Mythology

Core Concepts of Hinduism

2015-01-20T17:40:00.001-08:00

Core Concepts of Hinduism

Many people say that so and so person is the best Father/Mother/Brother/Sister/Wife in the world.
It doesn't mean that they are comparing them to all other people in the world.
It means that they got most of whatever they expected and more from them.

Similarly, many people believe in different Gods. Hindus believe in different forms of Gods.
For example, Vishnu has taken several avatars (incarnations), of which 10 (Das Avatar) are considered as most important. His consort, Lakshmi, has accompanied him as and when necessary.
Similarly, Vishnu's sister, Shiva's wife, Parvati or Shakti as she is known, has also taken several avatars. Sati (the one who immolated herself), Parvati (the daughter of Parvat raj/Mountain king Himavant), Kali (the dark one, like her brother Vishnu, she is dark in color).
Lakshmi is worshiped in different forms as well. She is worshiped as Dhana (wealth), Dhanya (Food), Gaja (Elephant), Santana (Children), Vijaya (Win) Lakshmi.
Shiva, his sister Sarasvati (both fair, and giver of education in different fields) and her husband Brahma are worshiped by their main form only.

While Brahma writes/creates life, Shakti provides energy to start/sustain life, Lakshmi provides resources to support life, Vishnu maintains order in life, Sarasvati provides knowledge to the creature how to live the life (how to eat, protect itself, and multiply, etc), Shiva takes care of restoring/re-energizing.

They are like Father (who provides for the family and takes care of them), Mother (who gives life to them, loves them, feeds them, teaches the basics to them), Guru (Teacher who teaches different aspects in life, in different forms), We should not compare the roles and responsibilities of them.

Similarly, It is not wise to compare to differentiate between Gods, but to understand them better, we can compare.

A man has a fish tank, and an assorted types of fish in it. He feeds the fish, takes care of the fish, cleans the water of the fish tank and releases the fish in the tank again, but he lets the fish choose how much to eat, how to live and play.
If he doesn't feed the fish properly, or enough, or doesn't take care of the tank itself, it causes problem to the fish. It doesn't mean that he should over feed the fish, or clean the tank more than often.

If we see the same on a much much larger scale,
Brahma chooses what kind of fish to keep in the tank, and to automate the well being of the enormous tank, he has to maintain different kinds of fish.
Sarasvati helps the fish to evolve, based on the environment, availability of food, etc.
Vishnu takes care to balance the fish.
Lakshmi and Shakti take care of providing the fish and let them multiply.
Shiva takes care of cleaning the tank. As Sun, he evaporates the water, but as rain, he fills it again, as earth he sustains the water, but he can drain it as well. In rain and winter, the fish are free to multiply all they want, but in summer, limited supply of water, teaches or controls the number of fish on the whole.

Remove the "I"

If the person says that he is the owner of the fish or the tank, he is proud. If he doesn't take care of the fish, he is bad. If the fish die for known or unknown reasons he is sad. There are different emotions/feelings as long as he feels the "I".
But if he can just minimize the thought of "I", he can reduce a lot, starting with "EGO" to all other things. This doesn't mean that he should get rid of his roles and responsibilities.

Even Shiva and Vishnu worship each other, to have a check.
Shiva gives half of his entity (body/soul) to his wife. Thus wife is called his half. For us it is better half, just so that we are not proud.
Sometimes Brahma tries to show that he is more than others. He has to be taught a lesson as and when required.
He is had 5 heads. When he compared himself to Shiva, who also has 5 heads, Shiva cut one of his head.
In Krishna Avatar, when Brahma said that only he is the creator, and Krishna is not greater than him, Krishna teaches him a lesson.
The difference is, Vishnu teaches us lessons by humiliation so that we leave our "I" and "EGO" out.
Shiva on the other hand, removes it. Thus is known as the destroyer. Here destroyer doesn't mean that he destroys just for the sake of destruction, he does it for the sake of reconstruction, just like cleaning the fish tank.
In day to day life, he destroys our ignorance, when we show inclination to learn. He destroys our tiredness, when we sleep, thus helping our minds to rejuvenate for the next day.

There is a famous saying....Give in such a way that the left hand doesn't know what the right hand gave.
Do as much as you can, and leave the praises to God. This way you neither expect praise for your self nor feel bad if more than what you can give is expected from you.

Don't ask too much/Don't ask at all/Ask for others

Don't ask too much

You must have faith in God, and not keep on asking him your day to day needs. He will give what is appropriate for you and when it is appropriate for you.

Krishna Kills Pootana after feeding on her poisonous milk and sucking out her entire blood, when she attempts to kill all children.
In her previous birth she had asked Vishnu that she wanted to feed him her milk, but sadly thought that she would feed him poison on such occasion. Vishnu fulfilled both her wishes.

Draupadi gets to marry 5 Pandavas. In her previous birth she had asked God to give her husband how is good in five rare attributes. These rare attributes are only with God, but as per her wish, she got five husbands with these five unique qualities.

Kumbhakarna was about to ask Indra Asanaa (Indra's position) but ended asking Nidra Asanaa (sleep) and slept for years together and woke up only to eat. His death was due to premature wake up.

A rishi started doing a Yagyan (Ritual) to kill Indra, but a small mispronunciation made his request such that he was killed by Indra.

Don't ask at all

Markandeya, Vibhishana, Hanuman, etc, never asked anything, and they got life till the end of the current creation.

Ask for others

Other devoted Shiva Bhakts asked Shiva to stay for the other devotees, and they themselves got Moksha. Shiva resided in these places as Jyotir Lingas.

Dont assume you can do all on your own

If you start thinking that you can achieve everything big/small, all on your own, then you are wrong.
Your luck will run out eventually and then you might be left to repent.
It is better, if we attribute the deed and its success to God, and ask for his support before starting them.

Duryodhana and Arjuna went to Krishna to ask for his help. Duryodhan entered first and sat near his head, while Arjun at his feet, while Krishna was relaxing. So when Krishna woke up, he saw Arjun with folded hands and promised to help. Duryodhan cried foul, to which Krishna promised him help too. Duryodhan opted for Krishna's army, while Arjun chose Krishna himself.
So despite, Duryodhan having the ultimate warriors like Bhisma Pitamaha (whom even Parasu Ram couldn't defeat), Drona (their teacher), Karna (who was equal to Arjun), several others including Maternal Uncle of Pandavas (whom he sided on his side by tricking him), his 99 brothers and a large army, faced defeat.
Krishna knew all the solutions to each problem and when played at the right movement, brought decisive win and finally victory.

Ravana had several strong warriors on his side, but he forced his brother Vibhishana to leave just because he gave good advice. As a result, all the secrets where revealed and Rama won the battle.
Even before Ram started the war, he offered peace to Ravan, but the denial lead to his downfall.

Indra and ShukrAcharya (teacher of the Ashuras) approached Shiva for Mrita Sanjivani (a mantra that can bring back life in a dead body). Shiva was pleased with Shukracharya's humble attitude, but he asked them to do penance to get the mantra. Shukracharya attempted the penance, while Indra set to disturb him during the penance. This resulted in Shiva teaching the mantra to Shukracharya.
As a result Indra had difficulties to fight the ever re-living Ashuras.

God will come to your help if the cause is in greater good and effort is true

Krishna, choose to help Arjun, by driving his chariot, and guiding the Pandava brigade. This way he ensured their victory.
Even long before the war started, he defeated several strong kings or converted them as allys, thus paving the way for better help and a chance to stand.
He supported them even in the direst situations, but never stopped them or influenced them from not taking a step, thus paving a way for them to learn.

On Krishana's advice, Arjun went to do penance for Shiva. Shiva disguised as a Hunter, came to test Arjun before giving him his request. Arjun fought with Shiva in all possible ways, and he fought earnestly, like a true warrior, but for a just reason. Shiva on the other hand just defended/deflected the attacks.
This was like a father/teacher would do to teach his child/student. Finally Shiva revealed himself and gave Arjun the necessary boons and advised him to use them only in the direst of the situations.

God doesn't differentiate in who you are

Vishnu came to the rescue of Prahallad, a rakshasa, and protected him several times, and eventually killed his father by taking the NaraSimhaAvatar (Half Lion, Half Man Incarnation).

Vishnu came in form of a Vaman (small brahmin), took 3 steps of land, and took back all the land that Bali, a rakshasa, had won by performing Sahastra AshwaMedha Yagyan, in just 2 steps. Then, after putting his third step on him, he blessed the humble Bali to rule over Patal Loka for a long time.

Vishnu, in form of Rama, killed several rakshasas but he did not end there race. He made the humble Vibhishana the king. Earlied, he killed the arrogant Vali and made Sugreeva the Vanara (Ape) King.

God gives a fair chance

Shiva or Brahma also never differentiated in who asked what they asked, as long as they earned it with the right amount of devotion/penance. They always advised them that as long as they did not misuse the boon, they could live happily.

Shiva gave Vindhya Parvat (mountain) to grow as much as he wanted to, as long as he did not cause issues to others. When his enormous, ever growin height caused an issue, he asked Rishi Agastya to put a check on his height.

