Hindu mythology

Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva seated on lotuses with their consorts, ca1770

Krishna and Rukmini as Groom and Bride in a Celestial Chariot Driven by Ganesha LACMA M.74.13

1150 CE Hoysaleswara temple Halebidu Karnataka, Gajasurasamhara Shiva

Matsya Avatar, ca 1870

Depictions of episodes from Hindu mythology

Hindu mythology encompasses the myths, stories, and legends that form the backbone of Hinduism, one of the oldest religions in the world. These narratives are deeply embedded in the culture, rituals, and practices of Hindu society, offering insights into the human condition, ethics, and the nature of the universe. Hindu mythology is vast and includes a rich tapestry of deities, demons, heroes, and sages, each playing a significant role in the cosmic order.

Origins and Texts

Hindu mythology is primarily derived from the Vedas, a collection of ancient sacred texts that are considered the foundation of Hinduism. The most well-known texts that contain mythological stories are the Mahabharata, the Ramayana, and the Puranas. The Mahabharata and the Ramayana are epic poems that narrate the stories of the Kuru dynasty and the life of Rama, an avatar of Vishnu, respectively. The Puranas are a genre of important Hindu religious texts that include myths, legends, and genealogies of gods, goddesses, heroes, and saints.

Major Deities

Hindu mythology is polytheistic, featuring a pantheon of gods and goddesses, each with their own distinct personalities, histories, and aspects. The most prominent deities are Brahma, the creator; Vishnu, the preserver; and Shiva, the destroyer. These three form the Trimurti, a concept in Hinduism analogous to the Christian Trinity. Other important deities include Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and consort of Vishnu; Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and consort of Brahma; and Parvati, the goddess of love, fertility, and devotion, and consort of Shiva.

Cosmology and the Universe

Hindu mythology presents a complex view of the universe, which is cyclically created, preserved, and destroyed in a series of cosmic cycles called Yugas. There are four Yugas: Satya Yuga, Treta Yuga, Dvapara Yuga, and Kali Yuga, with the current age being the Kali Yuga, a period of strife and moral decline. The universe is also said to be made up of multiple realms or Lokas, including Svarga (heaven), Bhurloka (earth), and Patala (netherworld).

Mythological Stories

Hindu mythology is rich in stories that explore themes of creation, destruction, morality, and the struggle between good and evil. Some of the most famous tales include the Samudra Manthan (churning of the ocean), which explains the origin of amrita (the nectar of immortality); the Ramayana, which narrates Rama's quest to rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana; and the Mahabharata, which tells the story of the Kurukshetra War between the Pandavas and the Kauravas.

Impact and Legacy

The myths and stories of Hindu mythology are not just religious texts but also integral to the cultural and philosophical fabric of Hindu society. They have influenced art, literature, and music in India and beyond, shaping the identity and values of millions of people. Hindu mythology continues to be a subject of study, interpretation, and inspiration, reflecting the dynamic and evolving nature of Hinduism itself.