Category Archives: Stories for Children

Bharatiya Katha Vaibhava

Hindu Significance and Symbolism, Stories for ChildrenBooks, children, Hinduism, Stories for Childrennaadopaasana

[For orders and discounts – Email : [email protected] / [email protected]]

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Bharatiya Katha Vaibhava – Vol 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5″.
Each Volume of Bharatiya Katha Vaibhava Series consists of 25 unique stories from our epics, puranas, stories related to our ancient temples & from the life of saints with beautiful colour illustrations.

There has been an overwhelming response with over 5,000 copies sold in India & overseas.
The books are a good read for both children and elders..  Bharatiya Katha Vaibhava books have been bought by schools for their library, to be given as mementoes, as competition prizes, birthday gifts etc.  A few reviews from the readers also have been attached. Books are available on Amazon. MRP of each book is Rs 199/-. Links to buy from Amazon are given below. However, the books can be bought at discounted rates from the author.

For discounts and orders WhatsApp or email – [email protected] / [email protected]

Reviews from the readers:

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About the author:

Shreedarshan K has worked as an Assistant Professor (Electronics) for over 14 years at M S Ramaiah Institute of Technology.
Apart from teaching Undergraduate and Postgraduate students he also regularly visits schools to give guest lectures on Science and Mathematics.
Over the years he has developed a keen interest in story telling for children. He is also a carnatic vocalist. He is also involved in promoting Indian classical music and art forms, culture and traditions through his association with schools in Bangalore. Apart from being a blog writer (naadopaasana.co.in), he also has an educational YouTube channel “Lectures by Shreedarshan” featuring lecture videos on various Engineering topics and Mathematics. 

He also has authored 5 books titled ” Bharatiya Katha Vaibhava – Volume 1,2,3,4 & 5″.

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𝐁𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐲𝐚 𝐊𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐚 𝐕𝐚𝐢𝐛𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐚 – 𝐕𝐨𝐥 𝟏 , 𝟐 , 𝟑 , 𝟒 & 5 (Books for Children)

For bulk orders and discounts DM Email : [email protected] / [email protected]

Volume 1: https://www.amazon.in/Bharatiya-Katha-Vaibhava-1-Shreedarshan/dp/9390011663/

Volume 2: https://www.amazon.in/Bharatiya-Katha-Vaibhava-2-Shreedarshan/dp/9390640199/

Volume 3: https://www.amazon.in/Bharatiya-Katha-Vaibhava-Shreedarshan-K/dp/9390640946/

Volume 4: https://www.amazon.in/Bharatiya-Katha-Vaibhava-4-SHREEDARSHAN/dp/9393029547

Volume 5: https://www.amazon.in/Bharatiya-Katha-Vaibhava-Shreedarshan-K/dp/9395217553/

CHILDREN: the Architects of the Future World ~ Swami Chinmayananda

Hindu Significance and Symbolism, Stories for Childrenchildren, Hinduism, value based storiesnaadopaasana

[Excerpts from articles and letters by Swami Chinmayananda]

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CHILDREN are the “architects of the future world”. They are the builders of humanity. They alone are our only hope for the future. If the future is to be bright, we have to mould our children to think in a new pattern, with a new inspiration and a new vision in their minds. If the present children are moulded in their attitudes, in their values, in their ideas, and in their ideals, we can logically expect a better and more organised world of tomorrow and achieve the design for the world that we hope for at this moment. It is the most sacred task of the parents as well as teachers to mould their lives in accordance with the sublime Indian Tradition. The seed of spiritual values should be sown in the young hearts, and the condition should be made favourable for its sprouting and steady growth by the exercise of proper control and discipline. Cared for with warmth of love and affection, such a tree shall blossom forth flowers of Brotherhood, Universal Love, Peace, Bliss, Beauty and Perfection. Let us try to leave in them some higher and nobler values. This done — we have then educated them for the highest achievements.