Shiva or Brahma never stopped giving chance to who ever asked for a boon, and thus gave them a fair chance to use it. The wrong were punished using the same boon they had received.

When Shiva gave BhasmaAsura (an asura who could turn any one to ash by simply putting his hand on them), Vishnu came in the disguise of Mohini, and made the asura end him self by putting his own hand on his head.

(Draft)

Science behind Hindu Stories

2014-12-11T11:23:00.000-08:00

Science behind Hindu Stories (Draft):
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The Earth is Round:

Its not such a big thing now that we have gone to space and verified that the Earth is round. But when there were no way to go so high (or so we think) we have stories to prove that Hindu knew the Earth is round.

Story 1:

Lord Vishnu takes the incarnation of Varaha (Boar), puts the earth between his tusks, and fights the demons.

The depiction of Earth here is a Ball that fits well between his tusks.

Story 2:

To test there children Lord Shiva and Parvati ask Ganesha and Kartik to go around the Earth for 3 times.

Kartik, on his Peacock, doesn't give a second thought and starts the race, by flying on it.

Ganesh, on the other hand, obviously cant compete on his mouse. So he takes Pradakshan around his parents, and wins the race much faster.

Here, Kartik still goes around the Earth, a circular object, three times.

The Earth is a huge Magnet

Until Newton told the world about Gravity no one knew about it, or did we know before that?

Story:

Parvati creates a sculpture out of Haldi (Turmeric) and pours life in it. She asks him to guard her home.

Shiva comes to meet his wife, but the kid doesn't allow. Shiva goes back and lets the others try to convince the kid to move, or let him pass. No one succeeds. After all he is the creation of Aadi Shakti (First/Pure Power).

The kid playfully outwits all. Shiva in a fit of rage, throws his Trishul (trident) and decapitates him.

Parvati, realizes whats happening outside and comes out, only to realize her head less kids body.

She becomes furious, and all are afraid. Shiva convinces her that he would make him alive, sends Vishnu to fetch the first thing thats sleeping with its head pointed to North. Vishnu finds an elephant doing the same. He brings his head, and Ganesha gets his elephant head after a Yagna.

If we place a piece of Iron in the earth for some time, it slowly magnetizes.

Our body has Iron and so it has some effect of the huge magnet in earth. If we point our head to North, our Body miss-aligns with the magnetic lines of the Earth, and we are sure to be taken ill slowly but surely. Thats why we are advised not to do so by this story.

The Big Bang Theory:

There was a vast nothingness, and then there was a Big Bang, and the Universe started forming.

Story

The first thing that has happened is that there was a sound originated from Shiva's Damaru, and the Universe started forming. The sound wasn't any simple bang, but was as if all the letters of Sanskrit were spoken like a word.

From this form of positive Energy the creation of Universe started.

Time Dilation

Einstein said Gravity distorts space, bends light, etc. Also, if we can travel much faster than others, or as we come closer to speed of light, the Time moves much slower. If we were to travel in a space ship thats going real fast those inside will age much lesser. Those outside will age normally.

People travelling with such speed, when they come back to the normal, they will see that others have aged or are long dead.

Story:

A king goes to Brahma to find out who is the best match for his daughter. On Brahma Loka time runs different, and in the brief time he spends there, ages have passed on Earth. In fact, while he is from Satya Yuga (1st Yuga), on earth it is Dwapar Yuga (3rd Yuga). Brahma advises him to marry his daughter to Balram.

The king heeds the creators advise and approaches Balram. They are still in space, so Balram pulls the princes down to earth using his Hal.

Flight

Humans wanted to fly for ages, or did we fly long before others dreamt of it?

Story:

The Pushpak Viman is a good example to show that ancient Hindu flew in chariots. Whats more interesting is there are specific chapters to show how it could be made.

Darwins Theory or Evolution of Species:

Story:

Ram took the help of vanaras (Apes). This shows that Homo Sapiens and Apes co-existed.

They had there own way of life but respected each other and one did not hunt or try to end the life of others.

This is different to what appears to be in Europe, or else where, were the Homo Sapiens tried to kill other species.

Science behind Hindu traditions

2014-12-11T10:51:00.000-08:00

Science behind Hindu traditions:
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Indian Customs Vs Scientific Reasons Traditions in Hinduism were considered mainly as superstitions, but with the advent of science, it is becoming evident that these traditions are based on some scientific knowledge and moved from generations to generations as traditions. Though the common people did not know science in it, they were following it very faithfully over the years. This blog is an attempt to bring forward the science involved in these traditions and rituals...

1. Throwing Coins into a River: The general reasoning given for this act is that it brings Good Luck. However, scientifically speaking, in the ancient times, most of the currency used was made of copper unlike the stainless steel coins of today. Copper is a vital metal very useful to the human body. Throwing coins in the river was one way our fore-fathers ensured we intake sufficient copper as part of the water as rivers were the only source of drinking water. Making it a custom ensured that all of us follow the practice.

2. Joining Both Palms together to Greet: In Hindu culture, people greet each other by joining their palms - termed as “Namaskar.” The general reason behind this tradition is that greeting by joining both the palms means respect. However, scientifically speaking, joining both hands ensures joining the tips of all the fingers together; which are denoted to the pressure points of eyes, ears, and mind. Pressing them together is said to activate the pressure points which helps us remember that person for a long time. And, no germs since we don’t make any physical contact!

3. Why do Indian Women wear Toe Ring: Wearing toe rings is not just the significance of married women but there is science behind it. Normally toe rings are worn on the second toe. A particular nerve from the second toe connects the uterus and passes to heart. Wearing toe ring on this finger strengthens the uterus. It will keep it healthy by regulating the blood flow to it and menstrual cycle will be regularized. As Silver is a good conductor, it also absorbs polar energies from the earth and passes it to the body.

4. Applying Tilak on the Forehead: On the forehead, between the two eyebrows, is a spot that is considered as a major nerve point in human body since ancient times. The Tilak is believed to prevent the loss of "energy", the red 'kumkum' between the eyebrows is said to retain energy in the human body and control the various levels of concentration. While applying kumkum the points on the mid-brow region and Adnya-chakra are automatically pressed. This also facilitates the blood supply to the face muscles.

5. Why do Temples have Bells: People who are visiting the temple should and will Ring the bell before entering the inner sanctum (Garbhagudi or Garbha Gruha or womb-chamber) where the main idol is placed. According to Agama Sastra, the bell is used to give sound for keeping evil forces away and the ring of the bell is pleasant to God. However, the scientific reason behind bells is that their ring clears our mind and helps us stay sharp and keep our full concentration on devotional purpose. These bells are made in such a way that when they produce a sound it creates a unity in the Left and Right parts of our brains. The moment we ring the bell, it produces a sharp and enduring sound which lasts for minimum of 7 seconds in echo mode. The duration of echo is good enough to activate all the seven healing centres in our body. This results in emptying our brain from all negative thoughts.

6. Why do we have Navratras: Our living style has drastically changed if we compare it to the society hundreds & thousands of years ago. The traditions which we follow in present are not establishments of today but of the past. Ever thought, why do we have Navratras twice a year unlike other festivals like Deepawali or Holi? Well, both these months are the months of changing seasons and the eating habits of both the seasons are quite different from each other. Navratras give enough time to the body to adjust and prepare itself for to the changing season. These nine days were marked as a period when people would clean their body system by keeping fasts by avoiding excessive salt and sugar, meditate, gain a lot of positive energy, gain a lot of self confidence & increase the self determination power (fasts are a medium to improve our will power and self determination) and finally get ready for the challenges of the changed season.

7. Why do we worship Tulsi Plant: Hindu religion has bestowed ‘Tulsi’, with the status of mother. Also known as ‘Sacred or Holy Basil’, Tulsi, has been recognized as a religious and spiritual devout in many parts of the world. The vedic sages knew the benefits of Tulsi and that is why they personified it as a Goddess and gave a clear message to the entire community that it needs to be taken care of by the people, literate or illiterate. We try to protect it because it is like Sanjeevani for the mankind. Tulsi has great medicinal properties. It is a remarkable antibiotic. Taking Tulsi everyday in tea or otherwise increases immunity and help the drinker prevent diseases, stabilize his or her health condition, balance his or her body system and most important of all, prolong his or her life. Keeping Tulsi plant at home prevents insects and mosquitoes from entering the house. It is said that snakes do not dare to go near a Tulsi plant. Maybe that is why ancient people would grow lots of Tulsi near their houses.

8. Why do we worship Peepal Tree: ‘Peepal’ tree is almost useless for an ordinary person, except for its shadow. ‘Peepal’ does not a have a delicious fruit, its wood is not strong enough for any purpose then why should a common villager or person worship it or even care for it? Our ancestors knew that ‘Peepal’ is one of the very few trees (or probably the only tree) which produces oxygen even at night. So in order to save this tree because of its unique property they related it to God/religion.

9. Start with Spice & End with Sweet: Our ancestors have stressed on the fact that our meals should be started off with something spicy and sweet dishes should be taken towards the end. The significance of this eating practice is that while spicy things activate the digestive juices and acids and ensure that the digestion process goes on smoothly and efficiently, sweets or carbohydrates pulls down the digestive process. Hence, sweets were always recommended to be taken as a last item.

