrees. He takes her to a tree hollow from where he had noticed rainbow butterflies going in and out. After thinking for some time, Richa realizes that though he looks like a rainbow butterfly, he is missing the indigo colour. Sharan brings her attention to a nearby plant that has indigo flowers. Richa tries to bring one petal close to his wings and the colour mingles into the wings immediately. As soon as this happens, the plant is turned into a beautiful fairy who turns Sharan too into his boy form. The fairy thanks them and tells them that her name is Sapphire and she is a flonary. Flonaries are special fairies who protect the plants and animals. She also tells them that she is one of the nine gem flonaries who take their turns to be the queen. She is the current queen and soon to be followed by Ruby, another gem flonary. Sapphire had cursed Sharan fearing that he meant to harm her. Before she could return to make him normal, Ruby had turned her into a plant. Ruby had been getting impatient to become the queen under the misunderstanding that Sapphire might extend her tenure as the queen. Hence, she cursed Sapphire to be a plant and stay out of their world called Flonasia. Sapphire now decides to go and clarify the misunderstanding with Ruby. Before going, she gives a magic ring to Richa which she can use to meet her anytime. She also gives a magic writing quill to Sharan apologizing for cursing him. Bidding farewell to the children, Sapphire disappears into the tree hollow which they call as the treeway – a way between Flonasia and the human world. Richa and Sharan happily go back to their homes. Richa wishes to visit Flonasia but hesitates to call Sapphire and ask her. With some encouragement from Sharan, they go to the treeway and call Sapphire using the magic ring. She gladly invites them to Flonasia and introduces them to other flonaries and Ruby, who is now repenting about what she did. They all enjoy together in the mesmerizing world of Flonasia.

Moral: We should not trouble plants and animals. We should be patient and ask politely for what we want, without hesitating.

Happy Reading!

This is a feature blog article by author Bharati Guntury.  Find her book on Amazon using the below link:

The Mystery of The Hidden Key (The Flonary Mystery Series Book 3) 

Duryodhana vs. Pandava childhood stories | Mahabharata Stories | Folktale stories with moral lesson

 

Pandu is plucking fruits from a tree. Madri comes dressed beautifully.

Pandu

Oh, dear, you are looking so pretty.

Madri

Greetings! Your royal highness!

Pandu takes her behind the tree. In 5 seconds, Pandu starts breathing heavily.

Pandu

Oh, dear, I am dying.

Madri

Help! Help!

Kunti and Bhim start running towards them. But Pandu dies.

Kunti

What happened?

Madri

Your majesty left for his heavenly abode.

Kunti starts crying. Madri eats poison.

Madri

I am leaving my sons with you, Kunti sister. Take care of them like your own sons.

Kunti

Please don’t leave me alone.

Kunti cries.

Bhishma and Vidhur are standing beside King Dhritarashtra. King is seated on the throne.

Kunti

Greetings! Your royal highness!

King Dhritarashtra

Welcome home Kunti and sons

Bhishma

Now we will make Yudhishthir the crown prince

Vidhur

Yes, he is the eldest son. He is our crown prince

King Dhritarashtra

We can discuss it later. Let’s welcome them to the family.

King Dhritarashtra is enjoying music. Duryodhana enters and throws the chair on the floor.

Duryodhana

Stop this music father

King Dhritarashtra

What happened, my son? Why are you so angry?

Duryodhana

What are those Pandavas doing in my palace

Shakuni enters

Shakuni

I told you Yudhishthir is going to be the future king

King Dhritarashtra

Stop it Shakuni

Duryodhana

Oh, so he will become king day, and I will become a pauper.

Duryodhana leaves the room fuming

Duryodhana eats kheer from his plate. Shakuni serves him.

 

 

 

 

Shakuni

You have to kill them

Duryodhana

But how?

Shakuni

Did you like kheer?

Duryodhana

We are discussing such an important thing, and you want to know about kheer!

Shakuni

Because it’s part of my plan

Duryodhana takes fruit basket to Bhim

Duryodhana

I got a fruit basket for you, brother Bhim

Bhim

What for?

Duryodhana

I know we didn’t begin on a good note. But I am extending an olive branch to you.

Bhim smiles and takes the fruit basket. He gives it to Arjun. Nakul, Sahadev, and Yudhishthir smile.

