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Gods, stories, And Epics Flashcards

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1
Q

Who is Brahma?

A

Brahma is the creator god in Hinduism and part of the Trimurti. He created the universe and all beings. His consort is Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge.

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2
Q

Why does Brahma have four heads?

A

Brahma’s four heads symbolize his knowledge of the four Vedas. They also represent his ability to see in all directions.

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3
Q

Who is Vishnu?

A

Vishnu is the preserver and protector of the universe in Hinduism. He is part of the Trimurti and is known for his avatars, including Rama and Krishna.

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4
Q

What is Vishnu’s role in the Trimurti?

A

Vishnu sustains and maintains the universe, ensuring balance and harmony between creation and destruction.

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5
Q

Who is Shiva?

A

Shiva is the destroyer in the Trimurti. He represents transformation and the cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction. His consort is Parvati.

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6
Q

What is the significance of Shiva’s third eye?

A

Shiva’s third eye represents wisdom and insight. It also symbolizes destruction, as it can burn away ignorance and illusions.

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7
Q

Who is Saraswati?

A

Saraswati is the goddess of knowledge, wisdom, music, and the arts. She is Brahma’s consort and often depicted with a veena and a swan.

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8
Q

What is Lakshmi known for?

A

Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth, prosperity, and fortune. She is Vishnu’s consort and is worshipped during Diwali.

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9
Q

What is the story of Lakshmi’s emergence?

A

Lakshmi emerged from the ocean during the churning of the Milky Way (Samudra Manthan). She chose Vishnu as her consort.

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10
Q

Who is Parvati?

A

Parvati is the goddess of fertility, love, and devotion. She is Shiva’s consort and the mother of Ganesha and Kartikeya.

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11
Q

How did Ganesha get his elephant head?

A

Shiva accidentally decapitated Ganesha. To revive him, Shiva replaced his head with that of an elephant.

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12
Q

Who is Kartikeya?

A

Kartikeya, also known as Murugan or Skanda, is the god of war. He is Parvati and Shiva’s son and rides a peacock.

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13
Q

What is the story of Rama?

A

Rama is Vishnu’s seventh avatar. His story, the Ramayana, tells of his quest to rescue his wife, Sita, from the demon king Ravana.

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14
Q

Who is Krishna?

A

Krishna is the eighth avatar of Vishnu. He is known for his childhood exploits, teachings in the Bhagavad Gita, and his role in the Mahabharata.

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15
Q

What is Krishna’s connection to Radha?

A

Radha is Krishna’s beloved and symbolizes the ultimate devotion and love for the divine.

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16
Q

Who is Hanuman?

A

Hanuman is the monkey god and a devotee of Rama. He is known for his strength, loyalty, and role in the Ramayana.

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17
Q

What is the story of Hanuman and the mountain?

A

When Lakshmana was wounded, Hanuman flew to the Himalayas to fetch a healing herb. Unable to identify it, he carried the entire mountain.

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18
Q

Who is Durga?

A

Durga is a fierce warrior goddess and an incarnation of Parvati. She is celebrated for defeating the buffalo demon Mahishasura.

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19
Q

What is the story of Kali’s dance?

A

Kali, an incarnation of Durga, went on a destructive rampage after slaying demons. To calm her, Shiva lay beneath her, and she stopped upon realizing she was standing on him.

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20
Q

Who is Indra?

A

Indra is the king of the gods and the god of rain and thunderstorms. He wields the thunderbolt (vajra).

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21
Q

What is the story of the Samudra Manthan?

A

The gods and demons churned the ocean to obtain amrita (nectar of immortality). Many treasures emerged, including Lakshmi, and Vishnu intervened to distribute the nectar.

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22
Q

Who is Agni?

A

Agni is the fire god and a mediator between humans and gods through sacrificial rituals.

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23
Q

What is the story of Savitri and Satyavan?

A

Savitri’s devotion saved her husband, Satyavan, from Yama, the god of death. Her wisdom and determination forced Yama to return his life.

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24
Q

Who is Yama?

A

Yama is the god of death and the ruler of the underworld. He judges souls and guides them to their next life.

