Significance of Indian mythology
Indian mythology encompasses a rich tapestry of narratives rooted in ancient Indian culture, involving legendary figures, cosmic battles, and traditional tales that convey moral lessons and cultural values. It influences various art forms and literature, incorporating themes derived from spiritual beliefs, historical events, and natural phenomena. Organic to its essence are stories of gods, heroes, and concepts like the kaliyuga, alongside reflections in poetry and the sciences. This mythology serves as a cultural foundation, deeply entwined with India's artistic and philosophical heritage.
Synonyms: Hindu mythology, Indian folklore, Sanskrit literature, Vedic mythology
In Dutch: Indiase mythologie; In Finnish: Intian mytologia; In Spanish: Mitolog铆a india; In German: Indische Mythologie; In Malay: Mitologi India; In Swedish: Indisk mytologi
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Jain concept of 'Indian mythology'
In Jainism, Indian mythology encompasses narratives of kings and conquests, emphasizing the significance of ancestral legacies within the broader context of spiritual teachings and moral values inherent in the Jain tradition.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) Refers to the broader context of the narrative, involving kings, their conquests, and ancestral legacies.[1]
The concept of Indian mythology in local and regional sources
Indian mythology encompasses a vast array of stories, traditions, and teachings that shape Indian culture, including significant epics like the Ramayana, artistic influences, and concepts like kaliyuga, reflecting the rich tapestry of beliefs and values in the society.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A traditional collection of stories and beliefs relating to the gods and heroes of ancient India, which has influenced various forms of Indian art.[2] (2) A collection of traditional stories and legends originating from India, often involving deities, heroes, and moral teachings.[3] (3) A rich body of traditional tales and religious narratives that form the cultural basis for many artistic themes, including those in Krishna Sastri's play 'Sarmishtai'.[4] (4) A body of myths and legends that form an integral part of Indian culture, illustrating moral lessons and cultural values.[5] (5) The body of myths and stories originating from Indian culture, which have permeated Malay literature and are reflected in traditional performances.[6]
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) Indian mythology is referenced in the text, specifically in the context of Varaha rescuing the earth from the cosmic waters, as depicted in the model.[7] (2) Indian mythology includes concepts such as the kaliyuga, which is a time period from Indian mythology that began more than 5,000 years ago. The book provides examples of computing the ahargana using the beginning of the kaliyuga as an epoch.[8]
From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda
(1) This is the collection of traditional stories and beliefs of India that provides a framework for understanding the world, including concepts of cycles and evolution.[9]