Hindu Gods - Ganga

Ganga

In Hindu legend Ganga is believed as the holy river. In India, Ganga River is very popular and is adored as a goddess. In the world Ganga is the most respected. Ganga River is only in itself with its mind squalling width and length. Ganga is also well-known as Vishnu padi. Ganga described as a gorgeous woman with instead of legs a fish's tail. She journey on the Makara is a water moster. The Hindu thoughts in the river on special events reason reduction of peccadilloes and make easy the achievement of salvation.
It is believed that Ganga gives blessings of the best order.
Birth
There are many Hindu faiths that provide different descriptions of the Ganga birth. One description said that the holy water in Brahma's water-vessel (Kamandalu) became incarnate as a maiden is Ganga. Another Vaishnavite mythology, Brahma had respectfully washed the feet of Vishnu and collected his water in his Kamandalu. But a third description that Ganga was the daughter of Himavan, king of the mountains and his wife Mena, she was a sister of Parvati means goddess Parvati. Every description announces that she was increased in the heavens under the direction of Brahma.
Rig Veda In the Rig-Ved, the Ganga is mentioned the earliest and theoretically the holiest of the Hindu scriptures. The Ganga is mentioned in the nadistuti, which lists rivers from east - west. In Rig Veda 6.45.31, Ganga word is also mentioned, however it is not clear the reference is to the river.
Rig Veda 3.58.6 says -

your ancient home, your auspicious friendship, O Heroes, your wealth is on the banks of the Jahnavi (JahnAvyAm).

This rhyme could perhaps guide to the Ganga. In Rig Veda 1.116.18-19, the Gangetic and the Jahnavi dolphin happen in 2 neighboring rhymes. River Ganga / Ganges
Hindu legend said that Ganga is believed as the celestial being of heaven. In India, Uttarkhand, in the central Himalayas Ganga or Ganges on the earth creates from the Gangotri glacier, Gaumukha. In India, this is recognized as one of the sacred places.
The River runs through a large area covering many holy places of Hindus include Haridwar, Varanasi and Allahabad. After 2,510 kms, a long journey, Ganga drains into the cove of Bengal throughout its huge triangle in the Sunder bans.
The Water of Ganga - Gangajal
The Ganga water regard as Gangajal. On his earth, the Ganga water is the cleanest and holy water. Different religious ritual of Hindus is used Ganga water. Ganga water is bacteria free and pure has proven still science. Without any trouble Gangajal must be saving for years.
Representation of River Goddess Ganga
Ganga symbolizes for inmost purity, piety and pristine coolness. Ganga River enriches the religious lives of millions of Indians for the river is great. Holy Gang River incarnates Goddess Ganga go down rinse to the earth away the peccadilloes of the humankind. The River Goddess Ganga represents all India the characteristics is well-known for serene, mythical, all assimilative and pervading.

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Hindu Gods - Ayyappa

Ayyappa

Lord Ayyappa is a celibate Hindu god and is said to have been born out of the union of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva (in his female from 'Mohini'). He is known as other names such as Dharmasasta, Manikantha, Hariharasuta, Sastan, Bhutanatha, Natrayan, Sathanar, Nattarasan, Ayyanar and Cattan. He is also known for his benevolence. Lord Ayyappa is a revered in South Indian god.
Various legends depict the story of Ayyappa in different ways. Lord Ayyappa was established by the king Rajashekhara, ruler of Pandalam on the banks of the river Pamba. As he had no children, he adopted the child as a gift from god and brought Lord Ayyappa to his palace. Lord Ayyappa grew as a very brilliant boy. People start to admire him as the re-embodiment of Lord Dharma Sastha. Before his 12th year, Ayyappa could master all Vedas and Shastras and the art of warfare.
Ayyappa or Dharma Shastha symbolizes a combination of religious powers represented by the types of Lord Vishnu, the power that protects the universe and Lord Shiva, the power that periodically re-absorbs the expressions in reality. Lord Ayyappa enshrined in the temple of Sabarimala combines both these aspects of Brahman. He is worshipped both Protectors and Deliverer. He main pilgrimage season starts from the middle of November and extends up to the 3rd week of January.
In several temples of Lord Ayyappan is worshipped across India, at Kulathupuzha in Kerala. At Achenkovil, he is worshipped as a child with his wife, Poorna and Pushkala. Sabarimala temple is an ascetic. The temple is a celibate meditating in privacy for the advantage of all humanity. The name "Ayyappan" is a respectful used as type of address in Malayalam.
The Sabarimala Ayyappa temple delivers the principle of Tat Tvam Asi. The temple of Ayyappa is unique in all India because there is no difference of religion or caste in formative that can enter it. Equally respects are Non-Hindus. Though the government statistics every year at least five crore followers come to visit in Sabarimala temple of Ayyappan. It offers rupees of 10 crore to the state.
Ayyappa Mantra
Swamiye Sharanam Ayyappa

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Hindu Gods - Vishwakarma

Vishwakarma Lord Vishwa karma is God of Architecture. In the Rig Veda, Lord Vishwa karma is the heavenly architect of the entire universe. He is the embodiment of the creative power that welds earth and heaven together. Hindu people say as Lord Vishwa karma is the son of Brahma and is the architect of all gods' palaces. He is also known as God of Creation. He is decorated white and has a club in his right hand. He has wears a necklace of gold, a crown, and rings on his wrists as well as holds a book, a water-pot, a noose and craftsman's tools in his left hand. He is the revealer of the science of architecture and mechanics. Lord Vishwa karma is called as Sthapatya Veda. Lord Vishwakarma uses Pushpak Vimaan a flying chariot. His creations number of immortal places and weapons. He is the creator of Dwarka (the city of Lord Krishna), Lanka (Ravana's kingdom), the town of Indraprastha and Hastinapur (the capital of the Pandavas and Kauravas). Sudarsana Chakra (the weapon of Lord Vishnu) and Agneyastra (fire weapon) are also among his great creations. Mahabharata describes him as "The carpenter of the Gods, executor of a thousand handicrafts, the lord of the arts, the fashioner of all the ornaments, the most famous of artisans, on whose craft all menu manage to survive and is worshipped by all". He is the presiding divinity of all the architects and craftsmen. This day is also known as the 'Engineers' Day'. He is a great, an immortal god and worshipped by people all through. Lord Vishwakarma is accepted with muti hand. He is as superb as Lord Vishnu, Mahesh, Brahma because all scriptures worried with Hindu religion and contains episodes of his magnificent contributions. In this world everything we see like airplanes, the reservoirs, big dams, skyscrapers, bridges and all kinds of mechanics around our life rotates are the product of Chisel and Hammer, which represent. Our legend history, humanity cannot refuse these particulars as it would be a betrayal. Vishwakarma is considered as the master of all machinery equipments of gods. Lord Vishwakarma jayanti can be celebrated every year on 17th September of English Calendar year. The vishwakarma jayanti is also called as the national Labour Day of India. The festival is mainly celebrated in Orissa, Tripura and Bengal. In this day, Hindu performs Vishwakarma Puja to raise productivity and to obtain divinity stimulation in creating new products. Lord Vishwakarma is given special providing of worship on Annakoot day in the next day to Dipawali. On the day, the people workmen put down their tools.

