Hindu Deities and Epics

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.

In the Ramayana, Indrajit (Meghanada) used the Nagapash, a celestial snake weapon, to immobilize Rama and Lakshmana. The weapon wrapped around them in the form of deadly snakes, making them unconscious. This was a critical moment that required Garuda (the eagle king) to come and free them from the snake's grasp.

Hanuman's primary weapon is the Gada (mace), which is often shown in his depictions and iconography. While Hanuman is known for his immense strength and often fought with his bare hands and body (like when he fought with demons in Lanka), the Gada is traditionally associated with him. His father Vayu (the wind god) and many other warriors also used the Gada.

When Hanuman was captured while destroying the Ashoka Vatika (where Sita was held), Indrajit used the Brahmastra (not spelled correctly as 'Bhramastra' in the option). The Brahmastra is one of the most powerful celestial weapons, and even Hanuman - though immensely powerful - allowed himself to be bound by it out of respect for Brahma. This led to Hanuman being brought before Ravana.

Narasimha (the lion avatar of Vishnu) killed the demon Hiranyakashipu using his claws/nails, not any conventional weapon. This was significant because Hiranyakashipu had received a boon that he could not be killed by any weapon (created by humans or gods), neither indoors nor outdoors, neither day nor night, etc. Narashimha bypassed all these conditions by appearing as a half-lion, half-man form and killing him on the threshold (neither indoors nor outdoors) at twilight (neither day nor night) using his claws (not a weapon).

The Tirupati Balaji temple in Andhra Pradesh is the wealthiest religious institution in India, with annual donations exceeding Rs 1000 crore. While Vaishno Devi, Shirdi Sai Baba, and Jagannath Puri temples are also major pilgrimage sites receiving significant donations, Tirupati's trust wealth and donation income are the highest. The term 'richest god' refers to the temple's financial assets.

Kartikeya (also called Murugan, Skanda, or Subramanya) rides the peacock named Paravani. The peacock symbolizes his ability to conquer ego and desires, as the peacock is said to kill and eat snakes (representing desires). Kartikeya is the elder son of Shiva, while Ganesha rides the mouse.

In Hindu iconography, Goddess Parvati (often in her forms as Durga or Shakti) is depicted riding a lion or a tiger, symbolizing her power. The eagle is Vishnu's vahana, the mouse is Ganesha's, and the ox (Nandi) is Shiva's.

Lord Vishnu's vahana is Garuda, the eagle-king who serves as his mount and protector. Garuda represents speed, power, and devotion. Vishnu is also often depicted resting on Shesh Naag (the serpent), but for travel, he rides Garuda.

Lord Brahma travels on a divine swan called Hamsa. In Hindu philosophy, the Hamsa represents the ability to discriminate between right and wrong (paramarthika and vyavaharika). Brahma is the creator god, and the swan symbolizes wisdom and purity.