10. Choti on the Male Head: Sushrut rishi, the foremost surgeon of Ayurveda, describes the master sensitive spot on the head as Adhipati Marma, where there is a nexus of all nerves. The shikha protects this spot. Below, in the brain, occurs the Brahmarandhra, where the sushumnã (nerve) arrives from the lower part of the body. In Yog, Brahmarandhra is the highest, seventh chakra, with the thousand-petalled lotus. It is the centre of wisdom. The knotted shikhã helps boost this centre and conserve its subtle energy known as Ojas.

11. Applying Mehendi/Henna on the Hand: Besides lending color to the hands, mehndi is a very powerful medicinal herb. Weddings are stressful, and often, the stress causes headaches and fevers. As the wedding day approaches, the excitement mixed with nervous anticipation can take its toll on the bride and groom. Application of mehndi can prevent too much stress because it cools the body and keeps the nerves from becoming tense. This is the reason why mehndi is applied on the hands and feet, which house nerve endings in the body.

12. Celebration & Cleaning During Diwali: Diwali usually falls in October or November which marks the start of winter season and end of rainy season. Rainy season wasn't a good time for everyone back then; many homes needed repair and renovation after a heavy fall. That is why time before diwali was considered the period during which everyone can indulge in cleaning and beautification of their home. And also take out their winter clothes and pack the summer ones.

13. Sitting on the Floor & Eating: This tradition is not just about sitting on floor and eating, it is regarding sitting in the “Sukhasan” position and then eating. Sukhasan is the position we normally use for Yoga asanas. Sitting in this position while eating helps in improving digestion as the circulatory system can focus solely upon digestion and not on our legs dangling from a chair or supporting us while we are standing.

14. Why not to sleep with Your Head towards North: Myth is that it invites ghost or death but science says that it is because human body has its own magnetic field (Also known as hearts magnetic field, because the flow of blood) and Earth is a giant magnet. When we sleep with head towards north, our body's magnetic field become completely asymmetrical to the Earth's Magnetic field. That cause problems related to blood pressure and our heart needs to work harder in order to overcome this asymmetry of Magnetic fields. Apart from this another reason is that Our body have significant amount of iron in our blood. When we sleep in this position, iron from the whole body starts to congregate in brain. This can cause headache, Alzheimer’s Disease, Cognitive Decline, Parkinson disease and brain degeneration.

15. Surya Namaskar: Hindus have a tradition of paying regards to Sun God early in the morning by their water offering ritual. It was mainly because looking at Sun rays through water or directly at that time of the day is good for eyes and also by waking up to follow this routine, we become prone to a morning lifestyle and mornings are proven to be the most effective part of the day.

16. Ear Piercing in Children: Piercing the ears has a great importance in Indian ethos. Indian physicians and philosophers believe that piercing the ears helps in the development of intellect, power of thinking and decision making faculties. Talkativeness fritters away life energy. Ear piercing helps in speech-restraint. It helps to reduce impertinent behaviour and the ear-channels become free from disorders. This idea appeals to the Western world as well, and so they are getting their ears pierced to wear fancy earrings as a mark of fashion.

17. Application of Sindoor or Vermillion: It is interesting to note that that the application of sindoor by married women carries a physiological significance. This is so because Sindoor is prepared by mixing turmeric-lime and the metal mercury. Due to its intrinsic properties, mercury, besides controlling blood pressure also activates sexual drive. This also explains why Sindoor is prohibited for the widows. For best results, Sindoor should be applied right upto the pituitary gland where all our feelings are centered. Mercury is also known for removing stress and strain.

18. The scientific explanation of ouching Feet(charan sparsh): Usually, the person of whose feet you are touching is either old or pious. When they accept your respect which came from your reduced ego (and is called your shraddha) their hearts emit positive thoughts and energy (which is called their karuna) which reaches you through their hands and toes. In essence, the completed circuit enables flow of energy and increases cosmic energy, switching on a quick connect between two minds and hearts. To an extent, the same is achieved through handshakes and hugs. The nerves that start from our brain spread across all your body. These nerves or wires end in the fingertips of your hand and feet. When you join the fingertips of your hand to those of their opposite feet, a circuit is immediately formed and the energies of two bodies are connected. Your fingers and palms become the ‘receptor’ of energy and the feet of other person become the ‘giver’ of energy.

19. Why do we Fast: The underlying principle behind fasting is to be found in Ayurveda. This ancient Indian medical system sees the basic cause of many diseases as the accumulation of toxic materials in the digestive system. Regular cleansing of toxic materials keeps one healthy. By fasting, the digestive organs get rest and all body mechanisms are cleansed and corrected. A complete fast is good for heath, and the occasional intake of warm lemon juice during the period of fasting prevents the flatulence. Since the human body, as explained by Ayurveda, is composed of 80% liquid and 20% solid, like the earth, the gravitational force of the moon affects the fluid contents of the body. It causes emotional imbalances in the body, making some people tense, irritable and violent. Fasting acts as antidote, for it lowers the acid content in the body which helps people to retain their sanity. Research suggests there are major health benefits to caloric restriction like reduced risks of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, immune disorders etc.

20. Why Idol Worship: Hinduism propagates idol worship more than any other religion. Researchers say that this was initiated for the purpose of increasing concentration during prayers. According to psychiatrists, a man will shape his thoughts as per what he sees. If you have 3 different objects in front of you, your thinking will change according to the object you are viewing. Similarly, in ancient India, idol worship was established so that when people view idols it is easy for them to concentrate to gain spiritual energy and meditate without mental diversion.

21. Why do Indian Women wear Bangles: Normally the wrist portion is in constant activation on any human. Also the pulse beat in this portion is mostly checked for all sorts of ailments. The Bangles used by women are normally in the wrist part of ones hand and its constant friction increases the blood circulation level. Further more the electricity passing out through outer skin is again reverted to one's own body because of the ring shaped bangles, which has no ends to pass the energy outside but to send it back to the body.

Astrology

2014-04-20T08:40:00.001-07:00

Astrology

Indian Astrology considers the Sun, Moon and other planets in the Solar System. Since Gravity is the important concept, a few systems ignore the outer 3 planets, i.e. Uranus, Neptune and Pluto.

Those that consider it, follow a slightly different chart rather the below.

Chart and its explanation:

In this chart, numbers in big bold represent the house number,
The English name and Indian name of the planet is given (the Indian name may have a small difference in spelling as different areas pronounce it different, but it is the closest of Sanskrit word)
Then you can see the names of the Zodiac Sign in English and its Indian name (similar to Sanskrit)
The text that is smaller represent the 27 constellations.
The symbols in black represent the Zodiac
The colorful images are the sun, moon and the planets.

Consideration:

In India, we consider the moon signs, so when a person is born, the house where the moon is, is his Zodiac symbol, the planet in the house its lord, and based on the timing, the constellation is also picked.
Since some constellations overlap the Zodiac, those repeat. For eg. Kruthiga, Mrigasira, Punarvasu repeat in 1,2 and 3 respectively.
So, the consideration is the specific number of the Constellation/Zodiac Sign.
Further more, each Constellation represents one of the 3 Ganas, namely Deva (Angels), Nara (Human), and Danav (Demon) and under one of the 3 Nadis, namely Pustha (First), Madhya (Middle), and Sesha (Last).
The following table depicts the above information.

Deva	1	5	7	8	13	15	17	22	27
Nara	2	4	6	11	12	20	21	25	26
Danava	3	9	10	14	16	18	19	23	24

Pustha Nadi	3	8	9	14	15	20	21	26	27
Madhya Nadi	4	7	10	13	16	19	22	25	1
Sesha Nadi	5	6	11	12	17	18	23	24	2

These help in understanding the characteristics of a person and his future.

Vishnus Avatars, etc

2014-03-05T04:27:00.001-08:00

More Comparisons in Hindu Mythology (work in Progress)

A fish saves all forms of life and carries them from one point to another in a massive ship in a huge ocean.
A turtle carries a huge mountain while the forces of Nature (the devatas) and Rakshasa churn the ocean to bring various valuable things and life in the making.
A boar digs out the earth and brings it out of the ocean.
A lion rules the forest and ensure the balance. Kills the evil rakshas.
As a short brahmin asks for 3 steps of land and takes all. Lets the king remain and rule.
As Parasuram avenges his mother, As Ram saves his wife, As Krishna helps his sister.

