The Dashavatara are the ten principal incarnations of Lord Vishnu who descends to earth to restore cosmic order (dharma) whenever it is threatened. The ten avatars are Matsya (fish), Kurma (tortoise), Varaha (boar), Narasimha (man-lion), Vamana (dwarf), Parashurama, Rama, Krishna, Buddha, and Kalki (yet to come).
Lord Shiva is one of the Trimurti, the supreme destroyer and transformer of the universe. He is also known as Mahadeva, and resides on Mount Kailash with his consort Parvati, embodying both asceticism and householder life.
What are the different forms of Lord Shiva?
Shiva manifests in many forms including Nataraja (cosmic dancer), Ardhanarishvara (half-male, half-female), Bhairava (fierce protector), Dakshinamurthy (supreme teacher), Pashupati (lord of animals), and Adiyogi (first yogi). Each form reveals a different aspect of his infinite nature.
Who are Lord Shiva's family members?
Shiva's consort is Goddess Parvati (also known as Uma, Gauri, and Shakti). Their sons are Ganesha (elephant-headed god of wisdom) and Kartikeya (god of war). Shiva's mount is the bull Nandi, and the snake Vasuki adorns his neck.
What do Shiva's symbols represent?
Shiva's trident (Trishul) represents the three gunas and the power to destroy evil. The crescent moon on his head symbolizes time, the third eye represents wisdom and destruction of ignorance, and the Ganga flowing from his hair signifies purification.
What is the significance of Shiva's third eye?
Shiva's third eye, located on his forehead, represents higher consciousness, spiritual wisdom, and the ability to see beyond physical reality. When opened in wrath, it can reduce anything to ashes, as happened with Kamadeva, the god of desire.
What is Nataraja?
Nataraja is the form of Lord Shiva as the cosmic dancer, performing the Tandava dance that creates, preserves, and destroys the universe. The dance takes place within a ring of fire, and Shiva tramples the demon Apasmara, symbolizing victory over ignorance.
What is the significance of the Shiva Lingam?
The Shiva Lingam is an abstract representation of Lord Shiva symbolizing the formless, infinite nature of the divine and the creative energy of the universe. The cylindrical stone (lingam) seated in the yoni base represents the union of masculine and feminine cosmic principles.
Who is Lord Vishnu?
Lord Vishnu is the preserver and protector of the universe in the Hindu Trimurti. He resides in Vaikuntha on the cosmic serpent Shesha, and incarnates on earth whenever dharma declines, most famously as Rama and Krishna.
What are the 10 Avatars (Dashavatara) of Vishnu?
The ten avatars are Matsya (fish), Kurma (tortoise), Varaha (boar), Narasimha (man-lion), Vamana (dwarf), Parashurama (warrior sage), Rama (ideal king), Krishna (divine statesman), Buddha (the enlightened one), and Kalki (future destroyer of evil). Each incarnation addressed a specific cosmic crisis.
What does Lord Vishnu's conch shell represent?
Vishnu's conch (Panchajanya) represents the primordial sound Om from which creation emerged. When blown, it produces the sacred sound that dispels ignorance and evil, and calls devotees to dharma. It also symbolizes the five elements.
What is Vishnu's Sudarshana Chakra?
The Sudarshana Chakra is the divine discus weapon of Lord Vishnu with 108 serrated edges, spinning constantly on his finger. It represents the wheel of time (Kalachakra) and is used to destroy evil and protect dharma. It symbolizes the mind's power when focused.
Who is Garuda?
Garuda is the king of birds and the divine mount (vahana) of Lord Vishnu, depicted as a magnificent eagle-like being. He is the sworn enemy of serpents (nagas) and symbolizes speed, power, and the Vedas. The Garuda Purana is named after him.
Who is Lord Brahma?
Lord Brahma is the creator of the universe in the Hindu Trimurti, responsible for creating all living beings, the Vedas, and the material world. He has four faces representing the four Vedas and four directions, and sits on a lotus emerging from Vishnu's navel.
Why does Brahma have four faces?
Brahma's four faces (Chaturmukha) represent the four Vedas (Rig, Yajur, Sama, Atharva), the four directions, and the four yugas. Legend says he originally had five faces, but Shiva destroyed the fifth when Brahma grew arrogant.
Why is Brahma rarely worshipped?
Brahma is rarely worshipped due to a curse by Shiva (or Saraswati, in some versions) for his arrogance and dishonesty. The most notable Brahma temple is in Pushkar, Rajasthan, which is one of very few temples dedicated to him worldwide.
Who is Lord Ganesha?
Lord Ganesha is the elephant-headed god of wisdom, success, and new beginnings, and the remover of obstacles (Vighnaharta). He is the son of Shiva and Parvati, and is worshipped first before any ritual, ceremony, or new venture.
How did Ganesha get his elephant head?
When young Ganesha blocked Shiva from entering the house on Parvati's orders, Shiva, not knowing the boy was his son, severed his head in anger. To console the grieving Parvati, Shiva replaced it with the head of the first creature found - an elephant.
Why does Ganesha love Modak?
Modak (sweet dumpling) is Ganesha's favorite food, symbolizing the sweetness of spiritual knowledge (the inner essence). Offering modak to Ganesha during worship represents offering the sweetness of devotion, and it is believed to please him greatly.
Why does Ganesha ride a mouse?
Ganesha's mount (vahana) is a mouse named Mushika, representing desire and ego that can gnaw through anything if uncontrolled. Ganesha sitting on the mouse symbolizes mastery over desire and the ability to control the ego through wisdom.
Who is Lord Hanuman?
Lord Hanuman is the mighty monkey god, the supreme devotee of Lord Rama, and an incarnation of Lord Shiva. He is revered for his unwavering loyalty, immense strength, celibacy, and selfless service, and is worshipped for courage and protection.
