Quick facts Role / Domain Goddess whose name must be invoked when offering sacrificial oblations into fire. Family Daughter of Daksha; wife of Agni, the fire god. Son In some traditions, Skanda (Kartikeya), commander of the Devas. Key episode Won Agni’s union by taking the forms of the wives of the Saptarishis (except Arundhati). Significance … Read more

सूर्य Surya, the sun god, is both a Deva and a Navagraha. He is also referred to as Vivasvant – The Sun God and Martanda. According to the Purusha Suktam (Rig Veda 10.90), Surya was formed from the eyes of Purusha, the primeval man. Surya’s two wives are Sangya (daughter of Vishwakarma – The Architect … Read more

उतथ्य Utathya was one of the three sons of the sage Angirasa – Father of Brihaspati, a revered figure in Vedic tradition. His brothers were Samvarthana and Brihaspati – The Guru of the Devas, the latter being the preceptor of the Devas. Through his wife Mamata – Wife of Utathya (entity page), Utathya fathered a … Read more

आदित्य The Adityas are the eight sons of Aditi – Mother of the Devas and sage Kashyapa – Father of the Devas and Asuras in Hindu mythology. According to the Rig Veda (R.V. 2.27), the Adityas are: Mitra, Aryaman – Hospitality, Bhaga, Varuna – The Waters, Daksha, Amsha, and Martanda – An Aditya. Varuna is … Read more

लोकपाला The eight Lokapalas, or guardians of the world, protect the directions and are associated with specific cardinal points. They include Indra, who governs the east; Agni (fire), the southeast; Yama (god of death), the south; Surya (the sun), the southwest; Varuna – The Waters (water), the west; Pavana/Vayu (wind), the northwest; Kubera – The … Read more

अश्विन The Ashwini twins, the physicians of the gods, were born when the sea of milk was churned by the Devas and Asuras. They were denied sacrificial oblations (Havis) by Indra but regained it through knowledge they acquired. In the Rig Veda, they are said to be the sons of Saranyu and Vivasvant – The … Read more

ब्रह्मां The fundamental goal of a Hindu is the realization of Brahman, the ultimate truth and source of all existence. Brahman is described as the essence of everything in the universe, both animate and inanimate. Though the Trinity – Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma of Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma – The Creator represents various aspects of … Read more

श्वेतकेतु Shwetaketu, the son of sage Uddalaka – Grandfather of Ashtavakra, is a prominent figure in Hindu philosophy and mythology. His conception by Uddalaka’s disciple, at the sage’s request, illustrates the complexities of ancient customs. Despite his profound learning in the Vedas, Shwetaketu’s pride was humbled by his father, who famously taught him the concept … Read more

सोम Soma refers to two distinct but interconnected concepts in Hindu and Vedic mythology: Chandra – The Moon, the Moon God, and the intoxicating ritual drink offered to the Vedic gods. In ancient Hindu texts, especially in the Rig Veda, Soma plays a crucial role both as a celestial deity and as a sacred substance … Read more

सुभद्रा Subhadra was the beloved sister of Krishna and Balarama – Brother of Krishna, and her marriage to Arjuna, one of the five Pandava brothers, is a significant event in the epic Mahabharata – The Great Epic. Subhadra’s story highlights the intricate relationships between the Pandavas and the Yadavas (Krishna’s family), while also weaving into … Read more