10 Legendary Mythological Shows That Touched India
Abhishek dehariya | Aug 05, 2025, 13:10 IST
( Image credit : Freepik )
Highlight of the story: Before binge-worthy dramas and OTT web shows, Indian households were glued to their TV sets for a very different kind of entertainment mythological serials that brought gods, heroes, and epic tales into our homes. From the thundering wars of Mahabharat to the tender love of RadhaKrishn, these 10 mythological shows didn't just entertain—they became part of our identity. Let's journey through the timeless television gems that have left an everlasting impact on generations of viewers.
There was a time when Sunday mornings meant one thing: divine stories on TV. Families gathered, incense sticks were lit, and television sets became temples. Mythological shows weren’t just about gods and goddesses they were lessons in values, culture, and purpose. These serials shaped not only our entertainment choices but our belief systems too. They built a bridge between ancient scriptures and modern minds. Here’s a heartfelt tribute to 10 shows that made Indian television legendary and spiritual at the same time.
Channel: Doordarshan | Director: B.R. Chopra
With the unforgettable opening line “Main Samay Hoon…”, Mahabharat introduced Indian viewers to a grand saga of dharma, destiny, and family conflicts. Nitish Bharadwaj’s calm yet powerful Krishna and Mukesh Khanna’s iconic Bhishma gave life to characters from the ancient epic. This wasn't just a TV show it was moral education delivered at scale.
Channel: Doordarshan | Director: Ramanand Sagar
When Ramayan aired, people paused everything. Arun Govil as Ram and Deepika Chikhalia as Sita were not just actors they became idols. With simple visuals and profound storytelling, the show filled homes with devotion, values, and the eternal message of righteousness and humility. Entire streets used to go quiet when the title music played.
Platform: Disney+ Hotstar | Producers: Graphic India
One of the finest mythological adaptations in recent years, this animated series brought the story of Lord Hanuman to life for a new generation. With stunning visuals and meaningful narration, it portrays Hanuman's journey from a mighty warrior to a devoted servant of Ram, full of self-discovery, strength, and spiritual awakening.
Channel: Doordarshan | Director: Ramanand Sagar
From his mischievous childhood to the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita, Shri Krishna covered the full spectrum of Lord Krishna’s divine journey. Swapnil Joshi as young Krishna won hearts, while Sarvadaman D. Banerjee’s calm portrayal of adult Krishna taught us life lessons wrapped in love, war, and devotion.
Channel: Zee TV | Director: Ravi Chopra
This underrated gem explored the various avatars of Lord Vishnu from Matsya to Krishna highlighting how the divine intervenes to restore balance on Earth. Nitish Bharadwaj returned as Lord Vishnu, and his serene voice became the soul of the show. Vishnu Puran was more than entertainment—it was divine storytelling done right.
Channel: Doordarshan | Director: Prem Sagar
Based on the ancient tales of Betaal Pachisi, this series was both thrilling and wise. Each episode saw King Vikram solving a riddle posed by the clever ghost Betaal. It was a game of logic and values, and it made you think. A perfect show for kids, families, and anyone who loves a smart story.
Channel: Doordarshan | Director: Ramanand Sagar
This sequel to Ramayan explored the lives of Luv and Kush the twin sons of Ram and Sita. It addressed deep questions about justice, motherhood, and identity. Their confrontation with Lord Ram during the Ashwamedh Yagna was emotionally powerful and thought-provoking. It gave a complete and heartfelt closure to the Ramayan.
Channel: Colors TV | Producer: Siddharth Kumar Tewary
For the first time, a mythological show focused entirely on the fierce feminine form Mahakali. The series highlighted the different forms of Goddess Parvati and her transformation into Mahakali to fight evil. It celebrated divine rage, feminine strength, and the balance of power. A strong message in a visually stunning package.
Channel: Star Bharat | Producer: Siddharth Kumar Tewary
This wasn’t just a love story it was a spiritual saga. RadhaKrishn explored the eternal bond between Radha and Krishna, combining philosophy with romance. With poetic dialogues, soulful music, and divine chemistry, the show became a favorite among youth and spiritual seekers alike. Love here wasn’t possession it was devotion.
Channel: Star Plus | Producer: Nikhil Sinha
What if the epic Ramayan was seen from Sita’s perspective? Siya Ke Ram did exactly that. It gave voice to the silent strength of Sita, highlighting her choices, trials, and inner power. More than a retelling, it was a redefining of mythology for a world that needed to hear the woman's story.
These shows didn’t just shape Indian television they shaped minds and hearts. From the war-torn fields of Kurukshetra to the peaceful forests of Chitrakoot, from the questions of Betaal to the fierce roar of Mahakali each show brought something divine into our daily lives. They made us cry, question, believe, and most importantly, connect with a legacy older than time. In a world moving too fast, these stories remind us of eternal truths, of right and wrong, of devotion and duty. And that’s why, decades later, we still remember them not as shows, but as experiences that became part of who we are.