Ram	Krishna
Ram is perfect son [goes to forest for his father] brother [opts to stay back in the forest if his brother wants to, does not wish to go back to his kingdom, if his brother Bharata wants to remain the king] husband [despite being a king, vows to have one wife, goes great distance to save and free her] student [obeys his Guru, even to go against his favorite bhakta Hanuman] king [opts to leave his beloved wife, for the sake of his people, he asks his brother Lakshman to leave his wife Sita in the forest, but doesn't abandon his people above all the enforcer of dharma by the word and deed	Krishna is beyond perfect born to a mother, brought up by another brother [though he and Balram defeat a vast evil force of Kansa and Kansa himself, he lets his brother be the ruler] for all those good people who wanted to enjoy his company on earth, he satisfies them as a child, friend, protector, and a above all loving husband [he has 16000 wiwes, sages in their previous births] friend (he embraces Sudama his friend from child hood) protects his people by defeating and if necessary moving all the people to a safer place protector of dharma by using a little rule bending only to achive the inevitable
Ram favors son of Surya/Sun vs son of Indra Ram helps Sugriva by killing Vali Why? Since Indra's son, Vali is super strong and can absorb others strengths.	Krishna favors son of Indra vs son of Surya Krishna helps Arjuna kill Karna Here it is help kill....since Suray's son had comparative advantage over Indra's son. Why? Karna was born with [Kavach Kundall] Earrings that could make him immortal and Golden Armor that could protect him and was practically in-defeat-able while the Sun shined.
Ram takes Help Ram takes the help of a vast Vanara Sena[ape army] and other animals [Jambavatha, the bear king, Jtayu and Sampathi, the vulture brothers, Garuda the king of the Birds, vehicle of Vishnu] Ram is helped by the sons of devatas Hanuman** <Son of Vayu> [follows him unconditionally] Vali <Son of Indra> [Frees him from life] Sugriva* <Son of Surya> [Makes him a King]	Krishna Helps Krishna helps the Pandavas to build a kingdom evolve/enlighten/learn while they are in exile/van vaas guides them during the battle Krishna helps sons of devatas Bhima** <Son of Vayu> [follows him unconditionally] Arjuna* <Son of Indra> [Frees him from affection and asks him to follow Dharma] Karna <Son of Surya> [Frees him from life] Yudhistra <Son of Yama>
Ram wages war with Ravana the demon king to save his wife. Lakshman is angry younger brother.	Krishna helps his sister and her husband Pandavas. Balram is his elder angry brother.
Ravan is afraid and gathers 100s of Rakshasa/Demons under his rule. Ram kills them in one place.	Kans is afraid and sends Rakshasas to kill Krishna. Krishna kills them.
Ram shoots Vaali	Jara <Vaali reborn as a hunter> shoots Krishna

Ram is 2nd child born after a Yagyan<Fire Ritual> in the palace of Ayodya	Krishna is the 7th child, born in Jail in Mathura
Ram's spent his child hood <as a student>, before coronation <as if he were a ascetic> with his wife and brother, and then his wife had to spend more years in a forest.	Krishna spent his life far from his biological parents as he was taken to Brindavan on a stormy night, right after he was born.
Ram requests the ocean to give way so that he can build a bridge to Lanka, and threatens the Ocean as he gets no response after several days.	Krishna builds a city next to the ocean, the ocean consumes the city after Krishna's time.

Ramayana	Mahabharata
Surya Vanshi The epic is dominated by Surya Vanshis. These people, like the Sun, believe in burning themselves, to uphold the Dharma.	Chandra Vanshi The epic is dominated by Chandra Vanshis. These people think more otherwise.
Common People Hanuman [Plays an active role in finding Sita, fighting battle, serving Sita Ram, proves Bhakta/devotee[he] is better than the God[Ram] or Ram Naam [devotion to Ram] is better than Ram, God has to do the bidding of perfect devotee] Jambvantha [Plays role in invoking Hanumans Strength, and in the battle] Vibhishan [Advices Ram how to act in the war] Parashuram [Gives Ram a mighty bow]	Common People Hanuman [Breaks the ego of Garuda, Balarama, Bhima, Arjuna. Is in the flag of Arjuna's chariot to reduce the effect of dangerous Astras/Missiles.] Jambvantha [Has a wish of fighting Ram fullfilled as Krishna duels him] Vibhishan [Meets Krishna] Parashuram [Gives Krishna his Sudarshan Chakra]

Ramayana

Mahabharata

Surya Vanshi
The epic is dominated by Surya Vanshis.
These people, like the Sun, believe in burning themselves, to uphold the Dharma.

Chandra Vanshi
The epic is dominated by Chandra Vanshis.
These people think more otherwise.

Common People

Hanuman [Plays an active role in finding Sita, fighting battle, serving Sita Ram, proves Bhakta/devotee[he] is better than the God[Ram] or Ram Naam [devotion to Ram] is better than Ram, God has to do the bidding of perfect devotee]
Jambvantha [Plays role in invoking Hanumans Strength, and in the battle]
Vibhishan [Advices Ram how to act in the war]
Parashuram [Gives Ram a mighty bow]

Common People

Hanuman [Breaks the ego of Garuda, Balarama, Bhima, Arjuna. Is in the flag of Arjuna's chariot to reduce the effect of dangerous Astras/Missiles.]
Jambvantha [Has a wish of fighting Ram fullfilled as Krishna duels him]
Vibhishan [Meets Krishna]
Parashuram [Gives Krishna his Sudarshan Chakra]

Comparison of Myth Stories

2014-03-04T11:39:00.003-08:00

Comparison of Myth Stories (work in Progress)

Longevity of the Gods

Hera had Golden Apples. Hercules went to fetch them for his wife so that she could be cured of a poisonous arrow. When on this mission he lost all his strength. But one bite of this apple, and he gained all his strength.
Eduna had shining Apples which when the Gods ate would not grow old. Loki tricked Eduna to be kidnapped by the giant Thiasir. Loki disguised as a falcon, brought back Eduna as a sparrow, while Thiasir disguised as a Eagle chased them.
In Hindu Myth, the Gods drank Amrut or Nectar that would keep them Immortal. The Gods and the demons had churned the ocean using a mountain to get this Nectar.

Asgard vs Olympus vs Amaravati

The Norse Gods lived in Asgard, The Greek gods lived in Mount Olympus, The Hindu Gods lived in Amaravati also known as Swarga.
Asgard was under the threat of the Snow Giants, Olympus was under the threat from Giants and some times from Hades of Underworld who plotted to overthrow Zeus, and Swarga was under constant attack and take over of the Rakshasas from Underworld.

Trying to alter cause of death

Acrisius, King of Argos came to know that his daughter Danaë's son will be the cause of his death. He locked her. After Perseus was born from Zeus, the king put them in a box and threw them in the ocean.
Kansa came to know that his sister Devaki's 8th son would be the cause of his death. He locked her and her husband. After the birth of every son, Kansa would come and kill them until the 7th. Balram was transfered to Rohini's womb (Surrogate mother) and Krishna was born, and his father swapped him with Yasoda's child, Durga born as Yoga Maya. She disappeared when Kansa tried to kill her.
For more read http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krishna

Chasers of Sun and Moon

In Hindu Myth, Rahu and Ketu chase around the Sun and Moon and Eclipse occur when they devour them.
In Norse Myth, 2 wolfs chase Sun and Moon.

Importance of Weapons

Thor's weapon Mjolnir was lost and the defense of Asgard was almost lost. Thor disguised as Freya went to the Giants, ate Salmon, a full Ox, Mead, took possession of his hammer, smashed the house and left with it.
Indra lost his mighty weapon to a demon, and fighting other demons was difficult. He went to a sage for help. The sage who had a boon that his bones would be as strong as diamonds lent his Back Bone after giving his life.

Torture/Death of Gods

Loki, the Norse God of mischief tircked Baldr's blind brother Hoor to kill Baldr using Mistletoe. As a punishment Loki was captured, and bound. He was tortured. A poison spewing snake dripped poison on Loki.
Prometheus the Greek God who gave man the gift of fire, despite Zeus disapproval, was punished.
His punishment was that an eagle would eat his liver during the day, and it would grow back. The eagle would continue eating the liver bit by bit.
Atlas the Titan was punished to lift the sky.
Krishna the eigth avatar of Vishnu is not vulnerable to all but a small tree. A hunter made an arrow head of this branch and shot Krishna's feet mistaking it for a dear's leaf and thus killed him.

Death of Gods

In Norse mythology, Loki tricked Hoor to kill Baldr using mistletoe. Baldr goes to the underworld where Lokis daughter Hel receives him.
In Egypt mythology, Seth kills Osiris.
In one version, he asks that anyone who fits the box can claim it. This is tailored for Osiris, and when he fits, Seth locks him in it. He kills him.
Horus, the son of Osiris and Isis son Horus goes to fight Seth and avenges his father. Osiris goes to become the king of the underworld.

Going to Hell for Love

In Greek mythology, Psyche goes to the Underworld for sake of her love. Eros is her love.
In Hindu mythology, Savitri follows Yama for her husband Satyavans life and wins him back.
Like Psyche she is very beautiful, but here men are intimidated by her purity that no one comes to take her as his bride. For more read http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Savitri_and_Satyavan.
In Norse mythology, Frigg sends Hermod to Hel, and Hel promises to let Baldr go, if all objects living or dead mourn for him.
All but Loki disguised a crow weep, and so Baldr has to rmain until Ragnarok.
In Egypt mythology, Osiris is brought back to life by Anubis or in other versions by Horus.

