sundaralekhan

[sundaralekhan]

DAY 1: VASUBARAS

Govatsa Dwadashi or Vasubaras 2020 falls on November 12 this year. The day falls on the 12th day of the Krishna Paksha of the Ashwin month according to the Lunisolar calendar.

As the name suggests, the day is dedicated to the worship of cows and calves. Devotees offer food to the cows on the day to seek their blessings, some even observe a day-long fast on the day.

Story Behind the day under the cut

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#diwali

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#day 10

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Sundaralekhan Day 9

Mahabharat: Vidur

Mahabharat is such a complex historic tale of Family and politics which laid the foundations of many histories in the later times. The characters, the platform, the storylines and interwined morals it's all about them . The bridge established in form of story between right and wrong ; between ethics, morals , justice and greed , betrayal ,pride .

One story where characters show both shades of characters, but always with little darker shades at some point or other . But the one character that stood Strong in all aspect of time is Vidur.

Fighting for what is right and ethical, on side of Dharma , he was the one who stood for Pandavas and protected them like their father even though he was working among Kaurav clan . He was the most courageous one in all aspect that he did fear even speaking against The King himself. While everyone choosing the easy way of Greed and False Pride , he Boldly choose the most difficult of Dharma.

"One who can not see by eyes is not blind , but whose vision can't see beyond greed is The One"

The great philosopher,the best politician, the righteous man and the boldest one he was like Lotus in the muddy water . A symbol of Dharma , Rightly said he was the DharmaRaja.

Thanks @chaanv @fyeahhindumythology for giving your insights and sharing your knowledge with me . 🪷

Tag: @sundaralekhan @allegoriesinmediasres @ramayantika

#day 9

[sundaralekhan]

Once again trying my hand at a chapterwise fic (reblogs are appreciated)!

Baby Garuda Experiences Childhood Trauma

Garuda Tries his Hand at Snake BBQ but Ends up with A Quest

Garuda Meets His Absentee Father and gets Directions + A Snack

Indra's About to Get His Ass Kicked

Garuda Destroys The Heavens and gets The Amrit

Sister Rivalries TM

Garuda and Vinata Finally get A Happy Ending after A Series of Unfortunate Events

tagging @nocgf @allegoriesinmediasres @sundaralekhan @villainousorigins @lilisouless @weird-u @maccharfucker @carmen-riddle @chaanv @wtfrochh @spacey-wallflower @sherlockisactuallyagaysname

#day X

[sundaralekhan]

Originally intended for @sundaralekhan though now it is far too late for a submission, regardless, mentioning just in case.

Day 8: Ramayana: Here’s the fic- Samnidhi

Tagging my usual mutuals: @medhasree @arjunaparantapa @shaonharryandpannisim @allegoriesinmediasres (event mod) @ambitiousandcunning @khudrang @hindumyththoughts @mitskiacoustic @iamnotthat.

#day 8

[sundaralekhan]

Ramayana 1987 | Episode 33

Rama has found the dying Jatayu, who was mutilated in his fierce battle to stop Ravana from abducting Sita, and asks this of him. One of my favorite badass boasts that Ramanand Sagar added into the epic.

[IDs in alt text]

#day 7

[sundaralekhan]

Would anyone be interested in a Hindu mythology fic exchange? Not right away because Sundaralekhan just got over and I am busy with work and upcoming school semester, but I'm gauging if there is any interest.

#mod post

[sundaralekhan]

@sundaralekhan Day 9 : Mahabharat - Amba and Shikhandi

Shikhandi is Amba. Shikhandi isn't Amba.