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Hindu Gods - Kubera

Kubera

Hindu legend, Lord Kuber is considered as the God of Wealth and the Lord of Uttaradisha. Lord Kubera is also called as the God of Yaksas. It is always remembering by the Goddess of luck, Lakshami. Kubera Mantra helps to increase the flow of funds and the ability to accumulate wealth.
Kubera Mantra "Om Yakshyaya Kuberaya Vaishravanaaya Dhanadhanyadi Padayeh Dhana-Dhanya Samreeddhing Me Dehi Dapaya Swaha"
Meaning
Kubera, the lord of yakshas, bless us with wealth and prosperity.
Kuber is representing as Ashta Dikpalas in the north. Kuber is also well-known as Lord of Riches (Dhanpati). It is the food grains and the trustee of all wealth.Kubera is the son of Visrava and the grandson of Brahma. Brahma is the creator god. It is known by the Patronymic, Vaisravana. Lord Yakshas is dedicated of Lord Shiva. Kuber is the god's treasurer. It was residing in a place on Mount Kailasa.
Lord Kubera watches above the earth's treasure of jewels, gold, pearls, silver and nine Nidhis. Kuber has a white, two to four hands, three legs, eight teeth and dwarfish body. Lord kuber uses Pushpak a flying chariot for moving around. It attribute include a purse containing money, a bowl, a mace and a fruit. Lord Kubera god is generally made of Brass, Astadhatu and Stone.
Legend said that ancient vedic Ramayana books, Kuber was made by the Gold Lanka and was taken by kuber brother, Ravana. All ancient books promote the use of Kuber Sadhana for the gain of wealth. Mythology said that Lord Kuber sanctify the Sadhak with material wealth and success.
Kuber Puja
The Kuber Puja is called as Lakshmi-Kubera puja. The puja has particular codes and rituals to be followed and specific mantras to be chanted. The puja can be performed on full moon days and on the new moon day of the Tamil month Aipasi means October to November. The puja can be performed by anyone - even the very poor - as the materials necessary for Lakshmi-Kubera puja can be secured at almost no cost. Honesty is most important material necessary.
Kubera Yantra (3"x3")
The Kubera Yantra is a very powerful, ancient sanctified geometrical script on a copper plate. It is for invoking Lord Kubera, the Hindu as well as Tibetan god of prosperity and wealth. It sanctifies the individual with sudden wealth, prosperity and luck.
Kubera Yantra is used as a tool to attract the cosmic wealth energy, accumulation of riches, increase cash flow at home, etc. It opens up street for new sources of income. Worship of Kubera Yantra is also suggested for excellent growth in business, career and profession and increase in personal income and abundance.
Kubera yantra can be just placed in cash box, drawer, safes, praying change or any place where money is reserved and can be adored without any particular prayers or practices by all races.

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Hindu Gods - Vishnu

Lord Vishnu

In the basic Hindu Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, the Hindu god Vishnu is the preserver and protector of creation. Vishnu is the embodiment of mercy and goodness, the self-existent, all-pervading power that preserves the universe and maintains the cosmic order Dharma.
Vishnu is often represented resting on the coiled serpent Shesha, with Vishnu's consort Lakshmi massaging his feet. Vishnu never sleeps and is the deity of Shanti, the peaceful mood. Vishnu does not however tolerate ego.
Most often, the Hindu god Vishnu is shown with four attributes or weapons. In one hand Vishnu holds the conch or Sankha. The second hand of Vishnu holds the disc or Vaijra. The third hand of Vishnu holds the club and in the fourth hand Vishnu holds the lotus or Padma. Vishnu also has a bow called Sarnga and a sword called Nandaka.
Most of the time, good and evil forces are evenly matched in the world. But at times, the balance is destroyed and evil demons get the upper hand. Often in response to a request by the other gods, Vishnu then incarnates in a human form to set the balance right again. 9 Vishnu incarnations are generally recognized as Vishnu avatars, even though some sources also see other important figures of the indian epics as incarnations of Vishnu.
Following is an overview of the 9 principal avatars of Vishnu :
First incarnation of Vishnu : Matsya or the Fish incarnation : in this form Vishnu saved the Saint Vaivaswata, the hindu variety of the biblical Noah (or vice versa).
Second incarnation of Vishnu : Kurma or the Turtle incarnation : at the Churning of the Ocean, Vishnu as Koorma (or Kurma) offered his back as a pivot on which to rest the Mount Mandara, used as a churning stick by gods and demons. More information also on the Kurma page.
Third incarnation of Vishnu : Varaha or the Boar incarnation of Vishnu : he killed the demon Hiranyaksha, recovered the stolen Veda's and released the Earth from the bottom of the ocean.
Fourth incarnation of Vishnu : Narasingha or the Lion incarnation : as a creature who was half-lion and half-man, Vishnu killed the demon Hiranyashasipu, brother of Niranyaksha, who had gained the boon of immunity from attacks by man, beast or god.
Fifth incarnation of Vishnu : Vamana or the Dwarf incarnation : he killed the demon Bali, who had gained dominion over the Earth and had chased the gods from the heavens. More can be read on the Vamana page.
Sixth incarnation of Vishnu : Parasurama : he killed the King Kartavirya, who had stolen the holy cow Kamadhenu, which could grant all desires.
Seventh incarnation of Vishnu : Ram : he killed the demon King Ravana, who had abducted Sita. More on Ram can be read on the Ramayana page.
Eigth incarnation of Vishnu : Krishna : he killed Kansa, son of a demon and the tyrannical King of Mathura. More on Krishna can be read in the Life of Krishna.
Ninth incarnation of Vishnu : Buddha : Vishnu incarnated to remove suffering from the world. More on Buddha can be read on the Buddha page.
Tenth Incarnation of Vishnu : Kalki : still to come at the end of the Kaliyuga or the present age of decline, when Vishnu will appear in person on Earth, seated on a white horse, Kalki, which is his tenth incarnation.

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Hindu Gods - Kartikeya

Kartikeya

Lord Kartikeya is the second son of Lord shiva and Goddess Parvati and is brother of Lord Ganesha. He is one of the most delightful worships of the Hindu god. He is also known as Shadanana, Guha, Murugan, Shantakumar, Subramanya, Skanda, Sanmukha means six faces. He symbolizes a person of perfection. Lord Kartikeya was created by all the gods to lead the wonderful hosts and kill the demons.
Lord Kartikeya is the war god in the Hindu equivalent of Ares of Mars. He is very fierce and masculine of all the gods. The Lord Kartikkey is also called as sakti. Sakti symbolizes the destruction of wickedness in humans and other hand is found devotees and blessing. Kartikeya also regarded as Agni, fire. He is very Pitta in nature. He vahana or vehicle is a peacock. It is the ability of destroying harmful serpents. Thus the peacock symbolizes the killing of harmful and sensual needs of humans. While Ganesh take away all difficulties, Skanda gives all religious powers, mostly the power of knowledge. Lord Kartikeya is considered the good-looking among all the gods, an everlasting bachelor, the killer of all ills and the leader of gods.
Major temples devoted to Lord Kartikeya is known as 'Aaru Padai Veedu' are located at Pazhamudircholai,Swami Mala, Thirucendur, Thiruparankundram, Palani, Pazhamudircholai and Thiruthani. Lord Kartikeya is very popular in South India like Skanda Sashti, Panguni Uthiram, Thaipusam and Vaikasi Visakam. Lord Kartikeya is known as Kartik in the eastern parts of the country especially in Orissa and West Bengal., Lord Kartikeyae is portrayed with 2 consorts in south Indian temples. Devasena the celestial princess and daughter of Lord Indra - and Valli, hunter king Nambirajan's daughter.
Lord Kartik is worshipped individually during Kartik Puja in West Bengal and also along with Goddess Saraswati, Goddess Laksmi, Lord Ganesh and Goddes Durga during Durga Puja in September to October. Kalidasa is the most well-known poet of Sanskrit literature. He was written an epic on the birth of Kartikeya named Kumarasambhavam. The symbolism of Kartikeya points to the conducts and means of attainment perfection in life direction-finding clear of the 6 demonic vices: sex(kaama), anger(krodha), greed(lobha), passion(moha), ego(mada) and jealousy(matsarya)
Lord Kartikeya Mula-Mantra
om saravana bhava
Meaning
Saravana Bhava means "born of the forest of reeds." Saravana Bhava is made up of six syllables - sa-ra-va-na-bha-va - which subtly contain the essence of the six-faced (Shadanana) Lord Murugan.
Alternative type of the mantra
om Saravana bhavaya namah