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1. Mahabharat (1988) – The Epic That Taught Us Dharma
With the unforgettable opening line “Main Samay Hoon…”, Mahabharat introduced Indian viewers to a grand saga of dharma, destiny, and family conflicts. Nitish Bharadwaj’s calm yet powerful Krishna and Mukesh Khanna’s iconic Bhishma gave life to characters from the ancient epic. This wasn't just a TV show it was moral education delivered at scale.
2. Ramayan (1987) – The Story That Became Faith
When Ramayan aired, people paused everything. Arun Govil as Ram and Deepika Chikhalia as Sita were not just actors they became idols. With simple visuals and profound storytelling, the show filled homes with devotion, values, and the eternal message of righteousness and humility. Entire streets used to go quiet when the title music played.
3. The Legend of Hanuman (2021) – A Modern Take on Devotion
One of the finest mythological adaptations in recent years, this animated series brought the story of Lord Hanuman to life for a new generation. With stunning visuals and meaningful narration, it portrays Hanuman's journey from a mighty warrior to a devoted servant of Ram, full of self-discovery, strength, and spiritual awakening.
4. Shri Krishna (1993) – From Makhan Chor to Geeta Saar
From his mischievous childhood to the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita, Shri Krishna covered the full spectrum of Lord Krishna’s divine journey. Swapnil Joshi as young Krishna won hearts, while Sarvadaman D. Banerjee’s calm portrayal of adult Krishna taught us life lessons wrapped in love, war, and devotion.
5. Vishnu Puran (2000) – The Divine Protector in Every Avatar
Shri Krishna
( Image credit : Freepik )
Channel: Zee TV | Director: Ravi Chopra
This underrated gem explored the various avatars of Lord Vishnu from Matsya to Krishna highlighting how the divine intervenes to restore balance on Earth. Nitish Bharadwaj returned as Lord Vishnu, and his serene voice became the soul of the show. Vishnu Puran was more than entertainment—it was divine storytelling done right.
6. Vikram Aur Betaal (1988) – Riddles, Morals, and Mystery
Based on the ancient tales of Betaal Pachisi, this series was both thrilling and wise. Each episode saw King Vikram solving a riddle posed by the clever ghost Betaal. It was a game of logic and values, and it made you think. A perfect show for kids, families, and anyone who loves a smart story.
7. Luv Kush (1988) – The Forgotten Tale of Ram’s Sons
Shri Krishna
( Image credit : Freepik )
Channel: Doordarshan | Director: Ramanand Sagar
This sequel to Ramayan explored the lives of Luv and Kush the twin sons of Ram and Sita. It addressed deep questions about justice, motherhood, and identity. Their confrontation with Lord Ram during the Ashwamedh Yagna was emotionally powerful and thought-provoking. It gave a complete and heartfelt closure to the Ramayan.
8. Mahakali – Anth Hi Aarambh Hai (2017) – Fearless Feminine Power
For the first time, a mythological show focused entirely on the fierce feminine form Mahakali. The series highlighted the different forms of Goddess Parvati and her transformation into Mahakali to fight evil. It celebrated divine rage, feminine strength, and the balance of power. A strong message in a visually stunning package.
9. RadhaKrishn (2018–2023) – A Love Story Beyond Time
This wasn’t just a love story it was a spiritual saga. RadhaKrishn explored the eternal bond between Radha and Krishna, combining philosophy with romance. With poetic dialogues, soulful music, and divine chemistry, the show became a favorite among youth and spiritual seekers alike. Love here wasn’t possession it was devotion.
10. Siya Ke Ram (2015) – The Ramayan Through Sita’s Eyes
What if the epic Ramayan was seen from Sita’s perspective? Siya Ke Ram did exactly that. It gave voice to the silent strength of Sita, highlighting her choices, trials, and inner power. More than a retelling, it was a redefining of mythology for a world that needed to hear the woman's story.
These shows didn’t just shape Indian television they shaped minds and hearts. From the war-torn fields of Kurukshetra to the peaceful forests of Chitrakoot, from the questions of Betaal to the fierce roar of Mahakali each show brought something divine into our daily lives. They made us cry, question, believe, and most importantly, connect with a legacy older than time. In a world moving too fast, these stories remind us of eternal truths, of right and wrong, of devotion and duty. And that’s why, decades later, we still remember them not as shows, but as experiences that became part of who we are.
Explore the latest trends and tips in Health & Fitness, Travel, Life Hacks, Fashion & Beauty, and Relationships at Times Life!