Folktales In English

The Pandavas were in exile. They had lost their kingdom and everything they had in a game of dice with their cousins the Kauravas. The Pandavas were living in jungles and the 12-year period of exile was nearing its end. They began to think of their future. They were not sure that the Kauravas would give them back their kingdom …

There was once a powerful king whose name was Bana. He was an Asura, or demon. So he was known as Banasura. Banasura was so strong and fierce that everyone was afraid of him. Even the kings on earth and many gods in heaven feared him. Banasura was a devotee of Lord Shiva. He once worshiped Shiva with such devotion …

The Devas and Asuras were always fighting each other. The Devas were from amongst the Gods. The Asuras were demons. The Asuras were powerful, capable of all kinds of wickedness. Some of them were great rulers and mighty kings. In their fight with the Devas the Asuras had an advantage. They had on their side a great saint and teacher, …

Chinky Sparrow used to live with its children in a beautiful nest, on a huge tree in Champakvan. She goes out every morning to peck grains in order to feed her young ones. Ila Ant lived at the root of the banyan tree. One day, Ila was sick. She could not even walk properly. Chinky Sparrow asked Ant “Sister, it …

It is said that the devotee Pundalik founded Pandharpur. His father Janudeva and mother Satyavati lived in a thick forest called Dandirvan. Pundalik was a devoted son but soon after his marriage he began to ill-treat his parents. To escape from their misery, the parents decided to go on a pilgrimage to Kashi. When Pundalik’s wife learnt about this, she …

Satrajit was a pious man. He was a devotee of Surya, the sun god. He worshiped Surya for a long time. Surya was pleased. He appeared before Satrajit and asked him to name his wish. Satrajit was a poor man. He wanted to become rich. He asked Surya to help him to get rich. Surya granted Satrajit’s wish. He gave …

Put a frog in a vessel of water and start heating the water. As the temperature of the water rises, the frog is able to adjust its body temperature accordingly. The frog keeps on adjusting with increase in temperature… Just when the water is about to reach boiling point, the frog is not able to adjust anymore… At that point …

Honey Elephant’s body was so huge that his classmates got frightened after seeing him. He was extremely naughty and he always used to irritate his class fellows. Sometime he used to tumble down Meeku Monkey from his trunk and at times he used to walk over Bobo Rabbit’s tail. Once, he threw away Heera Deer’s school-bag in the pond. Everyday, …