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25
Who is Surya?
Surya is the sun god and a source of life and energy. He rides a chariot drawn by seven horses.
26
What is the story of the Pandavas?
The Pandavas are the five brothers in the Mahabharata. They fought against their cousins, the Kauravas, in the Kurukshetra war.
27
Who is Draupadi?
Draupadi is the wife of the Pandavas and a central figure in the Mahabharata. Her humiliation by the Kauravas led to the great war.
28
What is the Bhagavad Gita?
The Bhagavad Gita is a dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. It explores duty, dharma, and devotion.
29
Who is Shakti?
Shakti is the divine feminine energy and the source of all creation. She manifests as goddesses like Durga, Kali, and Parvati.
30
What is the significance of the Trimurti?
The Trimurti represents the three cosmic functions: creation (Brahma), preservation (Vishnu), and destruction (Shiva).
31
What is the Ramayana about?
The Ramayana is the epic story of Prince Rama, his exile, the abduction of his wife Sita by Ravana, and their eventual reunion after a battle to restore dharma.
32
Who wrote the Ramayana?
The sage Valmiki wrote the Ramayana.
33
Why was Rama exiled to the forest?
Rama was exiled for 14 years due to a promise made by King Dasharatha to his wife Kaikeyi, who demanded the throne for her son Bharata.
34
Who is Sita?
Sita is Rama’s wife and the incarnation of the goddess Lakshmi. She symbolizes purity and devotion.
35
How was Sita abducted?
Ravana abducted Sita by luring Rama and Lakshmana away with a golden deer and tricking Sita into crossing a protective line (Lakshmana Rekha).
36
What is Hanuman’s role in the Ramayana?
Hanuman, the monkey god, helps Rama locate Sita, crosses the ocean to Lanka, and burns Ravana’s city with his fiery tail.
37
Who is Ravana?
Ravana is the ten-headed demon king of Lanka who abducted Sita. He represents ego and desire.
38
What is the significance of the bridge to Lanka?
Rama’s army, led by Hanuman and Sugriva, built a bridge (Rama Setu) across the ocean to Lanka to rescue Sita.
39
How did Ravana die?
Ravana was killed by Rama in battle after a fierce war. Rama used a special arrow blessed by the gods to pierce Ravana’s heart.
40
What is the Agni Pariksha?
Sita underwent a trial by fire (Agni Pariksha) to prove her purity after being rescued from Ravana.
41
What is the Mahabharata?
The Mahabharata is an epic about the rivalry between the Pandavas and Kauravas, culminating in the Kurukshetra war. It also contains the Bhagavad Gita.
42
Who wrote the Mahabharata?
The Mahabharata was written by the sage Vyasa.
43
Who are the Pandavas?
The Pandavas are five brothers—Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva—born to Pandu through divine blessings.
44
Who are the Kauravas?
The Kauravas are the 100 sons of Dhritarashtra, led by Duryodhana, who oppose the Pandavas in the Mahabharata.
45
What is the Bhagavad Gita?
The Bhagavad Gita is a conversation between Krishna and Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, focusing on dharma, duty, and devotion.
46
Why did the Kurukshetra war begin?
The war began because the Kauravas refused to give the Pandavas their rightful share of the kingdom, despite Krishna’s efforts to mediate peace.
47
What is Draupadi’s vow?
Draupadi vowed to tie her hair only after it was washed with Dushasana’s blood, following her humiliation in the Kauravas’ court.
48
How did Bhima fulfill Draupadi’s vow?
Bhima killed Dushasana in the war and brought his blood to Draupadi to honor her vow.
49
What is the story of Ekalavya?
Ekalavya, a skilled archer, cut off his thumb as a guru dakshina (teacher’s fee) for Dronacharya, even though Drona never formally taught him.
50
How did Karna die?
Karna was killed by Arjuna in the Kurukshetra war after being cursed by his guru and unable to defend himself due to his chariot wheel getting stuck.
51
What is Krishna’s childhood story with Kansa?
Krishna was born to Devaki and Vasudeva but raised by Yashoda to protect him from Kansa, who feared a prophecy of his death by Krishna.
52