Yudhishthir

It’s my yoga time

Nakul & Sahadev

We are coming

Arjun

I have work with Bhishma Father

Bhim

Then let me have these fruit

Duryodhana

I have something more delicious for you than these fruits. Come with me.

Bhim and Duryodhana leave.

Bhim and Duryodhana arrive at a beautiful boat.

Bhim

This is so beautiful

Duryodhana

And I have got kheer for you

Bhim

Please give it to me now

Duryodhana (giving a bowl)

Here you go

Bhim eats it and falls unconscious. Shakuni enters, and they throw him into the water.

Duryodhan and Shakuni

Hahaha

Kunti is crying. Gandhari comes and consoles her.

Gandhari

Please don’t cry, Kunti

Kunti

My Bhim! Oh, I miss him

Gandhari

Don’t worry! Wherever he is, he must be OK.

Bhim enters

Bhim

I am here, mother Gandhari.

Kunti hugs him.

Kunti

Where were you, my son?

Bhim

I was underwater in the snake world. Lord of snake, Vasuki gave a magical potion. Now I have the strength of 100 elephants.

Yudhishthir

Wow! You are my most powerful brother

Arjun

Welcome back

Nakul and Sahadev hug him too.

Duryodhana enters

Bhim

Why did you try to me kill me, Duryodhana?

King Dhritarashtra sits on the throne. Bhishma looks at him angrily.

Bhishma

Your son Duryodhana has sinned.

King Dhritarashtra

Forgive him, father

Guru Drona enters.

King Dhritarashtra

Greetings to wise man!

Guru Drona

May God bless you

Bhishma

I have recruited Guru Drona as a teacher for our 105 princes. They will leave for Gururkul today.

King Dhritarashtra

I will miss you, my son, Duryodhana

King Dhritarashtra cries.

Moral: Let your child grow in positive surroundings.

Happy Reading!

About the writer: Nisha B Thakur is the author of a highly appreciated novel, The Blue Jinx.

Birth of Pandavas & Duryodhana | Mahabharata Stories | Folktale stories with moral lesson

 

Kunti at the meeting hall of the palace. Kunti is waiting for Pandu. He enters

Pandu

I am back from war!

Kunti

Your royal highness, I am at your service.

Pandu smiles and occupies his throne; Ministers have occupied seats. And in the center, Pandu and Kunti are seated.

Pandu

Dear Ministers, meet your new Queen Madri.

Madri enters. Kunti cries and gets up from her seat. Ministers stand up from their seats and shower flowers on King and Queen.

Ministers (in unison)

Hail to the King! Hail to the Queen! Hail to the Hastinapur!

Pandu and Madri smile.

Pandu, Madri, Kunti at the meeting hall of the palace. They are sad.

Madri

But why are we going to live in the forest?

Pandu

Because now my life is cursed.

Kunti

Your royal highness, I am ready to live with you in the forest.

Satyawati

Then who will rule the kingdom?

Bhishma

Yes, our throne can’t be empty for long.

Vidhur

Prince Dhristrashtra can be our working king.

Prince Dhristrashtra smiles.

Prince Dhritarashtra and Princess Gandhari are in the bedroom.

Princess Gandhari

Your royal highness, I am at your service

Prince Dhritarashtra

I love you. Because of you, I am a king now. I know you will become my eyes and make me a good king.

Princess Gandhari

Yes, my love

Prince Dhritarashtra

I love you too

Princess Gandhari smiles.

Kunti and Pandu look at each other sadly.

Pandu

I wish we had children. Our days in the forest would become joyous.

Kunti

I can give you a child. I was given boon my sage Durvasa. To be blessed with a son, I have to chant the mantra and call Lord.

Pandu

Then please call Lord of Justice for a dutiful son.

Kunti chants mantra. Lord of justice comes.

Lord of justice

I bless you with a virtuous son. He will be known for his justice.

Kunti gets a son. She gives it to Pandu.

Pandu

My son, I name you Yudhishthir.

Kunti and Pandu smile.

Prince Dhritarashtra and Princess Gandhari are in the bedroom.

Prince Dhritarashtra

When will my son come? It’s been 14 months.

Princess Gandhari

I hope he comes soon.