I have a bone to pick with how Shikhandi's character is dealt with in Mahabharat retellings. Rant below cut for those interested but the gist of it is, Shikhandi, being Amba's next life, often gets his character arc and motivation conflated with Amba and I don't really like that 🤷‍♀️

Mahabharat is really really big and minor characters have way too much personality and that isn't something any adaptation or retelling could practically capture in it's entirety. That being said, I really do think Shikhandi gets unfairly treated! Amba's rebirth in the kingdom of Panchal - a kingdom with an existing grudge against Hastinapur via Dron - is the basis of Shikhandi's existence. It defined his role in the Kurukshetra War. And yet, is that all there is to Shikhandi? What about the story of Shikhandi - the prince of Panchal? What about Shikhandi - Draupadi's brother? What about Shikhandi - one who willingly transitioned and is a rare example of a canon afab/trans masc character?

Conflating Shikhandi with Amba, in the Best case scenarios, means his character arc gets lost completely. Worse than that? Rampant deadnaming or misgendering that could be anything from getting cis women to play Shikhandi or flat out going with 'Bheeshm didn't shoot because Shikhandi isn't really a man'. Bheeshm didn't shoot because he knew Shikhandi was Amba in his past life! Bheeshm knew it was his fate - that Shikhandi was finally there to avenge Amba! Shikhandi was the vassal that carried out Amba's revenge! Isn't that a far more dramatic interpretation of the text than blatant misgendering?

There is so much to explore in Shikhandi's character! He remembers his past life as a cis woman. How does that play into gender dysphoria? No one other than Krishna knew how Bheeshm would end up dying - so what was Shikhandi's plan anyway? Did Shikhandi ever think of not carrying out Amba's revenge? Was there ever a conflict of motivation? Maybe it's too unrealistic to hope for an adaptation that actually explores these. Though I do think Paintal did justice to Shikhandi in B. R. Chopra Mahabharat as much as he could!

#day 9

[sundaralekhan]

@sundaralekhan Day 8 - Ramayana : Ram and The Broken Bow

Ram and Sita were perfect for each other! Or were they....

Ram 'won' Sita's Swayamvar on a technicality. The challenge was to string Pinak - Shiva's bow and it was a test of strength. When no one else could lift it, Ram not only lifted and strung the bow, he put so much strength into stringing it that the bow broke. We all know the angered Parshuram story that came after that. But this little anatomy practice got me thinking if there is more to it than just angering Parshuram.

Ram did put effort into their relationship. He crossed half the continent to rescue Sita from Ravan and those tales are immortalized for all to hear. And yet Sita left. And yet Sita had to leave because Ram was now putting in too much effort into being a 'just ruler' by the way of maintaining an image! Ram broke that bow once again when Sita was exiled a second time. And she would rather have the ground swallow her whole than go back to him. Quite literally.

PS : Clearing my Sundaralekhan backlog. Day 9 will be up soon!

#day 8

[sundaralekhan]

sundaralekhan day-10

tagging- @allegoriesinmediasres res, @sundaralekhan

Summary:

a small drabble centered around ganesha and a 6 year old me

Chapter Text

the girl gazed at the sky from the windowsill with the little marble ganesha in her hands with a smile on her face “ look anna , isn’t it beautiful, the sky” “ it is ,kid .” replied ganesha to the girl , and he sat down beside her

“ you’re a really awesome anna , you know that .” said the girl to ganesha to which he simply hugged her and smiled only for that beautiful moment to be dissolved by a loud ring and her mom shouting , “ kanna it is 6 am , wake up you have school.”

#day 10

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@sundaralekhan Day 9 : Mahabharat

Maya Mahal (Palace Of Illusions)

#day 9

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Andal says, the great Lord who churned the Milky Ocean for nectar and became Madhava (spouse of Ma - Lakshmi) and who has such beautiful curly tresses and who killed horse-demon Keshi, hence got the name Keshava, was worshipped by the moon-faced bejewelled damsels through this Pavai Nonbu (lent) to obtain the Parai (the drum and the divine grace), which was narrated by the daughter of coop lotus like Bhattar Piran (Vishnuchittar aka Periazhwar) of Srivilliputhur, named Godha (Andal) through this garland of hymns in beautiful Sanga Tamizh language, and whoever recipes all these 30 pasurams without fail, will be blessed by that great Lord of prosperity (Sri or Selvam) who has four strong shoulders and red eyes on his beautiful face, and they too will live with all prosperity and happiness due to His divine grace.

