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Hindu Mythology

Mythology is a part of every religion. Mythology is concretised philosophy. Mythology is the science which investigates myths or fables or legends founded on remote events, especially those made in the early period of a people’s existence. Mythology inspires the readers through precepts and laudable examples and goads them to attain perfection or the highest ideal. The abstract teachings and high subtle ideas are made highly interesting and impressive to the masses through the garb of stories, parables, legends, allegories and narratives. The sublime and abstract philosophical ideas and ideals of Hinduism are taken straight to the heart of the masses through impressive stories.

Mythology And History

All religions have their own mythology. Mythology is slightly mixed up with a little history. It is difficult to make a fine distinction between history and mythology. If a Christian stands up and says: “My prophet did such and such a marvellous thing,” others will say: “This is only a myth. Our prophets did still more marvellous things which are really historical.” It is not easy to differentiate the two into watertight compartments.
The doctrine of Avatara of the Hindus is a myth for the people of other religions. To worship a cow is superstition for the followers of other religions. The beautiful image or idol of Lord Krishna, which captivates the hearts of the sincere devotees and inspires them to enter into Bhava Samadhi, is horrible to look at for some other religionists. A Christian, a Jew and all others have their own various superstitions and myths. But these myths are really historical for each of them, severally. Mythology has no reference to anything ‘unreal’, but presents truths as clothed in conceptual categories.

  1. Hindu Mythology: Hindu mythology is replete with a vast pantheon of gods and goddesses, as well as numerous epic tales. Some of the most well-known deities include:

    • Brahma: The creator god, often depicted with four faces.
    • Vishnu: The preserver god, who incarnates in various forms such as Rama and Krishna.
    • Shiva: The destroyer god, associated with both creation and destruction.
    • Ganesha: The elephant-headed god of wisdom and obstacles.
    • Durga: The goddess of power and strength.
    • Lakshmi: The goddess of wealth and prosperity.
    • Saraswati: The goddess of knowledge and the arts.

    Hindu mythology is also known for its epic stories, including the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. The Mahabharata contains the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred text that addresses moral and philosophical dilemmas.

  2. Hindu History: Hindu history is intertwined with the development of the Indian subcontinent. While it’s challenging to provide an exhaustive account, here are some key periods and events:

    • Indus Valley Civilization (c. 3300–1300 BCE): One of the world’s earliest urban civilizations, with evidence of religious practices that some scholars link to Hinduism.

    • Vedic Period (c. 1500–500 BCE): The period in which the sacred texts known as the Vedas were composed. This laid the foundation for many aspects of Hinduism.

    • Maurya and Gupta Empires (c. 322 BCE – 550 CE): Flourishing empires during which Hinduism was further developed and integrated with other religious and philosophical traditions.

    • Islamic Invasions (beginning in the 7th century): The Islamic conquest of the Indian subcontinent led to the coexistence of Hinduism and Islam, with cultural exchange and sometimes conflict.

    • British Colonial Rule (1757–1947): The British Empire ruled India, influencing Hindu society and leading to the Indian independence movement.

    • Independence and Modern India (1947 onward): India gained independence from British rule, and the country’s secular constitution guarantees freedom of religion. Hinduism remains a significant cultural and religious force.

  3. Hindu Practices and Beliefs: Hinduism is a diverse and complex religious tradition with a wide range of beliefs and practices. Some common aspects include:

    • Reincarnation: The belief that the soul is reborn in a new body after death.
    • Karma: The principle that one’s actions in this life affect future lives.
    • Dharma: The moral and ethical duties one must follow in life.
    • Yoga: A system of physical, mental, and spiritual practices aimed at self-realization.
    • Pilgrimages and Temples: Hindus visit sacred sites and temples as part of their religious practice.

Philosophy, Mythology And Ritual

In every religion there are three parts, viz., philosophy, mythology and ritual. Philosophy is the essence of religion. It sets forth its basic principles or fundamental doctrines or tenets, the goal and the means of attaining it. Mythology explains and illustrates philosophy by means of legendary lives of great men or of supernatural beings. Ritual gives a still more concrete form to philosophy so that everyone may understand it. Ritual consists of forms, ceremonies, etc.
Puranas contain various myths. The cosmogonic myths of the Puranas are very interesting. A certain portion of Hindu mythology is even now presented to the public in the form of dramas during days of Hindu festivals. Thus the minds of the people are saturated with sublime ideas and ideals and lifted to great spiritual heights.

