विनता Vinata: Daughter of Daksha and Mother of Garuda and Aruna Vinata, a significant figure in Hindu mythology, was one of the daughters of Daksha, a progenitor of the gods. She was married to the great sage Kashyapa, one of the revered Saptarishis and a pivotal figure in the creation of various divine and semi-divine beings. Through her union with Kashyapa, Vinata became the mother of Garuda, the mighty eagle and vehicle of Vishnu, and Aruna, the charioteer of Surya, the Sun God. Vinata and Kadru: A Sibling Rivalry Vinata’s story is closely intertwined with her sister Kadru, who was …
विकुक्शि Vikukshi: A King of the Solar Dynasty Vikukshi, also known as Shashada, is a prominent figure in the Solar dynasty (Suryavamsha), one of the two most illustrious lineages in Hindu mythology, the other being the Lunar dynasty (Chandravamsa). He was the son of Kukshi and the father of Bana. His lineage is directly linked to Rama, the seventh avatar of Vishnu, who is hailed as the greatest scion of the Solar dynasty. The Sacrilege and the Name Shashada According to the Bhagavata Purana (B.P.), Vikukshi’s story is a cautionary tale about the consequences of violating dharmic principles, especially in …
विन्द Vinda: The Prince of Avanti Vinda was a valiant prince of Avanti, a region in present-day Madhya Pradesh, known for its valor and strategic significance in the epic Mahabharata. He, along with his brother Anuvinda, represented the kingdom of Avanti on the Kaurava side during the great Kurukshetra War. Together, the brothers displayed extraordinary feats of bravery on the battlefield, standing out as loyal allies of Duryodhana. Alliance with the Kauravas Vinda and Anuvinda were staunch supporters of Duryodhana and joined the Kaurava army during the epic war. Their allegiance to Duryodhana was deeply rooted in ties of friendship …
विदुर Vidura: The Embodiment of Wisdom and Dharma Vidura, a central figure in the Mahabharata, is renowned for his wisdom, righteousness, and unwavering adherence to dharma. Born under unusual circumstances, Vidura played a crucial role in the events surrounding the Kuru dynasty, often serving as its moral compass during times of great turmoil. The Birth of Vidura Vidura’s birth is a tale of divine intervention and human virtue: Sage Vyasa’s Role: After King Vichitraveerya died childless, Queen Satyavati called upon her son Vyasa to perform the ritual of Niyoga to ensure heirs for the Kuru dynasty. Vyasa first approached Ambika, …
विप्रचित्ति Viprachitti: The Sage and Asura Patriarch Viprachitti is a notable figure in Hindu mythology, often described as a sage and an Asura (demon) leader. He is closely tied to many significant events and entities in Hindu cosmology, making him a pivotal character in the tales of the Devas and Asuras. He married Simhika, the daughter of Daksha Prajapati, one of the mind-born sons of Brahma and a key progenitor of many celestial and terrestrial beings. Family Connections and Offspring Viprachitti’s marriage to Simhika placed him at the center of a complex web of relationships involving both divine and demonic …
विष्णु Vishnu: The Protector and Sustainer of the Universe Vishnu is the protective aspect of the supreme trinity, which also includes Brahma (the creator) and Shiva (the destroyer). Among the three, Vishnu is most often involved in mortal and divine affairs, embodying the principles of preservation and sustenance. While there are varying beliefs regarding his origin—some say he was created by Shiva, while others believe he arose from the cosmic void (Maha Shunya)—all traditions agree on his critical role in maintaining balance and order in the universe. Attributes and Iconography Color and Appearance: Vishnu is often described as having a …
विरोचन Virochana: The Son of Prahlada and the Link Between Two Epochs Virochana was the son of Prahlada, the celebrated devotee of Lord Vishnu, and the grandson of the infamous Hiranyakashipu, a demon king known for his arrogance and enmity toward Vishnu. Although Virochana did not achieve the same renown as his father or his son, his story connects the events surrounding the lives of these pivotal figures in Hindu mythology. Lineage of Virochana Virochana’s lineage places him at the heart of a pivotal Asura dynasty. His familial connections are central to several key events in Indian mythology: Ancestor Role …
विराट Virata: The King of Matsya and His Role in the Mahabharata Virata was the powerful King of the Matsya Kingdom, a region adjacent to Hastinapura. Known for his valor and rivalry with the Kuru dynasty, he played a significant role in the events leading up to the Kurukshetra war. Virata’s family included his two sons, Shweta and Uttara, and his daughter Uttara, who would later marry Abhimanyu, the son of Arjuna. The Pandavas’ Incognito Year in Virata’s Kingdom When the Pandavas were required to spend the thirteenth year of their exile incognito, as per the conditions of their loss …
त्रिशग़्कु Trishanku: The King Caught Between Heaven and Earth Trishanku, originally named Satyavrata, was a King of the Solar dynasty and the son of Prithu. He is a significant figure in Hindu mythology, primarily remembered for his unique and contentious ascent to a specially created heaven, a tale that illustrates themes of ambition, defiance, and the clash of divine and human will. His son was Dhundumara, who continued the lineage of the Solar dynasty. The Three Sins of Satyavrata Satyavrata, later known as Trishanku, earned his new name due to committing three major sins: Misconduct in the Kingdom: As a …
The Trinity in Hinduism: Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva The Trinity or Trimurti in Hinduism represents the three fundamental aspects of the cosmic function: creation, preservation, and destruction. These three deities—Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva—are the most powerful and significant gods in Hindu mythology. They are understood as manifestations of the ultimate reality, Brahman, which encompasses all existence, both animate and inanimate. Together, they symbolize the cyclical nature of the universe, where creation, maintenance, and dissolution are in eternal balance. Aspects of the Trinity Deity Role Attributes Brahma The Creator Creator of the universe and all beings. Associated with knowledge, wisdom, and …