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Hindu Gods - Shani

Shani

Lord Shani is one of the navagrahas which are the nine planets in Hindu astrology. Lord Shani is also called as Saneeswaran, Shani Bhagawan, Shaneeshwara, Shani Deva and so on. Shani is a god and is son of Lord Surya (the Sun God) and his wife Chhaya means Shadow goddess. Hence, he is also known as Chayyaputra. Lord Shani is included in the planet Saturn. He is the lord of Saturday and lead metal. The word Shani also represents the 7 day or Saturday in Indian languages.
Lord Shani was born by the sun went into overshadow. He is the enemy of light and is associated by the color black, holding an arrow, two daggers and sword. Lord Shani is also called as the greatest teacher and is known Hindu scriptures as the greatest trouble giver and the greatest well wisher. The crow is vehicle by Lord Shani. His gems are all the black gems and the neelam (the blue sapphire).
Saturn or Shani is the planet of responsibility. It is that symbolizes the ethic of hard work. Lord Shani is the older brother to Yama, the Hindu God of death. Lord Shani represents aloofness as well. Shani Jayanti is celebrated in the month of Jayestha, Krishna Paksha's Amavasya Tithi when "vatsavitri Vrat" also falls.
Shani Temple
Shani temple is located at Shirdi village in Ahmednagar District. It is devoted to Lord Shani and is a powerful planet. Shani temple is a small holy fire. It is known as 'dhuni'. A wide picture of Sai Baba placed behind the god of Shani.
Shani Mantra
Nilamjana Samabasam Ravi Putram Yama Grajami| Chaya Marthanda Sambutam Tam Namami Shanaiswaram||
Shani Pilgrimages

• Shree Shani Kshetra Rameshwar Tirth.
• Shree Sidh Shakti Peeth ShaniDham
• Shree Shani Tirth Tirunalaru, Tamil Nadu.
• Shree Shani Temple Beedh, Maharastra.
• Shree Shani Tirth Kshetra, Asola, Fatehpur Beri, Mehrauli, Delhi.
• Shree Shani Mandir Tirth, Ujjain.
• Lord Shani Temple, Gwalior Kokilavan, Vrindavan.
• Shanaischara Temple Hassan
• Shree Shingnapur, Maharastra.
• Shree Shani Kshetra Nastanpur, Maharastra.
• Shree Shani Temple, Madivala, Bangalore
• ani Kshetra Model Tirth Nandur bar, Maharastra.

Shani and Hanuman The devotion of Lord Hanuman is a panacea for the severe effects of the 'adverse' presence of Lord Shani. In the Hindu Scriptures Ramayana, Lord Hanuman is said to have saved Shani from the clutches of Ravana and in gratitude, Shani promised to Hanuman that anyone prayed to Hanuman, specially on Saturdays, would be saved from the "malefic" effects of Saturn or the effects would be softened.

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Hindu Gods - Ganesha

Ganesha

All Tantric and spiritual worship in the Hindu tradition begins with the invocation of Ganesha (or Ganesh), the elephant-headed god.
Ganesha became the Lord (Isha) of all existing beings (Gana) after winning a contest from his brother Kartikay. When given the task to race around the universe, Ganesha did not start the race like Kartikay did, but simply walked around Shiva and Parvati, both his father and mother as the source of all existence.
Many stories describe how Ganesha got the elepant head. One tells how Parvati created Ganesha in absence of Shiva to guard her quarters. When Shiva wanted to see her Ganesha forbid it, at which point Shiva cut of his head. Later Shiva restored Ganesha to life and provided him with the head of an elephant, because no other was available. In another story, Ganesha's head is burned to ashes when Saturn is forced by Parvati to look at her child and bless him.
Ganesha rides a rat that represents the subjugated demon of vanity and impertinence.
Acceptance of the somewhat funny looking elephant man Ganesha as the divine force stills the rational mind and it's doubts, forcing one to look beyond outer appearances. Thus Ganesha creates the faith to remove all obstacles.
Meditation on the Ganesha Yantra creates internal balance.

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Hindu God - Surya

Surya

Lord Surya is the ruler of navgraha (nine planets) that rotate around him in Hindu astrology. It is also known as Bhanu, Grahapati, Bhaskar, Arka, Savita, Mitra, Pusha, Divakar, Vivasvat, Ravi and Aitya. Lord Surya is the son of Sage Kashyap and Aditi and is described as 'Aharpati' means Lord of the day and 'Jagat Chakshu' means Eye of the world. The surya rays living beings and nurture life and nourish. Thus, Lord Surya is described as 'time-giver' and 'life-giver' or 'Pranadata'.
He is the protector of the east and sanctifies his devotees with prosperity, fame and good health. Sunday is the ruling day of Lord Surya. He leads red ruby, gold and metal. Lord Surya is the leader of solar god and is one of the Adityas. He has arms and hair of gold. The celestial body is the sun and is visible in the sky. He is described as a red man with 3 eyes and 4 arms, riding into a one wheeled chariot pulled by 7 horses similar to the rainbow colors.
Lord Sun is the most powerful and majestic visible God. The Sun God has also played important role of Master Guru for many Gods, number of Devotees and Seers. In Hindu religion, symbol of Surya is considered as one of the positive signs.
In Hindu religion, the Gayatri hymn is also associated by the Lord Surya. Aditya Hridayam is another mantra associated with the son God, Surya. Shri Surya Ashtottar Shatnamavali has 108 names of Surya. Shri Surya Sahasranam is one thousand names and are describing one thousand qualities of Bhaskara. All names of Lord Surya refer to a quality of awareness.
Lord Surya is the exact source of life. According to Vedic books said that Lord Surya is the light god. Lord Surya symbolizes the Sun God. Lord Surya is regarded as the visible type of dev. It could be seen every day. The Sun god is considered as an aspect of Vishnu and Shiva by Vaishnavas and Shaivites. Lord Surya is also known as Surya Narayana. Surya is also recognized as one of the 8 types of Lord Mahadeva, named the Astamurti. He is the wisdom and excellence devata.
Surya makes day and night, offer energy to all living beings and rids them for ailments and lethargy. He symbolizes during the day of Lord Brahma, noon at Lord Shiva and in the evening of Lord Vishnu. The Sun god is also symbolized by a golden wheel or still the open flower of a lotus. The most common symbolization is in the type of Swastika.
Lord Surya helps one gain his eyesight and second gain his surya namaskar will strengthen one's bones, wealth, long life, progeny, cure illness and good-health. Lord Surya is the reason for rain-fall advantaging the world and is the lord of Leo in the Zodiac. In zodiac, Sun occupies the most famous place in the middle. Lord Surya stays in each Rasi one month and takes twelve months to complete a circular of twelve Rasis.
Lord Surya Temple
Temple of Lord Surya are all the across the country. Suryanarayana temple is located at Tamil Nadu and is popularly known as Suryanar-Koli. It is about 3 km from the Aduturai railway station on the Southern Railway major line from Madras - Thanjavur. Konark is also another temple of Lord Surya at Orissa in Buguda of the Ganjam District. Konark is called as Biranchi Narayan temple in Gujarat, the sun temple was created by Bhimdev of Solanki dynasty and Arasavalli located at Andhra Pradesh.