What is the story of Krishna lifting Govardhan Hill?
Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill on his finger to protect the villagers from torrential rains sent by Indra, teaching them to worship nature over gods.
53
What is the significance of Krishna’s flute?
Krishna’s flute symbolizes divine love and attraction. His music enchanted the gopis, representing the soul’s yearning for union with the divine.
54
What role did Krishna play in the Mahabharata?
Krishna served as Arjuna’s charioteer, advisor, and guide, delivering the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita.
55
What is the story of the Syamantaka jewel?
Krishna was accused of stealing the Syamantaka jewel but cleared his name by finding it with a bear king, proving his innocence.
56
What is the story of the churning of the ocean?
The gods and demons churned the ocean (Samudra Manthan) to obtain amrita (nectar of immortality), producing treasures like Lakshmi, the moon, and poison consumed by Shiva.
57
Why did Shiva drink poison during Samudra Manthan?
Shiva drank the poison (halahala) to save the world from destruction. It turned his throat blue, earning him the name Neelkanth.
58
What is the story of Ganga’s descent to Earth?
The river goddess Ganga descended to Earth to purify the ashes of King Bhagiratha’s ancestors but was tamed by Shiva, who caught her in his hair.
59
Who is Nandi?
Nandi is Shiva’s bull and his loyal vehicle (vahana). He guards the entrance to Shiva’s abode.
60
What is the story of Daksha’s yajna?
Daksha insulted Shiva, leading Sati (Shiva’s consort) to immolate herself. Shiva destroyed the yajna and mourned Sati, eventually reincarnated as Parvati.
61
Who is Narasimha?
Narasimha is Vishnu’s half-man, half-lion avatar, who appeared to save his devotee Prahlada by killing the demon Hiranyakashipu.
62
What is the story of Matsya, the fish avatar?
Matsya, Vishnu’s fish avatar, saved the Vedas and humanity from a great flood by guiding Manu’s boat to safety.
63
Who is Vamana?
Vamana is Vishnu’s dwarf avatar who humbled the demon king Bali by covering the universe in three steps.
64
What is the story of Parashurama?
Parashurama, Vishnu’s warrior-sage avatar, destroyed corrupt kshatriyas (warriors) 21 times to restore dharma.
65
What is dharma?
Dharma is the moral and ethical code of living, often described as one’s duty or righteousness in Hindu mythology.
66
What is karma?
Karma refers to the law of cause and effect, where one’s actions determine future outcomes, central to many mythological stories.
67
The Exile of Rama (Ramayana)
Rama is exiled to the forest for 14 years due to a promise made by his father, King Dasharatha, to Queen Kaikeyi. Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana leave Ayodhya to live in the forest, setting the stage for the epic.
68
The Abduction of Sita (Ramayana)
Ravana tricks Sita into leaving her protective boundary (Lakshmana Rekha) by disguising himself. He abducts her and takes her to Lanka, leading Rama and Lakshmana to embark on a rescue mission.
69
The Burning of Lanka (Ramayana)
Hanuman, while searching for Sita in Lanka, sets Ravana’s city ablaze with his fiery tail after being captured and humiliated by Ravana.
70
The Bridge to Lanka (Ramayana)
Rama’s army of monkeys and bears, led by Hanuman and Sugriva, builds a bridge (Rama Setu) across the ocean to reach Lanka and rescue Sita.
71
The Death of Ravana (Ramayana)
In a climactic battle, Rama defeats and kills Ravana with an arrow blessed by the gods, restoring dharma and rescuing Sita.
72
The Trial by Fire (Ramayana)
Sita undergoes a trial by fire (Agni Pariksha) to prove her purity after her rescue from Ravana. She emerges unscathed, affirming her innocence.
73
The Dice Game (Mahabharata)
Yudhishthira loses his kingdom, wealth, and even Draupadi in a rigged dice game with Duryodhana. This event triggers the Pandavas’ exile and sets the stage for the Kurukshetra war.
74
Draupadi’s Humiliation (Mahabharata)
Draupadi is dragged into the Kauravas’ court and insulted, but her dignity is saved by Krishna, who miraculously extends her saree to prevent disrobing.
75
