Lessons
This lesson starts with a few basic topics. The relationship between mythology, religion, philosophy and culture in the context of Hinduism is...
Introduction
Mythology, Religion, Philosophy and Culture
Sources of Mythology
The Hindu Pantheon
Creation of the Universe
The Cycles of Time
Bibliography
Lesson 2: Introduction II
The several myths relating to the creation of the human race reveal the psyche of an evolving society and shall be examined in depth. The creation of...
Introduction
Creation of Humans
Descendents of Manu
The Caste System
The Cycle of Karma
A Formless God and Idol Worship
Bibliography
Lesson 3: Shiva
This lesson covers the mythologies of Shiva. The two marriages of Shiva make very interesting reading. Shiva’s two sons from his second marriage have...
Introduction
Shiva and Sati
Shiva and Parvati
Kartikeya
Ganesh
Shakti
Bibliography
Lesson 4: Vishnu
The incessant battle between the demi-Gods and the Demons are described. Vishnu uses his guile to help the demi-Gods.
The most popular...
Introduction
The Churning of the Ocean and the Kumbh Fair
Mohini the Enchantress
The Ten Incarnations
Shaivism versus Vaishnavism
Bibliography
Lesson 5: The Ramayana
The Ramayana narrates the tale of Rama, the prince of Ayodhya who was an incarnation of Vishnu. Vishnu took this incarnation to annihilate the Demon...
Introduction
Rama's Ancestry
Different Versions of the Ramayana
Destiny
Sita’s Tribulations
Women in The Ramayana
The Archetype Hero
Bibliography
Lesson 6: The Mahabharata
The Mahabharata is the epic tale of the great war between the cousins, the Pandavas and the Kauravas. This war is seen as a clash between Good and...
Introduction
The Lunar Dynasty
The Descendents of Yadu and Puru
Some Comparisons between the Ramayana and the Mahabharata
Polyandry
The Game of Dice and the Status of Women
Barbareek and the Accumulation of Power
Bibliography
Lesson 7: Krishna
Though Krishna plays a major role in the Mahabharata, he is not the central hero of the Mahabharata the way Rama is of the Ramayana. Krishna’s role...
Introduction
Krishna’s Birth
Govardhan
Maidens' Clothes
Radha
Krishna’s Ascension
Bibliography
Lesson 8: Purposes of Mythology
This last lesson discusses the purposes of mythology and how and to what extent Hindu mythology fulfils these purposes. ...
Introduction
Continuity and Stability
Guidelines for Living
Justify a Culture's Activities
Meaning to Life
Explain the Unexplainable
Offer Role Models
Bibliography