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Hindu Gods - Rama

Lord Rama

Ram is the 7th incarnation of Vishnu and the central figure of the Ramayana epic. The Ramayan is the very soul of India. It is a complete guide to God-realization, the path to which lies in righteousness. The ideals of man are beautifully portrayed in it. Everyone should emulate those ideals and grow into ideal human beings and ideal citizens.
Ram took birth to free the earth from the cruelty and sins of the demon King Ravana (Ravan). Ravana had practiced austerities in order to propitiate Shiva and Brahma, who had granted him immunity from being killed by gods, gandharvas or demons. One of the gods had to take on a human form in order to be able to defeat Ravana.
Ram was born as the first son of Dasharatha, king of Ayodhya. Ram's mother was Kausilya. Ram had three brothers : Bharata (Bharat) born from the second wife Kaikeyi, and Lakshmana (Lakshman) and Shatrughna born from the third wife Sumitra.
One day Saint Vishwamitra visited Ayodhya and asked Dashratha to send Ram and Lakshmana with him because the Yakshini (demon) Tarka - with her two sons Mareech and Subahu - were terrifying him and the other saints at his ashram. They were not letting them worship and meditate. Ram went with Lakshmana and Vishwamitra to kill Tarka. On the way to Saint Vishwamitra's ashram there was a dense forest. When they entered the forest Tarka came to kill them but Ram killed her and her son Subahu with a weapon given to him by Vishwamitra. Ram also shot an arrow at Mareech and threw him 100 yojan far away.
Later Ram went with Saint Vishwamitr to Mithila where the wise King Janak ruled. King Janak had organized a svayamvaraa (an acient custom wherein the bride chose her husband of her own accord from amongst a number of suitors). It was announced that whosoever will bend the bow of Lord Shiva will marry King Janak's daughter Sita. Sita was an incarnation of Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu. But none of the suitors was able to lift Lord Shiva's bow, except Ram. Ram lifted the bow with his one hand and bended it so hard that it even broke.

So Ram got married to Sita, and his brothers got happily married to Sita's sisters. After returning and living happily in Ayodhya the old King Dashrath decided that it was time to give his kingdom to his beloved son Ram. There Kaikeyi, the third and youngest wife of the King, claimed the throne for her son Bharat. A long time before the young Queen had saved the King's life and he had promised to fulfill her two wishes. Manthara, the crooked and evil-minded maid-servant of Kaikeyi influenced the queen to claim her wishes now in favor of her son and to request Dashrath to banish Ram from the kingdom for fourteen years, and to install Bharat on the throne instead. The King was shocked, his heart was broken, but he knew that truth is the highest Dharm, and that he had to fulfill his promise to his wife. So Ram went to exile happily, knowing that to obey and serve his father was the highest duty of a son.
After Ram left to the forest, Dashrath died from the pangs of separation from his beloved son Ram. Bharat went to the forest to meet his brother Ram and to request him to come back to Ayodhya. When Ram refused to return, in honor of the promise to his father, Bharat took Ram's "khadau" (wooden sandals) and placed them symbolically on Ayodhya's throne. Until his brother returned from the exile Bharat served the kingdom as a true and honest caretaker of Ram.
Once Surpnakha, the sister of Ravana, passed by the place where Ram was living. She saw Ram and became impressed by his beauty. She transformed herself into a beautiful lady and went to Ram and asked him to marry her. When Ram refused and told her he is already married to Sita, she became angry. Coming back to her original form she ran towards Sita to kill her. When Lakshman saw that he cut her nose and one ear. Surpnakha then send her brother Khardushan with fourteen thousand rakshasas to avenge her. But all were killed by Ram.
Surpnakha now sought vengeance through her older brother Ravana, but only got his interest by pointing out that the beautiful Sita would be a fitting wife for him. Ravana lured Ram and Lakshman away from Sita by sending an enchanted deer of extreme beauty and then took Sita to his kingdom of Lanka. On the way, Jatayu, a vulture bird and old friend of Ram's father Dashrath, fought Ravan but was fatally wounded. He lived only long enough to tell Ram what had happened upon his return.
In Lanka, Ravana tried to threathen Sita into marrying him, but was rejected again and again. Meanwhile, Ram made an alliance with the monkey King Sugreeva, who had been exiled from his kingdom by his brother Bali. Ram helped Sugreeva to regain his kingdom and in return Sugreeva raised an army of monkeys and bears, led by Hanuman. When they reached the sea, Hanuman flew across. On the way he had many adventures, which can be found on the Hanuman page.
In Lanka, Hanuman promised Sita that help would come soon. When he was then captured by the rakshasas, Ravana ordered them to set fire to Hanuman's tail, wrapping it with oily rags. But Hanuman increased the length of his tail so much that there seemed no end to it. He escaped and used his burning tail to set fire to all of Lanka.
Meanwhile, Ram's army had build a huge bridge between Lanka and the mainland. They crossed the ocean and attacked Ravana's army. During the battle, Lakshmana was heavily wounded, but he was cured by a magic herb which Hanuman flew all the way to the Himalayas to obtain. Not finding the herb at first, Hanuman brought the entire mountain just to be sure. Finally, all rakshasa generals were killed and the battle become a single combat between Ravana and Ram. Finally, Ram killed Ravana with a special weapon given to him by saint Agastya.
This was a moment of great rejoicing. Ram and Sita were finally crowned King and Queen of Ayodhya, though people were doubting that Sita had preserved her virtue while being Ravana's captive, which is another story in itself.

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Hindu Gods - Kali

Kali

Kali is a ferocious form of the Divine Mother, who sent her Shakti, the Mother Gauri, to free the gods from the dominion of the demonic forces Shumbh and Nishumbh. Kali is the goddess of time and of the transformation that is death. Kali also is the Kundalini energy that paralyses the attachments produced by the solar and lunar currents (both demons).
The Hindu goddess Kali is the first of the ten Mahavidyas - the others are Tara, Shodashi, Bhuvaneshwari, Bhairavi, Chinnamasta and Dhumavati, Matangi, Kamala and Bagla Mukhi. Therefore Kali is also known as Adya, the firstborn. In the ignorant ones she creates fear, while for others Kali removes the fear of death.

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Hindu Gods - Durga

Durga

Durga is an incarnation of Devi or the Mother Goddess, a unified symbol of all divine forces. For Shaivas Durga is the wife of Shiva. For Vaishnavas and Shaktas Durga is another form of Uma or Parvati.
The Hindu Goddess Durga manifested when evil forces threathened the very existance of the Gods. To destroy these demons, all gods offered their radiance to her creation and each formed part of Durga's body. Durga also obtained very powerful weapons, such as the chakra from Vishnu and a trident from Shiva.
Durga killed the powerful demon Mahish and all his great commanders. Demonic forces are self-destructive but very powerful. Divine forces are constructive but slow and efficient. When demonic forces create imbalance, all gods unite, becoming one divine force called Shakti or Durga.

