Narayana is the goal of every soul (Jeeva). Due to accumulated actions (Karma), every Jeeva (referred to as Narah) remains in the cycle of life and death, taking different forms. The soul itself has no death, even if the body perishes. Realizing this dissolves most fears. The goal (Ayanam) of people who achieve this realization is Narayana.

Yudhiṣṭhira means one who stands firm in the battle without withdrawing. When Yudhiṣṭhira was born, an Asariri proclaimed that the child would be the best among men, would be the best among Dhārmic men and would be known for his truthfulness.

Gangā had promised to Prateepa that she would be extremely affectionate to her son and would make him happy. However, he cannot question any of her actions. Prateepa had conveyed this to Shantanu. When Shantanu asked Gangā to be his wife, she again obtained a promise from Shantanu that he would not question her actions and will always speak affectionately.

He maintained this promise even though Gangā drowned seven of their sons one by one. He could not hold himself back when Gangā was about to drown the eighth child. At that time, Gangā revealed that she is Gangā and narrated the story behind the drowning of seven sons. Gangā then said that the eighth child will bring fame to him. She promised to bring him up and then return him to Shantanu.

When Yudhiṣṭhira agreed that Bhīma can marry Hiḍimbā, Bhīma laid down a condition. He said he would stay with Hiḍimbā till a child is born. Soon a large baby was born to them. He had a bald head and therefore the Pāṇḍavas called him Ghaṭotkaca, or pot like head. Hiḍimbā realised that it is the time for departure. She promised that she and her child will appear for Pāṇḍavas whenever they need them. Ghaṭotkaca also promised Bhīma that he would come to Bhīma’s help whenever he is needed.

The name Bhārata is only one of the ancient names of India. It was called Ajanābha Desam also. Āryāvartam means a land of noble or wise people. This reference appears in Manusmriti.

Kashyapa Maharishi was performing a Putrakamekshti Yajna with the help of Valakhilya Rishis. The Rishis were thumb-sized. For the Yajna they carried the nerve of one leaf with a lot of effort. At the same time, Indra (son of Kashyapa Maharishi through Aditi) was also helping in carrying provisions for the Yajna. He jumped above the heads of the tiny rishis and made fun of their stature. The enraged rishis cursed that someone stronger than Indra will take birth. Kashyapa Maharishi pacified them and sought their forgiveness. The rishis said that he will take birth, but as a king of birds and as your own son. Garuda was later born as the son of Kashyapa Maharishi and Vinata. Thus Indra and Garuda are brothers (sons of Kashyapa Maahrishi through different mothers).

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.

Drupada requested Yājar to conduct an offering that wil yield a progeny who can kill Drona. Drupada told Yājar that Drona is very powerful and that his bow is six cubits long. He said that Drona is capable of slaying the entire Kshatriya race like Paraśurāma. Drona has both Brahma balam and Kshatriya balam whereas Drupada has only Kshatriya balam. He promised Yājar one crore cows as an offering for conducting the Yajna.

By mixing a crushed Kacha with the alcohol that Śukrāchārya drank, Asurās were able to put the Rishi in a spot. He could not revive Kacha without killing himself.

Realizing this weakness, Śukrāchārya amended the code of conduct for Brahmins to include abstinence from alcohol.

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.