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Scriptures & Texts

The Vedas, Upanishads, Gita and Puranas, the sources of the tradition.

279 entries

Purusha – The Primordial Man

Purusha – The Primordial Man

Purusha is the primordial man, an archetypal being who embodies the universe itself, celebrated and extolled in the Purusha Sukta of the Rig Veda (RV 10.90). These verses describe the grandeur and cosmic scope of this primeval man, who represents both the universe and the underlying reality of existence. Purusha is depicted as a vast … Read more

Maru – Ancestor of Rama

Maru – Ancestor of Rama

Maru was a king of the Solar dynasty, a royal lineage renowned for its adherence to dharma (righteousness) and for producing legendary figures. As the son of Shighraga and an ancestor of Rama – An Incarnation of Vishnu, Maru belonged to the illustrious Ikshvaku – An Ancestor of Rama lineage, which traced its origins to … Read more

Pushan – The Protector

Pushan – The Protector

पूषा Pushan is the guardian deity of roads, revered in the Rig Veda as the god who clears paths and removes dangers, ensuring safe travel for all who journey. Known as the ‘guardian of travelers’ and the ‘son of deliverance’, Pushan is a benevolent protector whose role encompasses guiding and watching over people on their … Read more

Mitra – Protector of Oaths

Mitra – Protector of Oaths

मित्र Mitra is a deity of the pre-Vedic period, a figure whose roots trace back to ancient Indo-Iranian culture, signifying his importance across different cultures and eras. In the Rig Veda, he is primarily addressed in the dual form Mitra-Varuna and sometimes as part of the dual invocation Mitra-Indra. His association with Varuna – The … Read more

MitraVaruna – The Lords of Justice

MitraVaruna – The Lords of Justice

मित्र-वरुण Mitra-Varuna is the most common dual deity addressed in the Rig Veda, representing a vital cosmic duality within Vedic thought. While Mitra and Varuna are often invoked together as guardians of rita (cosmic order) and moral law, each deity brings unique qualities to their shared domain. You can explore more about Varuna’s divine authority and … Read more

Mitra-Indra – The Duo

Mitra – Protector of Oaths

Mitra-Indra – The King of Heaven is the form in which Indra is invoked in association with Mitra in the Rig Veda. In Vedic tradition, Indra, the god of rain, thunder, and warfare, is often invoked in conjunction with other deities, reflecting his multifaceted role in the cosmic order. When invoked alongside Mitra, Indra takes … Read more

Nakula – The Fourth Pandava

Nakula – The Fourth Pandava

Nakula was the fourth Pandava, one of the five heroic sons of King Pandu and Queen Madri. As detailed in this overview of the Pandavas, each brother contributed uniquely to their shared mission, and Nakula stood out for his grace, skill, and quiet strength. In Hindu mythology, the Ashwini twins are associated with youth, vitality, … Read more

Narada – The Divine Musician-Sage

Narada – The Divine Musician-Sage

नारद Narada is one of the Manasaputras (wish-born sons) of Brahma, the creator god in Hindu mythology. As a celestial sage and one of the Saptarishis (seven great sages), Narada occupies a unique role in Hindu mythology. He has taken a vow of celibacy and wanders across the three worlds-earth, heaven, and the netherworld-spreading the … Read more

Kunti – Mother of Karna, Yudhishtra, Bheema and Arjuna

Kunti – Mother of Karna, Yudhishtra, Bheema and Arjuna

कुन्ती Kunti was the adopted daughter of Kuntibhoja, a noble king who raised her with love and care. Her birth name was Pritha, and she was born to Surasena, the Yadava king, making her the biological sister of Vasudeva – The Father of Krishna, the father of Lord Krishna – An Incarnation of Vishnu. This … Read more

Kshatriyas – Kings and Warriors

Kshatriyas – Kings and Warriors

क्ष्त्रिय Kshatriyas are the kings and warriors in the Varna system (the ancient Indian social hierarchy). They come next after the Brahmanas in the ranking of castes and are primarily tasked with protecting and governing society. The Kshatriya role, embodying strength, valor, and duty, is central to many of the most well-known stories and characters … Read more