~ summary of the 30th and final pasuram of Thiruppavai by my dad

@sundaralekhan day 10 : Creator's choice ~ Andal

#day 10

[sundaralekhan]

Sundaralekhan: Day 10

Creator's choice

।। Draupadi and Subhadra ।।

The bards say that the two women's relationship was strenuous. And why shouldn't it be? They were two women who loved the same man, two women who were vastly different in terms of personality and background. They were two women torn apart by the thorns of politics, diplomacy and love. It is said that when Subhadra entered the palace of Indraprastha, the proud empress turned away and rejected her presence.

But, little is known of the two queens everlasting friendship and solidarity. You see, that doesn't make for good poems, that simply doesn't make for good tales that would grab people's interests. After all, the world is quite fond of making enemies out of two women.

Draupadi first saw Subhadra when she came to visit Panchal with her Sakha. She was his little sister, the light of his life. Draupadi was delighted. The walls of her father's fort was suffocating with no one to talk to. Dhri was busy with his princely duties and Krishna hardly ever visited, when he did, he spent most of his time discussing affairs of the state with her father, and she was not allowed to enter those conversations. She had her own frustrations. She didn't like a lot of things about her father's reign. She had ideas and plans to improve the matters of state, but no one really ever took her ideas seriously. But Subhadra did.

At first, Draupadi thought Subhadra to be shy. But, as she became more comfortable in her presence, Subhadra's wit and personality began to shine through. She did not dismiss Draupadi's ideas, rather she listened and analysed them, sometimes pointing out flaws. She had her own ideas that she shared with Draupadi, she gave her books and scriptures she ought to read. The week that Subhadra stayed in Panchal was the best week Draupadi had. The two princesses were inseparable, they could often be found in palace wings talking excitedly to each other or laughing. Subhadra had taken to calling her didi and Draupadi was immensely fond of her new sister. The day of Subhadra's departure, Draupadi was found looking at the best jewellery Panchal had to offer to gift Subhadra. As she had come to find out, Subhadra was fond of thin bangles that would jingle when she wore them. Krishna came to visit her when she was choosing among the many sets of bangles the jeweller had produced.

"I see you two have grown quite close."

He said.

"Your sister is a much more interesting companion than you. If we were to run an empire, we would do a much better job than you and Balram tau."

"Remember your own words, Panchali, when you meet her again."

"What do you mean by that? Why would I need to remember that?"

"You would. Now listen, Your father is arranging a Swayamvar for you. Princes and kings and warriors of all kind will be invited. Your father has devised quite a plan."

"....."

"He has a challenge for your suitors. It's immensely difficult and can only be bested by the greatest warrior on earth."

Draupadi's throat felt dry. She knew this day would come. Yet she didn't quite grasp it. She thought she had more time.

"And who is the greatest warrior on earth?"

"How would I know Krishnaa?! We will find out at the swayamvar."

With that, he left. Draupadi was left puzzled by his cryptic words.

Many years later, when she stood at the entrance of Indraprastha, waiting to welcome the new bride and groom, she remembered Krishna's words.

"remember your own words"

She certainly did. She felt a pang in her heart. She would have ignored any other consort, but Subhadra felt like a betrayal. She knew of her marriage, then why did she not reject the proposal?!

That night, Subhadra came to her chambers.

"Didi..."

"Do not call me that Princess Subhadra. And do not enter my chambers unannounced."

"My apologies your majesty, I have only come to seek your blessings."

Her blessings?! Draupadi's heart boiled with anger, but she also had the urge to laugh. This girl....she had some audacity.

"I realise how ridiculous that sounds, but I assure you, this was not my choice"

"...."

