Hinduism - 4

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4. Hindu Mythology

 

The term "Hindu mythology" is used by modern day scholars for ancient Indian literature which has historically important details about people, places, kings, style of living, deities, incarnations, sages etc. In academic studies, the term "myth" does not mean fiction or that the narrative is false. It is essentially a western epithet given to all non-Judeo-Christian religious literature. The archaeological evidences point to the veracity of our ancient texts and therefore, Hindu mythology is essentially Hindu legends and cherished beliefs of Hinduism.

 

The various topics of Hinduism contain stories that are accepted as literal truth by some and as philosophical or allegorical insights by others. The different topics are:

 

Swargaloka/Swargalok/Heaven

 

The concept of Swarga (heaven) is that it is a temporary place for enjoying the fruits of good actions committed on Earth. The ultimate goal is "Moksha" (supreme salvation) that every soul wants. Swarga is said to be inhabited by Devas (Gods), who are believed to be the children of Rishi Kashyapa and his wife Aditi.

 

Indra (the God of thunder and lightning), is the king of Swarga. The other devas residing there include Varuna (the God of the oceans), Agni (the God of fire), Kubera (the treasurer of the Gods), Yamaraja, or Dharma (the lord of righteousness and death), Surya (the sun God), Chandra (the moon God), and Kamadeva (the God of love).

 

Narakaloka/Naraklok/Hell

 

The concept of Naraka is that the souls of people is brought here to suffer pains and punishments for the sins they committed on Earth. It is said that Lord Yama rules the Naraka with a band of emissaries called the Yama duta. Chitragupta acts as the accountant for every deed that has been committed by the human beings on Earth and based on that the humans are assigned the privilege of living in Swarga or confined to Naraka.

 

Hindu Gods and Goddesses

 

Hinduism believes in one God who is formless, nameless, infinite and eternal. Human minds have portrayed God in many forms with humanistic characteristics like fatherhood, motherhood, love etc. The one eternal god is called "Brahman". All Universes is born from God and everything dies and goes back to him. God is the Creator, Preserver and Destroyer. Thus, Hinduism believes in one God who has numerous names and forms.

 

Hindu Gods

 

It is said that Hinduism has about 33 crore or 330 million gods and goddesses. However, ancient scriptures have stated that Hinduism has "33 Koti Devas" which has been variously interpreted as 330 million or 33 crore (1 koti = 1 crore) Gods or 33 categories of Gods since "koti" also means "category".

 

Hindu Gods are male forms of the one God - Brahman. Humans have given different names and forms to the same god. The most commonly worshiped Gods of Hinduism are:

 

· Lord Brahma/Prajapati: The Creator

· Lord Vishnu/Narayana: The Preserver

· Lord Shiva/Rudra: The Destroyer

· Lord Ganesha

· Lord Rama

· Lord Krishna

· Lord Hanuman

· Lord Kartikeya

· Lord Kubera

 

Hindu Goddesses

 

The female form or Shakti has many forms who are worshiped for different reasons. The main goddesses of Hinduism are:

 

· Goddess Parvati: She is the consort of Lord Shiva and mother of Lord Ganesha and Lord Kartikeya. She is the source of all the power in the universe and the power of Gods is also due to her. Goddess Parvati is worshipped by Hindu females for the longevity of their husbands and children. Her vehicle is the lion and sometimes she is depicted seated on the tiger as well. She has various forms like Durga (goddess beyond reach); Bhadrakali (the auspicious power of time); Amba or Jagdamba (mother of the world); Annapurna (giver of food

and plenty); Sarvamangala (auspicious goddess); Bhairavi (terrible, fearful, power of death); Chandika or Chandi (violent, wrathful, furious); Lalita (playful) and Bhavani (given of existence).

· Goddess Lakshmi: Goddess Lakshmi is the consort of lord Vishnu and the Goddess of wealth. She is depicted as a beautiful female seated on a pink lotus and being anointed by a pair of white elephants. Her vehicle is the white owl. She is worshiped by Hindus and on Diwali it is said that she comes for a visit, so people light lamps to guide her to their homes.

· Goddess Saraswati: She is the consort of Lord Brahma and is the patron of music, arts, crafts and learning. Goddess Saraswati is usually depicted as fair and gracefully clad in pure white, riding a swan and holding a Veena and book. She is worshiped by students for blessing them with knowledge and memory.

 

Sapta Rishi (Seven Sages)

 

When Lord Brahma decided to create our universe, he created seven sages out of his thoughts. They were called the Sapta Rishis and also "Maanasa Putra"(created out of mental thoughts). The Sapta Rishis are:

 

Bhrigu

 

Bhrigu is said to have stepped on Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu to test the greatness of each God. Brahma and Shiva were furious but Vishnu treated the Sage with respect and was declared the greatest. His descendants are supposed to have composed the Atharva Veda.

 

Angirasa

 

Angirasa along with Sage Atharvana is said to have composed Atharva Veda. He is also mentioned in the other Vedas.

 

Atri

 

Atri is the rishi who composed the fifth Mandala (chapter) of Rig-Veda. He proclaimed the theory of three strands of the sacred thread: Janeu/Janou. The three strands symbolize creation (represents Brahma and the letter "A"), sustenance (represents Vishnu and the letter "U") and destruction (represents Shiva and the letter "M"). Together these three strands show the vow that a Brahmin takes to recite and adhere to AUM/OM.

 

Gautama

 

He is credited to have created mantras and also Godavari was formed after he prayed to Lord Siva. Siva descended to Trayambakeshwar and this gave rise to the river Godavari. He is said to be the creator of Dharma Sutras that contain the rules for the four Ashramas, the forty Samaskaras, the four Varnas, kingly duties, the punishments for various offences, etc.

 

Kashyapa

 

He is the father of Gods and Demons. Sage Kashyapa is said to have two wives: Aditi (mother of Gods) and Diti (mother of demons).

 

Vasishta

 

He was chief of Saptarishis and the Rajaguru of the Suryavamsha (Solar Dynasty). Vasishta is said to be the chief author of seventh Mandala (Chapter) of the Rig-Veda.. He also wrote the "Vasishta Samhita" - a book on Muhurtha/Muhurt that forms the basis of predetermined astrology.

 

Agastya

 

He is said to one of the greatest of all Sapta Rishis. He is credited with spreading the Vedic religion to South India and creating the Tamil language. He married Lopamudra, the human daughter of Brahma.