Arthatatvam

  Once upon a time, Lord Shiva was explaining the Vedas to Goddess Parvati. This went on for many years and eventually Parvati's attention got a little diverted. This irritated Shiva and he cursed her to be born as a fisherwoman. He immediately repented after doing this. But, once a curse is uttered, it cannot be revoked. Hence, Parvati was born as a baby on earth and found lying under a tree by the Chief of Paravaras (A clan of fishermen). He adopted her and bought her up. She was a quick learner and learnt all the skills of fishermen. Soon, she was admired by all. Meanwhile, Lord Shiva was repenting in his abode. Nandi (his attendant) consoled him and came up with a plan. Shiva agreed. Nandi took the form of a shark and began to torment the village of the fishermen. Then, the Chief of the Paravaras told he would offer his daughter, Parvati to the person who captures the shark. Many fishermen tried to capture the shark, but to no avail. Then, finally when the Chief of Paravaras as...

  Once upon a time, King Kaushika and his army went on a hunt. They soon became tired and hungry. So, they searched for food and water everywhere. They then came across Sage Vasishta's hermitage and asked him for food and water. Sage Vasishta and his wife Arundhati, offered them a sumptuous meal. King Kaushika was puzzled. He wondered how a poor Sage like Vasishta could offer him and his huge army such a sumptuous meal. He asked the Sage how he was able to do so. Vasishta told Kaushika that he could do this with the help of his cow, Kamadhenu (wish-fulfilling cow) which he had got as a gift from Lord Indra. King Kaushika then thought such an animal would be more useful to a king that a Sage. He asked Vasishta if he could give his cow. Vasishta said the cow was like a daughter to him and hence could not part with it. Kaushika pleaded several times but the Sage did not relent. This angered Kaushika and he asked his army to take possession of the cow forcefully! Vasishta asked Kamadhe...