1.
Daksa (island)
–
Daksa is a small uninhabited island in the Croatian part of the Adriatic Sea. It is situated near Dubrovnik in front of Rijeka Dubrovačka ria, the area of the island is about 0.07 km2, the highest point is 24 m above sea level. The Daksas Franciscan monastery was built in 1281, the island was the site of the Daksa massacre by Yugoslav partisans entrance of Dubrovnik in late October 1944. The mayor of Dubrovnik Niko Koprivica was among those executed, in September 2009, authorities discovered the remains of six victims in the area. Soon after, the Daksa 1944/45 Association announced that 48 bodies had been discovered on the island, the president of the Croatian Helsinki Committee Ivo Banac called for an investigation into what exactly occurred during the massacre. Members of the Croatian Bishops Conference visited the site in October,2009
2.
Virabhadra
–
Virabhadra or Veerabhadra is a fearsome form of the Hindu god Shiva. He was created by the wrath of Shiva and destroyed the Yagna of Daksha, after Dakshas daughter and he is described as a warrior who eventually blinded Bhaga, subdued Indra and broke, among many other countless gods, Pushans teeth. Other gods fled the battlefield unable to sustain his power, Sati was the youngest daughter of Daksha. When Sati grew up she set her heart on Shiva, worshipping him, in the Swayamvara of Sati, Daksha invited all gods and princes except Shiva. Sati cast her garland into air, calling upon Shiva to receive the garland, Daksha had no choice but to get Sati married with Shiva. One day Daksha made arrangements for a horse sacrifice called the Daksha Yaga. Satis urge to go to her due to the affection towards her parents overpowered the social etiquette for not going to an uninvited ceremony. Then Shiva came to know about this and with deep sorrow and anger, plucked a lock of hair, Lord Veerabhadra, and Rudrakali were born. To provide him the power, arrived Bhadrakali, an incarnation of Devi. Maheshwara replied, Spoil the sacrifice of Daksha and she too in her wrath, as the fearful goddess Rudrakali, accompanied him, with all her train, to witness his deeds. Shiva directed Virabhadra, Lead my army against Daksha and destroy his sacrifice, Lord Vishnu could not let his devotee - Daksha be mortified by Virabhadra. He therefore got astride his Garuda, armed as he was with Conch, Discus and Bow and Arrows and he immediately rained powerful arrows at his foe from all directions. Angered all the more by this unexpected attack, Veerabhadra also climbed a chariot. Both used celestial weapons - one upon the other, but none of them was affected in the least though they struck awe into the hearts of the onlookers, both were equally matched and both were adept and quick with their hands and weapons in offensive and defensive. Keenly watching the duel and thinking that Veerabhadra might come out victorious. Continuing the duel, Veerabhadra showered multiple weapons of tremendous power at Vishnu who retaliated with equal might, the firmament reverberated with thunder and lightning. Seeing Vishnus Discus approaching him thus, Veerabhadra coolly opened his vast mouth and swallowed it at one gulp, Lord Vishnu was astonished at this miracle and was filled with admiration for Veerabhadra. Instantly he flew to his side in great ecstasy and praised his erstwhile opponent thus,0 Veerabhadra Mahavira, there is none to equal you here nor in the seven worlds
3.
Aditi
–
In the Vedas, Aditi is mother of the gods and all twelve zodiacal spirits from whose cosmic matrix, the heavenly bodies were born. As celestial mother of every existing form and being, the synthesis of all things, she is associated with space and she may be seen as a feminized form of Brahma and associated with the primal substance in Vedanta. In contrast, the Puranas, such as the Shiva Purana and the Bhagavata Purana, suggest that Aditi is wife of sage Kashyap and gave birth to the Adityas such as Indra, Surya, and also Vamana. The name is mentioned in Vedas as mother of Surya and other bodies or gods Adityas. The first mention of goddess Aditi is found in Rigveda, which is estimated to have been composed roughly during 1700-1100 BC, Aditi with sage Kashyapa had 33 sons, out of which twelve are called Aditya including Surya, eleven are called Rudras and eight are called Vasus. Aditi is said to be the mother of the great god Indra, the mother of kings, in the Vedas, Aditi is Devamata as from and in her cosmic matrix all the heavenly bodies were born. Accordingly, Vishnu was born as the son of Aditi in the month of Shravana under the star Shravana, many auspicious signs appeared in the heavens, foretelling the good fortune of this child. In the Rigveda, Aditi is one of the most important figures of all, as a mothering presence, Aditi is often asked to guard the one who petitions her or to provide him or her with wealth, safety, and abundance. Aditi is usually mentioned in the Rigveda along with other gods, there is no one hymn addressed exclusively to her, unlike other Vedic gods. She is perhaps not related to a natural phenomenon like other gods. Compared to Usha and Prithvi, Aditi can be defined as the cosmic creatrix, the name Aditi includes the root da and suggests another attribute of her character. As A-diti, she is un-bound, free one, and it is evident in the hymns to her that she is called to free the petitioner from different hindrances, especially sin. In one hymn, she is asked to free a petitioner who has tied up like a thief. As one who unbinds, her role is similar to her son Varunas as guardian of Rta and she is called the supporter of creatures. It also means one of its kind or unique, Aditi challenges the modern idea that the Vedic peoples were patriarchal. Aditi was regarded as both the sky goddess, and earth goddess, which is rare for a prehistoric civilization. Most prehistoric civilizations venerated a dual principle, Sky Father and Earth Mother, Aditi was attributed the status of first deity by the Vedic culture, although she is not the only one attributed this status in the Vedas. She is addressed, in the Rigveda as Mighty, like many other Hindu gods and goddesses, Aditi has a savari
4.
