Mada, or Madasura, is a demon in Hindu scriptures. He is the personification of intoxication. The story of origin of Mada begins with the banishment of Ashwini Devas (Ashwini Kumars) from the heaven by Indra, the king of Devas or celestial beings. Indra also ordered that the Ashvins should not be allowed to partake of soma, in any yajna performed in the universe. According to Mahabharata, Ashwini Devas took refuge in the Ashram of Sage Chyavana. Sage Chyavana conducted a yajna and invited Ashwini Devas to partake the Yajnamsha. Soma was served to them. Indra objected to this. Sage Chyavana ignored Indra and a fight ensued between them. Sage Chyavana produced from the sacrificial fire a demon named Mada. The demon fought with Indra and defeated him. When the demon was about to kill Indra, he took refuge at the feet of Sage Chyavana. Sage Cyavana forgave Indra and withdrew the demon. As the demon had no place to go, Sage Chyavana asked him to reside in alco

Tilottama is an apsara or celestial woman mentioned in various Hindu scriptures. Her story is found in the Mahabharata and Puranas. As per Mahabharata, Lord Brahma once asked divine architect Vishwakarma to create a maiden using various kinds of gems. The woman who was created bit by bit from gems was called Tilottama. Her beauty was the talk of heaven and earth. Both Devas and Asuras yearned for her. Great warriors from both the camps wanted to marry her. Her beauty caused the downfall of two demon brothers – Sunda and Upasunda . They could not be defeated as long as they were together. But Tilottama easily caused divide among the brothers. They were then defeated by the Devas. Legend has it that the divine beauty was created by Brahma with the sole purpose of defeating Asuras Sunda and Upasunda. Related Story of Apsara Menaka

Kamsa was the king of Mathura and he was killed by Bhagavan Sri Krishna. His story is found in the Mahabharata, Srimad Bhagavad Purana, and other Puranas and in numerous other Hindu scriptures. He was the son of Ugrasena of Mathura. He was also uncle of Sri Krishna and therefore he is popularly known as Kans Mama. As per Vishnu Purana, Kamsa was in his previous birth an asura named Kalanemi who was killed by Bhagvan Vishnu. Upon becoming powerful, Kamsa put Ugrasena in prison and became the ruler of Mathura . To expand his kingdom and become powerful, Kamsa married Asti and Prapti, the daughters of King Jarasandha of Magadha . There is also a legend that Kamsa was born after a Gandharva named Dramila violated Ugrasena’s wife. Thus he was not really the son of King Ugrasena. The story suggests that even his mother hated him and she had cursed him that he will be killed by a member of Ugrasena’s family. An important event in Kamsa’s life happened during the marr

Atithi Devo Bhava is an ancient Sanskrit phrase from Hindu scriptures that equates guests with God. Meaning and significance of Atithi Devo Bhava is hidden in the Sanskrit term ‘Atithi.’ Atithi is a combination of two words – A + tithi – it means one who arrives without prior notice of a day. Atithi is an unexpected guest. Tithi is the term used for a day as per Hindu calendar and panchang. Meaning and significance of the phrase is that even an unexpected guest should be treated like God. So imagine how we should be treating an expected guest. All guests should be treated with love and respect. They should be invited with a broad smile. If we are unable to prepare an elaborate meal, we should share what is at home with courtesy and warmth.