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Indian mythology is most intriguing and perhaps one of the
world's most interesting as it unveils an amazing plethora of mythical
stories that astounds the imagination. Its richness and complexity is as
old as the early Indus Valley civilizations of Harappa and Mohenjodaro,
which were established around 2400 BC. The Hindus continue to believe in
the multitude of gods and goddesses of the Hindu pantheon. India is a
blend of diverse cultures and religions that have continuously influenced
Indian mythology.
India unveils a kaleidoscope of various cultures and religions. These
have had substantial influence on the early writings, including Indian
mythology. Prominent among these was the Hindu religion. The Hindus
believed that the Universe was a single entity and called it Brahmin. This
soon came to be equated with a masculine form of God, named Brahma. He was
the creator of the Universe. Later, two other Gods joined to form the
Trinity. They were, Vishnu- the protector, and Shiva- the destroyer. The
Vedic age, which belongs to the period of the Harappan and Mohenjodaro
civilizations, established around 2400 BC, has given an entire body of
literature to the world. The hymns sung then were collectively called the
Vedas. The Vedic Age is when Hinduism actually began. The Vedic Gods were
led by Indra. They got their strength from the drink- Soma, a form of
ambrosia.
The idea of atma, the soul, is an integral part of Hinduism, and
the transmigration of the soul, a fundamental concept. Sacrifice and
performing penance became the chief forms of worship. Certain concepts of
the Hindu Indian mythology are extremely interesting and unique. For
example performing a penance included years of deep meditation, in a state
of isolation from the world.
As a result or reward for this penance, a God, usually one from the
trinity, would appear and grant a Boon. This was usually in the form of
some power in the form of protection against certain creatures, or limited
power of immortality etc.
Similarly curses too were cast when the rishis or Gods flew into a rage.
But in many instances these curses had antidotes, which was usually
related to some specific incident in the person's future.
Wars too are a common part of Indian mythology. Wars between the Asuras
(demons) and the Devas (Gods) were often fought. The Asuras wanted to
conquer the territory of the Devas. Many interesting stories are woven
around this theme.
The classical period gave birth two of the most amazing Epics in the
history of the world- the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. The Puras too were
composed at this time.
From 500 BC to about 100 AD, the age of Buddhism and Jainism put Hinduism
in decline. Buddha's doctrine took India by storm. Hinduism, however, was
able to survive the storm by renewing itself. Sacrifice went out of favor
and the influence of Jainism and Buddhism led to the composition of the
Upanishads. It was also during this time that Vishnu and Shiva completed
their eclipse of Indra and the other Vedic gods.
The next age was the Epic or Classical period, the time of the great
Hindu epics the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. These great works were
compiled into their present form during thin time, but their origins go
back at least to Vedic times. The Puranas were also composed at this time.
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