Vedakatha: Stories from the Rigveda | BharatVidya

Online Course · Self-Paced

VedakathaStories from the Rigveda

Step into the world's oldest living scripture through the power of story

Explore the Rigveda not as a distant hymn, but as a vibrant literature full of human elements, cosmic mystery, and poetic revelation. No prior Sanskrit knowledge required.

10 stories ~8.5 hours Beginner level Lifetime access
₹1,500
One-time · Lifetime access
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Dr. Sucheta Paranjpe - Vedakatha course instructor
10 Stories
Lectures
~8.5 Hours
Duration
Beginner
Level
English
Language
Certificate
Included

Course Overview

Discover the Rigveda Through Story

Let's stay true to the ancient tradition, and step into the world's oldest living scripture through the power of story.

This course explores the Rigveda not as a distant hymn, but as a vibrant literature full of human elements, cosmic mystery, and poetic revelation. Through ten narrative-based lectures—ranging from the valor of Indra and the vision of Vishwamitra to the wisdom of Vasishtha, the Ashwins, and the women seers—you'll discover how the Vedic mind understood the universe, the self, and the eternal order.

Each story opens a window into the consciousness of our ancestors, revealing timeless questions about existence, duty, and the search for meaning that remain as relevant today as they were thousands of years ago.

Ideal for vedic seekers, heritage enthusiasts, IKS learners, and anyone curious about India's oldest literary tradition. No prior Sanskrit knowledge required.

Designed and delivered by Dr. Sucheta Paranjpe. Conceptualized and curated by Dr. Gauri Moghe.

Learning Outcomes

What You'll Discover

The narrative structure of Rigvedic hymns and how stories emerge from ritual poetry
Major deities, sages, and mythological narratives of the Vedic world
The contributions of women composers (Rishikas) to Vedic literature
How the Vedic mind understood cosmic order, consciousness, and human experience
The relationship between Suktas (hymns) and scientific thinking in ancient India
A foundation for further study of Sanskrit and Indian Knowledge Systems

Course Structure

Ten Stories from the Rigveda

Each lecture explores a unique narrative from the world's oldest scripture

Free
01

Introduction

02

What is the Story?

03

The Story of Indra

04

The Story of Vishwamitra

05

The Story of Ashwins

06

The Story of Vasishtha

07

The Story of Marriage

08

When Women Compose...

09

Suktas and Science

10

The Story of Aksha (Dice) Sukta

Dr. Sucheta Paranjpe

Your Instructor

Dr. Sucheta Paranjpe

Dr. Sucheta Paranjpe is a distinguished scholar and passionate advocate for Sanskrit and the Vedas. Born in Pune and educated in Mumbai and Fergusson College, she chose Sanskrit over science despite being a gold medallist and merit student—an early sign of her calling. Influenced by her teachers Vijaya Joshi and Dr. Dhadphale, she developed a lifelong fascination with the Rigveda.

Holding a Master's and Ph.D. in Vedic Studies with a UGC fellowship, she has taught Sanskrit and Indology at Savitribai Phule Pune University and Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth. She has also contributed to the Cultural Index Project and Infosys Academic Program at the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute.

Committed to bringing the Vedas beyond academic circles, Dr. Paranjpe reaches diverse audiences through lectures, writing, webinars, and social media. Her accessible approach has inspired many to rediscover Sanskrit and India's spiritual heritage.

"The Vedas are our collective inheritance, and rediscovering them is the path to self-understanding."

Common Questions

Do I need to know Sanskrit?+

No. This course is designed for beginners with no prior knowledge of Sanskrit. All Vedic terms are explained in context, and the focus is on stories and concepts rather than language proficiency.

What is the Rigveda?+

The Rigveda is the oldest of the four Vedas and among the oldest religious texts in the world. It consists of 1,028 hymns (suktas) composed by ancient seers (rishis) and contains profound insights into early Indian thought, ritual, and cosmology.

Who is this course for?+

This course is ideal for heritage seekers, mythology enthusiasts, students of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), and anyone curious about India's oldest literary tradition. It's designed to be accessible while offering genuine depth.

How long do I have access?+

You have lifetime access to all course materials. Watch at your own pace and return to any story whenever you wish.

Is there a certificate?+

Yes, upon completing the course you will receive a verified certificate from BharatVidya that you can share on LinkedIn or include in your professional portfolio.

Begin Your Journey into the Rigveda

Ten stories that shaped the Vedic imagination—and continue to illuminate the path to self-understanding.

₹1,500
Start the Course →

Lifetime access · BORI certificate · Self-paced

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