Sati (Hindu goddess)
–
Satī, is also known as Dakshayani. In the Tamil tradition, Sati is called Tamil, தாட்சாயிணி Tāṭcāyiṇi, Sati is the goddess of marital felicity and longevity in Hinduism. An aspect of Adi Parashakti, Dakshayani is the first consort of Shiva, in Hindu legend, both Sati and Parvati successively play the role of bringing Shiva away from ascetic isolation into creative participation with the world. Queen Prasuti desired a daughter, Lord Brahma advised her and her husband Daksha to meditate upon the Goddess Adi-Parashakti and they gave up their royal robes, put on the guises of saints, and sat in a forest and meditated upon Goddess Adi-Parashakti. After a long time, Goddess Adi-Parashakti appeared awakening Daksha and Prasuti from their penance, Adi Parashakti invited them to request the desired boon from her, Daksha asked the Goddess to take birth again as their daughter. The Goddess gave them their consent but also gave them a warning that if ever she should be insulted, she would take up her Celestial form, Daksha and Prasuti agreed to take care of her. Back in their palace, Adi parashakti again took human birth at the bidding of Lord Brahma, Daksha and Prasuti named their daughter Sati. Daksha was a son of Brahma and a king in his own right. As the daughter of King Daksha, Sati is also known as Dakshayani, Sati was a newborn to Daksha and Prasutis 23 daughters. In bidding of Adi-Parashakti to take birth, Brahmas design was that she would please Shiva with humble devotions. It was natural that Sati, even as a child, adored the tales and legends associated with Shiva told by sage Narada, as she grew to womanhood, the idea of marrying anyone else, as intended by her father, became unfair to her. Her prayers finally bore fruit when, after testing her resolve, Shiva finally acceded to her wishes, an ecstatic Sati returned to her fathers home to await her bridegroom, but found her father less than elated by the turn of events. The wedding was held in due course, and Sati made her home with Shiva in Kailash. Daksha, depicted in legend as an arrogant king, did not get on with his renunciative son-in-law, Daksha organized a yagna ritual and invited all the Gods, Goddesses and princes. But he did not invite Shiva or Sati because he was unhappy that his daughter had married Shiva, Sati learnt about the yagna and asked Shiva to go with her. When Shiva refused, Sati insisted upon going and was escorted by Shivas troops to her fathers kingdom, upon reaching, Daksha got angry on seeing her and yelled at her telling her she was not welcome. Sati tried to make him understand but it was no use and it is said that when Daksha did not stop yelling, the angered Sati took the form of the goddess, Adi Parashakti. Lightning and thunder threatened to destroy the Earth, all sorts of calamities arose as Mother Earth couldnt bear her strong radiance and power
5.
Svaha
–
In Hinduism and Buddhism, the Sanskrit lexical item svāhā is a denouement indicating the end of the mantra. In the Tibetan language, svaha is translated as so be it and is often pronounced, whenever fire sacrifices are made, svāhā is chanted. Etymologically, the term is probably from su well and the root ah to call, as a feminine noun, svāhā in the Rigveda may also mean oblation, and as oblation personified, Svāhā is a minor Goddess, and the wife of Agni. She was originally a nymph but became immortal after marrying Agni, in some versions, she is one of the many divine mothers of Kartikeya. She is also the mother of Aagneya - the daughter of Agni and she is considered to be a daughter of Daksha. She is thought to preside over burnt offerings, in the Mahabharata Vana Parva, Markandeya narrates her story to the Pandavas. Svaha was the daughter of Daksha and she fell in love with the god of fire, Agni, and was pursuing him. Agni however, did not notice her, Agni presided over the sacrificial rituals of the Saptarshis. The god became highly besotted with the wives of the Saptarshis who were so attractive and beautiful, finally, Agni could not bear the guilt of longing for wives belonging to someone else and he went to the forests to perform penances. Svaha followed him and realised his desire and she took the forms of the wives of the Saptarshis (though she was unable to take the form of Arundhati, wife of Vashishtha, and approached Agni. Agni and Svaha spent many loving moments in the forest
6.
