Yama, also known as Kala and Dharmaraja, is the Hindu god of death and justice, responsible for the dispensation of law and punishment of sinners Naraka. He is often identified with Dharmadeva, the personification of Dharma, though the two deities have different origins and myths. Yama is described as the twin of Yami, and the […]
Kubera, also known as Kuber or Kuvera, is a prominent deity in Hindu mythology. He is often depicted as the lord of wealth and the ruler of the mythical realm of Alaka, which is said to be a city of immense beauty and opulence. Kubera is traditionally associated with material prosperity, treasure, and the protection
Lord Varuna, a significant deity in Hindu mythology, is often depicted as the god of the oceans and the cosmic order. His presence in ancient Indian scriptures and traditions reflects a deep reverence for the natural world and the principles that govern it. The name “Varuna” is derived from the Sanskrit root “vṛ,” meaning “to
Lord Varuna: The Celestial Guardian of the Oceans and Cosmic Order Read More »
The story of the king of Magadha, Raja Jarasandha, is well known. The Mahabharata gives details of his stand against Vasudeva-Krsna and the Pandavas, and finally his death in the hands of Bhima. While the face-off and fight are well known, the focus remains away from the giantess or ogress Jara who had attached the
Agni is the god of fire. Agni is one of the Dikapala and is the guardian deity of the Southeast direction. For the same reason, he is typically placed in the southeast corners of temples. Agni is one of the Panch Mahabhuta (five inert impermanent elements) along with sky (Akasa), water (Apas / Jal), air
The goddess Svāhā is Agni’s wife. Thomas Coburn states that the term Svadhā refers to “one’s particular nature or inclination”, and the secondary sense of “a customary pleasure or enjoyment, a refreshment that nourishes”. Svāhā is also found in the hymns of the Vedic literature, in the sense of “welcome, praise to you”. This salutation
Ishana is the guardian of the Northeast direction, a duty he inherited from Soma. It makes him a member of the Dikpala (guardians of the cardinal directions) located in the northeast. In the Vastusastra, the northeast corner is referred to as “Isana”.The physical element of space is a manifestation of Ishana. He is believed to
Nirṛti also spelled as Nirruti or Nirriti, is a Hindu deity, personifying death, decay, and sorrow. Nirrti is regarded as a Dikapala (“guardian of the directions”) of the southwest. God or Goddess? In early Hindu scriptures, Nirṛti is a goddess who is lives in the kingdom of the dead. In later Hinduism, Nirṛti or Nirṛta
Nirrti is the Hindu Goddess of destruction and death. She dwells in desolate places, watching for people who are hungry or in mourning. She wears dark clothes and has messy hair. Offerings to Nirrti are often black, such as black grain and stones, or diseased and malformed animals, and were usually intended to keep her
Vayu is the Hindu god of the winds and the divine messenger of the gods. Vayu is known by many names – Vata, Anila, Pavan, Vyana, Tanuna, and Mukhyaprana. His abode is Vayu Loka or Satya Loka. In the Vedic scriptures, Vayu is an important deity and is closely associated with Indra, the king of