Form of Gods

In Greek mythology, Zeus takes form of a falcon when he wants to. Posidon took many forms to mate with Demeter.
In Egypt mythology, Seth has the head of a Jackal and can take various other forms. Horus is a falcon.
In Hindu mythology, Garuda, the vehicle of Vishnu is an eagle. Nandi, the vehicle of Shiva is a bull. Ganesha the son of Parvathi has a head of Elephant. Rahu and Ketu have body of a man and head of a snake and the other has body of snake and head of a man.

After Death

The Greeks cremate their dead after putting 2 coins on their eyes.
The Norse put their kin on a boat and set it on fire while pushing it to the sea.
The Hindus cremate their loved ones and feed many people, the crow and other animals.
The Egyptians bury their Royal and Nobel after Mummifying them in Pyramids.

Troy and Ramayana

Troy and Ramayana are alike in many ways and not same in many other ways.

Author: Holmer was a blind narrator/orator. His stories were written down. Time: Holmer was supposedly born after centuries of the happening. Side: Holmer was closer to Troy the loosing side.	Author: Valmiki was robber who turned to a sage before writing the Ramayana. Time: Valmiki wrote it as it happened. Side: Valmiki was neutral and left the reader to understand the meanings behind it. He praised Ravana for what he had to be praised, and described flaws where it was necessary, not more, not less.
Trojan Prince Paris smuggles Helen to Troy. Hector helplessly agrees to take her back.	In Ramayana, the Demon King Ravana kidnaps Sita, while his uncle Marichi unwillingly distracts Ram and Lakshman.
Spartan King Menelaus asks for Agamemnon's help and they set sail to attack Troy.	Ram helps Sugriva become the Vanara King and with his help finds Sita and marches to Lanka.
A dual between Paris and Menelaus is done to avoid the battle.	A messenger is sent to offer peace if Ravana is willing to accept his mistakes and return Sita. Avoiding war is the first and best option.
Troy is burnt at the end of the battle by Greeks who sneak in a Trojan Horse.	Hanuman's tail is set on fire by Ravana's soldiers and he spreads the fire in Lanka.

Common Demons/Characters

Minotaur was a greek demon with a head of a bull.
Mahisasura was a demon in Hindu myth who was born of a demon and a buffalo and had a head of a bull.

Achille's mother nymph Thetis dipped him in river Styx by his heel. So his body was vulnerable at his heel only. Hector's brother Paris shoots an arrow (Appolo guides the arrow) at Achille's heel and kills him.
In Mahabharata, Duryodhana's mom asks him to bathe and come before him completely naked so that she can see him and bless him with Armor. Krishna tricks Duryodhana to wear a small leaf on his waist.
When his mother opens her eyes Duryodhana becomes invulnerable but his waist was vulnerable. Bhima hits him at his waist by advise of Krishna and kills him. Krishna later pacifies his brother, an angry Balram who is Duryodhana's teacher.
Krishna is also not vulnerable to all but small tree. Sugriva who wanted to take revenge on Rama was reborn as a hunter. He made an arrow head of this branch and shot Krishna's feet mistaking it for a dear's leaf and thus killing him.

Curses to Gods

No matter what, the Greek Gods were never cursed by other Gods. Instead, their victims were cursed.
For example, Medusa was cursed by Athena when Poseidon raped her in Athena's temple.
The Hindu deities dint get such discounts. Any one could curse a God or any one of any power.
Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma were no exceptions.
Brahma was cursed never to be able to receive any prayers/yagnas. He could be appeased by Tapssya alone.
All the Devatas were cursed to loose there power, wealth, etc. They requested Vishnu's help, they did the Samudra Manthan (Churning of the Ocean) and got many items from the Ocean along with Nectar.
Chandra/Moon was cursed by Daksha to wane away. Shiva cured his curse partially and carried him on his head.
Vishnu was cursed several times. Each curse had a big role in improvement of All Living Beings, and to show them how to behave/act in different scenarios to be good/just.

Affair with Woman

In Greek Mythology different gods have affairs with woman mortal or immortal and produce offspring. Zeus has several affair with many woman. One such case is as follows:
Zeus disguised as Alcmene's husband, Amphitryon, and spent the night with her.
When Amphitryon returned from a battle, she told that he had spent the previous night with her.

In one Hindu Story, Indra goes to a sages hut, shortly after the sage departs for his daily rituals.
His unaware wife offers her services to Indra who is disguised as the sage.
Right at that movement the sage comes back, and angry at what he sees, he curses Indra and his wife.
His wife becomes of stone, and is brought back to life when Rama passes by during his Vana vas (stay in the forest).

In another Story, a strong demon king Jalandhara is un defeat able mainly due to his pious wife Vrinda. Jalandhar tries to trick Shiva's wife Parvati. Parvati realizes it, and asks Vishnu to do the same to Vrinda. Vishnu takes Jalandhar's form and tricks Vrinda, but she realizes the trick, curses Vishnu, and commits Suicide. Jalandhar becomes vulnerable and is killed by Shiva.
Vishnu is pleased with Vrinda's dedication, and promises to marry her in her next form, which is Tulasi.

Birth from part of Gods

In Greek Mythology, Athena is born on Zeus head, when he has a splitting headache.
Aphrodite was born when Cronus cut off Uranus's genitals and threw them into the sea.

In Hindu Mythology, Brahma is born on a lotus which sprouts from Vishnu's Naval.
Ganesh is made of the Turmeric leftovers from Parvathi's body.
There are several demons born of Shiva, Vishnu and Brahma's body/energy.
Jalandhar was born of Shiva's anger and fire from his third eye and Shiva eventually kills him.
Madhu and Kaitabh originate of Vishnus ears and he kills them.

Flying

While Gods can travel anywhere anytime on their own, they still use animals as Vehicles. This way Hindus respect and take care of animals.
Shiva's Nag (Snake) & Nandi (Bull), Parvati's Lion/Tiger, Vishnu's Garud (Eagle), Laxmi's Cow, etc.
While some earn fear from their aspects, these also earn a special respect.
As for mortals the Greeks had Pegasus (a winged Horse).
In Hindu myth Ravan took control of Kuber's Pushpak Viman (a flying vehicle that can take any number of people and can go anywhere simply by the thoughts of its controller)

Shiva vs Vishnu

2014-01-18T21:21:00.002-08:00

More Comparisons in Hindu Mythology

Many people say that so and so person is the best Father/Mother/Brother/Sister/Wife in the world.
It doesn't mean that they are comparing them to all other people in the world.
It means that they got most of whatever they expected and more from them.

Similarly, many people believe in different Gods. Hindus believe in different forms of Gods.
For example, Vishnu has taken several avatars (incarnations), of which 10 (Das Avatar) are considered as most important. His consort, Lakshmi, has accompanied him as and when necessary.
Similarly, Vishnu's sister, Shiva's wife, Parvati or Shakti as she is known, has also taken several avatars. Sati (the one who immolated herself), Parvati (the daughter of Parvat raj/Mountain king Himavant), Kali (the dark one, like her brother Vishnu, she is dark in color).
Lakshmi is worshiped in different forms as well. She is worshiped as Dhana (wealth), Dhanya (Food), Gaja (Elephant), Santana (Children), Vijaya (Win) Lakshmi.
Shiva, his sister Sarasvati (both fair, and giver of education in different fields) and her husband Brahma are worshiped by their main form only.

While Brahma writes/creates life, Shakti provides energy to start/sustain life, Lakshmi provides resources to support life, Vishnu maintains order in life, Sarasvati provides knowledge to the creature how to live the life (how to eat, protect itself, and multiply, etc), Shiva takes care of restoring/re-energizing.

They are like Father (who provides for the family and takes care of them), Mother (who gives life to them, loves them, feeds them, teaches the basics to them), Guru (Teacher who teaches different aspects in life, in different forms), We should not compare the roles and responsibilities of them.

Similarly, It is not wise to compare to differentiate between Gods, but to understand them better, we can compare.

Shiva vs Vishnu (Draft)

