History ยท General Awareness

Hindu Deities and Epics

2,919 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

Multiple choice

What is the name of the Shinto god of rice?

  1. Susanoo-no-Mikoto

  2. Raijin

  3. Fujin

  4. Inari
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Inari is the Shinto god of rice. He is often depicted as a fox.

Multiple choice

In the Hindu epic Mahabharata, what is the name of the celestial nectar that grants immortality?

  1. Amrita

  2. Soma

  3. Rasayana

  4. Panchamrita
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Amrita, also known as the elixir of life, is a divine nectar that grants immortality and rejuvenation to those who consume it.

Multiple choice

Which Hindu deity is often depicted holding a lotus flower, symbolizing purity and spiritual enlightenment?

  1. Vishnu

  2. Shiva

  3. Brahma

  4. Lakshmi
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, is often depicted holding a lotus flower, representing his divine qualities and the cycle of creation and destruction.

Multiple choice

In the story of Prahlad, what does the demon king Hiranyakashipu forbid his son from consuming?

  1. Meat

  2. Alcohol

  3. Prasad

  4. All food
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Hiranyakashipu, in his attempt to control his son's devotion to Vishnu, forbids him from consuming prasad, the sacred food offered to the deity.

Multiple choice

Which Hindu deity is associated with the consumption of meat and alcohol, challenging societal norms and conventions?

  1. Shiva

  2. Vishnu

  3. Brahma

  4. Indra
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Shiva, known as the destroyer and transformer, is often depicted as consuming meat and alcohol, symbolizing his rejection of societal norms and his embodiment of wild and untamed nature.

Multiple choice

In the story of the churning of the ocean of milk, what emerges as a result of the churning?

  1. The elixir of immortality

  2. The goddess Lakshmi

  3. The demon Rahu

  4. The sacred cow Kamadhenu
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The churning of the ocean of milk, a significant event in Hindu mythology, results in the emergence of various divine beings and objects, including the elixir of immortality, Amrita.

Multiple choice

Which Hindu deity is often depicted with a bowl of kheer (rice pudding), symbolizing nourishment and abundance?

  1. Lakshmi

  2. Saraswati

  3. Durga

  4. Parvati
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, is often depicted holding a bowl of kheer, representing nourishment, abundance, and the fulfillment of desires.

Multiple choice

Which Hindu deity is associated with the consumption of sweets and delicacies, symbolizing joy and indulgence?

  1. Ganesha

  2. Krishna

  3. Shiva

  4. Vishnu
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Ganesha, the elephant-headed deity, is known for his love of sweets and delicacies. His association with these foods symbolizes joy, indulgence, and the celebration of life's pleasures.

Multiple choice

Which Purana is dedicated to Lord Vishnu?

  1. Brahma Purana

  2. Vishnu Purana

  3. Shiva Purana

  4. Devi Bhagavata Purana
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

The Vishnu Purana is primarily dedicated to Lord Vishnu, exploring his various incarnations, his role as the preserver of the universe, and his relationship with other deities.

Multiple choice

Which Purana focuses on the goddess Devi?

  1. Brahma Purana

  2. Vishnu Purana

  3. Shiva Purana

  4. Devi Bhagavata Purana
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The Devi Bhagavata Purana is dedicated to the goddess Devi, also known as Shakti, and narrates her various forms, manifestations, and interactions with other deities.

Multiple choice

Which Purana contains the story of the churning of the ocean of milk?

  1. Brahma Purana

  2. Vishnu Purana

  3. Shiva Purana

  4. Bhagavata Purana
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The Bhagavata Purana contains the story of the churning of the ocean of milk, a significant event in Hindu mythology that resulted in the emergence of various treasures, including the goddess Lakshmi and the poison Halahala.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the demon who stole the Vedas from Lord Brahma?

  1. Hiranyakashipu

  2. Hiranyaksha

  3. Ravana

  4. Bali
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

Hiranyakashipu was the demon who stole the Vedas from Lord Brahma, leading to the incarnation of Lord Vishnu as Narasimha to retrieve them.

Multiple choice

Which Purana contains the story of Lord Rama's exile to the forest?

  1. Brahma Purana

  2. Vishnu Purana

  3. Shiva Purana

  4. Ramayana
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

The Ramayana, though not strictly a Purana, is an epic poem that narrates the story of Lord Rama's exile to the forest, his battle with the demon king Ravana, and his eventual return to Ayodhya.

Multiple choice

Which Purana is associated with the worship of Lord Shiva?

  1. Brahma Purana

  2. Vishnu Purana

  3. Shiva Purana

  4. Linga Purana
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

The Shiva Purana is primarily dedicated to Lord Shiva, narrating his various forms, manifestations, and interactions with other deities.

Multiple choice

What is the name of the demon who was killed by Lord Vishnu in his incarnation as Varaha?

  1. Hiranyakashipu

  2. Hiranyaksha

  3. Ravana

  4. Bali
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

Hiranyaksha was the demon who stole the earth and took it to the underworld. Lord Vishnu incarnated as Varaha, the boar, to retrieve the earth and kill Hiranyaksha.