Hindu Philosophy:

  1. Darsanas (Schools of Thought): Hindu philosophy is characterized by several distinct schools of thought or darsanas, each offering unique perspectives on metaphysical and ethical questions. Some major darsanas include:

    • Nyaya: Concerned with logic and epistemology.
    • Vaisheshika: Focused on metaphysics and atomism.
    • Samkhya: Explores the dualistic nature of the self and the material world.
    • Yoga: Concerned with meditation, discipline, and the path to spiritual realization.
    • Mimamsa: Concentrates on ritual interpretation.
    • Vedanta: Explores the nature of reality, the self (Atman), and the ultimate reality (Brahman).

  2. Karma, Dharma, and Moksha: Central to Hindu philosophy are concepts like karma (the law of cause and effect), dharma (moral and ethical duties), and moksha (liberation from the cycle of reincarnation). Different schools of thought offer varying interpretations and paths to realizing these concepts.

Hindu Mythology:

Hindu mythology is a rich tapestry of stories and legends that revolve around a vast pantheon of gods, goddesses, and legendary figures. Some key elements of Hindu mythology include:

  1. Deities: Hinduism features a multitude of deities with unique attributes, roles, and stories. This includes Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, Durga, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesha, and many others.

  2. Epics: Two of the most famous Hindu epics are the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. The Ramayana narrates the story of Lord Rama, while the Mahabharata includes the Bhagavad Gita and tells the story of the Pandavas and Kauravas.

  3. Puranas: Hinduism includes a vast collection of texts called Puranas, which contain myths, legends, and teachings. Examples include the Vishnu Purana, Shiva Purana, and Bhagavata Purana.

  4. Avatars: Vishnu, in particular, is believed to have incarnated in various forms, or avatars, to restore balance and dharma in the world. Rama and Krishna are two of his most renowned avatars.

Hindu Rituals:

Hindu rituals and practices are an essential aspect of religious life and are performed to honor deities, seek blessings, and maintain cultural and spiritual traditions. Some common rituals and practices include:

  1. Puja: A ritual worship ceremony that involves offering prayers, flowers, incense, and food to deities in temples or at home.

  2. Yagna or Homa: A fire ritual in which offerings are made to the sacred fire, often accompanied by chanting of Vedic mantras.

  3. Meditation and Yoga: Many Hindus engage in meditation and yoga as a means of achieving spiritual growth and self-realization.

  4. Festivals: Hinduism has a wide array of festivals, such as Diwali (Festival of Lights), Holi (Festival of Colors), and Navaratri (celebrating the goddess Durga), which are celebrated with great enthusiasm.

  5. Pilgrimages: Pilgrimage sites like Varanasi, Amritsar, and Tirupati hold great religious significance, and devout Hindus visit them to seek spiritual blessings.

Study Of Mythology And Its Advantages

There are great truths behind the ancient mythology of Hinduism. You cannot ignore a thing simply because it has a garb of mythology. Do not argue. Shut up your mouth. Keep your intellect at a respectable distance when you study mythology. Intellect is a hindrance. It will delude you. Give up arrogance and vanity. Cultivate love for imagery. Sit like a child and open your heart freely. You will comprehend the great truths revealed by mythology. You will penetrate into the hearts of the Rishis and sages who wrote the mythology. You will really enjoy mythology now.
You study geography through maps. There is no real country or town in a map, but it helps you to know a great deal about the different countries. Similar is the case with myths. You can grasp the subtle philosophical truths through myths.
By studying mythology, you will get several object lessons for moulding your character and leading an ideal divine life. The lives of Sri Rama, Sri Krishna, Bhishma, Nala, Harischandra, Lakshmana, Bharata, Hanuman, Yudhishthira, Arjuna, Sita, Savitri, Damayanti, Radha, etc., are sources of great spiritual inspiration for moulding your life, conduct and character. When you are in a dilemma as to what to do in puzzling situations and when there is conflict of duties, you will get the exact solutions through study of mythology.
Thus, mythology has its own benefits and advantages. It stamps on the minds the subtle and abstract teachings of the Vedas through instructive stories and illuminating discourses and paves the way for men to lead a divine life and attain perfection, freedom and immortality.

1. Cultural Understanding:

  • Cultural Insight: Mythology reflects the values, beliefs, and historical context of a culture. By studying mythology, you can gain deeper insights into the culture and people that produced these myths.

