Hindu Mythology and Vedic Astrology

In Hindu astrology (jyotisha), Vrushchika is the Sanskrit name for Scorpio. Dhanu corresponds to Sagittarius. Vrishabha is Taurus. Kanya represents Virgo.

In Vedic astrology and the Hindu zodiac system, the zodiac sign Sagittarius is known as Dhanu, which translates to bow. Mithuna represents Gemini, Tula represents Libra, and Kanya represents Virgo.

In Hindu astrology, Budha is the Sanskrit name for the planet Mercury (not to be confused with Buddha). The other options are Western planets - Neptune, Pluto, and Mars - which have different Sanskrit names in jyotisha.

Lord Krishna spent his childhood in Vraja (also called Vrindavan or Brij/Gokul), where he was brought up secretly to avoid being killed by his uncle Kansa. Lord Rama grew up in Ayodhya. Lord Hanuman was associated with Kishkindha.

Pashupati meaning 'Lord of Animals' is an epithet of Lord Shiva, found in the Rudrashtadhyayi of the Yajurveda and at Pashupatinath Temple in Nepal. Lord Rama is known as Maryada Purushottam. Krishna has titles like Govinda and Gopala.

Balarama, Krishna's elder brother, is believed to be an incarnation of Shesha Naga (the divine serpent on whom Lord Vishnu reclines). Virabhadra was created by Shiva. Bharata was a king in the Ramayana. Bakusena is not a recognized figure.

The Adi Shakti Peethas are sacred shrines in Hinduism where body parts of Sati are believed to have fallen. There are 4 main Adi Shakti Peethas, not 51 (which refers to Shakti Peethas in some traditions) or 108 (a sacred number in Hinduism but not applicable here). The 4 are considered the most important.

In Hindu astrology, Karka (meaning 'crab') is the Sanskrit name for Cancer. Vrushchika is Scorpio. Dhanu is Sagittarius. Mina corresponds to Pisces.

Balarama, Krishna's elder brother, is traditionally depicted wielding a hala (plough) and gada (mace). Bhima used a mace but not a plough. Duryodhana also used a mace. Hanuman's main weapon is his mace but he is not associated with a plough.

In Hindu astrology, Simha (meaning 'lion') is the Sanskrit equivalent of Leo. Kanya is Virgo. Mina is Pisces. Vrushchika is Scorpio.

In Hindu astrology, Mithuna (meaning 'pair' or 'twins') is the Sanskrit name for Gemini. Mina is Pisces. Dhanu is Sagittarius. Tula is Libra.

Prahalada was a young devotee of Vishnu whose father Hiranyakashipu tried to kill him for his devotion. Vishnu appeared as Narsimha (half-lion, half-man) to kill Hiranyakashipu and protect Prahalada. This story illustrates divine protection of devotees.

Narsimha avataar is known for divine anger because Vishnu appeared in this ferocious form to instantly kill Hiranyakashipu, who had a boon that he could not be killed by man, beast, or god, indoors or outdoors, or by any weapon. Narsimha circumvented all these conditions in a rage.

Brihaspati is the Deva-guru (preceptor of the gods) in Hindu mythology. He is the son of Angiras and is associated with the planet Jupiter. He represents wisdom, teachings, and is the priest of the Devas.

Shukracharya is the guru of the Danavas (asuras or demons) in Hindu mythology. He is the son of Bhrigu and possesses the knowledge of Mritasanjivani, which can bring the dead back to life, making him particularly valuable to the asuras.

In Hindu astronomy, the Big Dipper asterism is called Saptarshi, meaning 'seven sages.' It represents the seven legendary sages who are believed to be the mind-born sons of Brahma and are always present in the sky.

Sudarshan Chakra is the divine weapon of Lord Krishna, which is a spinning, disk-like superweapon with 108 serrated edges. It was given to Krishna by Agni Deva and is capable of destroying enemies and is one of the most powerful weapons in Hindu mythology.

The Indian equivalent of the zodiac sign Aries is Mesha. In Hindu astrology (Jyotisha), the zodiac signs are called Rashis, and Mesha is the first Rashi representing a ram. It spans from about mid-April to mid-May.

The Indian equivalent of the zodiac sign Taurus is Vrishabha. In Hindu astrology, Vrishabha (meaning bull) is the second Rashi and corresponds exactly to the Western zodiac sign Taurus. It spans from about mid-May to mid-June.

In Jyotisha (Hindu astrology), Brihaspati is the Sanskrit name for the planet Jupiter. Brihaspati is considered the most benefic planet and represents wisdom, education, teaching, and the guru of the Devas.