History ยท General Awareness
Hindu Deities and Epics
2,870 Questions
Hindu mythology involves a vast pantheon of deities, including Vishnu and his avatars, alongside epic narratives. This topic explores Puranas, celestial sages, and legendary kings. These questions form a crucial part of the general awareness section in SSC and state exams.
Avatars of VishnuPuranic textsCelestial sagesGoddesses in mythologyLegendary kings
Hindu Deities and Epics Questions
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Lord Narayana in Satya Yuga
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Lord Shiva in Kali Yuga
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Lord Krishna in Dwapar Yuga
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Lord Rama in Treta Yuga
C
Correct answer
Explanation
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Krishna killed the demon Narakasura during Dwapara Yuga. This victory is commemorated during Diwali, specifically as Naraka Chaturdashi, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. The other options attribute the act to incorrect deities or time periods.
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Goddess Lakshmi
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Goddess Durga
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Goddess Saraswati
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Goddess Tara
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Goddess Kali emerged from Goddess Durga's forehead during intense battle against demons. According to Hindu mythology, when Durga was fighting Raktabija and other demons, her anger manifested as Kali to destroy enemies. Kali is considered a fierce form of Durga.
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Rain
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Harvest
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Small Pox
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Prosperity
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Sheeta Mata or Shitala Mata is indeed worshipped by Mina tribes as the Goddess of Small Pox. Shitala literally means 'one who cools' in Sanskrit; she is invoked to protect against smallpox and other heat-related diseases. This connects to broader folk traditions where disease goddesses are propitiated. The Mina tribe, concentrated in Rajasthan, has distinct religious practices blending Hindu and tribal elements.
A
Correct answer
Explanation
According to Hindu scriptures and Ramayana traditions, Ravana was indeed a scholar of the Vedas (particularly the Sama Veda), an astrologer, a warrior, and a teacher. Despite being the primary antagonist in the Ramayana, he is portrayed as having mastered multiple disciplines and being knowledgeable in religious texts. This reflects the complexity of his character in Hindu mythology.
A
Correct answer
Explanation
According to Hindu eschatology and Puranic traditions, Kalki is prophesied to be the final avatar of Lord Vishnu, who will appear at the end of the Kali Yuga (the current age) to restore dharma. This is indeed considered Vishnu's only incarnation specifically scheduled for the Kali Yuga, making the statement correct within Hindu theological framework.
C
Correct answer
Explanation
Chhath Puja is an ancient Hindu festival dedicated to Surya (the Sun God) and Chhathi Maiya. Devotees perform rituals including standing in water and offering prayers to the setting and rising sun. It is primarily celebrated in Bihar, Jharkhand, and eastern Uttar Pradesh.
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Kanha
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Ghatotkach
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Ganesha
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None of the above
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Krishna (called Kanha as a child) appears as a divine friend of Bheem in the series, often helping him in difficult situations with his magical powers.
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Chandra
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Agastya
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Brihaspati
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Shukracharya
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Shukracharya is the guru of the asuras in Hindu mythology, while Brihaspati is the guru of the devas. Chandra is the moon god, Agastya is a revered sage, and Brihaspati guides the gods. Shukracharya possessed the knowledge of Sanjivani which could revive the dead.
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Arundhati
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Saraswati
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Siddhi
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Sanjna
D
Correct answer
Explanation
Sanjna was the wife of Surya the sun god in Hindu mythology. Unable to bear his brilliance, she created a shadow named Chhaya and left. Arundhati was Vashishta's wife, Saraswati was Brahma's consort, and Siddhi is an abstract concept representing spiritual power. Sanjna's name literally means 'knowledge' or 'consciousness'.
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Damayanti
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Mahashweta
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Ahalya
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Kesini
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Damayanti was the wife of Nala in their famous love story from the Mahabharata. She chose Nala in a swayamvara from among gods and kings. Mahashweta was a wife in Hindu mythology, Ahalya was Gautama's wife turned to stone, and Kesini was a queen in the Ikshvaku dynasty. Their story symbolizes marital devotion overcoming adversity.
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Arjuna
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Bhima
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Sahadeva
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Yudhistira
C
Correct answer
Explanation
According to Mahabharata legends, Sahadeva possessed profound spiritual knowledge. He once held Krishna's breath, demonstrating his mystical powers, and extracted a promise that his brothers would be protected in the upcoming war. Sahadeva was known for his astrological and mystical abilities.
A
Correct answer
Explanation
Indra, disguised as a brahman, approached Karna and demanded his kavach (armor) and kundal (earrings) as charity. Karna, known for his generosity, gave them away despite knowing they were his divine protection.
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Savitri
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Parvati
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Aranyani
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Aditi
D
Correct answer
Explanation
In Hindu mythology, Aditi is the goddess of eternity and the mother of the Adityas (solar deities). She represents infinity, boundlessness, and the primordial cosmos. Savitri is associated with the sun, Parvati is Shiva's consort, and Aranyani is the forest goddess.
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Hiranyaksha
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Bali
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Hiranyakashyapu
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Asureshwar
B
Correct answer
Explanation
Lord Vishnu took his Vamana (dwarf) avatar to defeat King Bali (also known as Mahabali), the demon king who had conquered the three worlds. The other options (Hiranyaksha, Hiranyakashyapu) were demons killed by other avatars of Vishnu.
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Lord Vishnu
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Lord Shiva
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Prajapati Brahma
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None of these
C
Correct answer
Explanation
In Hindu mythology, Mahishasura received the boon of immortality from Lord Brahma (Prajapati) after intense penance. Brahma granted that he could not be killed by any male deity, which eventually led to his destruction at the hands of Goddess Durga. This is a key narrative in Durga Puja mythology. Lord Vishnu and Shiva were not the boon-givers in this specific legend.