Morals cannot be TAUGHT, they must be CAUGHT from mothers and the teachers, while the child is still young and is in his or her formative years. A true appreciation of the eternal values of life alone can make a child grow in the right direction. Children are not vessels to be filled in, but lamps to be lit. Never can children’s education be complete unless, we impart to them a true appreciation of the eternal values of life. It is our bounden duty to do everything to make children grow into beautiful beings. Children grow not only because of the food you give and physical comforts you provide, but their inner nature, emotional and intellectual, is moulded by the atmosphere at home we give them. Unless you walk out of your unproductive, stupid, thoughtless spirits of depression, you are providing children a very unconducive and unhealthy atmosphere to grow up. Unless our hearts are filled with love, this man-making programme cannot take off. We, the parents, must CHANGE. Children learn NOT from books. Higher values cannot be imparted to the children by institutions, by a society or a community. THEY IMITATE THEIR PARENTS.

At the early stages of childhood, every one is potential material which can be moulded with a little pressure of discipline into spectacular beauty and covetable perfection. Children growing up in a surcharged atmosphere of divine devotion cannot but grow up as the stalwart supports of our Culture and Religion. Children are the cleanest canvas on which to paint. Today’s children are completely in the hands of their mothers — to make or mar them. This is the time for you to start and sing to them the immortal beauty of our ancient culture, the perfections of our masters, the fullness of our kings, the heroism of our soldiers, the vision of our poets, the depths of our philosophers and the heights of our national character. Patiently ingrain into them reverence for our national culture, for the genius of the land, for the beauty of our art and the wealth of our literature.

It is not only sufficient to train the children in the higher values of life; we must teach them to have the courage and heroism to live upto their convictions. We have to take responsibility for moulding and beautifying the child, prepare him to face the world of tomorrow and to lead and guide the world of the future. Only then we have proved that today’s children are our future. It is the bounden duty of all parents to hand over the cultural inspiration of the country to the growing children of the nation.

To train our younger generation, to appreciate their culture and to inspire them to live it fully is to make a nation of ourselves, wherein everyone, without distinction of caste and creed, can sink their differences and come to live the glory that is BHARATIYA CULTURE. This civic education, and the cultural consciousness can be imparted from the nursery stage onwards to the growing generation — the Bharatiya Spiritual Thought and Culture. Man learns more with the eyes than by the ears. If the elders and leaders were to be more careful in their behaviour, they would be demonstrating the beauty that is the Indian Culture, and the vigorous youth of our nation shall readily imitate those beauties in their lives.

It is the obvious duty of parents and teachers to inculcate high-mindedness in the children, and pour their labour of love in lifting them up to be men of sterling characters. It is the duty of the educationists to see that they impart to the growing generation, not merely some factual knowledge or some wondrous theories but they must also instill into the growing generation ideals of pure living and train the children to live those in their individual life. A sincere group working with singular dedication cannot but bring about a gracious cultural atmosphere for our innocent children to grow up, proud of their heritage and self-confident in their cultural beauty. Highly inspired teachers working together as a disciplined army, dedicated to the sanctity of their sacred profession, with selfless and continuous enthusiasm alone can mould the spiritual beauty in the growing children. WE SHALL NOT FAIL THE NATION AND THE SILENT DEMAND OF THE INNOCENT CHILDREN GROWING UNDER OUR CARE TO MAKE A CULTURAL HISTORY OF TOMORROW!!

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𝐁𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐲𝐚 𝐊𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐚 𝐕𝐚𝐢𝐛𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐚 – 𝐕𝐨𝐥 𝟏 , 𝟐 , 𝟑 , 𝟒 & 5 (Books for Children)

For bulk orders and discounts DM Email : [email protected]

To buy books on Amazon:

Volume 1: https://tinyurl.com/2nrajajs

Volume 2: https://tinyurl.com/yckkrwn3

Volume 3: https://tinyurl.com/mrbf2unr

Volume 4: https://tinyurl.com/2s4ckyz9

Volume 5: https://tinyurl.com/4vnvuveu

Sri Rama Paduka Pattabhisheka

Hindu Significance and Symbolism, Stories for ChildrenHinduism, Ramayana, Stories for Childrennaadopaasana

Sri Rama along with his consort Seeta and brother Lakshmana went to the forest in exile for 14 years to keep up the promise king Dasaratha, his father had made to his wife, Kaikeyi. Unable to bear the seperation from his son, Dasaratha breathed his last. At the unusual turn of events, Guru Vashishta urgently summoned Bharata who had gone to visit his maternal uncle. Bharata returned to Ayodhya only to find the city of joy absolutely silent. People looked lost and sad. Strange! The situation in the palace was no better. He quickly made his way to his mother, Kaikeyi’s chamber. On enquiring, she narrated everything to him, and finally said, “the throne awaits you, my dear son. Get ready for your pattabhisheka!”

