Indian Mythology - Common ideas

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COMMON IDEAS IN INDIAN MYTHOLOGY

In Indian Mythology, particularly Hindu stories, almost all stories related to gods and demons are based on certain basic premises and are usually filled with some common concepts and ideas which some of which shall be explained below. Keeping these ideas in mind, really makes the understanding of a lot of the stories a lot easier. So here goes some of the common concepts found in Indian Mythological stories. This is by no means complete, we shall be adding more and more to this list as we add more stories.

The Trinity : In the backdrop of all stories related to Hindu Gods and Goddesses, there is the inherent assumption of the Trinity as being the all powerful. The Trinity constitute Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma. Lord Vishnu is the preserver of the universe, responsible for the daily running of the universe. Lord Brahma, is the creator of the universe and is responsible for creation of this world and worldly beings. Lord Shiva is considered the destroyer.

Performing a Penance: In many instances, humans as well as asuras are shown to have into a state of deep penance for a particular God, and in this state they are recluse from this world and deprive themselves of any pleasures etc and all they are engaged in is a state of deep meditation for the God they wish to contact.

Granting of a Boon: In many cases of penance, a God either Lord Brahma or Lord Vishnu or Lord Shiva usually appear and grant a wish to the person. This is usually some kind of power. It may be a form of protection against specific type of creatures, or a limited form of immortality or any such similar wish. A whole range of wishes can be found in the realm of Indian Mythology.

Curse or Shaap: In many instances, where either a God or a rishi is enraged, they usually cast a curse on the person affected, which is usually a bad effect on the person.

Relief from Curse: In many instances, there are also some antidotes to a curse accompanying a person. This antidotes usually may consist of some specific instance happening later in the creature's life, it can even be in a later life.

Deva-Asura war: Indian Mythological stories are filled with instances of war between the asuras and devataas, because asuras are usually valiant, strong-headed and desire to conquer the territories the devataas occupy.