Prince Dhritarashtra

I hate you. Why can’t you keep me happy? Pandu’s son is the eldest now. He will become King. You useless woman. You can’t give me a son.

Princess Gandhari falls unconscious. Sage Vyasa arrives.

Prince Dhritarashtra and Princess Gandhari look at the vast 101 pots created by Sage Vyasa.

Sage Vyasa

From these pots, your 100 sons and one daughter will come out.

Prince Dhritarashtra and Princess Gandhari become happy.

Kunti and Pandu look at each other happily.

Pandu

I wish Yudhishthir had a brother.

Kunti

Yes, your royal highness.

Pandu

Then please call Lord of Wind for a powerful son.

Kunti chants mantra. Lord of wind comes.

Lord of wind

I bless you with a powerful son.

Kunti gets a son. She gives it to Pandu

Pandu

My son, I name you Bhim.

Prince Dhritarashtra and Princess Gandhari look at the vast one-pot created by Sage Vyasa. It burst open. Baby comes out. Sage Vyasa gives to Prince Dhritarashtra

Sage Vyasa

Take your eldest son.

Prince Dhritarashtra and Princess Gandhari become happy.

Prince Dhritarashtra

My son, I name you Duryodhana.

Kunti and Pandu look at each other happily.

Pandu

I wish we had one more son.

Kunti

Yes, your royal highness.

Pandu

Then please call Lord Indra for a dutiful son.

Kunti chants mantra. Lord Indra comes.

Lord Indra

I bless you with a dutiful son.

Kunti gets a son. She gives it to Pandu

Pandu

My son, I name you Arjun.

Madri looks at Pandu sadly.

Madri

It’s been five years in the forest. I don’t have sons. I feel lonely.

Pandu

Kunti, can you give Madri two sons.

Kunti

Yes, your royal highness.

Pandu

Then please call Lord Ashwin Kumar for twins.

Kunti chants mantra. Lord Ashwin Kumar comes.

Lord Ashwin Kumar

I bless you with twins.

Kunti gets a son. She gives it to Pandu

Pandu

My twins, I name one Nakul and the other one Sahadev.

Pandu smiles.

Moral: Children are like earthen pots, shape them wisely.

Happy Reading!

About the writer: Nisha B Thakur is the author of a highly appreciated novel, The Blue Jinx.

Marriage of Dhritarashtra & Pandu | Mahabharata Stories | Folktale stories with moral lesson

 

Satyavati sits on the throne. Bhishma enters.

Bhishma

Greeting! Your royal highness!

Satyavati

Bhishma, where are your students?

Bhishma claps. And three young princes enter.

Bhishma

Meet Dhritarashtra. He is mighty and can crush pillar with his hand. He is blind, but he is independent. He doesn’t need any support to kill enemies.

Dhritarashtra

Greeting! Your royal highness!

Satyavati

God bless you

Bhishma

Meet Pandu. He is very efficient in archery skills.

Pandu

Greeting! Your royal highness!

Satyavati

God bless you

Bhishma

Meet Vidhur. A wise and knowledgeable man.

Vidhur

Greeting! Your royal highness!

Satyavati

God bless you

Bhishma

Your royal highness! I think you should make Dhritarashtra our future King and Pandu, chief soldier, and Vidhur, Chief Minister.

Satywati

Let’s hold the ceremony tomorrow.

Satyavati and Bhishma at the meeting hall of the palace. Ministers have occupied seats. And in the center, three princes are seated.

Bhishma

Dear Ministers, meet our King Dhritarashtra.

Ministers stand up from their seats and shower flowers on King and Queen.

Ministers (in unison)

Hail to the King! Hail to the Hastinapur!

Satyavati and Bhishma smile.

Vidhur

Your royal highness! Apologies for the interruption! But how can a blind person be our king?

Bhishma

Dhritarashtra is very independent and powerful

Vidhur

Unfortunately, he can’t be our king. I suggest that brother Pandu should be made King.

Pandu become king, and Dhritarashtra cries.

Dhritarashtraand Bhishma at the meeting hall of the palace. Satyavati enters

Satyavati

Dhritarashtra should get married now!

Bhishma

Yes. I think Princess Gandhari would be an ideal partner for him.

Dhritarashtra

Okay, I will marry her.

Satyavati

Please go and bring Princess Gandhari.

