Hindu Deities and Epics

The Gayatri Mantra is dedicated to Savitri (another name for the Sun goddess). The mantra invokes the Sun deity Savitur and is considered one of the most sacred verses in Hinduism, found in the Rigveda.

Bhishma, a central character in the Mahabharata, was known for his terrible resolve (sankalpa) to remain unmarried and support his father's throne. He had the boon to choose the time of his death (ichcha mrityu), but this is not his defining characteristic. 'The one with a terrible resolve' best captures his unwavering commitment to his oath.

In the Ramayana epic, Ravana's wife was Mandodari, who was known for her wisdom and tried to dissuade Ravana from abducting Sita. Shrutakirti was married to Shatrughna (Lord Rama's younger brother), while Mandavi was Bharata's wife. Simhika was a demoness in Hindu mythology, not Ravana's wife.

When Hanuman returned ahead of Rama, he found Bharata at Nandigrama, where Bharata was ruling as regent. Bharata was so grief-stricken thinking Rama would not return, he was about to enter fire. Hanuman arrived just in time with the news of Rama's imminent return.

Indrajit used the Brahmastra on Hanuman when Hanuman was captured and brought before Ravana. The Brahmastra was a powerful divine weapon that rendered Hanuman unconscious temporarily. Pashupatastra, Narayanastra, and Varunastra are other astras but not used in this context.

When baby Hanuman flew up to catch the sun (mistaking it for a fruit), Indra struck him with his thunderbolt (Vajra). This broke Hanuman's jaw and earned him the name 'Hanuman' (one with a broken jaw). Varuna, Surya, and Yama are other deities not involved in this incident.

Surasa, a demoness sent by the gods, obstructed Hanuman during his flight to Lanka by demanding he enter her mouth. Hanuman met this challenge by growing in size, forcing Surasa to expand, then suddenly shrinking and entering. Trijataa, Lankini, and Surpanakha are other demonesses in different contexts.

Hanuman hid in the Shimshupa tree (also known as the Shalmali tree) in Ashoka Vana while observing Sita's situation. The Ashoka, Sanjeevi, and Kalpaka trees are other significant trees in different contexts - Ashoka trees surrounded the garden, Sanjeevi was for healing, and Kalpaka was a wish-fulfilling tree.

Hanuman overheard Trijataa's dream describing Rama's victory and Ravana's defeat. Convinced this dream was a divine sign, Hanuman decided to reveal himself to Sita immediately. Surpanakha, Tataka, and Simhika are other demonesses - Trijataa was a benign dream-interpreter among the demonesses guarding Sita.

On his first visit to Lanka, Hanuman killed Akshaya, one of Ravana's sons, during the destruction of the Ashoka Vana. Indrajit was Ravana's eldest son but not killed by Hanuman at this point, Vibhishana was Ravana's righteous brother, and Mahiravana appears in later versions (not Valmiki's original).

On Hanuman's advice, Sugriva hid in Matanga's hermitage (option B) to escape from Vaali. This sage's ashram provided sanctuary to Sugriva during his exile. Bhrigu, Atri, and Kashyapa were other prominent sages but not associated with this specific event.

Rama meets Hanuman in Kishkinda Kanda (option B). This book describes Rama's first encounter with Hanuman and his alliance with Sugriva. Sundara Kanda focuses on Hanuman's solo journey to Lanka, Uttara Kanda covers later events, and Yuddha Kanda details the war with Ravana.

Punjikasthala (option B, spelled here as Punjikhasthala) was the celestial nymph cursed to be born as Anjana, Hanuman's mother. Rambha, Menaka, and Tilottama were other famous apsaras but not Anjana's previous incarnation.

Trishul (trident) is the signature weapon of Lord Shiva in Hindu mythology. It symbolizes his power over the three worlds and represents the three gunas (qualities). Sudarshan Chakra is Vishnu's weapon, while sword and bhala (spear) are associated with other deities but not Shiva's primary weapon.

Sudarshan Chakra is the ultimate weapon of Lord Vishnu, a spinning disc-like weapon with 108 serrated edges. It represents the cycle of time and cosmic order. Trishul is Shiva's weapon, while sword and bow with arrows are associated with other deities but are not Vishnu's primary weapon.