Hindu Deities and Epics

Maatu Pongal is the day dedicated to cattle worship. Lord Ganesha and Goddess Parvati are worshipped on this day, seeking blessings for the cattle that are essential to agricultural life.

According to Hindu mythology, Kerala was created when Parasurama (the warrior-sage avatar of Vishnu) threw his axe into the ocean and the sea receded, exposing the land. This legend explains the region's origin and its name meaning 'land of coconuts.' The other options reference different mythological events (samudra manthana, Vamana, Varaha) but are not associated with Kerala's creation.

In the Mahabharata, Karna was born to Kunti through her invocation of Surya, the Sun God, making Surya his biological father. Kunti received a boon from Sage Durvasa that allowed her to invoke any deity and bear a child. She tested this boon by invoking Surya before her marriage, resulting in Karna's birth. This divine parentage is central to Karna's character arc.

Karna used the divine weapon Shakti (given to him by Indra in exchange for his armor) to kill Ghatotkacha, Bhima's half-demon son, who was single-handedly decimating the Kaurava army at night. Karna had been saving this weapon for Arjuna, but Duryodhana implored him to use it against Ghatotkacha, forcing Karna to sacrifice his most powerful weapon.

Karna's death resulted from multiple factors: Parashurama's curse (he forgot mantras when needed), Bhoomi Devi's curse (his chariot wheel got stuck), giving away his divine armor (Kavacha and Kundala) to Indra, and his promises to Kunti (not killing Pandavas except Arjuna). His pride was a character flaw but not a direct cause of death.

In the Mahabharata, Yudhisthira was born from the union of Kunti and Yama (the god of death and justice), making Yama his spiritual father. Yudhisthira was known for his righteousness and adherence to dharma, qualities associated with Yama.

In the Mahabharata, Yudhisthira's weapon was a spear (sometimes called a javelin or lance). Each Pandava brother had a signature weapon: Yudhisthira (spear), Bhima (mace), Arjuna (bow Gandiva), Nakula and Sahadeva (swords).

In 'Cchinnomosta'r Obhishap' (The Curse of the Goddess), Pheluda solves numerous riddles to uncover the mystery. This story features Pheluda's exceptional deductive reasoning as he deciphers clues at the royal palace.

Vayu, the wind god, is Bhima's divine father in Hindu mythology. Kunti invoked Vayu using a mantra given by Sage Durvasa, and as a demigod son of Vayu, Bhima possessed immense physical strength. Surya fathered Arjuna, Yama fathered Yudhisthira, while Indra is Arjuna's spiritual father.

Bhima's signature weapon was the Gada (Mace), which he used with great prowess in the Mahabharata epic. The mace was his primary weapon in battles, and he was renowned for his skill in mace combat.

Urmila was Laxman's wife in the Ramayana. She was the daughter of King Janaka of Mithila and sister of Sita. When Laxman accompanied Lord Ram and Sita to their 14-year exile, Urmila chose to stay back and sleep for 14 years to symbolize her sacrifice - a concept known as 'Urmila Nidra.' In some versions, she slept so Laxman could stay awake to protect Ram and Sita.

In Hindu mythology, Arjuna was the son of Indra, the King of Gods. His mother Kunti had invoked Indra through a mantra to receive a son. Vayu is the father of Bhima, Surya is father of Karna, and Agni is not directly related to the Pandavas.

Arjuna was the greatest archer in the Mahabharata, renowned for his exceptional skill with the bow. His legendary bow Gandiva was given to him by Agni, the fire god. While he could use other weapons, the bow and arrow were his primary weapons throughout the Kurukshetra war.

Arjuna traveled to the Himalayas and performed severe penance to obtain the Pashupatastra from Lord Shiva. This was one of the most powerful weapons in the Mahabharata, capable of destroying any target. Lord Shiva tested Arjuna's devotion by appearing as a hunter (Kirata) and engaging him in battle before granting the weapon.

Shaktiastra was the divine weapon Karna received from Indra in exchange for his Kavacha (armor) and Kundala (earrings). This weapon was guaranteed to kill Arjuna, though Karna ultimately could not use it against Arjuna due to a curse. Brahmastra, Pashupatastra, and Suryastra are other celestial weapons in the Mahabharata.