Collect all three answers. Arrange them side by side in your mind. Notice how they contradict each other in at least four directions.

Akshamala proves no ordinary woman. Through her austerity and fidelity, she is said to stop the sun itself with her spiritual power.

The episodes they sing include his miraculous birth, foretold by astrologers. He is said to have been fed by a lioness and destined to become a protector of cows.

Together, Ram and Krishna created a balanced political theology. Ram gave structure to power. Krishna made power lovable.

This is seen in Bengal, it is seen in Maharashtra, it is seen in Karnataka. It is known as Charak Puja in Bengal, Bagad in Maharashtra and Siddhi in Karnataka. But there are variations here.

The physical structure of Badrinath evokes ambiguity. It does not resemble a classical Hindu temple but looks closer to a Buddhist vihara.

From early Vedic times, the sun is also tied to humanity and death. Surya has two sons who frame the human condition

It is in Jain faith that she came to be associated with geese and peacocks

Here Naraka belonged to an ancient past, in Satya yuga. There is no connection between Varaha and Narasimha

The sacred bond of blood is undone because one man wanted the approval another received.

Devdutt Pattanaik

How to tackle ‘mythology is history’ uncles

Chandala’s daughter, Arundhati

Pabuji of Marwar, the Rajput hero who brought camels and courage to India

Temple gopurams as royal defiance

The hook-swinging rituals of India

The sage under the berry tree

Children of the Sun god

Jain Saraswati on goose or peacock

Demon king of Brahmaputra

Tales of Biblical jealousy

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