Health, Fertility and Fear: Tracing Makara through Indian Mythology
Bright in color and studded with several precious stones such as rubies and emeralds, this khada (bracelet) is an emblem of 19th century Muslim Indian Art (Met). The terminals of this kadha are in the form of Makara, an ancient hybrid creature famous in Indian, Chinese, and Buddhist mythology. While different accounts contain varying descriptions, Makara is often portrayed as having the body of a crocodile, or other aquatic animal, and the head and ears of an elephant (Semeka-Pankratov 192). Other versions reveal Makara with the head and jaws of a crocodile, a peacock’s tail, the scales of a fish, and an elephant’s trunk (Shen 276). In classical Hindu mythology, Makara has
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Evidence suggests that the image of the Makara has been around since at least the 3rd century BC (Robbins and Bussabarger, 39). During the course of Hindu and Buddhist mythology, it has always been connected with deities associated with life-giving properties, such as fertility and sustenance. For example, in some of the early Buddhist sites of India, Makara is associated with the Yakshas—tree deities—who represent the life-giving sap of trees (Robbins and Bussabarger, 38). As Bussabarger and Robins, experts in the field of Indian Art, and authors of The Everyday Art of India eloquently summarize, the Yakshas are “playful deities that live in trees and assist in child-birth” (Robbins and Bussabarger, 42). Here, we can directly see how the Yakshas are associated with fertility and the sustenance of life. Therefore, the association of Makara with the deities responsible for birth is indicative of its association with the overall characteristics of fertility and …show more content…
In this myth, Gajendra, who is the proud king of a herd of elephants, is bathing one hot day in a nearby lake. Suddenly, a crocodile living in the lake attacks Gajendra and catches him by the leg. According to puranic literature, the crocodile simply won’t let go, and Gajendra’s struggle continues for thousands of years. Finally, when Gajendra could struggle no more, he prayed to Lord Vishnu who came and saved Gajendra. In this sense, Makara is depicted as animal who makes people pay for their sins, and as a punisher (Semeka-Pankratov 199). This is very much in juxtaposition to his role as the vahana of the goddess Ganga, who represents forgiveness and purity. Therefore, we can see how Makara is not only associated with fertility and life-giving characteristics, but also fear and life-taking
Many Native American tribes share different spiritual and cultural views on the aspect of life. Belief in God and the things he created depend on what tribe you belong to. Tribes like the Onondaga and the Modoc have several stories that inform us regarding their religious customs and beliefs. The origin myths were written to point out the beliefs among tribes. “The Earth on Turtle’s Back” and “When Grizzlies Walked Upright” provides us with examples of what the Onondaga and Modoc tribes believed in. Since September, we have been learning about the different views of God that tribes have and all the different customs that take place within their cultures. The origin myths that have been chosen along with the “Song of the Hiawatha” and the Part- Time Indian teach us the cultural aspect of the Native Americans.
When watching the fantastic anime (animation) of Japanese director Hayao Miyazaki, it soon becomes apparent that he has infused his richly detailed worlds with an animistic world-view that references ancient Japanese beliefs, practices and myths. His films describe an intriguing mixture of earthy spirituality particularly drawn from the Shinto tradition. Shinto is less a religion than a way of life – a pantheistic and animistic faith that believes that every object possesses a spirit, and encourages nature worship, folk beliefs, ancient deities and rituals. It has no dogma or moral doctrine, except for four general tenets: worshipping and honouring the kami; love of nature; tradition and the family; and cleanliness (Picken 1994:9-10). For the scope of this article, I will be looking at how respect for the kami and nature inform two of Miyazaki’s films Princess Mononoke (Mononokehime 1997) and Spirited Away (Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi 2001).
1.) Intro: I decided to focus my Religious Ethnography on a friend whom I recently have become close with. Adhita Sahai is my friend’s name, which she later told me her first name meant “scholar.” I choose to observe and interview Adhita, after she invited me to her home after hearing about my assignment. I was very humbled that she was open to this, because not only was it a great opportunity for this paper, but it also helped me get to know Adhita better. I took a rather general approach to the religious questions that I proposed to the Sahai family because I didn’t want to push to deep, I could tell Hinduism is extremely important to this family. Because this family does not attend a religious site where they worship, I instead listened to how they do this at home as a family instead.
One of the most interesting qualities of Greek mythology is probably the depiction of monsters in the myths. However, these monsters are not all unique. In fact, they all fall into very distinct categories, making them almost the same. Most monsters in Greek mythology look and act in the same ways. Several monsters from these myths look the same in that they have very similar qualities such as being large, snake or human like. However, they are also very alike in that they behave in very similar ways, from guarding something or roaming freely and causing chaos. Generally, the monsters in Greek mythology follow this outline and are depicted in a way to show these qualities.
