Hindu Deities and Epics

In the Sangam Tamil landscape classification system (Tinai), Kotravai is the goddess associated with the Palai (arid desert) landscape. Each of the five landscapes (Kurinji, Mullai, Marudam, Neithal, Palai) has its own deity and characteristics.

Maruti is a well-known name for Lord Hanuman, derived from 'Marut' (the wind god), signifying that Hanuman is the son of the wind.

Gowri or Gauri is another name for Goddess Parvathi, the consort of Lord Shiva. The name refers to her fair or golden complexion. She is not Goddess Lakshmi (wealth), Saraswati (learning), or Durga (warrior goddess).

Karna was born with a divine, protective armor (Kavach) and earrings (Kundal) gifted to him by his biological father, the sun god Suryadev. Indra later took them away disguised as a Brahmin.

In Ramayana symbolism, Sita represents Jivatma (individual soul), while Raam represents Paramatma (supreme soul). Ravana symbolizes ego Ahalya, and Lakshman represent other aspects. The question tests allegorical character representations in the epic.

Lord Ganesha is traditionally depicted holding a 'Pasha' (noose) and 'Ankusha' (goad), symbolizing his power to capture obstacles and propel mankind forward. Swords and bows are associated with other deities like Durga or Rama.

The earliest human statues worshipped in India were images of the Buddha. This practice began during the Kushan period (1st-2nd century AD) under the influence of Greco-Buddhist art from Gandhara. Prior to this, Hinduism was aniconic - worship focused on abstract symbols rather than human forms. Statues of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva came later, around the Gupta period (4th-6th century AD). Buddha images represent the first anthropomorphic worship in India.

Peepal tree was worshipped in the Indus civilization.

Pashupati Mahadeva was the chief male deity to be worshiped in the Indus civilization.

The Gayatri Mantra is addressed to Savitri, the solar deity representing the awakening aspect of the sun. The mantra invokes Savitri for enlightenment and wisdom. While Mitra and Pushan are also solar deities, the Gayatri Mantra specifically invokes Savitri as the sun that stimulates and inspires.

The Chola period is renowned for its bronze sculptures, with the Nataraja idol being considered the finest example. These Nataraja bronzes depict Shiva as the cosmic dancer and are masterpieces of Indian art. The Chola artists perfected the lost-wax casting technique (cire perdue) to create these intricate bronze statues. The Nataraja from Chola period is now recognized worldwide as an icon of Indian art.

The Konark Sun Temple (misspelled as 'Kornark') in Odisha is a UNESCO World Heritage Site dedicated to Surya, the Sun God, and is designed as a colossal chariot with 12 pairs of elaborately carved wheels.

Correct option is (4).