Bharata was stunned. He was overwhelmed with grief and pain. In a fit of anger, he totally disowned his mother. Because of her, he had lost his father. His brother Rama whom he loved, adored and worshipped had been sent to the forest, along with Seeta and Lakshmana. He wept bitterly and cried his heart out at the feet of Rama’s mother, Kausalya. The gracious mother of Rama was sad and grief-stricken at the loss of her husband and seperation from her son; but felt happy to see the devotion and loyalty that Bharata had towards his elder brother, Rama. 

After the final rites of his father, Bharata was called upon by Guru Vashishta to ascend the throne and take up the responsibilities of the kingdom. In the royal assembly, Bharata with tears in his eyes, yet, surely and firmly, told everyone, that Sri Rama alone was the rightful heir to the throne and there was absolutely no question of him becoming the king. He pleaded innocence and said that he had nothing to do with his mother’s devious plans. He requested everyone to accompany him to the forest to convince Rama to return to Ayodhya. He made all the necessary arrangements to crown Rama as the King of Ayodhya in the forest itself and bring him back! Kaikeyi understood the devotion and reverence Bharata had for Rama, and repented sincerely for her wrong doings. 

Bharata and his brother Shatrughna, Sage Vashishta, the queen mothers and the people of Ayodhya proceeded to the forest, and reached Chitrakoota where Rama, Seeta and Lakshmana had settled down. The moment Bharata saw Rama, he ran forward and fell at his brother’s feet, weeping profusely for all the hardships that Rama had to undergo in the forest. He totally blamed himself for it. Unable to reconcile with what had happened, he was just inconsolable. Rama tenderly lifted him up and held him in a tight embrace. That hug was enough to pacify, console and calm down Bharata’s agitated mind. Yet, in his mind was the fear whether Rama would accept his proposal and return to Ayodhya. 

Next day, an assembly was arranged in the forest. Along with the others, King Janaka was also present. All eyes were on Bharata. Every one was anxious to see the outcome of the meeting. Bharata put forth his humble request and tried to convince Rama to return. When Rama did not yield, he respectfully pleaded, later he gently argued and even lovingly debated with Rama! Sri Rama was equally firm on his decision to keep up his words. All those present were overwhelmed at the love and affection that Rama and Bharata had for each other. Guru Vashishta and King Janaka put forth their views on the duties and responsibilities of a King. Kaikeyi stepped forward and unconditionally withdrew the demand she had made. But for Rama, there was no question of going back on his words.

Not losing hopes, Bharata pleaded, “How can I ever sit on the throne that belongs to you, dear brother? You alone are the rightful heir to the kingdom and can handle its huge responsibility, I simply cannot.” He even told Rama that he would substitute for him and stay in the forest for 14 years on his behalf, and that Rama should go back to Ayodhya. The Lord understood Bharata’s feelings. Rama replied, “Alright! I accept the kingdom from you. As the King of Ayodhya, I now declare you as king-in-charge. You will rule and look after the kingdom for 14 years on my behalf. After the completion of the exile term, I promise to come and take back the kingdom from you.” 

Bharata was sweetly adamant! He said, “O! Rajendra, give me your PADUKAS, which shall be worshipped in the kingdom. I shall serve both – your padukas and the people till you return. In your absence, they shall adorn the throne in your place, not me! I shall as a mere sevak of yours, execute and discharge my duties and responsibilities towards the people of the kingdom as best as I can, keeping in mind your honour, dignity and glory (paduke dehi rajendra, rajyaya tava pujithe; tayo sevam karomyeva, yavath agamanam tava ~ Adhyatma Ramayana).”

