Ganessa’s mythology came to be nested within that of Ssiva and Parvati. The theriomorphic past, where animals are gods, has been sufficiently sanskritized and brahmanized for Ganessa, with all his associations as Ganapati, leader of the dwarf demons of Ssiva, to become pan-Indian, losing ancient tribal and regional origins. Ganesa even transcended his association with Siva, for all Indians are likely to have his image in their business or on a family shrine.The most important features of his mythology involve his birth story, how he came to have an elephant’s … Continue reading →

In the Mahabharata, Gandhari had the quite traditional roles of daughter, wife, and mother. Even though her sons, the hundred Kauravas, proved to be on the wrong side of righteousness, she was an example of one who practiced sva- dharma, meeting the requirements of her caste and of the stages of life. Gandhari was the daughter of King Subala of Gandhara, receiving a name referring to her birthplace. She was married to King Dhritarashthra, even though he was blind—because of Dhritarashthra’s lineage and power. Gandhari accepted her father’s choice and … Continue reading →

This myth was included in the Skanda Purana as an elaboration on the myth of the Churning of the Milky Ocean, in which Vishnu appeared as Mohini and tricked the asuras (demons) out of the nectar of immortality. The moral purpose of this myth is not clear. It does extend the notion that rivers are sacred. Vishnu had taken the form of a beautiful woman called Mohini that had appeared when the Milky Ocean was churned, which had been stolen by the demons. Siva wanted to see this form of … Continue reading →

In the days when gods and goddesses changed into horses, and their offspring became human kings, Ekavira was born and founded the Hehaya dynasty. The myth began in Vaikuntha (Vishnu’s heaven). A friend of Indra, King Revanta, came to the abode of Vishnu and Lakshmi. Lakshmi was infatuated with the handsome Revanta. She flattered him by complimenting the beauty of his horse. Because her attention was on Revanta, she did not hear what Vishnu was saying. Vishnu became angry at Lakshmi’s behavior and cursed her to be born as a … Continue reading →

This is a myth that sets unusual talent against dharma (the moral order), in this case the duty of accepting the restrictions of one’s caste. The master (acarya) Drona was a brahmin who refused to teach one who was not twice-born. Drona taught the Pandavas and the Kauravas to be great archers, but unknowingly he prepared them to fight each other in the great Bharata war. Dronacharya had not accepted Ekalavya as his disciple because he belonged to a lower caste. Ekalavya made an idol of Drona, worshipped it, and … Continue reading →

Durvasa (hard to dwell) was known for his bad temper and his imperious ways. He was also said to be a partial (amsha) incarnation of (Siva. Durvasa has three different birth myths, each accounting for his character. The first began in heaven. Siva had behaved so badly, abusing the devas (gods) and his wife Parvati, that she decided to leave him. So Siva discarded that por­tion of himself that was making life miserable for everyone—to be born as a sage. The rest of the story is told within the stories … Continue reading →