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Hindu Gods - Shiva

Lord Shiva

Shiva is the destroyer of the world, following Brahma the creator and Vishnu the preserver, after which Brahma again creates the world and so on. Shiva is responsible for change both in the form of death and destruction and in the positive sense of the shedding of old habits. In Satyam, Shivam, Sundaram or Truth, Goodness and Beauty, Shiva also represents the most essential goodness.
Shiva is the god of the yogis, self-controlled and celibate, while at the same time a lover of his spouse (shakti). Shiva's first wife was Sati and his second wife was Parvati, also known as Uma, Gauri, Durga, Kali and Shakti. His sons are Ganesha and Kartikeya. Shiva lives on Mount Kailasa in the Himalayas.
Shiva's main attributes are the trident that represents the three gunas and the snakes that show he is beyond the power of death and poison and also stand for the Kundalini energy. The vehicle of Shiva is the white bull called Nandi (the joyful).
When Ganga incarnated on Earth, Shiva captured her in his hair to avoid that she would flood all of Earth

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Hindu Gods - Lakshmi

Lakshmi

Lakshmi was the daughter of the sage Bhrigu and took refuge in the ocean of milk when the gods were sent into exile. Lakshmi was reborn during the Churning of the Ocean. As soon as the gods saw Lakshmi, they all fell in love with her beauty. Shiva claimed Lakshmi as his wife, but since he had already taken the Moon, her hand was given to Vishnu, whom Lakshmi herself preferred.
Lakshmi was reborn as his consort each time when Vishnu incarnated. For example, Lakshmi was Sita to Rama, Radha and later Rukmini to Krishna.
Lakshmi is the goddess of light, beauty, good fortune and wealth. Being the consort of Vishnu, the preserving principle, Lakshmi also signifies love and grace. Lakshmi often expresses her devotion to Vishnu by massaging his feet as he lies on the coils of the snake Shesha. While Lakshmi is generally worshipped to achieve success, she does not reside long with anyone who is lazy or desires Her only as wealth.

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Hindu Gods - Indra

Indra

Indra is the king of the gods and ruler of the heavens. Indra is the god of thunder and rain and a great warrior, a symbol of courage and strength. Vayu is his friend and servant and the Vasus are his advisers. Indra's mount is the elephant Airavata and he also has a golden chariot drawn by ten thousand horses.
Indra is as quick as the wind and carries a hook, sword, conch, noose, a rainbow and the much feared magic weapon Vaijra. His kingdom is situated near Mt. Meru and Indra's love for Amrita (Soma) is legendary.
At many times, Indra lost controll over the heavens to the demons. So Indra became always watchful to destroy any man or demon that became too powerful. In the Life of Ganga epic, Indra saw King Sagar triumph over all kings of the Earth. When King Sagar decided to organize an Ashwamedh Yagya (horse sacrifice) that would make him emperor of earth, Indra stole the horse and hid it with Sage Kapila, who later burned Sagar's army to ashes.
When hungry young Hanuman sought to devour the Sun, Indra hit him with his Vaijra. This angered the father of Hanuman, until Indra agreed to make Hanuman immortal.

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Hindu Gods - Brahma

Brahma

Within the hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, Brahma is the creator, Vishnu the preserver and Shiva the destroyer. Nevertheless, Brahma grew in a lotus out of the navel of the sleeping Vishnu. The daily alternation of light and dark is attributed to the activity of Brahma.
Brahma's mind born sons are the seers Marici, Atri, Angiras, Pulastya, Pulaha, Kratuj, Pracetas, Vashishta, Bhrgu and Narada. From Brahma's body came his nine sons Daksa, Dharma, Kama, Anger, Greed, Delusion (Maya), Lust, Joy, Death and Bharata and one daughter called Angaja.
In order to create the world and produce the human race, Brahma made a goddess out of himself. One half was woman and the other half was man. Brahma called the woman Gayatri, but she also became known by many other names such as Saraswati.
Brahma has four heads, but used to have five. The four extra heads appeared when Gayatri was very ashamed with Brahma's love for her and tried to escape from his gaze. The tremendous tapas that Brahma had practiced for the purpose of creation was entirely annihilated through his desire to unite with his daughter. One head was lost later when Brahma lied to Vishnu and thus caused Shiva to become very angry.
The four Veda's are said to have sprung from his heads. In the Life of Ganga, Brahma advised Bhagiratha to ask the help of Shiva in containing the power of Ganga (goddess of the Ganges river).

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Hindu Gods - Saraswati

Saraswati Saraswati is the Hindu goddess of knowledge, music and all the creative arts. Saraswati is called the Mother of the Veda's and the repository of Brahma's creative intelligence. Saraswati is also called Vak Devi, the goddess of speech. Dressed in white, Saraswati holds a mala and a palmleaf scroll, indicating knowledge. Saraswati usually rides a swan and sometimes a peacock, while playing music on a veena. The Vilma Vashi temple in Dilwara is dedicated to Saraswati. Students worship Saraswati to perform well in examinations.

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Hindu Gods - Krishna

Lord Krishna

Lord Krishna appeared over five thousand years ago in Mathura, India to Devaki and Vasudeva in the jail cell of the tyrant Kamsa. The place of His birth is known as Sri Krishna Janmasthana. He appeared with His brother Balarama in response to the demigods' prayers for protection from the widespread influence of demonic administration on earth.
Previously, the demigods and demons had been at war in the heavens. When the demons were defeated by the demigods, they decided to instead attack this planet earth. Thus, they invaded the earth by discretely taking birth as princes in powerful royal families of the time.
And as the earth became overrun by militaristic activities of these kingly demons, the demigods including the Earth goddess earnestly sought Lord Visnu's protection. Seeing the deteriorating social and political conditions and hearing the prayers of the demigods, the all-compassionate Supreme Lord Sri Krishna decided to descend for the benefit of all.
The Supreme Lord descends from time to time in this material world to reestablish the teachings of the Vedas. In His Bhagavad-gita, Lord Krishna promises: "Whenever and wherever there is a decline in religious practice, O descendant of Bharata, and a predominant rise of irreligion--at that time I descend Myself. To deliver the pious and to annihilate the miscreants, as well as to reestablish the principles of religion, I Myself appear milleniumm after millenium."
Although eternal the Lord appears in specific circumstances out of mercy for His devotees. In fact, His principal biography, the Srimad Bhagavatam states, "the learned men describe the births and activities of the Unborn and Inactive." Therefore, although He appears within the material dimensions of time and space, He is most definitely not of it.
Historically, Lord Krishna appeared on the midnight of the 8th day of the dark half of the month of Sravana. This corresponds to July 19th 3228 BC. He exhibited His pastimes for a little over 125 years and dissappeared on February 18th 3102 BC on the new moon night of Phalguna. (His departure marks the beginning of the current age of corruption known as Kali.)
The great scholar Srila Vishvanatha Chakravarti neatly outlines Lord Krishna's activities in this way: the first three years and four months were spent in Gokula, then equal lengths of time in Vmdavana and Nandagram, eighteen years and four months in Mathura, and finally ninety-six years and eight months in Dvaraka totalling 125 years of manifest pastimes. See the Krishna-lila chart.
Lord Krishna's early pastimes are briefly summarized at the website Krishna's Adventures in Vraja"During this childhood time , He grew up as the son of His foster parents Nanda and Yasoda in the midst of the idyllic beauty of Gokula, Vrindavana, and Nandagram. Not only did He destroy numerous demons, but also performed His famous rasa dance.
Krishna enjoyed the dance of love (rasa-lila) with the gopis many of whom are expansions of His own internal energies. The supreme gopi known as Srimati Radharani is the object of Krishna's highest devotion. This beautiful dance would occur in the autumn season at night under a full moon when Lord Krsna would captivate the young gopis with the extraordinary music of His flute . These esoteric pastimes constitute the most confidential expression of divinity ever revealed.
Usually the conception of sprirtual perfection consists of overwhelming feelings only of awe and reverence at God's majesty. However, in these pastimes each devotee loves God either as a master, a best freind, a mischievous son, or even as an intimate lover, thus revealing the infinite possibilities of divine love. These early pastimes of Lord Krsna in Vrindavana illustrate the extraordinary intimacy that one can have with God. These pastimes are described in detail by Sri Visvantha Chakravarti in his Sri Krishna Bhavanamrta Mahakavya
When Krsna and Balarama were older, They were invited to Mathura, where Karnsa, Their demonic uncle, was planning Their death in a wrestling match against two large and powerful wrestlers. When Kamsa saw his wrestlers defeated, he ordered his friends to drive the brothers out of Mathura, plunder the riches of Their cowherd friends, and kill Their fathers, Nanda and Vasudeva. However, Krishna immediately killed Kamsa and Balarama killed his eight brothers. Lord Krishna then established the pious King Ugrasena as the emperor of several kingdoms.
In Mathura, both Krishna and Balarama were initiated by Gargamuni in the Gayatri mantra> Later They went to live under the care of Sandipani Muni who instructed Them in all the Vedic arts and sciences in sixty-four days and nights especially in military science, politics and spirituality. As an offering (guru-daksina) to Their teacher, They recovered his son from death. Although God does not need instruction from anyone else, Lord Krsna and His brother set the perfect example : one must accept instruction from and serve a bona-fide spiritual master to advance in spiritual life.
For the next eighteen years, They continued to live in Mathura halting the impending threat of many demonic kings. Later in Their pastimes Lord Balarama married a princess named Revati. Lord Krsna married many queens, the foremost among them being the extraordinarily beautiftil Queen Rukmini. (See Sri Rukmini website for the story of Their marriage). Both Krishna and Balarama established Their palaces in Dvaraka off the coast of western India, where They enjoyed married life for many years. Although They were married, Lord Krsna and Lord Balarama exhibited the quality of detachment from material life perfectly.
When They were about ninety years old, the great world war of Kuruksetra took place. This climactic battle brought together all the major world leaders. Lord Krsna took the role of a charioteer on the side of the pious Pandavas, while Lord Balarama refusing to participate went on a pilgrimage tour thereby blessing the entire land of India.
At the start of the war, Lord Krishna displayed His stupendous Universal Form delivered His famous message known as the Bhagavad-gita, literally the Song of God. This Song contains the essence of all knowledge having been spoken by the Supreme Lord Sri Krishna Himself. This war concluded with the destruction of the demonic kings and the reinstatement of the righteous Pandava princes.
Having completed Their mission, Balarama and Krsna resumed Their life in Dvaraka where They spent some thirty-five more years before ending Their earthly manifest activities The foremost description of Lord Krishna's activities occurs in the Srimad Bhagavatam, literally "the Beautiful Book of God."

