वराह Varaha, the boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is a significant figure in Hindu mythology. According to legend, during the reign of the Swayambhuva Manu, the earth had sunk to the bottom of the ocean, and life could not exist on it. The Devas, who were the gods of the Hindu pantheon, prayed to Lord Vishnu to save the earth and restore life to it. Heeding their prayers, Lord Vishnu changed himself into a boar and raised the earth from the bottom of the ocean, supported on his teeth. This is the Varaha avatar, one of the ten avatars of …
अत्रि Atri: The Sage and Husband of Anasuya Atri is one of the seven sages, known as the SaptaRishis, who are considered to be the most revered and wise individuals in Hindu mythology. He is better known as the husband of Anasuya, who is considered to be the chastest of all women. Atri’s story is closely tied to that of his wife, Anasuya, and their son, Chandra. The Story of Atri and Anasuya According to Hindu mythology, Atri was a sage who lived in a time when the gods and goddesses were still young and powerful. He was known for …
मदयन्ती The Tragic Tale of Madayanti: A Study of Love, Loyalty, and Sacrifice The Life of Madayanti Madayanti was the queen of King Pravridda, a king of the solar dynasty. She was a devoted wife and a loyal companion to her husband. When her husband was cursed by his perceptor Vasishta, she prevented him from uttering a curse back at the sage. However, the water that had been charged by his incantations fell on his feet and disfigured them, so he was known as Kalmashapada from then on. The Possession of the King Later, her husband became possessed by a …
कण्व The Story of Kanva and Shakuntala In the ancient Hindu mythology, Kanva was a great sage, revered for his wisdom, compassion, and spiritual power. He was a member of the Kanva clan, a group of sages who were known for their deep understanding of the mysteries of the universe. The Adoption of Shakuntala Kanva is best known for adopting Shakuntala, a young woman who was abandoned by her parents in the forest. Shakuntala was a beautiful and kind-hearted woman, who was loved by all who knew her. Kanva, who was a wise and compassionate sage, took Shakuntala under his …
Nahusha, an ancestor of the Pandavas, was the grandson of Puroorava and the son of Ayus, Puroorava’s eldest son. His own son was Yayati, a significant figure in Hindu mythology. Due to his virtuous deeds, Nahusha was rewarded with a place in heaven after his death. Additionally, he was granted a boon that allowed him to absorb half the power of anyone within his sight, rendering him nearly invincible. When Indra was forced into exile due to a curse, the Devas selected Nahusha as their king. However, power corrupted Nahusha, leading him to covet Sachi, Indra’s consort, as his queen. …
वामना Vamana Bali, the son of Prahlada, gained powerful boons and conquered the three worlds. To restore the Devas to their rightful place, Vishnu incarnated as Vamana, a dwarf. Vamana was born to Aditi and sage Kashyapa. Vamana approached Bali during a significant sacrificial ceremony. In line with tradition, alms were offered to Brahmanas during such events. Despite his mentor Shukra’s warning that Vamana was Vishnu in disguise, Bali generously offered to grant any wish. Vamana requested land that he could cover in three steps. Bali agreed. To everyone’s surprise, Vamana grew into a giant. With his first two steps, …
पृथु Prithu: The Legendary King of the Solar Dynasty Prithu is a prominent king in Hindu mythology and an important ancestor of Rama in the Solar dynasty (Suryavansha). He is the son of King Anaranya and the father of Trishanku, two other notable figures in the dynasty. Prithu’s Role in Mythology Prithu is renowned for being an ideal and just king. His name is most commonly associated with the story of the creation of the Earth’s fertility, making him a symbol of sustenance and prosperity. According to the legends, the Earth (personified as the goddess Prithvi) had ceased to yield …
Bhurisravas, a great warrior and the son of Somadatta, was a formidable opponent in the great Kurukshetra war. He was a skilled fighter and a loyal ally of the Kauravas, and was particularly known for his bravery and martial prowess. Bhurisravas was a bitter enemy of the Yadavas, and in particular, of Satyaki, the disciple of Arjuna. He had challenged Satyaki to battle, and taking advantage of his opponent’s fatigue, managed to defeat him and throw him to the ground. However, just as Bhurisravas was about to murder his defenseless adversary, Arjuna intervened and cut off his hand with a …
नहुष Nahusha in Hindu Mythology Nahusha is a notable king from the Solar dynasty with important connections to Hindu epic narratives. Key Points about Nahusha: Comparative Table: Lineage and Roles Figure Role/Title Description Nahusha King of the Solar Dynasty Son of Ambarisha, father of Yayati, and ancestor of Rama. Ambarisha Father of Nahusha King of the Solar dynasty and father of Nahusha. Yayati Son of Nahusha Successor in the Solar dynasty and father of Nabhaga. Rama Epic Hero Descendant of Nahusha, central figure in the Ramayana. Related Entities in Hindu Mythology These figures highlight the significance of the Solar dynasty …
ईशान Ishana, also known as Sthanu and Jishnu, is one of the Lokapalas, a group of powerful deities who guard the cardinal directions and the intermediate directions in Hindu mythology. As the guardian of the north-eastern hemisphere, Ishana is responsible for protecting the region and its inhabitants from harm. Ishana is considered an incarnation of Lord Shiva, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. As an incarnation of Shiva, Ishana embodies the qualities of the god, including his power, wisdom, and benevolence. Ishana’s role as the guardian of the north-eastern hemisphere is a testament to his importance in Hindu …