Arjuna’s Journey for Divine Weapons (Mahabharata)
Arjuna undertakes a penance to please Lord Shiva and other gods, earning divine weapons like the Pashupatastra to prepare for the war.
76
The Bhagavad Gita (Mahabharata)
On the battlefield of Kurukshetra, Krishna delivers spiritual teachings to a conflicted Arjuna, emphasizing dharma, devotion, and selfless action.
77
The Death of Karna (Mahabharata)
Karna is killed by Arjuna during the war after being cursed by his guru and rendered defenseless when his chariot wheel gets stuck.
78
The Vow of Bhishma (Mahabharata)
Bhishma takes a vow of celibacy to ensure his father’s happiness, sacrificing his personal life and becoming the most devoted warrior of his time.
79
The Battle of Kurukshetra (Mahabharata)
The Pandavas and Kauravas engage in an epic war lasting 18 days. The Pandavas emerge victorious, but the war causes immense loss on both sides.
80
The Swarga Arohana (Mahabharata)
The Pandavas embark on their final journey to heaven (Swarga). Along the way, only Yudhishthira reaches heaven in his mortal form, accompanied by a dog representing dharma.
81
The Birth of Krishna (Mahabharata, Bhagavata Purana)
Krishna is born to Devaki and Vasudeva in a prison to end the tyranny of Kansa. He is secretly taken to Gokul and raised by Yashoda and Nanda.
82
Krishna Lifts Govardhan Hill (Bhagavata Purana)
Krishna lifts the Govardhan Hill on his finger to protect the villagers of Vrindavan from torrential rains sent by Indra, teaching them to rely on nature and self-effort.
83
The Rasa Lila (Bhagavata Purana)
Krishna dances with the gopis in the Rasa Lila, symbolizing the soul’s union with the divine. He multiplies himself to be with each devotee individually.
84
The Defeat of Kansa (Mahabharata, Bhagavata Purana)
Krishna defeats and kills his tyrannical uncle Kansa in a wrestling match, fulfilling the prophecy of Kansa’s death at his hands.
85
The Syamantaka Jewel (Bhagavata Purana)
Krishna clears his name by recovering the stolen Syamantaka jewel from a bear king and exposing the true thief.
86
Krishna and Sudama (Bhagavata Purana)
Krishna’s childhood friend Sudama visits him in poverty. Krishna warmly welcomes him and secretly blesses Sudama with wealth and prosperity.
87
The Churning of the Ocean (Vishnu Purana)
The gods and demons churn the ocean to obtain amrita (nectar of immortality). Treasures like Lakshmi, the moon, and poison emerge, which Shiva consumes.
88
The Descent of Ganga (Skanda Purana)
King Bhagiratha performs penance to bring the river goddess Ganga to Earth to purify his ancestors’ ashes. Shiva controls her descent by catching her in his matted hair.
89
The Birth of Durga (Devi Mahatmya)
Durga is created by the combined energies of the gods to defeat the buffalo demon Mahishasura. She embodies their powers and rides a lion into battle.
90
The Slaying of Mahishasura (Devi Mahatmya)
Durga battles and slays Mahishasura, the buffalo demon, who represents ignorance and arrogance, restoring peace and dharma.
91
Shiva and the Poison (Skanda Purana)
During the churning of the ocean, Shiva consumes the deadly poison (halahala) to save the world. His throat turns blue, earning him the name Neelkanth.
92
The Story of Narasimha (Vishnu Purana)
Narasimha, Vishnu’s half-man, half-lion avatar, appears to save Prahlada and kills the demon king Hiranyakashipu, who had received a near-invincible boon.
93
The Story of Vamana (Vishnu Purana)
Vishnu’s dwarf avatar Vamana humbles King Bali by covering the universe in three strides, reclaiming the heavens for the gods.
94
The Story of Matsya (Vishnu Purana)
Vishnu, in the form of a fish (Matsya), warns Manu of a great flood, guiding him and the seeds of life to safety in a boat.
95
Daksha’s Yajna (Skanda Purana)
Daksha insults Shiva, prompting Sati (Shiva’s wife) to immolate herself in grief. Shiva destroys the yajna, and Sati is later reborn as Parvati.
96
Ganesha’s Creation (Shiva Purana)
Parvati creates Ganesha from clay to guard her chambers. Shiva unknowingly beheads him and later revives him with an elephant’s head.

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