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Hindu Gods - Hanumana

Hanumana Hanuman is the monkey deity renowned for his courage, power and faithful, selfless service. The Life of Hanuman is related below in the form of short numbered and illustrated accounts of some of the most important parts of his life. Some say Hanuman was born as the son of the King and Queen of the Monkeys. To others, he is the son of Anjana, an female Apsara who had been transformed into a monkey by a curse, and Vayu, the wind god. It is also said that from his father Vayu Hanuman received the ability to fly. As soon as Hanuman was born he felt hungry and his mother could not satisfy him. Then he caught sight of the Sun and thinking it was a fruit he leapt after it. The Sun took flight but Hanuman chased him as far as Indra's heaven. Here however, Indra intervened and injured Hanuman's jaw with his thunderbolt. But his father was quick to avenge him and entered the bodies of all gods and gave them colic. Indra apologized to Vayu and agreed that Hanuman should become immortal. All the gods came together to bless young Hanuman in a cave. As a young monkey god, Hanuman was quite naughty and abused his powers to pester the saints living in the nearby forest. On this painting Hanuman can be seen creating a whirlwind with his breath, drinking offered water, pulling a supporting stick with his tail, pulling a beard and dousing a sacred fire. Finally all the gods prayed to Brahma to find a solution. Thus a curse was created to protect the world from the mischief that young Hanuman created, by removing his knowledge of his powers. The Power of Hanuman - of which becoming big is just one example - only became available again when Jambavant, King of the bears, remembered Hanuman that he has that power. And that power was really great. Hanuman could easily fight an elephant for example, since he could become much bigger than the elephant at will. At the time of the Ramayana, Hanuman was send as an advance spy to Lanka. To reach the island he had to fly over the sea but there was blocked by Sursa, who wanted to test him. She had a boon that everybody who comes before her must pass through her mouth. However, when she wanted to swallow Hanuman, he became bigger and bigger so she also had to become bigger and bigger. Then Hanuman suddenly became very small and went in through her ear, coming out of her mouth, thus fulfilling the boon. In the Ashokvatika or forest of Ashoka trees on Lanka, Hanuman spies on Ravana, who is trying in vain to press Sita into becoming his wife. Later he contacted Sita in the gardens of Ravana's palace, told her of the plans being made for her deliverance and gave her Rama's signet ring as a token. Pleased with his succes, Hanuman fought the demon Meghnaath, son of Ravana, in the gardens of the palace of Lanka. He won over Meghnaath, but was finally captured by Ravana's demons. Brought before the demon king, Ravana ordered that while as a messenger of Rama he could not be killed, his tail could be set afire with cloth and oil. But Hanuman used his powers to enlarge his tail indefinitely, untill the demons had no cloth left to cover it. While they still tried to put fire to his tail, Hanuman became suddenly very small and escaped from his ropes. Trailing his burning tail behind him, Hanuman then set fire to all of Lanka and flew back to the mainland. He rejoined Rama and gave him valuable information on Ravana's forces. The army crossed a bridge to Lanka that was made by another monkey leader and master architect called Nala. During the mighty battle that followed, Hanuman defeated the Demon Lankini, who was the principal guard of the city of Lanka. Hanuman's greatest feat during the battle of Lanka however was to bring back the herb that cured Lakshman from a fatal wound. He flew al the way to the Himalayas to find it, harassed by many demons, such as Kalanemi. Because Indra was confusing him, Hanuman could not find the herb and finally brought the entire mountain to Lanka. Ravana was defeated by Ram and Ram and Sita were crowned King and Queen of Ayodhya. Obviously Hanuman was present, remained Ram's favorite general and continued his life in service to him. When Rama offered him any boon that he cared to name, he asked to live for as long as men spoke of the deeds of Rama.

