Devlok with Devdutt Pattanaik

Devdutt takes a closer look at the famous Khajuraho Temples, elaborating on the site's architecture and history as a symbol of sexual desire.

Devdutt explains the meaning behind Dwarkadheesh, one of Lord Krishna's many alternate names, and the god's connection to the holy land of Dwarka.

Devdutt takes a deeper look at why and how mountains are perceived as the physical and spiritual centers of the universe in Hindu mythology.

Devdutt discusses the prominence of forests in mythological stories, exploring the role they have played and the concepts they represent.

Devdutt explains maternal depictions in Hindu mythology, including selfless mothers along with those who fell prey to their own temptations.

Devdutt elaborates on the various benevolent and tyrannical kings of ancient texts, focusing particularly on lords Rama, Ravana and Krishna.

Devdutt interprets the importance of rites of passage in India, explaining whether they are religious concepts or cultural experiences.

Devdutt discusses the forgotten ancient roots of Indian city names and their connection to mythical fertility goddesses and protector gods.

Devdutt speaks to the significance of the paternal figure in Hindu mythology, with particular emphasis on the Vedic god, Brahma.

Devdutt explores epic tales from southern India, known for their focus on mortals, particularly the roles of women, rather than gods.

Devdutt discusses the legacy of Harishchandra, an ancestor of Rama, known for his loyalty and determination to keep his word despite dire consequences.

Devdutt recounts the events and morals of the story of Yayati, the ancient king who traded in his own old age for his young son's youth.

Recounting the volume of the Mahabharata in which the Pandavas spent 13 years in exile, Devdutt explains the lessons they learned while in the forest.

Devdutt explores the relationship between Lord Krishna and Radha, including the significance of their love story despite never being married.

Devdutt explains how, despite taking place in two different eras, the Mahabharata and the Ramayana contain several overlapping characters.

Devdutt discusses theories of how the Ramayana and Mahabharata texts emerged, including the roles of ancient poets and sages in passing them on.

Devdutt narrates stories revealing the lives and character traits of the kings in Indian mythology's two most prominent dynasties.

Devdutt discusses how sun worship began in India, illuminating the folklore and significance surrounding the Sun God in Hindu mythology.

Devdutt recounts the origins and hidden meanings of the tale of the churning of the oceans, one of the most popular stories in the Mahabharata.

Exploring the ways in which entrances of Indian homes are decorated, Devdutt explains why the doorway holds a special importance in Hindu mythology.

Devdutt elaborates on the birth of the centuries-old tradition of yoga, its many subsets and the discipline's place in Indian philosophy.

In a discussion of the emergence and evolution of Christianity in India, Devdutt highlights how the faith has been diversified throughout the country.

Devdutt examines the influence of Alexander the Great on Indian folklore and compares the plots and themes of Indian and Greek mythology.

Devdutt elucidates the religion of Jainism, including its principles, key teachers, places of worship and relation to Buddhism.

Devdutt details the origins of Buddhism by tracing the life of the prince Siddhartha and his meditative path toward enlightenment.

Through a discussion of the warrior Karna’s complex childhood, Devdutt elucidates on the truth of the Mahabharata's most misunderstood characters.

Devdutt discusses major female players in the Mahabharata, and how the changing depictions of women through time reflect an evolution of social norms.

Devdutt speaks to the history, deities and rituals of the famous temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath in the state of Orissa.

Devdutt illuminates the meaning of marriage within Hindu society, and elaborates on the eight types of marital unions outlined in religious texts.

Devdutt speaks to the origins and value of elephants in Hindu mythology, focusing on the animal’s various iterations in the ancient chronicles.

Devdutt details the two dark avatars of Vishnu, explaining how and where they are worshipped, and comparing them to the deity's more serene forms.

Devdutt expands on the importance of Shabri, one of the god Ram's central devotees, and clears up confusion around the various versions of her story.

Devdutt recounts several anecdotes that explain the characteristics, backstory and significance of Hanuman, a key figure in the Ramayana.

In a discussion of Ravana, the antagonist of the Ramayana, Devdutt clarifies the contradictory perceptions of him as both a demon and a king.

Devdutt takes a deep dive into the final chapter of the Ramayana, analyzing why it is viewed by many as a separate tale from the epic poem.

Devdutt looks at the many powders used in Hindu prayers and rituals, from turmeric to sandalwood, and explains the symbolic significance of each.

Devdutt explains the evolution of the practice of fasting, and the significance behind various types of fasts observed around India.

Devdutt delves into various Indian philosophies, comparing different approaches to gods and karma along with atheist schools of thought.

Devdutt re-introduces gods and goddesses that are no longer worshipped today, and explores why they took a backseat to more prominent Vedic deities.