Dhritarashtraand Satywati are at the meeting hall of the palace. Bhishma enters with Princess Gandhari. She has worn a red blindfold.

Bhishma

Greeting! Your royal highness!

Princess Gandhari

Greeting! Your royal highness!

Satywati

Why are you wearing a red blindfold?

Princess Gandhari

Because I want to lead a life like my love, Prince Dhritarashtra

Dhritarashtra (fumes)

I will not marry her. She is of no use to me. I want her to become my eyes.

Princess Gandhari

Forgive me, Your royal highness

Prince Dhritarashtra walks out angrily.

Prince Dhritarashtra and Princess Gandhari get married. Bhishma and Satyavati at the meeting hall of the palace. Ministers have occupied seats. And in the center, Prince and Princess are seated.

Bhishma

Dear Ministers, meet your Princess Gandhari.

Ministers stand up from their seats and shower flowers on Princess Gandhari and Prince Dhritarashtra.

Ministers (in unison)

Hail to the Hastinapur!

Bhishma and Satyavati smile.

Kunti and Pandu get married. Bhishma and Satyavati at the meeting hall of the palace. Ministers have occupied seats. And in the center, King and Queen are seated. 

King Shantanu

Dear Ministers, meet your Queen Kunti.

Ministers stand up from their seats and shower flowers on King and Queen.

Ministers (in unison)

Hail to the King! Hail to the Queen! Hail to the Hastinapur!

Bhishma and Satyavati smile. Prince Dhritarashtra cries.

Prince Dhritarashtra and Princess Gandhari are in the bedroom.

Princess Gandhari

Your royal highness, I am at your service

Prince Dhritarashtra

I hate you. Because of you, I cannot be a king. I thought you would become my eyes and make me king.

Princess Gandhari

I am sorry

Prince Dhritarashtra

Leave my room now

Princess Gandhari leaves the room crying.

Kunti and Pandu are in bedroom.

Kunti

Your royal highness, I am at your service

Pandu

I love you. Because of you, I became a king.

Kunti

I love you too

Pandu

But now I have to leave for war. Farewell, dear Queen!

Pandu leaves the room, and Kunti looks at him, crying.

Vidhur and Sulabha get married. Bhishma and Satyavati at the meeting hall of the palace. Ministers have occupied seats. And in the center, Vidhur and Sulabha are seated. 

Bhishma

Dear Ministers, meet our royal wife, Sulabha.

Ministers stand up from their seats and shower flowers on Sulabha and Vidhur.

Ministers (in unison)

Hail to the Hastinapur!

Bhishma and Satyavati smile.

Bhishma

Hastinapur is now so powerful. With King Pandu, Prince Dhritarashtra, and Vidhur. Three loving brothers.

Prince Dhritarashtra cries and talks in his mind.

Prince Dhritarashtra

I hate you, Pandu.

Moral: Your enemy can be someone from your family too.

Happy Reading!

About the writer: Nisha B Thakur is the author of a highly appreciated novel, The Blue Jinx.

King Shantanu marries Satyawati | Mahabharata Stories | Folktale stories with moral lesson

 

Shantanu sadly sits on the floor, looking at Ganga’s portrait.

Shantanu

Oh, dear, Ganga! I miss you every day. Please come back, my queen. Devrath! My little boy must be in his adolescence now. Oh Lord, please make me meet them soon.

Minister enters his room.

Minister

Greetings! Your royal highness!

Shantanu

Yes, Suryasen.

Minister

I have very shocking news for you!

Shantanu

Please continue!

Minister

Your royal highness! Ganga!

Shantanu (excited)

Has she come to meet me!?

Minister

No, your royal highness!

Shantanu

Please come to the point

Minister

River Ganga’s streams have been put on hold with a barricade of arrows

Shantanu

Haha!

Minister

Your royal highness, you can see the miracle from your window.

Shantanu looks out of his window and sees the river has been stopped with a barricade of arrows.

Shantanu walks to the river. He is shocked to see the miracle. He removes his celestial weapon.

Shantanu

I challenge the demon who has done this! Appear in front of me, or else I will kill you!

A good-looking young boy appears in front of him

Devrath

Greeting! Your royal highness!

Shantanu

Who are you? How did you do this magic?

Devrath

I am your son! Mother Ganga asked me to stop her. She wanted to be sure that now I am well-qualified to serve Hastinapur.