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Hindu Gods - Agni

Agni

Lor Agni is a Vedic God. He described as the fire god and holds the second position only to Indra in Vedic legend of ancient India. He is equally the fire of the sun, of the hearth and of lightening that man light for reason of worship. Lord Agni is the divine appearance of the fire of sacrifice and is the mouth of the gods, the carrier of the messenger and the oblation between the divine and the human orders.
Lord Agni is one of the 3 highest deities of the Rig Veda like Surya, Agni and Vayu. These are 3 gods preside above sky, earth and air respectively. Lord Agni is addressed to largest numbers of mantras in Rig Veda. Agni is one of the 7 great sages and is son of Angiras and the grandson of Sandila. In Vishnu Purna claims that Lord Agni is the eldest son of Brahma. Agnayi and Swaha the daughters of Daksha Prajapati are the wife of Lord Agni. His wife is Swaha and during his marriage he has 3 sons Suchi, Pavman and Pavak.
He is regarded as a creator god, sustainer, supreme and all universal spirit. Agni is known as mercy and power. He frequently acts as a mediator between god and men. He has been known by many names Anal, Jivalana, Dhanajaya, Vahni, are some of them. Though he is lives among people driving away their difficulties and satisfying their needs. He has golden body.
In Sanskrit, the word 'agni' means fire. Agni is derived as the latin word of 'ignis and the English word of 'ignite'. Lord Agni is also known as Agni dev. He is the young and the immortal lord of fire. In Hindu legend and Vedic scriptures, Lord Agni describe as red hued, having 3 legs, 7 tongues, 7 hands and 2 faces. The 2 faces suggest his destructive and beneficent qualities. Lord Agni rays seven light emanate as of his person. Agni is the protector of the Southeast direction. The symbol of Lord Agni is the three-faced (three mukhi) rudraksh. Lord Agni rides a ram. He is the creator of a fire weapon and is called as 'agneyastra'.
In the Vedic scriptures, Agni described as ruddy-hued and having 2 faces one king and the other harsh. In Hari Vans, Agni is clothed in black. He has smoke as his standard and carries a flaming javelin. He rides in a drawn chariot by red horses and has 4 hands. The shine of his face matches that of sun. Agni purana said that declaimed by agni himself to sage Vashist. It has parts on mystic and ritualistic methods of worship, the art of wars the laws of Hindu and worship of shiva.

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Hindu God and Goddess Hindus view cosmic activity of the Supreme Being as comprised of three tasks: creation, preservation, and dissolution and recreation. Hindus associate these three cosmic tasks with the three deities, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Lord Brahma brings forth the creation and represents the creative principle of the Supreme Being. Lord Vishnu maintains the universe and represents the eternal principle of preservation. Lord Shiva represents the principle of dissolution and recreation. These three deities together form the Hindu Trinity. Hindu religion is often labeled as a religion of 330 million gods. According to the Hindu scriptures, living beings are not apart from God, since He lives in each and every one of them in the form of atman (BG 10.39). The number 330 million was simply used to give a symbolic expression to the fundamental Hindu doctrine that God lives in the hearts of all living beings. Hinduism is supposed to be 'apauruseya', i.e., of impersonal origin & so also are the Gods of Hinduism. They are eternal & though the deities appear to be different & independent, they are really facets of the same Brahman, the Supreme God. As Sri Ramakrishna says, there can be as many spiritual paths as there are spiritual aspirants & similarly there can really be as many Gods as there are devotees to suit the moods, feelings, emotions & social background of the devotees. The Hindu scriptures were eloquent while describing the qualities of God. He is all-knowing & all powerful. He is the very personification of justice, love & beauty. He is ever ready to shower His grace, mercy & blessings on His creation.

From the Rig Veda, we come to know of the vedic gods eight Vasus, eleven Rudras, twelve Adityas, Indra & Prajapathi, being the Gods of earth, the heavens & the space. The main Hindu Gods as we accept today can be broadly classified as Saiva Gods (Siva, His consort, His sons, His other forms), Vaishnava Gods (Vishnu, His consort, His various avatharams)& Sakthi or Saktha (Forms of Goddess Sakthi).

HISTORY INDIA : India's History : Timeline of India  Agni  Brahma  Durga  Ganesha  Kubera  Hanumana  Indra  Kali  Shani  Vishwakarma  Krishna  Lakshmi  Rama  Kartikeya  Ayyappa  Saraswati  Shiva  Surya  Vishnu  Ganga

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Chalukyas

850: The Chalukyas gained Importance

[600-1200] The Chalukyas rose to power in the Deccan from the fifth to eighth century and again from the tenth to twelfth century. They ruled over the area between the Vindhyan mountain and the river Krishna. The Chalukyas were sworn enemies of the Pallavas and rose to power in Karnataka. The first great ruler of the Chalukya dynasty was Pulakesin I. He founded Vatapi (modern Badami in Bijapur district) and made it his capital. He is said to have performed Ashwamedha Yagna (horse sacrifice). The kingdom was further extended by his sons Kirtivarman and Mangalesa by waging many successful wars against the neighbours including Mauryans of the Konkans.

608-642: Reign of Pulakesin II

Pulakesin II was the son of Kirtivarman. He was the the greatest ruler of the Chalukya dynasty. He ruled for almost 34 years. In this long reign, he consolidated his authority in Maharashtra and conquered large parts of the Deccan from the banks of the Nerbudda to the reign beyond the Kaveri. His greatest achievement was his victory in the defensive war against Harshvardhan in 620. In 641, the Chinese pilgrim Hiuen Tsang, visited the kingdom and said that the king was served by his nobles with perfect loyalty. However the last days of the king were not happy. Pulakesin was defeated and killed by the Pallav king Narasimhavarman in 642. His capital Vatapi was completely destroyed.

End of Chalukya Dynasty

Pulakestin was succeeded by his son Vikramaditya who was also as great a ruler as his father. He renewed the struggle against his southern enemies. He recovered the former glory of the Chalukyas to a great extent. Even his great grandson Vikramaditya II was also a great warrior. He actually entered the Pallava capital. In 753, Vikramaditya and his son were overthrown by a chief named Dantidurga who laid the foundation of the next great empire of Karnataka and Maharashtra, that of Rashtrakutas.

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Reign of Kumaragupta

Reign of Kumaragupta

[AD 415-455] Chandragupta II (Vikramaditya) was succeeded by his son Kumaragupta. Like his father, Kumaragupta was also a very great and able ruler. He was able to keep the vast empire, which extended from North Bengal to Kathiawar and from the Himalayas to the Nerbudda, intact. He ruled efficiently for nearly forty years. However, the last days of his reign were not good. The Gupta empire was threatened by the invasions of Pushyamitras. The Pushyamitras were a tribe of foreigners who were settled in Central India. However, Kumaragupta was successful in defeating the invaders and performed Ashvamedha Yajna (horse sacrifice) to celebrate his victory. He issued new coins with images of Lord Kartikeya.

Skandagupta becomes the King

Kumaragupta died in AD 455 and was succeeded by his son Skandagupta. During his reign, the invasions of the Huns became more frequent. Skandagupta repelled their early invasions and recovered most of the imperial provinces.

Extract from An Advanced History of India

In one of the inscription the goddess of royal fortune is said to have chosen him as her lord, having discarded the other princes. The full import of this passage is obscure. It is, however, certain that the superior ability and prowess of Skandagupta in a time of crisis led to his choice as ruler in preference to other possible claimants. Proud of his success against the barbarians, Skandagupta assumed the title of Vikramaditya.

But the continuous attack of the Huns weakened the Gupta empire. Skandagupta died in AD 467. After his death, the Gupta empire began to decline.

Decline of the Gupta Empire

Inscriptions prove that the Gupta sovereignty was acknowledged in the Jabbalpur region in the Nebudda valley as late as AD 528, and in North Bengal till AD 543-544. Kumaragupta is known to have been ruling in AD 473-474, Buddhagupta from AD 476-495, Vainyagupta in AD 508 and Bhanugupta in AD 510-511. The Gupta empire became to disintegrate and till the middle of the sixth century AD, they had merely became petty chiefs.

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Chandragupta II

Empire of Chandragupta II

[AD 380-413] Chandragupta succeeded his father Samudragupta. He got the title of Vikramaditya (son of power), so he is also known as Chandragupta Vikramaditya. Chandragupta II proved to be of the same military mettle of his father and brought large amounts of territory in Western India under the Gupta empire.
From the inscription of the Mehrauli Iron Pillar of Chandragupta II situated in Delhi, it is learnt that he waged successful wars against several chiefs of Vanga (Bengal). However Chandragupta II's greatest achievement was the victory over the Saka Satraps of Malwa, Gujarat and Saurashtra.

