Śaradvān was a Rishi born with arrows. Therefore he was more interested in learning about weapons. He started accumulating weapons through Tapas which worried Indra. He sent the apsaras Jānavatī to distract him. Śaradvān started getting distracted but he became conscious of the distraction. He abandoned his belongings including the weapons and tried to leave the place. Meanwhile his vital fluid got discharged and fell on the string of the bow and twins were born.

Shāntanu was the ruling king at that time. His servant found the twins and brought them to Shāntanu who then adopted them as his own sons. As they were brought up by the compassion of Shāntanu, they were named as Kṛpa and Kṛpī.

After getting defeated by Arjuna, Chitraratha imparted the knowledge of some magical powers. This knowledge, he said, was passed on by Manu to Soman, to Viśvāvasu and to Chitrarathan. With this knowledge, one can see whatever they wish to see and in whatever manner they would like to see. This knowledge was called Chākshushī Vidyā.

Vyāsa appeared before the Pāṇḍavas in the forest. He led them to Ekachakra Nagari. He organised a shelter for them in the house of a Brāhmin.

Nahusha was a great Dharmic King. His eldest son was Yati who became an ascetic. Yayāti was his second son and was crowned.

Yayāti was not faithful to his wife Devayāni. Therefore he was cursed by Śukrāchārya, the father of Devayāni.

Khanaka was Vidhura’s friend. He was sent by Vidhura to help Pāṇḍavas. Khanaka informs that he has been sent by Vidhura. He conveys Vidhura’s message that Purocana has planned to burn down the lacquer palace after a year once he has gained the Pāṇḍavas’ confidence. Pāṇḍavas trust Khanaka who helps them build a tunnel without the knowledge of Purocana.

RuRu is the grandson of Chyavana. He fell in love with Pramadvara who was born to Vishwavasu and Maneka but was brought up by Rishi Stulakesha. Just before their marriage, Pramadvara died of snakebite. A distraught RuRu was told by devatas that if he is willing to exchange half his life for Pramadvara, she would be revived. Thus Pramadvara was brought back to life and got married to RuRu. Pramadvara is a beautiful name which means a woman who is worthy of being choosen.

At the end of 1000 years, Yayāti exchanges his youth with his youngest son, who had borne Yayāti’s old age during these 1000 years.

Yayāti shared with him the learning he had gathered through 1000 years of enjoyment. He told his son that desires cannot be quenched by experiencing pleasures. Like pouring ghee in a Yajna, they will only grow bigger. Even when one loses, the desire does not lose and keeps growing. Therefore desire can only be renounced. True happiness is when we give up desire.

The 18 parvas can be organised into four groups. The first 5 parvas are called Aadhya Panchakam or the first 5. The next 5 parvas are called Yuddha Panchakam. The next three parvas are called Shanti Trayam. The last five parvas are called Andhya Panchakam. There are more than 2300 chapters which are further grouped into upa parvas.

Mohini avatar represents the fruit of our efforts. Mohini is Karma Pala Dhata or the one who gives the fruit of our efforts. In a similar way, the word “Vidhata” means the one who gives the fruit of our efforts.

Mohini avatar is also Gyana Pala Dhata. Atma Gyana (realization of self) leads to freedom from misery and worldly burden. It is Bhagawan himself who gives the power to Atma Gyana to lead us to moksha. He will remove all obstacles and give us complete mangalam (Mangalam Param). Thus Mohini avatar more aptly represents Gyana Pala Dhata in Samudra Manthanam.

Indra feared that Rishi Vishwāmitra’s tapas would elevate him beyond the gods. He sent the apsara Menaka to distract the sage. With the help of Marut and Manmatha, she succeeded, and their union resulted in the birth of Shakuntala.