Hindu Mythology Basics

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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).