2. Historical Perspective:

  • Historical Context: Myths often contain elements of historical events, social structures, and technological advancements. Understanding mythology can shed light on the historical context in which they were created.

3. Literary and Artistic Appreciation:

  • Literary and Artistic Analysis: Myths have been a source of inspiration for literature, art, and other creative endeavors for centuries. Studying mythology can enhance your appreciation of literary works, paintings, sculptures, and other art forms.

4. Psychological and Philosophical Insights:

  • Psychological Understanding: Mythological narratives often delve into human psychology, exploring universal themes such as the hero’s journey, the struggle between good and evil, and the search for meaning.
  • Philosophical Depth: Many myths raise profound philosophical questions about the nature of existence, morality, and the divine. Studying mythology can prompt philosophical contemplation.

5. Comparative Mythology:

  • Comparative Analysis: The study of mythology often involves comparing myths across different cultures. This comparative approach can reveal commonalities and differences in human storytelling and belief systems.

6. Societal and Religious Reflection:

  • Reflection of Societal Values: Myths are often used to reinforce or challenge societal values and norms. Analyzing myths can help us understand how a society views itself and its place in the world.
  • Religious Insights: For mythologies with religious significance, the study of myths can deepen one’s understanding of religious practices and beliefs.

7. Ethical and Moral Exploration:

  • Ethical Dilemmas: Many myths present moral and ethical dilemmas. By examining these dilemmas, one can engage in ethical reflection and consider how these ancient stories relate to contemporary moral issues.

8. Personal Enrichment:

  • Personal Growth: The study of mythology can be personally enriching. It offers opportunities for self-reflection, cultural appreciation, and intellectual stimulation. Myths often contain life lessons and wisdom that can be applied to one’s own life.

9. Educational and Academic Pursuits:

  • Academic Disciplines: Mythology is a legitimate field of study in various academic disciplines, including anthropology, comparative religion, folklore, and classics. It can lead to careers in education, research, and cultural preservation.

Hindu Symbols

Outward symbols are necessary and beneficial. When viewed from the right angle of vision, you will find that they play a very important part in your material as well as spiritual life. Though they may look very simple and unimportant, they are very scientific and effective.

Tilaka—A Mark Of Auspiciousness

Tilaka is a mark of auspiciousness. It is put on the forehead with sandal paste, sacred ashes or Kumkuma. The devotees of Siva apply sacred ashes (Bhasma) on the forehead, the devotees of Vishnu apply sandal paste (Chandana), and the worshippers of Devi or Sakti apply Kumkuma, a red turmeric powder. The scriptures say: “A forehead without a Tilaka, a woman without a husband, a Mantra the meaning of which is not known while doing Japa, the head that does not bend before holy personages, a heart without mercy, a house without a well, a village without a temple, a country without a river, a society without a leader, wealth that is not given away in charity, a preceptor without a disciple, a country without justice, a king without an able minister, a woman not obedient to her husband, a well without water, a flower without smell, a soul devoid of holiness, a field without rains, an intellect without clearness, a disciple who does not consider his preceptor as a form of God, a body devoid of health, a custom (Achara) without purity, austerity devoid of fellow-feeling, speech in which truth is not the basis, a country without good people, work without wages, Sannyasa without renunciation, legs which have not performed pilgrimages, a determination unaided by Viveka or discrimination, a knife which is blunt, a cow which does not give milk, a spear without a point—all these are worthy of condemnation. They exist for name’s sake only.” From this you can imagine the importance of Tilaka or the sacred mark.

  1. Religious Significance:

    • In Hinduism, the tilaka is typically made from a paste of sandalwood, vermilion, or ash, and it is often placed on the forehead to symbolize one’s devotion to a particular deity or to mark a special religious occasion.
    • Different deities may be associated with specific styles of tilaka. For example, followers of Lord Vishnu may wear a “U”-shaped tilaka, while devotees of Lord Shiva often wear three horizontal lines.

  2. Cultural and Social Symbolism:

    • The tilaka can also denote one’s social and religious identity. It may indicate a person’s specific sect, caste, or religious affiliation within Hinduism.
    • In some Indian communities, the style and placement of the tilaka can signify one’s marital status or whether they have undergone certain religious ceremonies.

