Hindu Deities and Epics

Kaikesi (also called Kaikashi), daughter of the demon king Sumali, was Ravana's mother. Mandodari was Ravana's principal wife, Surpanakha was his sister, and Kaikeyi was Dasharatha's queen from the Ramayana.

Akshaya (also called Akshayakumara) was Ravana's eldest son who fought Hanuman during the latter's first visit to Lanka. When Hanuman was creating havoc in the Ashoka Vatika after being discovered by the guards, Akshaya confronted him and was killed in the ensuing battle. The other options (Kumbhakarna, Angadha, Jambhavan) were not Ravana's sons.

When Ravana offended Shiva by lifting Mount Kailasa, he was trapped beneath it. To appease Shiva, he tore out nerves from his own arm/hand to create strings and improvised a veena, singing praises of Shiva. This act of devotion pleased Shiva, who forgave him and gifted him the sword Chandrahas. The other options suggest instruments he did not use in this legend.

In the Ramayana, Vali (Vaali) had previously defeated Ravana in battle when Ravana attempted to interfere in Vali's affairs. This victory established Vali's superiority, which is why Ravana later formed a strategic alliance with Vali against Rama. Ravana was not defeated by Sugriva, Hanuman, or Kubera in direct combat.

After Ravana's death in the Ramayana war, Lord Rama himself performed the last rites and funeral ceremonies, honoring Ravana as a Brahmin and scholar despite being his enemy. Vibhishana (Ravana's righteous brother) had already defected to Rama's side, but it was Rama who ensured proper funeral rites were performed. Mandodari and Indrajit were deceased or not the performers of the rites.

Ravana was a direct descendant of Lord Brahma, being the grandson of Brahma's son Pulastya (sage Pulastya). His father was the sage Visrava (Visravas), making him part of a distinguished Brahminical lineage despite his demon king status. This Brahmin heritage is why Rama performed his last rites - Ravana was a Brahmin by birth.

Dhanvanthri is the physician of the gods in Hindu mythology and is often depicted holding amrita, a medicinal herb, or sometimes leeches in his hands as a symbol of Ayurveda and surgery. The other avatars correspond to different mythical forms and attributes.

Shitala Mata (Sheetala Mata) is the Hindu goddess worshipped primarily in rural India as the protector against smallpox and other infectious diseases. The name 'Shitala' means 'the cool one' referring to the cooling effect needed to soothe the burning fever of smallpox. The Mina tribes of Rajasthan, like many rural communities, traditionally worshipped her during outbreaks and festivals.

In the Mahabharata, Ganga is the mother of Bhishma (born as Devavrata). She married King Shantanu of Hastinapur and bore him Bhishma, but later left him. When Bhishma lay on a bed of arrows after the Kurukshetra war, he revealed this story to the Pandavas. Jamuna (Yamuna) is associated with Krishna, Saraswati is the goddess of learning, and Durga is a principal form of the goddess.

Sanjay was the divine charioteer and narrator who described the Kurukshetra war to the blind King Dhritarashtra. Blessed with divine vision (divya drishti) by Ved Vyasa, he could see events occurring on the battlefield from afar and narrated them in real-time. This narration forms the basis of the Bhagavad Gita within the Mahabharata. Balaram was Krishna's brother, Ved Vyasa was the author, and Vidur was the wise half-brother of Dhritarashtra.

Deepawli (Diwali) celebrates Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, as described in the Ramayana. The festival marks his victory over Ravana and coronation as king. Lord Krishna and Lord Shiva are central to other Hindu festivals but not Diwali's primary narrative.

During Deepawli, Eastern and North-Eastern India celebrates Kali Puja, worshipping Goddess Kali on the new moon night. This tradition is particularly strong in West Bengal, Odisha, and Assam. The festival coincides with Diwali but has distinct cultural significance and rituals.

According to the myth referenced in this question, Kaju Katli is the primary sweet offered to Goddess Lakshmi during Deepawli. Kaju Katli is a popular Indian sweet made from cashews and is commonly prepared during Diwali festivities.

Bhishma's original name was Devavrata, and he was called 'Bhishma' because of the terrible vow (bhishna pratijnja) he took - to remain celibate forever and not claim the throne. This vow made him 'Bhishma' - one of terrible oath.

After the war ended, the blind King Dhritarashtra wanted to embrace Bhima. Knowing Dhritarashtra's immense strength, Krishna placed an iron statue of Bhima there instead. Dhritarashtra crushed the statue with his hug, thinking it was Bhima - this incident shows his extraordinary physical power despite his blindness.