"I liked Prince Arjuna, I did wish to be his consort, but I knew he was married to you, and I could not do that to you. But my brothers insisted. They said that I could solidify the allyship between Dwarka and Indraprastha. They also said that Prince Duryodhana wished to have me as his bride. He was pressuring Balram tau. It came down to marrying Duryodhana or Arjuna."

Draupadi kept quiet, urging her to continue.

"I still did not wish it, although I liked the prince very much, and he liked me, I did not wish to betray you. But it was clear that Hastinapur was increasing its pressure and tau was close to giving in. I chose to go with Arjun, on one condition. I would only live with Arjun as his wife of we have your blessings. Otherwise, I would return to Dwarka, my marriage only being a formal one."

Subhadra took a deep breath. Draupadi sighed. A cool breeze was wafting through the open window. Politics and powers, those were all that mattered. It was always about forming allies and gaining authority. The illusion of choice was all people were offered.

"Did Arjuna want you? Or was he convinced by your brother? Did he also do this for diplomacy?"

"He visited me often and talked to me. He listened with interest the tales of our friendship. He listened to my ideas. It was clear he respected and liked me. The feeling was mutual, but neither of us truly wished to be married. I told him of my reservations. He said he understood. But he also said that my brother was right, and Indraprastha could not afford to lose Dwarka as its ally. "

Draupadi nodded.

"Do you love him?"

"Not yet."

"Do you see yourself loving him? Do you wish to stay here?"

"I do."

Draupadi was silent for a long time. She kept going back to her conversation with Madhav. Did he plan this? Did he know this would happen? Did he know that Subhi and his sakhi would be used as mere pawns in the games of politics? Did he know how they both felt about him? Did he know that when this conversation would happen, she would not be able to turn her sister away?

She looked up at the moon and smiled faintly.

"Then come. We have an empire to build."

@sundaralekhan

#day 10

[sundaralekhan]

sundaralekhan day-9

a snippet from my childhood featuring a 9 year old me and a skit based on draupadi vastraharan and how it went horribly wrong

tagging- @allegoriesinmediasres , @sundaralekhan

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#day 9

[sundaralekhan]

śrī -bhagavān uvāca

kutas tvā kaśmalam idam visame samupashthitam

anārya-justam asvargyam akīrti-karam arjuna

Lord Krishna said, "Oh Arjuna, from where has this illusion of yours appeared in this moment of crisis? This is not befitting honorable men nor conducive to the attainment of heavenly spheres and is the cause of infamy.

~ Bhagavad Gita, verse 2 (translation from bhagavad-gita.com)

@sundaralekhan day 9 : Mahabharata

#day 9

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Sundaralekhan ; Hindu Myth Event

Day - 10 : Creator's Choice

♛┈⛧┈┈•༶༶•┈┈⛧┈♛

Indra :-

King of the Gods. God of thunder, lightning, rain, war, protection. Patron of musicians and artists. Master of the brave Maruts, graceful Apsaras and delightful Gandharvas and the divine white elephant Airavat. Wielder of the great weapon, Vajra, the master bolt. The ruler of the heavens, Swarg Lok.

Rig Vedic Hymn to Indra :-

"Mighty is Indra, yea supreme; greatness be his, the Thunderer. Wide as the heaven extends his power. Which aideth those to win them sons, who come as heroes to the fight, or singers loving holy thoughts."

#day 10

[sundaralekhan]

Sundarlekhan day-6

what happened to draupadi has now happened to me

summary:

Now it is a moment that I imagined Sauron saying this after being raped by pharazôn . Since I have not finished sirivennela yet I cauld not post it as this is in its sequel . but i thought hey since it is Sundarlekhan I could post it as it contains references to draupadi vastraharanam

i have skipped day 4 and 5 as i could not write it

tw. mention of vastraharanam and rape and spoiler for the sequel of sirivennela

@allegoriesinmediasres , @sundaralekhan

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#day 6