Indian Mythology Encyclopedia
Apam Napat Editorial Team 
Quick facts In brief The fourth and last age of the current cycle, and the one we are held to be in. Length 432,000 years. Began Traditionally 3102 BCE, at Krishna’s departure. Remaining Roughly 427,000 years. Ends with The arrival of Kalki and the return of the Satya Yuga. Principal sources Bhagavata Purana 12; Vishnu … Read more
Quick facts In brief The churning of the ocean of milk by devas and asuras to obtain the nectar of immortality. Churning rod Mount Mandara. Rope The serpent Vasuki. Pivot Kurma, the tortoise avatar of Vishnu. Yielded Fourteen treasures, including the amrita. Living legacy The four Kumbh Mela cities. Principal sources Bhagavata Purana 8; Mahabharata, … Read more
Quick facts In brief The fourth avatar of Vishnu, half man and half lion, who killed Hiranyakashipu. Position Fourth in the Dashavatara, in the Satya Yuga. Form Man-lion; human torso, leonine head and claws. Killed Hiranyakashipu, brother of Hiranyaksha. Devotee saved Prahlada, Hiranyakashipu’s son. Principal source Bhagavata Purana, Canto 7. Festival Narasimha Jayanti, Vaishakha shukla … Read more
Quick facts In brief The first avatar of Vishnu, a fish who saved Manu and the Vedas from a world-ending flood. Position First in the Dashavatara, in the Satya Yuga. Saved Manu, the seven sages, the seeds of all living things, and the Vedas. Earliest source Shatapatha Brahmana 1.8.1, where Vishnu is not yet named. … Read more
Quick facts In brief The second avatar of Vishnu, a tortoise who supported Mount Mandara during the churning of the ocean. Position Second in the Dashavatara, in the Satya Yuga. Event Samudra Manthan, the churning of the ocean of milk. Purpose To obtain amrita, the nectar of immortality. Yielded Fourteen treasures, including Lakshmi, Dhanvantari and … Read more
The Slaying of Madhu and Kaitabha: A Story of Creation, Boons, and Divine Trickery The tale of Madhu and Kaitabha is a profound narrative of cosmic creation, the role of Devi (Shakti), and the intervention of Vishnu to restore balance in the universe. It connects seamlessly to other stories of Hindu mythology, emphasizing the cyclical … Read more
The Aditya Hridayam: A Divine Gift of Strength and Victory The Aditya Hridayam (आदित्य हृदयम्) is a hymn dedicated to Surya (the Sun God) and is one of the most profound prayers in Hindu mythology. It is embedded within the Yuddha Kanda (Book of War) of the epic Ramayana – Epic of Hinduism and holds … Read more
Indra and the Curse of Sage Gautama The story of Indra and Ahalya is a tale of desire, deception, and divine justice. It serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of unchecked lust and the importance of Dharma. Ahalya, often regarded as the most beautiful woman of her time, became central to this tale … Read more
The Legend of Bharata – The King Who Gave His Name to India: The Inception of Bharata Varsha The story of Bharata, the mighty ruler after whom India was named Bharata Varsha (Land of Bharata), is a timeless tale that exemplifies divine destiny, love, curses, and valor. Chronicled in the Mahabharata – The Great Epic … Read more
The Churning of the Ocean: A Cosmic Event of Eternal Significance This episode, recorded primarily in the Bhagavata Purana, Vishnu Purana, Mahabharata – The Great Epic (Adi Parva), and Devi Bhagavata Purana, is one of the most symbolic tales in Hindu mythology. It intertwines the cosmic struggle between good and evil, divine interventions, and the … Read more