Shiva	Vishnu
Destruction for Construction Shiva's Primary role is to Clean/Destroy[Pralaya] the world and prepare it for the next cycle.	Constructive Destruction Vishnu's Primary role is to Clean/Restore the world by reducing the evil.
Role Shiva is a renouncer, sage and does tapasya.	Role Vishnu is a protector.
Home Shiva's wife lives nearby. Like a hermit in the forest while his wife in his house. Shiva bhakt wish to go to Kailash after their death.	Home Vishnu reclines on the Aadi Sesha in Ksheera Samudra and his abode is Vaikuntha, high above, even higher than the Swarga Aadi means begining, Sesha means end, Ksheera Samudra is Milk Ocean or Milky Way. The Devas are either the nature [like Agni <fire>, Vayu <air>, water <Varun>, Indra <Thunder & Rain>, Surya <Sun>, Chandra <Moon> with strong impact] or planets [Mangal, Budh, Brihaspati <Jupiter>, Shani <Saturn>, Rahu, Ketu] that reside in Swarga, which is below the Vaikunth. Vishnu bhakt wish to go to Vaikunth after their death.
Form of worship An ascetic lives far from the world, is seen in various forms when he is doing a leela, otherwise no one knows how he looks, hence his temples have Shiv Ling. Shiv Ling is the humans perceptive of the earth and the sky. The ground is flat, the sky is vast and looks round.	Form of worship A king is close to his citizens, and people know how he looks. So Vishnu's temple have statues of him and his family.
Role of his wife Shiva's wife Parvathi, is Vishnus sister, and like while a wife of sage, lives in Himalayas with him, she also plays of killing Rakshasas by taking different avatars.	Role of his wife Vishnu is like a king and his wife a queen. She takes avatars along with Vishnu to support him. She has another role, spread wealth among people.
Vessel/Vehicle Shiva's vessel is Nandi the bull. All bulls have a hump representing the Shiv Ling.	Vessel/Vehicle Vishnu's vessel is Garuda an eagle.
Brahma is one among the Trimurti, and his role is write the story of each living being that is born. His wife, Saraswati, is his inspiration, and Godess of Education. Brahma has no form of worship, but Saraswati is worshiped.
Bhakta/Devotee Shiva's favorite Bhakt is Nandi. Nandi is also the vehicle of Shiva. Nandi focuses on Shiva and doesn't care of the world. He is present in all Shiva Temples facing Shiva.	Bhakta/Devotee Vishnu/Narayana's favorite Bhakt is Narada. Narada repeats Narayana Narayana and spreads the bhakti of Vishnu. He is a traveler and goes around the world.
Musical Instrument Shiva uses Damaru, a two headed drum, with objects tied to thread. This is used primarily while his tandava dance. He is famous as the Nataraja. The dmarau is on the trishul.	Musical Instrument Before every dharmic/good deed hindus blow Shankh/Conch Shell. This is also used like trumpets to announce the beginning of the battle. Vishnu holds this in his hands. In Krishna Avatar his favorite music instrument is the Flute.

A man has paramatma <the supreme soul> in him. He acts like Vishnu (the protector & caretaker of the world) for his property and people, Brahma <the one who writes how things should be> by deciding/influencing how things should happen and must become Shiva <renouncer> renounce what he owns when time is right.
Likewise paramatma has already decided about us <as Brahma>, protects us <as Vishnu> and welcomes us after we have lived our life <as Shiva>.

Shiva takes the role of punishing Brahma's son Daksh, Vishnu's son Kam Dev, Parvati's son Ganesh. But the Bhole Naath grants life to Daksh with a head of Goat (despite Daksh being the reason of self immolation of his wife Sati), tells Kam Dev's wife that he will be born in Krishna's dynasty, and Ganesh gets the head of Elephant.
Parvati's son Ganesh is so strong that he can beat Brahma, Vishnu and other Devatas. Angry with this, Shiva beheads him.
Shiva kills lord of death Yama himself by simply kicking him with his left leg, when Yama comes to claim Markandeya. Later on request of Marakandeya Yama was brought back to life. Shiva explains that Markandeya was blessed to know all by the age of 16 and Yama misinterpreted that his life would end at 16.
Shiva or Bhole Naath grants Bhasm Asur to be able to turn Bhasm/Ash by simply placing his hand on any ones head. Vishnu takes Mohini Avatar to rescue Shiva.

Shiva helps Vishnu in his avatars.
He is Parashu Ram's teacher and paves the way to destruction of various Kings.
Rudr Avatar Hanuman helps Ram during battle against Ravan and other Rakshasas.
After killing Ravan, Ram and Sita performs Shiv Ling Pratishtha to do paschyataap.
Krishna advises Arjun to appease Shiva to be able to participate in battle against Adharma.
Bhim meets Hanuman as well.
Hanuman comes to stay in the flag of Arjun, and thus along with Krishna, the chariot is able to with stand the various Astra/Sastra <Missile> attacks.

2011-09-16T12:07:00.000-07:00

Comparison of Greek and Hindu Gods and Important Characters

Source:
As I have mentioned in my earlier posts, I first added more information in Wikipedia. Later on learning that it could be deleted, I copied the existing matter including my additions and improved it here.
There are many similar aspects in the mythologies of Hinduism and Greek mythology. The concept of many Gods and idol worship are quite similar in Hinduism and Greek religion. To exemplify, both these ancient cultures worshiped the images and idols of Gods, made temples in their honor and practiced Fire worship. They paid homage to Deities too.
Some of the Egyptian Gods were considered to be Gods of Greeks later like Thoth as Hermes.
Since this is a Comparison I have not added all Gods. Especially as the Norse and Egyptian Gods are quite different, I could quote only a few.
For Greek Myth, I have some times quoted Holmer and Heseud, who both have contradictions.
Similarly, Hindu Myth, has so many different meanings and versions, that Only a few can be quoted. There are chances of Contradictions and reason for Debate.

If while reading, or lack of time but interest to read or if interested, please click follow, so that when I update, you can come back and read.

Supreme Gods

The three elder or "Supreme" gods of Hinduism are Brahma (The Creator), Vishnu ( The Protector and Preserver) and Maheshwara also known as Shiva (The Destroyer of evil forces and the Transformer).
The Supreme gods of Greek mythology are Zeus ( The Lord of the skies) , Poseidon ( The Lord of the Seas) and Hades (The Lord of the Underworld). The youngest of the Greek brothers is Zeus.
The Supreme gods of Norse mythology is Odin. His brothers Vili and Ve helped him kill Yemir but are not seen in further stories.

Zeus, Indra and Thor

Similarities:
Zeus, the King of the Greek Gods can fairly be compared to Indra, the Rig-Vedic King of Hindu Gods. Both these deities had control over weather and had thunderbolts as their weapons. They both had kingly chariots. Like the dwelling place of Zeus and other Olympian Gods, Mount Olympus, the dwelling place of the Hindu Gods was in Swarga located high above in the sky on Mount Meru.
Thor was the God of thunder.
Baal was considered as god of Storm and had various weapons including the Thunder Bolt.
Dissimilarities:
Indra's reputation is the king of the Devas. He rides on a white elephant Iravata.
Zeus, the final and Supreme God of the Greek mythology.
Thor was Son of Odin Chief God. He drove around clouds by a chariot driven by two Goats. Thor's weapon was a hammer Mjolnir which produced lightning and thunder.
Odin, the supreme Norse God went around on a eight legged horse.

Hera and Lakshmi

Similarities:
Hera and Lakshmi are also similar to an extent, since both of them are the Goddesses of Home and Wealth and Prosperity.
Dissimilarities:
Lakshmi is not only the Goddess of Wealth, but she is the Goddess of preservation too. Taking a deep look into the Vedas, we visualize that Lakshmi is, the protecting power of Lord Narayana (Vishnu). She was the daughter of God of Ocean.
Freyja was daughter of Njord Norse God of Sea

Athena and Saraswati

Similarities:
Both Athena and Saraswati are the Goddesses of Wisdom and Learning. They are also the Goddesses of Culture and knowledge, which a man may acquire throughout during his life.
Dissimilarities:
In addition to being the Goddess of learning, Athena is also the Goddess of war. But instead, Saraswati is the Goddess of creation since she is the creative energy of Lord Brahma (the Creator). Athena is often seen to carry shield and other weapons, whereas Goddess Saraswati carries a Lotus flower (as a symbol of enrichment), the musical instrument Veena (as a symbol of culture), Rudraksha (as a symbol of homage to the Supreme Lord Shiva) and she also blesses devotees with another hand.

Apolo and Surya

Similarities:
Aditya/Surya and Appolo are much similar. Apollo's daily tasks is to harness his chariot with four horses and drive the Sun across the sky. While Surya is Sun himself, who is driven in a chariot driven by seven horses representing seven colors of the Rainbow.
Re or Atum was considered the Egyptian Sun God. He travels in a ship across the sky and had to fight monsters before returning every morning.
Dissimilarities:
Appolo is the god of music, playing a golden lyre. The Archer, far shooting with a silver bow. The god of healing who taught man medicine. The god of light. The god of truth, who can not speak a lie. Surya has hair and arms of gold. He presides over Sunday. Surya is notably mentioned as the visible form of God that one can see every day. Note that Helios was the greek sun god. He may be thought of as a personification of the sun.

Hades and Yama

Similarities:
Hades is the Lord of the underworld, and Yama is also the same in Hindu Mythology. Both these Gods are associated with Death and afterlife.
Hel was daughter of Loki and ruled Underworld.
Sometime Anubis and sometimes Osiris are considered to be God of the Dead.
Dissimilarities:
Yama's realm is the Naraka, which is said to be in another dimension. But the realm of Hades is said to be below the earth, that is in underworld. In addition to being the Lord of the Souls, Yama is also the final judge of the human souls. His role as a judge can be equated to that of Osiris. Yama is only the ruler of death and afterlife to ordinary people. All others will continuously remain in Samsara. They will be reborn. Hades takes the souls of all to the underworld. Yama takes the souls of ordinary people to their next body/life.

Poseidon and Varuna

Similarities:
Both Poseidon and Varuna are the Gods of ocean. They are the protectors of aquatic creatures.
Aegir is the Norse God of Oceans, while Njord was the Norse god of Sea.
Nun, the Egyptian God is considered as primordial water.
Dissimilarities:
Poseidon carries the Golden Trident as his weapon, whereas Varuna carries the Pash (the weapon which is the combination of an arrow and a trident). Further, Varuna is also the God of water, but the Greek God of water is the Titan Oceaneus.

