Devlok With Devdutt Pattanaik

Devdutt Pattanaik uncovers the hidden stories of the greatest epics in Hindu mythology, Ramayana and Mahabharata. Like the Sumerians, Hindus wrote poetic stories which focused on the powers of the gods. Ramayana translates to the story of Rama. It is believed that Valmiki, a Brahmin whose style of writing poetry was carried forward from that point on, wrote the epic. Following its main hero Rama on his journey to Lanka, Ramayana praises the heroism and virtues of the Aryan warrior princes. Mahabharata meaning The Great India, is said to be written by a Brahmin Veda Vyasa. It is divided into verses interspersed with passages of prose. A story incorporated into the Mahabharata came to be known as the Bhagvad Gita.

Trimurti translates as three forms. It is an iconographic representation of God in Hinduism which depicts divinity as a threefaced figure. These three faces represent Gods roles of creation, preservation and destruction which are associated with Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Sustainer and Shiva the Destroyer.Devdutt Pattanaik discusses the three personas and their different modalities in this episode. The trio are assisted in their duties by their consorts, Saraswati, Laxmi and Parvati respectively. The specific gods of the Trimurti each have their own origins in Hindu mythology but the single iconographic representation finds its source in the Vedas. It is only after the arrival of the Puranas that Trimurti becomes a standard doctrine.

Colors play an important role in Hindu culture and have a deep significance transcending decorative values. Hindus use colors on their deities and their clothes, signifying their qualities. Devdutt Pattanaik introduces the concept of using a specific color for a deity to create an environment that highlights the persona of the god or goddess.Some of the more prominent colors used in our rituals and festivals are red, green and saffron. While goddesses Saraswati and Parvati are seen in red sarees, goddess Laxmi is seen in white. Similarly, sages are seen in saffron. Devdutt does a comparative study on the use of colors by hermits and householders. The legend of the color filled festival, Holi, is also highlighted.

In the first episode of Season 2, Devdutt breaks down two simple yet abstract ideas of Hindu philosophy Dhyan and Darshan. Providing an analogy between the Hindi and the English disclaimers that open every episode, Devdutt explains that Darshan means to see and Dhyan refers to think about or process what one has seen. With examples ranging from devotees praying at a temple to ascetics giving up on the material world, Devdutt explains how the practice originated in the Vedic era and how it further developed as Jainism, Buddhism and Hinduism became diverse. Although the meaning behind the terms remain the same, they are discussed differently in various texts. Devdutt touches upon these contexts and provides a better understanding of Dhyan and Darshan.

Devdutt Pattanaik narrates the popular story of Amrit Manthan in a lucid manner explaining how it was the cause for the emergence of various gems, gods and goddesses from the Ocean of Milk. He also explores the essence and the meaning of Dharma, Artha and Kama and how they have become an integral part of Hindu mythology. Devdutt also sheds some light on other stories like Shivas Neel Kant and the Chaar Dhams in this episode.

In this episode, Devdutt discusses the numerous vans forests in Hindu mythology. Forests form an interesting backdrop to many mythological stories. Several gods and devas are associated with forests, providing a close connection with the Hindu way of life. Devdutt talks in depth about how forests have provided prosperity, life and shelter to different beings throughout mythology and how the forest is a space where Matsya Nyay Survival of the Fittest is the norm. With this understanding, he provides an analogy between the workings of forest and those of field.

The first episode of the new season of Devlok with Devdutt Pattnaik explores the ancient Indian tradition of Yoga. Devdutt elaborates on its types, the concept of tantra, mantra and yantra while demonstrating how deep rooted yoga and its philosophies are in the Indian ethos.

Fathers play a pivotal role in Hindu mythology and have a deep significance transcending family values. Devdutt Pattanaik introduces Vedic Gods as fathers and explains the sophisticated concept of fatherhood according to Puranas. Brahma, who is credited as the Creator, is also known as the Father and the Grandfather of all living beings. Devdutt also elaborates on the importance of bearing children and the stature of a son and a daughter in ones family.

Our ancient texts abound with stories of kings and kingship, some courageous, some cowardly, some just and some unjust. This episode of Devlok with Devdutt Pattanaik shines the spotlight on Ram Rajya and why it is deemed most successful. He also elaborates the stark difference between Ram and Ravana as rulers and their ideologies on how Ravana only ambitioned to be the King, while Ram desired the onus of a King. Know about Lord Krishna as a guardian and the symbols of kingship including lion throne, gold royal footwear, stool, chhatri and chakra.