Introduction to Hindu Mythology Review

Introduction to Hindu Mythology Review is an eight lesson course written and taught by Harsh Nevatia. Nevatia was first introduced to Hindu mythology as a small child, through the stories his grandparents told. As an adult, he furthered his knowledge of Hindu mythology by completing an advanced certificate in Hindu literature.

Lessons in this course include Introduction I, Introduction II, Shiva, Vishnu, The Ramayana, The Mahabharata, Krishna, and Purposes of Mythology. Each lesson contains from five to seven chapters as well as a bibliography of webpage links and books fitting the chapter subject. Each lesson explores one particular aspect or key character of Hindu mythology.

Lesson one and two of this course orient the student to the complex interconnected nature of Hindu mythology and Hindu belief systems. These two lessons also outline the sizeable quantity of Hindu myths found in Hindu literature. In these lessons, students will learn that no clear distinction can be made between Hindu mythology and religion as both systems are complexly interwoven complementarily reinforcing each other in symbolism, social structure, and standards of conduct.

Lesson three discusses the myths surrounding Shiva, the destroyer in the Hindu trinity. In this lesson, students will learn about the marriages and children of Shiva. Some very interesting concepts such as Shakti (the female forces) and the nature of immortal births are also discussed.

Lesson four of this course describes various myths about Vishnu. In this lesson, students will learn Vishnu is a reoccurring figure in Hindu mythology, whenever the wicked need to be eradicated and the good need to triumph. The myths of Vishnu illustrate the relentless conflicts between the Demi-Gods and the Demons. In these stories, Vishnu helps the Demi-Gods by tricking the Demons.

However, this hero does not always appear as Vishnu. Instead, this character has ten reincarnations including Rama and Krishna. The deeds of Rama, discussed in lesson five, are described in the Ramayana. In this epic, Rama is the perfect male role model.

Krishna is encountered in the Mahabharata. Unlike Rama, Krishna plays a more subdued less central character that aids humans along their proper path. The Mahabharata and the role of Krishna are explored in lessons six and seven.

Lesson eight looks at the purposes of mythology. In this lesson, students will be reminded that mythology is meant to answer questions about death and the afterlife; how the world works; what it means to be part of a specific culture, and how individuals are suppose to act. In this way, mythology is an intrinsic part of any culture's religion, social system, and way of life.

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