Rama’s heart melted in the warmth of Bharata’s love and devotion, his steadfastness and loyalty. Overwhelmed with joy, the Lord exclaimed, “Bharata, I am indeed fortunate and blessed to have a brother like you!”. The Lord agreed to Bharata’s loving insistence and readily handed over his Padukas to him, with an assurance that he will be back in Ayodhya exactly after 14 years. Still not satisfied, Bharata added that the very next moment, after 14 years, if he failed to see the divinely charming face of Sri Rama, he would consign himself to flames. Rama assured him that he would be back exactly after 14 years.

Carrying Sri Rama’s Padukas reverentially on his head, and the Lord’s loving assurance in his heart, Bharata returned to Ayodhya along with the others. The people of Ayodhya witnessed a unique and grand PADUKA PATTABHISHEKA! Sri Rama’s Padukas adorned the throne. Ayodhya without Rama was unthinkable for Bharata. He stayed in Nandigram on the outskirts of Ayodhya. He gave up all the royal luxuries and lived a life of tapas, and discharged his duties from there, ably supported by Shatrughna. With Bharata in-charge and for full 14 years, SRI RAMA’S PADUKAS ruled over the kingdom of Ayodhya! As promised, exactly after 14 years, the Lord came back from exile. With a great sense of satisfaction and fulfillment, Bharata handed over the kingdom to its rightful heir. Bharata’s kingdom was verily at Lord Sri Rama’s lotus feet!!

“O Rama, clarify this doubt of mine. Which is greater? Your lotus FEET or your blessed PADUKAS? The rishis who worshipped your FEET gained your abode; but to Bharata who worshipped your PADUKAS you gave Yourself!”~ Thyagaraja Swami

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Bharatiya Katha Vaibhava – Vol 4 [ Books for children] : Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.in/Bharatiya-Katha-Vaibhava-4-SHREEDARSHAN/dp/9393029547/

Bharatiya Katha Vaibhava – Vol 3 [ Books for children] : Amazon Link:https://www.amazon.in/Bharatiya-Katha-Vaibhava-Shreedarshan-K/dp/9390640946/

Bharatiya Katha Vaibhava – Vol 2 [ Books for children] : Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.in/Bharatiya-Katha-Vaibhava-2-Shreedarshan/dp/9390640199/

Bharatiya Katha Vaibhava – Vol 1 [ Books for children] : Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.in/Bharatiya-Katha-Vaibhava-1-Shreedarshan/dp/9390011663/

[For bulk order of books and for discounts please contact : [email protected] or WhatsApp: 9739003467]

Raja Rishi Sri Narahari Tirtha

Hindu Significance and Symbolism, Hinduism, Stories for ChildrenHinduism, Lord Rama, sanatana dharma, Stories for Childrennaadopaasana

Shyama Shastri (13-14th century) was an erudite scholar, statesman and the minister of King Gajapati of Kalinga (Orissa) State. When Sri Madhvacharya reached Orissa while returning from Badrikashrama, a Vidvat Sabha was arranged there. Among the galaxy of scholars, pandits and philosophers, Shyama Shastri also was present. Acharya Madhva defeated all the scholars and upheld the supremacy of Dvaita Philosophy. Inspired by the Dvaita philosophy, Shyama Shastri became the disciple of the Acharya and followed him to Udupi. He was initiated into the sanyasa-order and was given the name NARAHARI TIRTHA. 

Narahari Tirtha engaged himself in spreading the doctrines and philosophy of Dvaita. At the time, Madhvacharya sent Narahari Tirtha to Orissa to propagate the Dvaita Philosophy and also to bring back the ancient gold vigraha of Lord Rama known as MOOLA RAMA, along with the vigraha of Seeta. The deities were a part of the Kalinga State treasury. Narahari Tirtha set out to Kalinga and stayed in a remote cave on the outskirts of the city.

