Hindu Mythology

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Hindu Mythology History Mythology Creation Myths The Suryavansh The Chandravansh Hindu Timeline Scriptures Ecology Guest Book Picture Gallery	HINDU MYTHOLOGY

		Hinduism is the oldest belief system in the world. It is the only ancient religion that is alive even today, millenia after it originated in the heart of the sub-continent. Ancient Indians practiced the Sanatan Dharma, and to this day, millions of Hindus all over the world, continue to believe in the polytheistic pantheon worshipped by their ancestors. Over the eons, Hinduism has developed into a highly personalised religion with very few restrictions as each person is allowed to look for his own path to reach the Almighty. One has to listen to his own voice of conscience - the God within - to decide what is right for him. The only requirement to be adhered to is to follow the path of Truth for as the Hindus believe, Good always triumphs over Evil.
	Glossary This is an effort on my part to collate the data about Hindu Mythology from various sources and to present it in a way so that any mythology enthusiast can find the complete Hindu Mythology at one place. I do not claim sole authorship over any of the given information as I have gathered it from many places just to present to you the complete picture. I have divided the entire treasure-trove of knowledge about Hinduism into the following sections- 1. History 2. Mythology 3. Creation Myths 4. Solar Dynasty - Suryavansh 5. Lunar Dynasty - Chandravansh 6. The Hindu Timeline and Calendar 7. Religious Scriptures and Texts 8. Ecological Concepts 9. Picture Gallery
	Introduction The religion we know as Hinduism, is not a religion in the strictest sense of the word. It is a large and complex socio-cultural organism consisting of varied sects, cults and philosophies, and because of that, it is the most tolerant and open religion which accepts any mode to attain salvation. Different individuals may perceive it as being Monotheistic, Polytheistic, Pantheistic or even Monistic and still not be wrong in their assumption. The many-faceted religion mirrors the Geographical, Racial, Linguistic and Cultural diversity of the vast Indian sub-continent. As the mother of most of the world religions, it accepts all other religions and indeed in its long history, it has seen many religions come and go. The tree of knowledge that we call Hinduism, has enchanted many people all over the world; but it is so dense that one may get lost in it! The path of wisdom is a narrow one and the seers and Magi of Hindu tradition sought to capture this in their works. It takes immense perseverence and dedication to reach it and the elaborate mythology provides an easy way to understand it. Hinduism does not try to promote itself actively being the most tolerant and non-agressive of all religions. But that does not mean it has stayed confined within the Indian sub-continent. Only a few centuries ago it prevailed in the South-east Asian countries, Indo-china and Indonesia. Hinduism was also practiced in Afghanistan and Central Asia and Hindu gods were worshipped as far as Syria and Turkey.
	It had close relations with the religious traditions of Egypt and Persia and influenced a great number of later religions. Indeed many of the modern religions are direct offshoots of the Hindu philosophy. Hinduism has managed to survive the onslaught of millenia of invasions and forced conversions in a way that seems almost magical. Indeed as an eminent Physicist pointed out, it is not just the birth of a new life, but every experience that our senses avail of in Hinduism that is magical. The Dance of Shiva takes place each moment, not only at the cosmic level but in our daily life too! As one grain of time is destroyed, the next one comes along and brings with it new creation. This is the timeless appeal of Hinduism which seeks to provide the materialistic soul a means to achieve spiritual salvation.

	Vineet K. Aggarwal Contact me