तिलोत्तमा Tilottama is an Apsara in Indra’s court, known for her extraordinary beauty. Her name is derived from “Tila,” which means sesame seeds in Sanskrit, as she was created from sesame seeds by the divine architect Vishwakarma, following the advice of Lord Brahma. Tilottama’s creation was intended to serve a higher purpose, as her beauty played a key role in the downfall of the powerful demons Sunda and Upasunda, who were mesmerized by her and killed each other in their desire for her, thus restoring peace among the gods. Connection to Other Entities and Stories: Character Relation to Tilottama Role …
उद्दालक Uddalaka Aruni was a highly learned Rishi and a famous teacher of the Vedas and scriptures. He had a daughter, Sujata, and a younger son, Shwetaketu. Uddalaka gave Sujata in marriage to his disciple Kahoda, and they had a son, Ashtavakra. Kahoda was defeated in a debate by Bandy at King Janaka’s court and was drowned in the river. Ashtavakra, raised by Uddalaka, later avenged his father by defeating Bandy. In the Chandogya Upanishad, Uddalaka teaches Shwetaketu the profound doctrine of Brahman, with the famous phrase “Tat Tvam Asi” (“Thou art that”). Connection to Other Entities and Stories: Character …
उलूपि Ulupi, a Naga princess and daughter of Kauravya, encountered Arjuna during his twelve-year exile, imposed due to breaching a compact with Yudhishthira. She saw him while he was bathing and, captivated by him, abducted him to her underwater palace. Initially hesitant due to his vow of celibacy, Arjuna relented after Ulupi clarified that the vow only applied to his wife Draupadi. They spent time together, and she granted him a boon making him invulnerable in water. Later, Arjuna married Chitrangada of Manipur and Subhadra, Krishna’s sister. Connections to Other Entities and Stories: Character Relation to Ulupi Role in Mythology …
त्वष्टा Tvashta, also known as Bhaumana, is the divine carpenter and the father of Saranyu (wife of Vivasvant) and grandfather of the primeval twins Yama and Yami. Known as the “artificer of the Gods” in the Rig Veda, he is credited with crafting significant items like Indra’s thunderbolt and the drinking cup of the gods. Tvashta is the guardian of Soma (Amrit). He is often associated with Vishwakarma, the divine architect. A significant story involving Tvashta is his failed attempt to create a son who could slay Indra, resulting in the birth of the Asura Vritra, due to a mispronounced …
त्रिशग़्कु Trishanku, a king of the Solar dynasty and son of Prithu, was originally known as Satyavrata. He committed three sins—misbehavior in the kingdom, killing the cow of his preceptor Vasishta, and consuming unsanctified meat—earning him the name Trishanku. After being cursed with a debilitating disease, Trishanku approached Vishwamitra, who, to spite Vasishta, performed a sacrifice enabling him to ascend to heaven in his mortal body. However, Indra caused him to fall, and Vishwamitra suspended him mid-air, creating a new heaven for him, known as Trishanku’s Heaven. Connections to Other Entities: Character Relation to Trishanku Role in Mythology Vasishta Preceptor …
उर्मीळा Urmila, a princess of Mithila, is the wife of Lakshmana, the brother of Rama, the hero of the Ramayana. As Sita’s sister, Urmila’s role is often understated in the epic, but her devotion and sacrifice are significant. When Lakshmana accompanies Rama and Sita into exile, Urmila chooses to remain in Ayodhya, allowing Lakshmana to serve Rama without concern. Her silent strength and endurance during Lakshmana’s 14-year absence make her a symbol of steadfastness and dedication. Connection to Other Entities: Character Relation to Urmila Role in the Ramayana Lakshmana Husband Accompanied Rama and Sita into exile, supported by Urmila’s silent …
उत्तर Uttara, the daughter of King Virata of Matsya, played a significant role in the events following the Pandavas’ exile. During their incognito year, Arjuna, under the guise of the eunuch Brihannala, became her dance teacher. After the exile, King Virata proposed that Uttara marry Arjuna, but Arjuna declined, offering his son Abhimanyu instead. Uttara married Abhimanyu, but he was killed in the Kurukshetra War. While pregnant with their son Parikshit, Uttara witnessed her unborn child being killed by Ashwatthama’s Brahmastra. However, Lord Krishna revived Parikshit, ensuring the continuation of the Pandava lineage. Connection to Other Figures: Character Relation to …
सुमित्रा Sumitra is the youngest wife of King Dasharatha of Ayodhya and the mother of twins Lakshmana and Shatrughna. When Dasharatha performed the Ashwamedha sacrifice to obtain sons, the divine nectar was divided among his wives: Kausalya, Kaikeyi, and Sumitra. Kausalya and Kaikeyi each gave half of their portion to Sumitra, resulting in the birth of twins. Lakshmana became especially devoted to Rama (Kausalya’s son), while Shatrughna remained loyal to Bharata (Kaikeyi’s son). Connections to Other Entities: Character Relation to Sumitra Role in Ramayana Dasharatha Husband King of Ayodhya, father of Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna Lakshmana Son Devoted brother …
उष Usha is the Vedic Goddess of Dawn, symbolizing the arrival of light and the dispelling of darkness. She is described in the Rig Veda as the daughter of the sky (Dyaus), radiant and immortal. Her presence heralds the coming of the day, and the twin gods Ashwini Kumaras, the divine physicians, are her companions, following her in their chariot. Usha is one of the few goddesses mentioned prominently in the Rig Veda, highlighting her essential role in the cosmic order of day and night. Connection to Other Figures: Character Relation to Usha Role in Vedic Mythology Ashwinis Companions Divine …
उत्तमौजा Uttamaujas, a prince of the Panchala kingdom, was a valiant warrior who fought on the Pandava side in the Kurukshetra War. Along with Yudhamanyu, he was tasked with protecting Arjuna’s chariot wheels, a duty he fulfilled admirably. Although he engaged in some single combats, his main role was to accompany and guard Arjuna. Despite surviving the 18-day war, he met a tragic end when Ashwatthama, son of Drona, attacked and killed him during a night raid on the Pandava camp while he slept. Connections to Other Characters: Character Relation to Uttamaujas Role in the Mahabharata Arjuna Leader, whom Uttamaujas …