Revati
–
Revati, within Hinduism, is daughter of King Kakudmi and consort of the God Balarama, the elder brother of Krishna. Her account is given within a number of Puranic texts such as the Mahabharata and Bhagavata Purana, the Garga Samhita narrates the previous birth of Revati as Jyotishmati, the daughter of King Chakshush Manu, who ruled over the Earth. The king performed a fire sacrifice, out of which a divine lady was born to him as his daughter. Upon asked by her father, she said, she would like to marry the mightiest of all, the god Indra informed the king that the wind Vayu was powerful than him. Vayu directed Manu to Parvat, said the earth-god Bhumandal was more powerful than him, ultimately, the earth said that Shesha, the serpent who carries the earth and the worlds on his hoods, is the most powerful, Balarama would be Sheshas most powerful form. Jyotishmati went to Vindhya mountains and performed tapas to marry Balarama, numerous deities tried to dissuade her and win her over as wife, however she cursed all of them. In counter-curse, Indra cursed Jyotishmati that she would not have sons, finally, Brahma pleased with her penance blessed her that she would marry Balarama, but warned that he would be born 27 yugas later. An enraged Jyotishmati threatened to curse Brahma too and he pacified her by giving her another boon that she would be born as Revati, daughter of King Kakudmi, whose actions would lead to the 27 eons passing in a jiffy. Bhagavata Purana, Vishnu Purana and Garga Samhita narrate the tale of Revati with some variation, when they arrived, Brahma was listening to a musical performance by the Gandharvas, so they waited patiently until the performance was finished. Then, Kakudmi bowed humbly, made his request and presented his shortlist of candidates, King Kakudmi was overcome with astonishment and alarm at this news. However, Brahma comforted him and added that god Vishnu, the Preserver, was currently on Earth in the forms of Krishna and Balarama, Kakudmi and Revati then returned to earth, which they regarded as having left only just a short while ago. They were shocked by the changes that had taken place, the Bhagavata Purana describes that they found the race of men had become dwindled in stature, reduced in vigour, and enfeebled in intellect. Kakudmi and Revati found Balarama and proposed the marriage, the marriage was then duly celebrated. Revati bore her husband two sons, Nisatha and Ulmuka, both her sons Nisatha and Ulmuka were killed in the Yadu fratricidal war after which Balarama also ended his earthly incarnation in meditation by the sea. At his funeral ceremony, Revati ascended onto his funeral pyre and was immolated with him, according to a story that is not found in Mahabharata or Puranas, but is popular in folk narrative, especially in Andhra Pradesh, Revati and Balarama also had a daughter, Vatsala. Upon reaching an age, Vatsala was promised to her cousin Abhimanyu, son of the Pandava Arjuna and his wife Subhadra. But the Pandava Bhimas son Ghatotkacha learnt of this from his distressed cousin Abhimanyu and aunt Subhadra, Balarama Yuga Bhagavata Purana www. mythfolklore. net www. mypurohith. com/encyclopedia The astronomical explanation
7.
Rati
–
Rati is the Hindu goddess of love, carnal desire, lust, passion and sexual pleasure. Usually described as the daughter of Prajapati Daksha, Rati is the counterpart, the chief consort and the assistant of Kama. A constant companion of Kama, she is depicted with him in legend. She also enjoys worship along with Kama, Rati is often associated with the arousal and delight of sexual activity, and many sex techniques and positions derive their Sanskrit names from hers. The Hindu scriptures stress Ratis beauty and sensuality and they depict her as a maiden who has the power to enchant the god of love. When the god Shiva burnt her husband to ashes, it was Rati, whose beseeching or penance, often, this resurrection occurs when Kama is reborn as Pradyumna, the son of Krishna. Rati – under the name of Mayavati – plays a role in the upbringing of Pradyumna. She acts as his nanny, as well as his lover, and tells him the way to return to his parents by slaying the demon-king, later, Kama-Pradyumna accepts Rati-Mayavati as his wife. The name of the goddess Rati comes from the Sanskrit root ram, although the verb root generally refers to any sort of enjoyment, it usually carries connotations of physical and sensual enjoyment. Etymologically, the word refers to anything that can be enjoyed. The Kalika Purana narrates the tale about Ratis birth. After the creation of the 10 Prajapatis, Brahma – the creator-god – creates Kama, Kama is ordered to spread love in the world by shooting his flower-arrows and Prajapati Daksha is requested to present a wife to Kama. Kama first uses his arrows against Brahma and the Prajapatis, who are all attracted to Brahmas daughter Sandhya. Shiva, who was passing by, watches them and laughs, embarrassed, Brahma and the Prajapatis tremble and perspire. From the sweat of Daksha rises a beautiful woman named Rati, at the same time, the agitated Brahma curses Kama to be burnt to ashes by Shiva in the future. However, on Kamas pleading, Brahma assures him that he would be reborn, the Brahma Vaivarta Purana narrates that Sandhya committed suicide, after Brahma lusts for her. God Vishnu resurrects her and names her Rati, and marries her to Kama, the Shiva Purana mentions that after her suicide Sandhya is reborn from the sweat of Daksha as Rati. In some texts, the god Shiva is described as the father of Rati, the Harivamsa, an appendix to the epic Mahabharata, mentions that Kama and Rati have two children, Harsha and Yashas
