Hindu mythology

The Indian mythology is based largely on the ideas of Hinduism, but also other Indian religions, such as Jainism and Indian folk religion, its own myths. The Hindu mythology can be traced back up to the hymns of the Rigveda (from 1200 BC ), the epics like the Mahabharata (400 BC to 400 AD) and the Ramayana and the Puranas. Hinduism is based on the idea of permanent rebirth ( reincarnation ) and the eternal cycle of birth and death ( samsara ).

Gods

The Indian pantheon has repeatedly undergone changes: the ancient Vedic gods like Indra, Agni and Varuna were displaced by Shiva, Vishnu and Krishna over time. Vishnu is even mentioned in the Veda, but did not have a high priority, Shiva takes place under the name Rudra mention and the now popular name of Krishna appeared only later on.

The gods manifest themselves in the physical world in the form of incarnations ( Avatars ) to protect the Dharma ( cosmic law ). This is especially true of Vishnu, which is usually worshiped in ten incarnations, such as in the most popular divine hero Rama and Krishna.

Major Gods

The highest Indian gods form a Trimurti ( Trinity ), which represents the growth and decay: Brahma the creator, Vishnu as the preserver and Shiva the destroyer. Your wives are Saraswati (Goddess of Wisdom), Lakshmi ( Goddess of Fortune ) and Parvati ( the black ) is also worshiped as Durga ( a Allgöttin ) or Kali. Ganesha, the elephant-headed god popular, is the son of Shiva and Parvati, another son is Karttikeya. Maya is the goddess of illusion. In Shaktism is God in female form ( Shakti Devi ) revered as the highest.

Besides Gotte, mounts, demons

In addition to the main gods, there are mythological creatures, which are also of central importance. Similarly, there are cosmological myths. The Mounts of the principal gods have their own mythology. For Vishnu is the mount for example, the Garuda, the bull Nandi for Shiva, the goddesses, it is a Tiger or Lion, Ganesha rides a rat. The Mounts symbolize the power of God in the world. Similarly, there are also mythological cosmology, Mount Meru is one of the most mythologies, the myth of the milk ocean and the Ganges also play an important mythological role. Also of importance are various demons ( asuras ), which are fought in the mythology of the gods, such as Mahishasura

In folk religion and local traditions to gods, heroes, and other beings, Yakshas and Nagas are mentioned here appear, and in some parts of India the horse mythological and ritual plays a major role. Also of local tradition are countless goddesses who belong to only one village and are available almost everywhere.

Writings and dissemination

The most common plants of the Indian mythology the Ramayana, the Mahabharata and the various Puranas. Each Hindu faith and school has its own major works, which are maintained and handed down a special devotion. Thus the followers of Vishnu and Krishna, the Bhagavata, followers of Goddess ( Devi ), however, the Devi Bhagavata and the Devi Mahatmya from the Markandeyapurana. In the Vedic - Brahmanic orthodoxy these works have not the importance of the Vedas and Upanishads, but in practice they are the ones that give the faithful the entire religious knowledge. Ostensibly telling the most fabulous stories of struggle and adventure of ancient times, of gods, heroes and demons - of countless human destinies, for believers, however, convey layers of meaning religious wisdom.

Much in these stories seems to be the imagination sprung - in the core, however, there is also The Gallery: You hand down the history of the country as well as the ancestors and glorify their deeds. Spoken carried on throughout the Indian subcontinent for centuries on, they are very much alive today. Heard the children earlier in parents and grandparents the old stories, so there are now media such as film, television and comics in particular, in which the mythical tales are taught. The contemporary Indian art is becoming apart again with these works.

Imagery

The essence of personal gods depicted is best recognizable by their attributes; not only what they hold in their hands is important, but also the hand position ( mudra ) itself, companion animals, hairstyle, clothing and seat The iconography of this ' murtis ' is defined in detail in the Puranas. Nevertheless, they are not clearly explained. No doctrine can be derived from this, but the worshiper knows the message: the right hand raised to the inner surface of the worshipers addressed, promises protection and consolation directed hand down, such as Lakshmi, the goddess of fortune, is expression of their grace and promises spiritual as well as material gifts.