Ganga appears.

Ganga

Greeting! Your royal highness! He is our son, Devrath! I have fulfilled my duty and made him worthy of serving Hastinapur.

Ganga disappears, and both men walk to the palace.

Shantanu goes hunting. He is in a dense forest. Mounting his horse, he comes out of the woods. A lovely smell tickles his nose. He follows it.

Shantanu

Wow! What fragrance! It must be some exotic flower! I must take it back with me to the palace.

He follows the smell and sees a beautiful lady.

Satyavati

Greeting! Your royal highness!

Shantanu

Oh, pretty woman! Please tell me the name of perfume who are wearing I want to take with me to the palace

Satyavati

Your royal highness! This lovely smell is coming from me.

Shantanu

What’s your name?

Satyavati

I am Satyavati! I am the princess of the fishermen community.

Shantanu

You are so pretty, marry me! Will you?

Satyavati

Sorry, Your royal highness!

Shantanu

Why my lady? I am the king of Hastinapur. If you get married to me, you will get the pride of becoming the queen of Hastinapur.

Satyavati

Your royal highness! Your son will soon become King. Post which, my son will become royal servants. I don’t want to lead a life like royal servants. Forgive me for rejecting your proposal.

Satyavati leaves. Shantanu sadly mounts his horse.

Shantanu sadly comes to his palace.

Devrath

Father! Where have you been? Come, let’s have dinner.

Shantanu (sad)

I am not hungry, my son.

Shantanu leaves sadly.

Shantanu is sitting sadly at the riverside. Shantanu and Minister are looking at him from a distance.

Devrath

It’s been 15 days now. He hasn’t smiled. Something is bothering him.

Minister

It’s Satyavati. She refused to marry our King.

Devrath

How dare she? Who is she?

Minister

She is the princess of the fishermen community.

Devrath mounting his horse reaches Satyavati’s hut.

Devrath

Why did you refuse my father’s marriage proposal?

Satyavati

Your royal highness! I have a valid reason.

Devrath

The king of Hastinapur asked you to get married to him. And you want to refuse the fortune of becoming the queen of Hastinapur.

Satyavati

Your royal highness! You will soon become King. Post which, my son will become royal servants. I don’t want to lead a life like royal servants. Forgive me for rejecting your father’s proposal.

Devrath

I promise you I will never ascend the throne. I leave all rights and privileges as the crown prince

Satyavati

But what if your sons want to become a king

Devrath

I promise you I will never marry. Now will you marry my father

Satyavati

Yes

Devrath and Satyavati walk to the palace.

Devrath and Satyavati meet Shantanu.

Shantanu

Why my son? Why did you take such a difficult oath?

Devrath

For your happiness and well-being

Shantanu

I name you Bhishma. You will be remembered for eternity for your difficult oath.

Devrath touches his feet.

Shantanu

I give a boon. You will die only when you wish. Otherwise, even death wouldn’t be able to harm you.

Devrath smile.

Shantanu and Satyavati get married.

King Shantanu and Satyavati at the meeting hall of the palace. Ministers have occupied seats. And in the center, King and Queen are seated.

King Shantanu

Dear Ministers, meet your Queen Satyavati.

Ministers stand up from their seats and shower flowers on King and Queen.

Ministers (in unison)

Hail to the King! Hail to the Queen! Hail to the Hastinapur!

Satyavati and King Shantanu smile.

 Moral: Think before you make a promise.

Happy Reading!

About the writer: Nisha B Thakur is the author of a highly appreciated novel, The Blue Jinx.

King Shantanu marries Ganga | Mahabharata Stories | Folktale stories with moral lesson

 

King Shantanu chants mantra pouring water from his hand into the river Ganga. He is praying to Lord Sun.

King Shantanu

Namaskar Lord Sun. Please ensure the wellbeing of my kingdom.

 

He walks back to his palace and sees a beautiful woman on the banks of the river Ganga. Her all-white attire and beautiful face attract him. He walks to her.

King Shantanu

Oh, beautiful lady. May I know your name, please?

Ganga

Your Royal Highness, King of Hastinapur, King Shantanu. I am a human form of the river Ganga. You can call me Ganga.

King Shantanu

Oh, dear, will you marry me? I will keep you happy.

