Parashurama is the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu. He is the son of Renuka and one of the saptarishi Sage Jamadagni. He lived during the last Dvapara Yuga and is one of the seven immortals or Chiranjivi of Hinduism. He received an axe after undertaking terrible penance to please Lord Shiva, who in turn taught him the martial arts.
Every culture has its own mythology – a set of stories that involve heroic
characters, mythical beasts, gods, advanced technology, and fantastic
locations. While their validity is questionable, their existence shows the
incredible fascination that we, as humans, have for these stories. Indian
mythology contains a vast and ancient array of tales, which are
stimulating, entertaining, and have a moral lesson behind them.
Parashurama is the sixth avatar of Lord Vishnu. He is the son of Renuka and one of the saptarishi Sage Jamadagni. He lived during the last Dvapara Yuga and is one of the seven immortals or Chiranjivi of Hinduism. He received an axe after undertaking terrible penance to please Lord Shiva, who in turn taught him the martial arts.
Every culture has its own mythology – a set of stories that involve heroic
characters, mythical beasts, gods, advanced technology, and fantastic
locations. While their validity is questionable, their existence shows the
incredible fascination that we, as humans, have for these stories. Indian
mythology contains a vast and ancient array of tales, which are
stimulating, entertaining, and have a moral lesson behind them.
The literature in the books which gives us important information about the past is called literary source. The Vedas, Upanishads, Smritis, Ramayana, Mahabharata and the Sangam literature throw light on the political, social, economic and religious conditions of early India.
The Hindu scriptures provide the early documented history and
origin of arts and sciences forms in India such as music, dance,
sculptures, architecture, astronomy, science, mathematics,
medicine and wellness. Valmiki's Ramayana (500 BCE to 100
BCE) mentions music and singing by Gandharvas, dance by
Apsaras such as Urvashi, Rambha, ETC. The evidence of earliest
dance related texts are in Natasutras, which are mentioned in
the text of Panini, the sage who wrote the classic on Sanskrit
grammar, and who is dated to about 500 BCE. whose complete
manuscript has not survived into the modern age.
My Visit to Rajgir and Nalanda University, Indiapratanubanerjee3
Pratanu Banerjee shares his travel story in Rajgir and Nalanda University, India. You can get important information about the archeological sites. Check the presentation for detailed information. Contact us now!
The literature in the books which gives us important information about the past is called literary source. The Vedas, Upanishads, Smritis, Ramayana, Mahabharata and the Sangam literature throw light on the political, social, economic and religious conditions of early India.
The Hindu scriptures provide the early documented history and
origin of arts and sciences forms in India such as music, dance,
sculptures, architecture, astronomy, science, mathematics,
medicine and wellness. Valmiki's Ramayana (500 BCE to 100
BCE) mentions music and singing by Gandharvas, dance by
Apsaras such as Urvashi, Rambha, ETC. The evidence of earliest
dance related texts are in Natasutras, which are mentioned in
the text of Panini, the sage who wrote the classic on Sanskrit
grammar, and who is dated to about 500 BCE. whose complete
manuscript has not survived into the modern age.
My Visit to Rajgir and Nalanda University, Indiapratanubanerjee3
Pratanu Banerjee shares his travel story in Rajgir and Nalanda University, India. You can get important information about the archeological sites. Check the presentation for detailed information. Contact us now!
1. Sacred Texts of India
Group 2
Melissa C.
Mark G.
Mary D.
Katie M.
Period 3
2. • There are four Vedas:
• the Rig Veda
• Sama Veda
• Yajur Veda
• Atharva Veda.
• The Vedas are the chief texts of Hinduism. They also had a huge
influence on Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Scholars have
determined that the Rig Veda is the oldest of the four Vedas and
was composed about 1500 B.C.
• The Vedas contain incantations, hymns, and rituals from ancient
India. Besides their spiritual value, they also give a unique view of
everyday life in India four thousand years ago. The Vedas are the
most ancient widespread texts in an Indo-European language.
3. • The Upanishads are a continuation of the Vedic
philosophy, and were written between 800 and 400
B.C.
• The term Upanishad means quot;those who sit nearquot; and
implies listening closely to the secret doctrines of a
spiritual teacher.
• They elaborate on how the soul called Atman can be
united with the ultimate truth Brahman through
contemplation and mediation as well as karma
Which is the cumulative effects of a persons’
actions.
http://marauder.millersville.edu/~mosher/images/samples/
misc5_cover.jpg
4. The Mahabharata
• One of the two great Sanskrit epics in India.
• One of the largest poems ever written
• Millions regard this poem as a source of religious,
philosophical, and practical wisdom
• It describes the events that took place in ancient
bhaarata around 5000 BCE
• Consists of 18 parvas or chapters
• Explains the relationship of the individual to
society and the world
http://www.hindunet.org/mahabharata/
http://images.exoticindiaart.com/batik/ganesha_scripting_the_m
ahabharata_bb74.jpg
5. Bhagavad-Gita
• The Bhagavad-Gita is believed to be one of the
most popular and sacred Hinduism scripture.
• It is a 700 verse scripture that is within the
Mahabharata
• It is thought to be a direct message of
Vishnu, that was said during the battle of
Kurukshetra.
• It shows how to conduct your daily life with
god at the center with philosophies and
Wisdom.
http://www.hinduwebsite.com/gitaindex.asp
6. Panchatantra
• consists of 5 books of animal fables and magic tales
• 87 stories in all
• Compiled between third and fifth centuries AD
• self-proclaimed purpose: to educate sons of royalty
• one of India's most influential contributions to world literature
• rumored origin of Panchatantra: king had 3 dull sons without wisdom. He wanted
them to do well in the world so he hired a Brahmin called Vishnu Sharma. Vishnu
then created the Panchatantra to pass on wisdom.
• includes five strategies that help human beings succeed in life
– Quarrel among friends
– Gaining friends
– Of crows and owls
– Loss of gains
– Imprudence
• http://www.pitt.edu/~dash/panchatantra.html
• http://panchatantra.org/
• http://www.bharatadesam.com/literature/panchatantra_stories/tales_of_panchatantra.php
http://bitsnbytesoflife.files.wordpress.com/2008/12/panchatantra_idi807.jpg