Indian Mythology Encyclopedia
The gods and goddesses of the Hindu cosmos, their powers, forms and stories.
130 entries
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
Hanuman, the revered monkey god from the Indian epic Ramayana – Epic of Hinduism, has transcended ancient scriptures to become a cultural icon in modern Indian media. From animated series to blockbuster films, Hanuman’s representation has evolved, reflecting the changing dynamics of storytelling and technology. As I explore Hanuman’s portrayal across various media forms, it’s … Read more
The tale of Mahishasura – Buffalo Demon’s defeat is one of the most captivating stories in Hindu mythology. As a powerful demon with the ability to shape-shift, Mahishasura terrorized the heavens and the earth, challenging the gods themselves. His reign of terror seemed unstoppable until the divine intervention of the fierce goddess Durga. I find … Read more
When it comes to the rich tapestry of Hindu mythology, Shiva stands out as one of the most intriguing deities. Known as the destroyer and transformer, Shiva’s stories are incomplete without mentioning his divine consorts. Parvati – The Consort of Shiva, Kali, and Durga are more than just his partners; they each bring unique attributes … Read more
ApamNapat, celebrated as the lightning form of Agni and revered as the Son-of-Waters, occupies a unique place in the Vedic pantheon and among many celestial entities in Hindu mythology whose roles illustrate elemental duality and cosmic significance. The name Apam Napat is derived from Sanskrit, where “Apam” means “of the waters” and “Napat” signifies “son … Read more
Quick facts In brief The tenth and final avatar of Vishnu, who has not yet appeared. Position Tenth in the Dashavatara, at the close of the Kali Yuga. Form A rider on a white horse, Devadatta, bearing a blazing sword. Birthplace Shambhala, to Vishnuyasha and Sumati. Timing End of the Kali Yuga; roughly 427,000 years … Read more
When we think of the divine feminine in Hinduism, a rich tapestry of goddesses comes to mind, each embodying unique aspects of life and the cosmos. From the fierce and protective Durga to the nurturing and prosperous Lakshmi, these deities play crucial roles in shaping the spiritual and cultural landscape of millions. As I delve … Read more
When we dive into the epic tale of the Ramayana – Epic of Hinduism, Hanuman’s relationship with Sita stands out as a beacon of loyalty and devotion. As a devoted follower of Lord Rama, Hanuman’s mission to find Sita after her abduction by Ravana – The Demon King showcases his unwavering commitment. His journey to … Read more