Around that time, the king of Kalinga died and his son who was to be the successor was very young. As was the custom prevalent those days, the royal elephant was given a garland and left free to move around. Whomsoever the elephant garlanded would be accepted as the king. The elephant headed straight towards the cave where Narahari Tirtha was residing. Hearing the commotion of people and the elephant’s trumpet, Narahari Tirtha came outside. The elephant immediately placed the garland around Narahari Tirtha’s neck! The people were surprised but happy at the same time because they recognised their own minister, Shyama Shastri in the Sanyasi! Accepting it as the Lord’s Will, Narahari Tirtha ascended the throne. He beautifully integrated his SANYASA DHARMA along with RAJA DHARMA – verily a “RAJA-RISHI”. He diligently and efficiently ruled over the kingdom and its people for a period of twelve years. There are innumerable stone-inscriptions describing the religious as well as the welfare programs undertaken by Narahari Tirtha for the community. When the prince was capable of taking charge of his responsibilities, Narahari Tirtha, the “personification of dispassion”, handed over the kingdom to him and made preparations to leave for Udupi. The young king wished to express his reverence and gratitude to the Acharya who had ruled and looked after the kingdom all these years. He requested Narahari Tirtha to ask for anything that he wanted as a gift, and it would be his fortune and privilege to offer it to the acharya. The Acharya told the king that he did not want anything for himself, but requested for the idols of Moola Rama and Seeta which were in the royal treasury. The king willingly handed over the idols to Narahari Tirtha. 

A contented and fulfilled Narahari Tirtha reached Udupi. He had been able to carry out his Guru’s words and bring the divine idols to Udupi. Sri Madhvacharya was overwhelmed to receive the beautiful Moola Rama and Seeta vigraha-s. The rare and unique idols were crafted by the celestial architect, Viswakarma at the behest of Lord Brahma himself. Through the ages, they reached the Kings of Kalinga and were safely kept in the State treasury. Sri Madhvacharya intuitively knew about the idols and wanted to revive the worship of Moola Rama and Seeta. On receiving the idols from Narahari Tirtha, Sri Madhvacharya placed the idols alongside Sri Krishna and worshipped them. From then onwards, the pontiffs of Madhva Matha have been worshipping the idols. Sri Moola Rama and Seeta vigraha-s were worshipped by Sri Raghavendra Tirtha of Mantralaya who also belonged to the same parampara and the tradition of worshipping and offering services to Sri Moola Rama and Seeta continues to this day by the present Acharya-s. 

Narahari Tirtha was one of the foremost amongst the Haridasa-s of the Bhakti movement. He composed beautiful kirtan-s in the kannada language under the signature of “Narahari” and “Raghupati”. He wrote commentaries on various scriptural texts as well as on Sri Madhvacharya’s works. He built many temples and was instrumental in extensively spreading the philosophy of Sri Madhvacharya. It is said that the well-known Art-forms known as “Yaksha Gana” and “Bayalu Aata” (open theatre drama) were introduced by Narahari Tirtha, as a part of Vaishnava Bhakti Movement.

ससीतामूलरामार्चा कोशे गजपतेः स्थिता।
येनानीता नमस्तस्मै श्रीमन्नृहरिभिक्षवे॥

“Prostrations unto Sri Narahari Tirtha, the Great Ascetic, who brought the icons of Moola Rama and Seeta (to the Madhva Matha) from the treasury of King Gajapati”.

“Sriman Moola Ramo Vijayate! Sri Guru Rajo Vijayate!”

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For updates of posts on Telegram join the group : https://t.me/BharateeyaSamskruti

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Follow us on Instagram :  https://www.instagram.com/p/Cd0vr9MMps7/

Bharatiya Katha Vaibhava – Vol 4 [ Books for children] : Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.in/Bharatiya-Katha-Vaibhava-4-SHREEDARSHAN/dp/9393029547/

Bharatiya Katha Vaibhava – Vol 3 [ Books for children] : Amazon Link:https://www.amazon.in/Bharatiya-Katha-Vaibhava-Shreedarshan-K/dp/9390640946/

Bharatiya Katha Vaibhava – Vol 2 [ Books for children] : Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.in/Bharatiya-Katha-Vaibhava-2-Shreedarshan/dp/9390640199/

Bharatiya Katha Vaibhava – Vol 1 [ Books for children] : Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.in/Bharatiya-Katha-Vaibhava-1-Shreedarshan/dp/9390011663/

[For bulk order of books and for discounts please contact : [email protected] or WhatsApp: 9739003467]