Chandragupta's Biggest Achievement

Chandragupta marched against the Saka Satraps about AD 389. After six years of courageous fighting, he killed the Sakas chieftains. He killed Rudrasena III, a Saka king of West India. He annexed all the three kingdoms of Satraps under Gupta empire and made Ujjain a second capital, and called himself Vikramaditya -- a combination of words valour and sun. Chandragupta's empire had both the Arabian Sea coast and that of the Bay of Bengal under its control. He also captured Bactria and concluded marital alliances with the Nagas, Vakatakas and Kadamba dynasties. Like his grandfather, Chandragupta married the Lichhavi princess Kumaradevi. He gave his daughter Prabhavati in marriage to Rudrasena II, the Venkata king of Central India. Rudrasena had helped him in his campaign against the Saka Satraps.

Administrations and Coins

The account of administration of Chandragupta's reign is known from the Chinese pilgrim Fa Hein who came to India during that period. The administration was very well organised with very light taxes. The empire was divided into many provinces which were ruled by independent governors. The provinces were further divided into districts. Land revenue was the main source of income of the state and was normally one-sixth of the produce of the land. The emperor also issued a host of gold, silver and copper coins to celebrate his reign. His coins featured Vishnu and his garuda, as well as images of himself killing a lion, among others. Experts say that Chandragupta II's coin are of a finer quality than had been seen thus far.
Chandragupta II was succeeded by his son Kumargupta who was also a great ruler.

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Samudragupta

[AD 335-380]

Harishena's Inscription

Samudragupta was the son of Chandragupta I and though the exact date of his birth is not known, it seems he must have ascended the throne after the death of his father Chandragupta I in AD 335. The information about his reign is on an inscription engraved on a pillar at Allahabad. The text of this inscription was recorded by Harishena, the court poet of Samudragupta. Part of the inscription was lost in the course of time. Harishena's inscription tells us about Samudragupta's various conquests and small kingdoms existing at that time. Samudragupta also left an extensive coinage which supports the information of the inscription.

Samudragupta's Conquest

Samudragupta was a great warrior. His passion of conquest was so great that he did not rest till he captured almost whole of India. It seems Samudragupta first waged wars against the neighbouring kingdoms of Shichchhatra (Rohilkhand) and Padmavati (in Central India), then ruled by Achyuta and Nagasena. Then he incorporated in the Gupta empire the kingdom of Kota kings by defeating him. He also waged wars against tribal states like those of Malvas, the Yaudheyas, the Arjunayanas, the Maduras and the Abhiras. The descendants of Kushanas, many chieftains of Sakas, the Ceylonese hastened to propitiate the great Gupta by offering homage and tribute or presents. Samudragupta's daring adventure was his military expedition to the south along the coast of the Bay of Bengal. He defeated Mahendra of Khosla, Mantaraja of Kurala, Mahendragiri of Pithapuram, Svamidatta of Kottura, Damana of Erandapalla, Vishnugupta - the Pallava king of Kanchi, Kubera of Devarashtrain the Vizagapatam district and Dhananjaya of Kushthalapur possible in North Arcot. Samudragupta did not go beyond the river Krishna.
Towards the west, Samudragupta subdued Palaghat, Maharashtra and Khandesh. He did not annex any part of the Deccan to his empire as he knew that it would be difficult to control those territories situated so far from Patliputra.
Samudragupta's territories extended from the Himalayas in the north to the river Narbada in the south and from the Brahamaputra river in the east to the Yamuna river in the west. Then there were other kingdoms like Assam, Nepal, Devaka, Kartipura.

Samudragupta's Reign

  Samudragupta is considered as one of the greatest rulers in Indian history. He is also compared to Alexander or Napoleon as a conqueror. He performed Ashwamedha Yajna (horse sacrifice) after defeating nine kings in the north and twelve kings in the south to underline the importance of his conquest of almost the whole of India. He also assumed the title of Maharajadhiraja (King of Kings) and Chakravartin (Universal Monarch). Samudragupta was not a only a great warrior but also a great patron of art and literature. He gathered around himself a galaxy of poets and scholars, the most prominent ones being Harishena, Vasubandhu and Asanga. He himself was a great poet and musician. In one of his coins, he is shown playing the Veena. Samudragupta was a staunch believer of Hinduism and was a worshiper of Lord Vishnu. He also respected other religions like Buddhism and also allowed the Buddhist king of Ceylon to build a monastery at Bodh-Gaya.

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Kushans and Kanishkas

[AD 50 - 300]

AD 50: Establishment of Kushans

  The Kushans were a branch of the nomadic Yeuhchi tribe of China. The Yeuhchi tribe was in conflict with another tribe and so was forced to leave China. They came to Central Asia and then spread to Bactria, Paritha and Afghanistan. Gradually they were divided into five branches. One of these branches -- Kouel Chougang (Kushans) -- was superior to all. The Kushans under Kujala attacked the Parithans, took possessions of Ki-pin and Kabul and became the complete master of the Indian borderland.
Kujala became the first king of the Kushans and was known as Kadphises I. He was a great warrior. He was succeeded by his son Wima Kadphises known as Kadphises II. He conquered the north-western region of India. He defeated Saka Satraps in the north-west. Punjab and Sind were his dominions.

AD 120: Reign of Kanishka

Kanishka was the most famous of the Kushan kings. It is not known how he became the king but he ascended the throne in AD 120. When Kanishka ascended the throne, his empire consisted of Afghanistan, Sind, Punjab and portions of the former Parithan and Bactrian kingdoms. His empire extended from the north-west and Kashmir, over most of the Gangetic valley. He annexed three provinces of the Chinese empire, namely, Tashkand, Khotan and Yarkhand. He was the only king who ruled over these territories. He had two capitals at Purushpura (Peshawar now in Pakistan) and at Mathura in west Uttar Pradesh. Kanishka proved that he was a great conqueror.

Successors of Kanishka

Kanishka's immediate successor was Vashiska who was then succeeded by Huvishka. Mathura became the centre of Kushans. Many monuments were erected during Huvishka's reign. The last great king of Kushans was Vasudev I. The Kushans were overthrown by the Sassanians of Persia in the north-west and the Guptas in the north. The rule of Kushans ended almost at the same time as that of the Satavahans in the south.

Buddhism during the Kushans

Kanishka embraced Buddhism towards the middle of his reign. He is said to have been Zoroastrian before he became Buddhist. He spent his resources in spreading Buddhism. Mahayana was the new form of Buddhism that was followed during this period where the Buddha was worshipped as God. Old monastries were repaired and many new ones were built.

Art, Science and Literature

Kanishka was a great patron of art and literature. A new form of art Gandhara Art was developed. Beautiful images of Buddha were developed in a Greek-Roman style. These images were carved in a realistic way, with graceful bodies and curly hair.
Kanishka's court was adorned by many scholars like Ashvaghosha, Vasumitra, Nagarjuna and Charaka. Ashvaghosha was a great poet and a master of music. He wrote Buddhacharita, a biography of the Buddha. Charak was a great physician and he wrote a book Charak Samhita, which is based on the Ayurvedic system of medicine.

89-105 AD			Kushan king repulsed by the Chinese General Pan Chao
148-170AD			An-Shih-Kao translates a work by Kanishka's Chaplain
152 AD			China loses Khotan
230 AD			The Yueh chi king Vasudeva sends an embassy to China
276-293AD			Sassanian conquest of parts of North-West India

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