Ganga

I am honoured to receive your marriage proposal.

King Shantanu removes his gold chain and puts it on Ganga’s neck.

King Shantanu

Marry me?

Ganga

Your Royal Highness, I will marry you. But I have one condition.

King Shantanu

Please tell me what you want. I will give you anything you want, my dear.

Ganga

Your Royal Highness, after our marriage, you would not ask me any questions about my actions. If you ever ask any question, I will leave you.

King Shantanu

Yes, I won’t question your actions. Now, my dear, please say yes.

Ganga smiles.

King Shantanu and Ganga at the meeting hall of the palace. Ministers have occupied seats. And in the center, King and Queen are seated.

King Shantanu

Dear Ministers, meet your Queen Ganga.

Ministers stand up from their seats and shower flowers on King and Queen.

Ministers (in unison)

Hail to the King! Hail to the Queen! Hail to the Hastinapur!

Ganga and King Shantanu smile.

King Shantanu is pacing up and down. He is anxious. The maid enters the room.

Maid

Your Royal Highness, I have good news for you.

King Shantanu

Yes!

He removes a gold chain and gives it to her.

Maid

Your Royal Highness, Queen Ganga, has given birth to a son.

King Shantanu

Oh, Lord Sun. I express my gratitude for all your happiness.

He claps. And a Minister appears.

Minister

Yes, Your Royal Highness.

King Shantanu

Distribute sweets and clothes to the poor and needy. Arrange a special lunch ceremony for relatives, friends, royal ministers, and their families.

Minister

Yes, Your Royal Highness.

King Shantanu holds the baby. He plays with him. He is standing near the window.

King Shantanu

Look, son, this is our kingdom. One day you will rule it. I will make you the best king we ever had.

Baby cries. King claps, and the maid appears.

King Shantanu

Take him to Queen Ganga; I think he wants milk.

Maid takes him.

King Shantanu is enjoying the sunset view. He spots Ganga with the baby in her arms. He walks towards her. He sees her drowning the child.

King Shantanu

No, please, no.

King Shantanu cries. Ganga walks past him.

King Shantanu remembers…

King Shantanu

Oh, dear, will you marry me? I will keep you happy.

Ganga

Your Royal Highness, if you agree with one condition.

King Shantanu

Please tell me what you want. I will give you anything you want, my dear.

Ganga

Your Royal Highness, after marriage, you would not ask me any questions about my actions. If you ever ask any question, I will leave you.

King Shantanu

Yes, I won’t question your actions. Now, my dear, please say yes.

King Shantanu looks at her, devastated but doesn’t ask her anything.

One by one, seven sons were born and were drowned by Ganga. Shantanu is devastated.

King Shantanu chants mantra pouring water from his hand into the river Ganga. He is praying to Lord Sun.

King Shantanu

Namaskar Lord Sun. Please ensure the wellbeing of my kingdom.

He starts crying.

King Shantanu

Please save my eighth child, my lord. I have already lost my seven sons. Ganga must be arriving here, and she will kill my son. Please save him.

Ganga comes to the riverside holding baby in her arms. King Shantanu runs to her.

King Shantanu

You are a cruel mother. I won’t allow you to drown my eighth son.

Ganga

Your royal highness, I want to remind you about your promise

King Shantanu

I break my promise. A cruel woman like you don’t deserve to be my wife. Why are you killing my son? Answer me!

Ganga

Now that you have broken your promise. I will tell you the reason. But you will have to pay a heavy price for it.

King Shantanu

I confront you, wicked woman. Answer me!

Ganga

Your royal highness, our eight sons were Eight Vasus who were cursed by Vasishta to be born on earth as mortal humans.

King Shantanu

So?

Ganga

Vasus pacified Vasishta; he limited his curse and told them that they would be freed from this curse within a year of their birth as humans. I killed our sons to free them from the curse. But this one.

Ganga looks at the baby

Ganga

He will have to bear the curse of long life and never have a wife or have children.

King Shantanu

A cursed life for my son. No!

Ganga

But the sage also gave a boon to him that he would be virtuous, conversant with all the holy scriptures, and will be an obedient son to his father.

King Shantanu

It’s my fault! I wish I had trusted you. And had not questioned your integrity.

King Shantanu cries. King Shantanu holds the child.

