Overview
Hindu Mythology is a vast, living tradition. Unlike Greek or Norse myths, these stories are still sacred to over a billion people. It is a complex tapestry of philosophy, cosmology, and epic storytelling.
Core Idea
The core idea is Dharma (Cosmic Order) and Moksha (Liberation). The universe is an endless cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction. The goal is to escape this cycle.
Formal Definition
The narratives found in Hindu texts like the Vedas, Puranas, and the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. It features the Trimurti:
- Brahma: The Creator.
- Vishnu: The Preserver.
- Shiva: The Destroyer.
Intuition
It’s fractal mythology. There are millions of gods, but they are all manifestations of the one ultimate reality (Brahman). Time is cyclic, spanning billions of years (Yugas).
Examples
- The Ramayana: Prince Rama (avatar of Vishnu) rescues his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana with the help of the monkey god Hanuman.
- The Mahabharata: A massive war between cousins (Pandavas vs. Kauravas). Contains the Bhagavad Gita, where Krishna teaches Arjuna about duty.
- Churning of the Ocean: Gods and demons work together to churn the cosmic ocean to obtain the nectar of immortality.
Common Misconceptions
- Misconception: It is polytheistic.
- Correction: It is often described as Henotheism (worshipping one god without denying others) or Monism (all is one).
- Misconception: Karma is fate.
- Correction: Karma is action and consequence. You create your own future through your actions.
Related Concepts
- Avatar: The descent of a deity to earth (e.g., Vishnu has 10 avatars).
- Yoga: Spiritual practices derived from Hindu philosophy.
- Sanskrit: The classical language of Hindu texts.
Applications
- Ethics: The concept of Dharma (duty/righteousness) guides daily life.
- Art: Indian dance, music, and sculpture are deeply rooted in mythology.
Criticism and Limitations
- Caste System: Mythology has been used to justify social hierarchy (Purusha Sukta), though many modern interpretations reject this.
Further Reading
- Myths and Symbols in Indian Art and Civilization by Heinrich Zimmer
- The Mahabharata (abridged by C. Rajagopalachari)