According to the Hindu epic ‘Ramayanam’, Hanuman was born to the queen Anjana Devi (a supernatural woman cursed into a monkey’s form) and her spouse King Kesari. Anjana, who was childless, prayed to Lord Shiva to give her a child. After her long devotion to Shiva, Vayu Bhagvan Mayut (the God of wind) granted her a son. Hence the boy was also known as Pavan putra, meaning Pavan-wind, putra-son. Continue reading
South Indian deities
Lord Ganesh – Lord of Beginings
Lord Ganesh is the son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. (The birth order of their children differs based on region: In northern India, Murugan is often said to be the elder, while in the south, Ganesha is considered the first born.)
Ganesh was the beloved son of his mother Goddess Parvati and according to the legends he was made from the dust rubbed from her body mixed with sacred oils during a time when Lord Shiva was away in meditation. Especially Parvati made him for her protection, as a security guard. She created her son in completely human form. The legend behind his elephant head is as follows: Goddess Parvati was taking her bath and Lord Ganesh was asked to not allow anyone to pass until she finished. Lord Shiva returned from his meditation and summoned Parvati to him. Not knowing his father, Ganesh refused him. After several attempts Lord Shiva got infuriated and cut off Ganesh’s head. When Goddess Parvati found her son dead, she ordered Shiva to restore him. Lord Shiva said he could grant the wish, but that the boy’s head had been destroyed and the only option was to use the head of another on his body. Lord Shiva sent his messengers through the camp to bring him the head of any creature that slept facing north. They found only a sleeping elephant and they returned with its head. Shiva attached it to the body of the boy and restored him to life and Lord Ganesh is recognize by his elephant’s face today. Continue reading
Lord Shiva – Major Hindu Deity
Lord Shiva is one of the three powerful Gods of Hinduism, with Lord Vishnu and Lord Brahma. According to the epics of Hindu tradition he has the power to transform and destroy the creatures in the world.
In ancient times he took many avatars to destroy demons and it is believed that those who worship him regularly will receive his blessings in the form of “boons”, or wishes granted. He is often represented with the River Ganga on his head and a snake round his neck, illustrating his powers against poison. He has an eye in the middle of his forehead which he opens when angered, ejecting a rain of fire. In Malayalam this eye is called Netrikkan. He is also the father of Lord Ayyapan, the famous deity of Sabarimala temple.
Lord Murugan – God of Tamil
Lord Murugan is the son of Lord Shiva and his wife Goddess Parvati. He is very popular and is more frequently worshipped in the state of Tamil Nadu than the other Indian states. He has other names (or avatars) such as Arumugan (meaning six faced), Palaniyappan, and Kadirvelan. His vehicle is a peacock, so he is known as Mayilvahana in Tamil language.
A popular story is that when Murugan was born there were several maids willing to take care of him. Embarrassed by having to choose, Murugan took six avatars at once so he wouldn’t have to disappoint any of them and hence was given the name Arumugan. Continue reading
Organikos 