Hindu Mythology Basics

Hindu Mythology

• Hindu mythology is a vast and complex collection of stories, legends, and myths that are deeply rooted in Indian culture and history.
• It is based on the Vedas, the Upanishads, and the Puranas, which are ancient Hindu scriptures.
• Key characters:
  • Gods and goddesses: Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, Ganesha, Durga, Krishna, Rama
  • Demons and villains: Ravana, Kumbhakarna, Mahishasura
  • Heroes and avatars: Rama, Krishna, Hanuman
• Important stories and episodes:
  • The Ramayana: the story of Rama and Sita
  • The Mahabharata: the story of the Pandavas and the Kauravas
  • The Bhagavad Gita: a part of the Mahabharata, featuring the teachings of Krishna

Buddhist Art

• Buddhist art originated in India during the 3rd century BCE and spread to other parts of Asia.
• Characteristics:
  • Use of symbols and motifs: the wheel of dharma, the lotus flower, the Buddha's footprints
  • Depiction of the Buddha: in meditation, teaching, or in various mudras (hand positions)
  • Use of materials: stone, wood, metal, and terracotta
• Famous examples:
  • The Buddha of Bamiyan (Afghanistan)
  • The Sarnath Pillar (India)
  • The Ajanta and Ellora Caves (India)

Mughal Architecture

• Mughal architecture is a blend of Indian, Persian, and Islamic styles.
• Characteristics:
  • Use of arches, domes, and minarets
  • Intricate inlays and carvings of marble and stone
  • Ornate decorations and calligraphy
• Famous examples:
  • The Taj Mahal (Agra, India)
  • The Red Fort (Delhi, India)
  • The Humayun's Tomb (Delhi, India)

Indian Classical Music

• Indian classical music has a rich history and is divided into two main traditions: Hindustani and Carnatic.
• Characteristics:
  • Use of ragas (melodic modes) and talas (rhythmic cycles)
  • Emphasis on improvisation and exploration of emotions
  • Use of a wide range of instruments, including the sitar, tanpura, and tabla
• Famous musicians and composers:
  • Tansen (Hindustani tradition)
  • Thyagaraja (Carnatic tradition)
  • Ravi Shankar (Hindustani tradition)
  • M.S. Subbulakshmi (Carnatic tradition)

Hindu Mythology

• Hindu mythology is a vast collection of stories, legends, and myths rooted in Indian culture and history.
• It is based on ancient Hindu scriptures: the Vedas, the Upanishads, and the Puranas.
• Key characters include:
  • Gods and goddesses: Brahma (creator), Vishnu (preserver), Shiva (destroyer), Ganesha (remover of obstacles), Durga (goddess of strength), Krishna (divine prince), Rama (ideal king)
  • Demons and villains: Ravana (king of Lanka), Kumbhakarna (Ravana's brother), Mahishasura ( buffalo-demon)
  • Heroes and avatars: Rama, Krishna, Hanuman (monkey god and Rama's devotee)
• Important stories and episodes:
  • The Ramayana: Rama's exile, Sita's abduction, and the battle against Ravana
  • The Mahabharata: the great war between the Pandavas and the Kauravas
  • The Bhagavad Gita: Krishna's teachings to Arjuna on duty, morality, and spiritual growth

Buddhist Art

• Buddhist art originated in India during the 3rd century BCE and spread to other parts of Asia.
• Characteristics:
  • Use of symbols and motifs: the wheel of dharma (law), the lotus flower (enlightenment), the Buddha's footprints (spiritual path)
  • Depiction of the Buddha: in meditation (dhyana mudra), teaching (dharmachakra mudra), or in various mudras (hand positions)
  • Use of materials: stone, wood, metal, and terracotta
• Famous examples:
  • The Buddha of Bamiyan: two massive standing Buddha statues in Afghanistan
  • The Sarnath Pillar: a column erected by Ashoka in India, marking the spot where Buddha preached his first sermon
  • The Ajanta and Ellora Caves: rock-cut temples and sculptures in India, showcasing Buddhist art and architecture

Mughal Architecture

• Mughal architecture is a blend of Indian, Persian, and Islamic styles.
• Characteristics:
  • Use of arches, domes, and minarets
  • Intricate inlays and carvings of marble and stone
  • Ornate decorations and calligraphy
• Famous examples:
  • The Taj Mahal: a white marble mausoleum in Agra, India, built by Shah Jahan
  • The Red Fort: a palace complex in Delhi, India, built by Shah Jahan
  • The Humayun's Tomb: a mausoleum in Delhi, India, built by Haji Begum

Indian Classical Music

• Indian classical music has a rich history and is divided into two main traditions: Hindustani and Carnatic.
• Characteristics:
  • Use of ragas (melodic modes) and talas (rhythmic cycles)
  • Emphasis on improvisation and exploration of emotions
  • Use of a wide range of instruments, including the sitar, tanpura, and tabla
• Famous musicians and composers:
  • Tansen: a legendary Hindustani musician and composer
  • Thyagaraja: a Carnatic composer and saint
  • Ravi Shankar: a renowned Hindustani sitar player and composer
  • M.S.Subbulakshmi: a celebrated Carnatic vocalist

Hindu Mythology

Overview

• Hindu mythology is a vital part of Indian cultural heritage, consisting of diverse stories, legends, and myths that shape the country's religious, social, and cultural fabric.

Key Gods and Goddesses

• Brahma: Creator of the universe, often depicted with four heads.
• Vishnu: Preserver of the universe, known for his incarnations (avatars) such as Rama and Krishna.
• Shiva: Destroyer of the universe, often depicted with a third eye and a trident.
• Ganesha: Remover of obstacles, depicted with an elephant head and a large belly.
• Durga: Goddess of strength and protection, often depicted riding a lion or a tiger.
• Krishna: Eighth incarnation of Vishnu, known for his divine wisdom and romance.

Epic Stories

• The Ramayana: Story of Rama, a prince of Ayodhya, who battled the demon king Ravana to rescue his wife Sita.
• The Mahabharata: Story of the Pandavas and the Kauravas, two groups of cousins who engaged in a great war, with the Pandavas ultimately emerging victorious.
• The Puranas: Collection of ancient stories that describe the creation of the universe, the origins of humans, and the lives of gods and goddesses.

Mythological Creatures

• Nagas: Half-human, half-snake beings, often depicted as wise and powerful.
• Yakshas: Nature spirits, often depicted as beautiful and powerful.
• Rakshasas: Demons, often depicted as evil and monstrous.
• Garudas: Half-bird, half-human beings, often depicted as strong and powerful.

Influence on Indian Culture

• Hindu mythology has shaped Indian art, architecture, literature, and performing arts.
• It has influenced Indian festivals, rituals, and traditions.
• It has shaped Indian values and ethics, such as the concept of dharma (duty) and karma (actions and consequences).