A person is reborn in accordance with his Karma. He is able to move faster than wind at the time of rebirth. He sees his Karma like a dream. If he has accumulated good Karma, he attains a superior form. If he has accumulated bad Karma, he attains an inferior form like worm, insects etc.

The deer told Pāndu that even great sinners who do not have the sense of discernment will commit the sin that Pāndu has done. Therefore, his Prajna will be led astray by fate. He will die at his moment of intimacy and that his partner will also accompany him to Yamaloka.

The deer also told Pāndu that even though the deer was the son of a Rishi, Pāndu will not earn the curse of Brahmahatyā as he was unaware of the deer’s true identity.

Vyāsa was a great Tapasvi and it was not possible for ordinary women to approach him. Therefore he suggested to Satyavati that both the queens should undergo a strict regimen for one full year so that they gather the ability to approach him. Satyavati was impatient that the kingdom was without heir. Vyāsa then told Satyavati that if the queens can bear his ferocious looks, smell and dirty clothes, that itself would be equal to a year’s Tapas. However, Ambikā got frightened and closed her eyers. Ambālikā went pale with fear. Because of this, the children were born this way.

Mohini stole the Amrut from Asuras and handed it over to Devas. While the Devas were drinking the Amrut, Rahu disguised himself as a Deva and drank Amrut. Surya spotted this trick and picked out Rahu. An enraged Vishnu beheaded Rahu. However, since Rahu had already taken the Amrut, he stayed alive in two parts, head and the headless torso. Since then, there has also been a rivalry between Surya (and Chandra) and Rahu.

One day, the sage Jaratkaru fell asleep on his wife’s lap. The time for his evening rituals approached (sunset), but he did not wake up. This created a dilemma for his wife: If she did not wake him up, he would miss his rituals and break his Dharma (righteous duty), which would upset him and make him leave. If she woke him up, it would be an act of disobedience, which would also make him leave. She reasoned that since he was bound to leave either way, it was better that he upholds his Dharma. So she woke him up, despite it being an act of disobedience.

Yayāti had given a promise to Śukrāchārya that he will not covet Śarmiṣṭhā. However, Śarmiṣṭhā explained to him that lying is acceptable in five circumstances, when it is playful, during intimacy, for marriage, for protecting one’s life and for protecting one’s wealth.

However Yayāti was not convinced. He said, as a King, my duty is to set an example through my behaviour. I cannot take the excuse of a rule and then set a bad example.

Seshanaag is the name of the first son of Kadru and Kashyapa Maharishi. Second is Vasuki. Other sons were Takshaka, Elapatra, Kaliya, Airavata (a snake also) etc. Although Seshanaag was also cursed by Kadru, he did extra-ordinary Tapas in places like the Himalayas, Badri, Gokarna hills and Pushkar. Brahma (who was also the grand father of Seshanaag) granted him a boon. Seshanaag requested that he be disassociated from his evil brothers; and that he should always be thinking of Dharma. Brahma granted these boons and also requested Seshanaag to hold Bhoodevi who had been shaken by the evil deeds of his brothers.

After Menaka gave birth, she left the newborn on the banks of the river Mālini. Eagles surrounded and protected the helpless child. Rishi Kaṇva found her and raised her. Because she was protected by birds (Shakunta), she was named Shakuntala.

Rishi Śukrāchārya knew the Sanjeevani Vidya which could revive the dead. Therefore, Asurās could maintain a steady population while that of Dēva’s steadily decreased.
To overcome this, Dēva’s requested the Kacha, son of their Guru Brhaspati to study under Śukrāchārya and learn the Sanjeevani Vidya. Kacha accordingly did so.

The King picked one of the juicy fruits brought by the snake-brothers disguised as Brahmins. Takshaka was hiding inside the fruit as a strange worm. The King noticed the worm and, seeing the deadline about to lapse, thought: “The seven-day deadline given by the sage must not go to waste. I shall name the worm Takshaka and let it bite me. This way, the sage’s curse will be fulfilled, and I will remain alive.” Thus, the King celebrated victory before it was complete. As soon as he named the worm as Takshaka, it immediately transformed into a huge snake, wrapped itself around the King, and bit him to death.