King Shantanu

Sorry, because of me, you will live a life full of pain. Forgive me, my son.

Ganga

Your royal highness, it’s not your fault. It’s his karma.

King Shantanu

Son, I am naming you Devrath. I will bring you up like a warrior. Prepare you to fight the challenges. Let’s take him to sage Parshuram. We will request him to be his teacher.

Ganga

Your royal highness, I will fulfill your wish.

King Shantanu

Why dear? Don’t tell me you are taking away my son!

Ganga

Your royal highness, allow me to take Devrath to heaven and train him properly for the King's throne and status.

King Shantanu

Please, don’t leave me. I am sorry for breaking my promise.

Ganga

Sorry, your royal highness.

Ganga walks on top of the river streams, disappears along with the child. Shantanu cries, and in the background sunsets.

Moral: Think before you make a promise.

Happy Reading!

About the writer: Nisha B Thakur is the author of a highly appreciated novel, The Blue Jinx.

Short stories indian folk tales | The woodcutter and the ax

Once upon a time, there lived a woodcutter named Bhola. Bhola worked at King’s royal kitchen. His job was to ensure that the royal kitchen should never run out of firewood. His routine was to get up early in the morning, mount his horse, and go to the jungle to get firewood.
One fine day when he got up, it was raining very heavily. There was no firewood in the royal reserve too, as one day prior the king had hosted a huge gathering. Alas, today it was pouring continuously. Worried Bhola didn’t know what he should do. He went to meet the king and said, “My Lord, I am quitting my job as the royal woodcutter. I failed to provide firewood to the royal kitchen this morning. I am not the best in my work.”
The queen who was also present in the room, said, “But my Lord, we have enough food from last evening gatherings we don’t need firewood for the next two days.”
The King and queen said to Bhola it was not his fault. But Bhola insisted on quitting the job.
The king asked him to give his ax to him and asked him to promise not to do woodcutting ever. He gave his ax to the king and promised the king that he would do as he said.
“You have given your ax to me, now you can leave,” said the King.Bhola left from the palace. He only took his clothes and coins he had saved from his salary. He reached his village. Every day he missed his ax dearly. Bhola thought about what job can he do apart from woodcutting. Soon his coins, his savings were over and he had not thought of a new job.
He went back to the palace and told the King what he felt and asked him to give his ax back.
King laughed and said, “Now you realize that to do your job, you need not be best, but be sincere which you are. You missed your ax and you love your job very sincerely. Rains were just a situation that was out of your control.”
Bhola happily took his ax back and joined back as the royal woodcutter.
Moral- Don’t try to become the best; try to be sincere.
Happy reading!

About the writer: Nisha B Thakur is the author of a highly appreciated novel, The Blue Jinx.

Very short stories with moral | Miser man and his wealth

A very long time ago, there lived a miser man named Achuta. Achuta worked hard all day to earn two coins. He kept one coin in his pocket to meet his day-to-day expenses. And kept the other coin in the pot inside the vault. He treated this pot as his reserve wealth. He never intended to touch it.
Once Achuta had to visit his sister’s home. His sister stayed very far from his village. He was worried about leaving his wealth open for a thief in an empty house. So, he brought home a dog and trained him not to allow anyone to enter the house.
Before the day he had to leave for his sister’s home, Achuta decided to test the dog. In the darkness of night, he entered his house dressed up in black clothes pretending to be a goon. The dog saw him; instead, the dog didn’t not bark but went and sat at Achuta’s feet.
Achuta was disappointed and removed the dog after beating it very severely. He canceled his trip and sent the letter to his sister.After a few days, an old man came to his house. He was Achuta’s uncle. Achuta welcome him and told him about the dog.Achuta’s uncle laughed and said, “You shouldn’t have removed the dog. He was faithful.”
Surprised, Achuta asked him, “How can you say he was faithful when he allowed a goon to enter the house?”
“Because he has recognized you dressed as a goon, don’t you know dogs recognize their master by smell,” said the uncle.
Achuta realized his mistake and started looking for the dog, but he was unable to find him. Repenting his actions, now he would live worried about his wealth forever.
Moral- Aim to create wealth, but don’t let it make your life miserable.

Happy reading!

About the writer: Nisha B Thakur is the author of a highly appreciated novel, The Blue Jinx.