  3. Auspiciousness and Blessings:

    • The application of tilaka is often considered auspicious and believed to invoke divine blessings and protection. It is a way of seeking divine favor and acknowledging the divine presence in everyday life.

  4. Third Eye and Spiritual Awareness:

    • The tilaka is sometimes associated with the “third eye,” a concept in Hinduism representing spiritual awareness and insight. The spot between the eyebrows is considered the location of the “ajna chakra,” a center of spiritual energy.

  5. Rituals and Festivals:

    • During religious rituals, ceremonies, and festivals, devotees often apply tilaka as part of their worship. It is a way of preparing the body for sacred acts and aligning oneself with the divine.

  6. Symbol of Worship:

    • For priests and those who conduct religious ceremonies, wearing the tilaka is part of their religious attire. It signifies their role as intermediaries between the divine and the worshippers.

Prasada—Its Sacredness And Glory

Prasada is that which gives peace. Prasada is the sacred food offering of the Lord. During Kirtana, worship, Puja, Havan and Arati, the devotee offers sweet rice, fruits, jaggery, milk, coconut, plantain and such other articles to the Lord, according to his ability. After offering them to the Lord, they are shared between the members of the house or the Bhaktas in a temple.

Water, flowers, rice, etc., are offered to the Lord in worship. This denotes that the Lord is pleased with even the smallest offering. What is wanted is the heart of the devotee. The Lord says in the Gita: “Patram Pushpam Phalam Toyam Yo Me Bhaktya Prayacchati; Tadaham Bhaktyupahritamasnami Prayatatmanah—Whoever offers a leaf, a flower, a fruit or even water, with devotion, that I accept, offered as it is with a loving heart.” It is not necessary that one should offer gold, silver and costly dress to the Lord. The devotee offers these according to his ability and position in life, thereby denoting that the whole wealth of the world belongs to the Lord. A rich man offers costly things to the Lord. He feeds the poor and serves the sick, seeing the Lord in his fellow-beings.

Puja is done with Bael leaves, flowers, Tulasi, Vibhuti and these are given as Prasada from the Lord. Vibhuti is the Prasada of Lord Siva. It is to be applied on the forehead. A small portion can be taken in. Kumkuma is the Prasada of Sri Devi or Sakti. It is to be applied at the space between the eyebrows (Ajna or Bhrumadhya). Tulasi is the Prasada of Lord Vishnu, Rama or Krishna. It is to be taken in. They are charged with mysterious powers by the chanting of Mantras during Puja and Havan.

The mental Bhava of the devotee offering Bhog to the Lord has a very great effect. If an ardent devotee of the Lord offers anything to the Lord, that Prasada, if taken, would bring very great change even in the minds of atheists. The Grace of the Lord descends through Prasada. Go through the life of Narada. You will realise the greatness of the sacred leavings of the Lord as well as those of advanced Sadhakas and saints.
The benefits of Prasada and Charanamrita are beyond description. They have the power to change entirely the outlook of a man’s life. Prasada and Charanamrita have the power to cure diseases and even bring back to life dead persons. There had been ever so many instances in the past in this holy land of ours which bear witness to the potency and efficacy of Prasada. Prasada destroys all pains and sins. It is an antidote for misery, pain and anxiety. Faith is the important factor in testing the accuracy of this statement. For faithless persons, it brings very little effect.

Significance of the Number of Beads

Generally, the rosary or Mala used for Japa contains 108 beads. A man breathes 21,600 times every day. If one does 200 Malas of Japa, it becomes 21,600; thereby, he does one Japa for every breath. If he does 200 Malas of Japa every day, that amounts to remembrance of God throughout the day. Malas may contain beads which form divisions of 108 also, so that the same calculation can be maintained. The Meru (the central bead in the Mala) denotes that you have done your Japa 108 times. This also denotes that every time you come to the Meru bead, you have gone one step further on the spiritual path and crossed over one obstacle. A portion of your ignorance is removed. A rosary or Mala is a whip to goad you to do Japa. Mohammedans also have a rosary (Tasbi) in their hands when they repeat their prayers. They roll the beads and repeat the name of Allah. Christians have their paternoster.

Hinduism:

  • 108 Beads: The most common mala in Hinduism consists of 108 beads. This number is considered sacred and significant for various reasons. It is said to represent the 108 earthly desires, the 108 elements that make up the universe, or the 108 Upanishads (ancient texts). The number 108 is also considered auspicious and harmonious in Hindu cosmology.