Hephaistos and Vishwakarma

Similarities:
Both Hephaistos and Vishwakarma are the worker Gods, who design and make weapons for the Gods and manufacture tools.
Dwarfs were the builders and makers of weapons for the Norse Gods.
Dissimilarities:
Hephaistos is said to have a central workshop or factory, whereas there is no such concept for Vishwakarma (It will be hard to agree that Vishwakarma does not have factory or central workshop). Further, the mascot of Vishwakarma is elephant, but Hephaistos has no such mascot to carry him. Vishwakarma is God of tools and factories. Even to this day, during Vishwakarma Puja, people pray at factories and in their workshop; so, this would rather be counted as a similarity rather than a difference.

Ares and Kartika

Similarities:
Ares and Kartik are both the Gods of war and fighting. They both are depicted as warriors, carrying weapons as a sign of inspiration.
Dissimilarities:
Kartik is said to have peacock as his mascot and he also has six heads, unlike Ares, who has no mascot and single head (or face).Also Kartik personality is closer with Athena where they both represent tactical and strategical part of warfare while Ares represents blood lust.

Kronos and Mahakala

Similarities:
Both these Gods are the Gods of time and space.
Dissimilarities:
Kronos has a definite figure, whereas Mahakala is not said to have one, since he is the one, who is invisible to all and controls everything.

Hermes and Narada

Similarities:
Hermes and Narada are both messengers. While Hermes son of Zeus is considered to be messenger to all the other gods, Narada son of Brahma and a devotee of Narayana is a hermit and is often seen as carrying important news from one place to another, thus causing mischief, and some times triggering important things to happen.
Hermod was the messenger god in Norse mythology.
Dissimilarities:
Hermes wears winged sandals, a winged hat, and carries a magic wand while Narada carries a Tanpura a musical instrument and sings about Narayana.
Hermod carries a magical staff called Gambantien.

Eros and Kāmadeva

Similarities:
Eros is the god of love. So is Kāmadeva/Manmatha.
Dissimilarities:
Eros is often represented blindfolded because, love is often blind. His "weapon" is darts or arrows. In either case the tips have been magically treated to produce either uncontrollable love or insurmountable disinterest in the first person seen by Eros's victim after wounding. Kāmadeva is represented as a young, handsome winged man who wields a bow and arrows. His bow is made of sugarcane with a string of honeybees, and his arrows are decorated with five kinds of fragrant flowers. The five flowers are Ashoka tree flowers, white and blue lotus flowers, Mallika tree(Jasmine) and Mango tree flowers.

Graces and Apsaras

The daughters of Zeus and Eurynome, known as [Graces]: Aglaia (Splendor), Euphrosyne (Mirth), and Thalia (Good Cheer). The are known for singing and dancing for the gods. Apsaras Rambha, Urvasi, Menaka are known for singing and dancing for the Devatas.

Muses and Gandharvas

Muses are the daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne. They are known for the music of their song, which brings joy to any who hear it. There are nine Muses, each with her own specialty: Clio (History), Urania (Astronmy), Melpomene (Tragedy), Thalia (Comedy), Terpsichore (Dance), Calliope (Epic Poetry), Erato (Love Poetry), Polyhymnia (Songs to the Gods), Euterpe (Lyric Poetry) [Gandharvas] are male nature spirits, husbands of the Apsaras. Some are part animal, usually a bird or horse. They have superb musical skills. They make beautiful music for the gods in their palaces. A gandharva means a singer in the court of Devatas.

Loki and Seth
Loki (Norse) is a son of Giant, but was raised in Asgard (Home of Aesir Norse Gods). He was very mischievous and later turned evil.
Seth (Egypt) is brother of Osiris, and plotted to kill Osiris. Seth is God of Chaos.

Gaya and Bhu Devi
Gaya in Greek myth and Bhu Devi or Bhumi Devi in Hindu Myth represent Mother Earth.

Gods and their Consorts
In Greek Myth:
Uranus and Gaya give birth to Titans after Kronos castrates Uranus. As a result Aphrodite is born.
Kronos marries his sister Rhea and the Olympians are born after Zeus defeats Kronos.
Zeus marries Hera his sister.
Similarly in Egypt Myth and the lineage of the kings, Brother and Sister marry.
In Hindu Myth, brother and sister do not marry. Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva are Brothers in law.
Shiva and Saraswati were fair and brothers and sisters. Brahma married Saraswati.
Narayana and Narayani were dark and were brother and sisters. Shiva married Narayani.

Children of God
Men (Affairs of Immortals and Mortals)
Zeus had various affairs with Women and gave birth to heroes. Similarly, Poseidon and Hades also led to birth of heroes. These were called Half Bloods.
In Indian mythology, primarily Indra and sometimes Agni and Vayu played roles in birth of children. These played role in helping an avatar of Vishnu (as Vanaras to Rama in Ramayana and as Pandavas with Krishna in Mahabharata)
Gods (Affairs of Immortals and Mortals)
Son of Uranus and Gaya were the Titans. Son of Kronos was Zeus and others.

Son of Zeus and Hera were Ares.
Daughter of Zeus Athena

These were Immortals.
In Indian mythology,

Son of Parvathi, Ganesh (made of turmeric),
Son of Shiva and Parvathi, Karthik
Son of Brahma, Narada
Son of Vishnu, Kamdev

are Immortals.

2011-09-11T05:23:00.000-07:00

Change in Mythology, Beginning of World, End of World, etc.

For Greek Myth, I have some times quoted Holmer and Heseud, who both have contradictions.
Similarly, Hindu Myth, has so many different meanings and versions, that Only a few can be quoted. There are chances of Contradictions and reason for Debate.

If while reading, or lack of time but interest to read or if interested, please click follow, so that when I update, you can come back and read.

Change of Mythology
Mythologies have changed by time and by devotion.
The Vikings were war loving people and had stories that those who died in war would go the Folkvang home of Freyja and Valhalla the hall of Odin.
The Norse mythology has Odin and other Gods known as the Aesir.
Odin was son of Buri the first God who died of old Age.
But the Aesir and the Vanir where at war.
When war ended Njord, Freye and Freja three members of older branch of Gods (Vanir) where sent to Aesir and Honir and Mimir (Gods of Aesir) where send to Vanir branch.

The Greek Mythology has that Zeus, and his brothers defeated the older gods Kronos, Atlas and other Titans and became the Gods.

The Hindu Mythology had various stories that influenced people to be just and good.
The Hindu Mythology had worshiped the main elements of the nature as the Devatas (Indra for thunder, Agni for fire, Varun for water, Vayu for wind, etc). Stars, planets, and Moon play an important role as well. Later the Devatas requested help Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva on several occasions.

Beginning of the Worlds

Norse Mythology

Before the dawn of time and before the world was created there was a place called Niflheim…

Niflheim was the mist world. It consisted of ice, frost and fog.
Far from Niflheim there was a place that was as hot as Niflheim was cold. It was the land of fire and was called Muspelheim.
Between Niflheim and Muspelheim there was a great void.
This vast emptiness was called Ginnungagap.

Surt, the carrier of a flaming sword, was in charge of Niflheim the home of fire Giants.

Yimir, the first Jotun, a giant troll was born in void and Audhumla.
A cow was formed where the ice started to melt.
The cow licked a salty stone for three days and Buri the first Aesir God was born.
Yimir drank the cows milk and while he was asleep many Jotuns and Monsters.
Buri's son Bor had three sons with Bestla, a Jotun. They where Odin, Vili and Ve.
Odin, Vili and Ve killed Ymir as the Jotuns were outnumbering the Aesir.
Ymir's blood drowned all Jotuns except Bergelmir and his wife.

From Ymir's corpse a new world was created

The blood was transformed into oceans and water.

The flesh turned into land.

The bones formed the mountains.

The teeth made into rocks.

The hair became the grass and trees.

They threw the brain up in the air and it turned into clouds.

The skull became the sky. It was the lid that covered the new world.

The brothers caught some of the sparks shooting out from Muspelheim, the land of fire. They threw the sparks up towards the inside of the skull. These sparks shone at night and were to become the stars

Worms of Yemir's body became Dwarfs and four among them East, West, North and South where assigned to hold the sky.

Greek Mythology
The Greek Mythology has it that in the beginning there was only chaos. Then out of void appeared Erebus and Night. Some how Love was born and then Light and Day came from it. Gaea, the earth appeared.
Gaea gave birth to Uranus and he became her mate. They produced 3 Cyclopse, 3 Hecatoncheires and 12 Titans.
Uranus was a bad father and Gaea and Cronus her youngest son plotted to kill Uranus with a stone Sickle.
Cronus was the next ruler, married Rhea his sister, and out of fear of being overthrown, swallowed his children.
Rhea managed to save her sixth child Zeus and he returned to free his five siblings by giving Cronus a drink.
Atlas and other Titans fought with the younger gods. Zeus with the help of the Titan Prometheus and the lighting bolt from the Cyclopse and ambush by the Hecatoncheires defeated and exiled all Titans and punished Atlas to cary the world on his shoulder.
Angry, Gaea gave birth to last offspring Typhoeus but Zeus killed it with lightning bolts.
The Giants later challenged the Gods but where defeated with help of Hercules.
Prometheus is said to have made a model of mud and breathed life into it and called it Man. In a different occasion he tricked Zeus and an Angry Zeus sent a beautiful lady Pandora with a jar of problems to men.
In a different version, Zeus created Golden Men (the self sufficient happy kind), Silver Men, Bronze Men (those that killed each other in Battles) and Iron Men (the current age). This looks a lot like the Hindu Mythology.

Hindu Mythology
Since my knowledge for Norse and Greek Mythology is limited I could cover it in one post. But Hindu Mythology is a set of stories with morals to help man to follow and lead a good life.
It is difficult to cover all in one post.
I would describe in brief and point to other posts later.
Since this post is about Beginning of World let me stick to it now.
It is well known that Lord Sri Maha Vishnu took many Avatars (incarnations) to help Devatas and Mankind survive the troubles of the time. The Avatars are in a pattern which closely resembles the pattern of how life, etc., evolved on earth.
Machya Avatar : The earth had huge oceans and Fish Symbolized it.
Kurma Avatar : As the oceans started to dry the Tortosie Symbolized it.
Varaha Avatar : The lands where filled with swamps Boar symbolized it.
Narsimha Avatar: Forests grew in plenty and the king of Animals Lion Symbolized it.
The other Avatars Vamana Avatar (short brahmin priest), Parshurama (angry brahmin and killer of all cruel kings), Rama (an ideal king and an ideal son, killer of Rakshasas), Krishna (the battle for Dharma, truth and rights), Budha (the enlightened one) and Kalki (a future avatar of Vishnu riding a horse to destroy the evil on earth and restore the Golden Age).

Other extraordinary images at http://www.omshantiom.com.ar/puranas/vpimages.php

Also the time is divided into four periods (basically depicting loss of human virtues). These happen in one day in Brahma Loka.
Satya Yuga : The age of truth, Golden Age
Treta Yuga : Three quarters Virtue and one sin
Dwapara Yuga: Half Virtue and Half Sin
Kali Yuga : One Quarter Virtue and rest Sin

Like a after day night comes and after night day, likewise the Yugas repeat themselves cyclically.

The earth's rotation on its axis is a day, and revolution around sun is a year.
Some say the sun's (i.e. Solar System revolution) around the centre of galaxy (Vishnunabhi, seat of creative power Brahma). For more please refer to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yuga.
As earth's distance and inclination to sun causes changes in seasons, sun's distance from the centre (i.e. from Brahma) causes increase and decrease of Virtue.

End of the Worlds

Norse say Ragnorak is the last fight where all is lost, and most of the Gods including Odin and Thor die in battle, and then sons of Thor will rule.
Hindus believe that Kalki, the last avatar of Sri Maha Vishnu will destroy all evil and restore Golden Age on earth. Which means all will start afresh.

2011-09-11T02:21:00.000-07:00

Hindu Mythology vs Greek and Norse Mythologies

For Greek Myth, I have some times quoted Holmer and Heseud, who both have contradictions.

Similarly, Hindu Myth, has so many different meanings and versions, that Only a few can be quoted. There are chances of Contradictions and reason for Debate.

If while reading, or lack of time but interest to read or if interested, please click follow, so that when I update, you can come back and read.

What is common in most Mythologies?
Most Mythologies are a set of stories which were told to express/define that group's opinions of how things started to happen or are happening.
Most of them started with worshipping different forces of Nature, categorizing them and evolving stories around them, adding names, characteristics, and adding evolved.
These variations could be tracked by inscriptions, paintings, etc on walls of old monuments like temples in India, Pyramids in Egypt, Books, Poems, Narration, etc.
These often change by the presiding rulers or priests who endorse them.
Many mythologies have similar characters with different powers and position.

Some common concepts:

Ways of Worship:

Most of the people in the old mythologies and even in some of the current world, built temples for there Gods. The Gods had human like appearances.
The Hindus Gods had animals as vehicles like Lord Shiva had Nandi the Ox, Lord Vishnu has Garuda the eagle, etc.
The Egyptian Gods had animal like parts like Anubis had head of a Jackal. They were also associated with animals, birds, trees, etc..
There were priests who recited hymns or slokas in praise of the Gods.

Solar Eclipse & Lunar Eclipse:

The Hindu version of Solar Eclipse and Lunar Eclipse is that at that time the Surya (Sun) or the Chandra (Moon) are swallowed by a Rakshasa [Demon] named Rahu. They fight to get rid of the Demon. But since the Demon is immortal they come back to swallow them again.
The Chinese Myth says that a Red Dragon eats the Sun or the Moon and at this particular time they beat drums to scare the Dragon away.
The Norse Myth says Sol (Sun) and Mani (Moon) were persued by the wolf Skoll and Hati.
The Egyptians considered the Apep (a serpent) to eat the Re (Sun).
The amazing fact is that they all had calculations to predict the eclipses.

Heaven, Hell and Rebirth

Most mythologies mentioned about Heaven and Hell and Rebirth. Though the places described where different.

The Hindus belive that Svarga (Heaven) is the place where the righteous live in a paradise Naraka (Hell) is the place where the sinners are punished for their sins.
Chitragupta keeps an account of Punyas (good deeds) or Papas (sins/bad deeds) done by a person while
Upon death Yama dootas come to extract a persons soul.
Yama is the Devata who decides weather a soul should go to Heaven or Hell based upon his/her account. The bad are punished in various ways.
Only on complete devotion towards the lord and on leading a righteous life can a person attain freedom from life cycle and merge in Brahma.

The Greeks have Mount Olympus as the home of the Gods and consider it Heaven.
Hades is the ruler of Underworld.
Upon death Hermes leads the souls to the underworld.
Charon ferries the souls who can pay the fee (people must be buried with coins placed on lips)
Cherebus allows all to enter but none to leave.
Rhadamanthus, Minos, and Aeacus are the judges who pass sentence. The very good go to the Elysian Fields. Others are singled out for special treatment. Sisyphus and Tantalus being prime examples of the later.

According to egyptian mythology spirits of the dead go across the Nile into Duat the place of testing and then to Amenti for the good to live for ever. Tombs or Burial Chambers allowed the spirits to go back and forth from Duat.

Norse have Asgard as their territory while Bifrost (a colourful bridge) connected Midgard (Earth) the territory of Humans.
Valhalla the hall of Odin is the home for half of best slain warriors. Valkyries take them there.
The other half would be choosen by Freyja and would stay in Folkwang her home.
Ran wife of Aegir the god of Ocean would catch those who drowned in Ocean, and those who had gold would be allowed to have a happy afterlife at the bottom of Ocean.
Hel daughter of Loki was the ruler of Underworld.

Immortality of Gods

Norse Goddess Idun keeper of Golden Apples provides the Gods with these apples to reverse their ageing.
Kvasir mead is a drink that gave the gift of Poetry and Wisdom.
Hindu Gods drink Amrutha (nectar of life) and live for ever.

2011-09-11T02:17:00.000-07:00

What is this about?

Comparison of various mythologies.

I do not wish to support or oppose any ones opinions about any religions, beliefs, etc.
These are simply my view. I would try to update this matter continuously with what ever matter is appropriate to this post.

For Greek Myth, I have some times quoted Holmer and Heseud, who both have contradictions.
Similarly, Hindu Myth, has so many different meanings and versions, that Only a few can be quoted. There are chances of Contradictions and reason for Debate.

If while reading, or lack of time but interest to read or if interested, please click follow, so that when I update, you can come back and read.

My other sources are
http://www.egyptianmyths.net/
http://www.greekmythology.com/
http://www.norse-mythology.com/

Why do I write?
There are plenty of people who have done a lot of research and published there articles in various books or online. Yet many have different scope.
This is another attempt to bring different understandings together. Hope people will contribute to making this much better.

What is my experience/knowledge?
Frankly my knowledge is limited. I have heard and learnt lot about Hinduism from my parents, people around me, books and movies.
My interest in other mythology like Greek, Norse, Egyptian was aroused by a "Age Of Mythology" a popular game by Microsoft. After playing that game with dedication, I watched a few movies, cartoons, etc and wanted to know more.

What is my experience in writing?
Fairly less. I started looking for this information and while going through various sties I found quite a few interesting but not complete, and quite a few contradictory.
I went and added all of them in "Comparison of Greek and Hindu Gods". When I visited this later I found that "This article is being considered for deletion in accordance with Wikipedia's deletion policy." I do not remember if I had seen this earlier to adding more to it or ignored it.
But I would hate to loose all the analysis, as this was just a starting.

Before I get in deep, I would like to Quote a few definitions:
Religion: a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects.
Mythology: a set of stories, traditions, or beliefs associated with a particular group or the history of an event, arising naturally or deliberately fostered.
Legend: A non historical or unverifiable story handed down by traditionfrom earlier times and popularly accepted as historical.The body of stories of this kind, especially as they relate to a particular people, group, or clan.

Tale: a narrative that relates the details of some real or imaginary event, incident, or case; story.