...der is that its varying messages from the sculpture have puzzled its viewers as to what its meaning can be. “For the myths tell us that from the mystical perspective the distinctions between male and female…-as between time and eternity, pluralism, and monism- are meaningless”(TECHNIQUES OF THE WORLD SAVIORS: Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, part two from The Myth of the Great Secret: An Appreciation of Joseph Campbell [Celestial Arts, 1990], Toby Johnson). Although both influences of a male and female have crossed together, the mythical stories of the goddess or god have represented the need for a stronger female aspect. To hold it as high of a position as a goddess can have and make its display for the entire world to see, this piece of evidence not only tells the tale of the Chinese woman’s adversity, but of the adversity of women everywhere.
known in Northeast India in the 6th century BC. Looking back to the earliest roots,
An important part of Chinese mythology is the themes found in each story. Themes in Chinese mythology often coincide with religious values during the time. A common theme in Chinese mythology includes the respect for nature. This theme came to be as a result of Shinto and Daoist influence in parts of China. Shinto and Daoist people believe that spirits are embodied into everything, living or non-living. They also claim that angered spirits are the sole cause for natural disasters like storms, droughts, and floods. In a number of Chinese myths, the idea of spirits, their control over natural events, and the need to constantly appease them was evident (Collier 23). These myths ultimately led people to respect and preserve nature as much as possible. Another theme often found in Chinese mythology is the reverence for ancestors. Also a consequence of the Daoist religion, the veneration towards one’s ancestry is very significant in many Chinese myths. Daoists hold ceremonies and build shrines commemorating the dead ancestors of one’s lineage (Roberts 38). These tribute...
Cosmic myths are concerned with the world and how it is ordered. They seek to explain the origin of the world, universal catastrophes and natural disasters such as fire or floods, as well as the afterlife. Nearly all mythologies have stories about creation. This type of story is technically known as cosmogony, meaning “birth of the world.” (T Lansford, 2006) These Creation stories also include myths of how human beings first came into existence and how death and suffering entered human experience. In my assignment, I have chosen to describe the creation myth of Hinduism as I am a Hindu myself. I shall begin by creating a clear understanding of Hinduism thereafter proceeding on to discuss the various creation myths of this culture as well as its many religious beliefs. Finally, I will conclude my essay.
Pandey, T. N., 2014. Lecture 1/9/14: Culture of India: Aryan and Indigenous Population. Cultures of India. U.C. Santa Cruz.
Upon reading about the historical and religious background of Ancient India, one can clearly assume that the country was strongly influenced by three main religious teachings: Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. These three sects in religious thinking have many similarities as all recognize the life-cycle and the need of liberation, they worship one central deity that used to be a human who gained enlightenment and they all recognize the existence of the eternal soul and after-death re-incarnation. However, they also share a lot of differences that mark the underlying principles of practicing them. I will identify the scope of differences and similarities in these ancient religions in an attempt to understand why each attracted followers, why each was shaped a certain way and how they preserved the interest of followers on into the modern times as well.
In conclusion, the mythical aspects of earlier Chinese civilizations still play a crucial role in today’s society. Although the beliefs are not heavily believed, it is still important to understand the symbiotic message each mythical creature portrays. The Chinese myths are so far stretched and detailed, comparing to the great mythical schemes as those of the Greeks. By exploring the nature of the deities and the effects on the religion, the complexity of the myths are beyond legendary, speaking volumes to the foundation of China.
The book further talks about the multi-dimensional portrayal of gods in the Bhakti tradition where the gods appeared in male, female or even in neuter and animals forms , carrying tones of an homoer...
The Bhagavad Gita is a timeless example of how Hinduism can be applied and seen in Indian life. It also enforces the example of how Hinduism is the heart of India by demonstrating the qualities of ancient Indian culture. These beliefs although outdated, are also seen manifesting in many important values, such as Buddhism, which will be discussed later. It is in this document that both sets of beliefs which provide the foundation of Hindu and Buddhist beliefs are combined.
As we studied in class, early Indian culture and society in 300 C.E., the Hindu society was dominated by the caste system, which influenced almost every aspect of life. Each caste had its own particular dharma, carrying with rights, obligations and restrictions. Beyond this was a generalized dharma applicable to all: deference to the Brahmins, devotion to the gods, and reverence for the Ganges and for sacred cattle. Procreation too, was considered a sacred duty: large families were seen as blessings from the gods, and any attempt to limit family size was frowned upon. Since reproduction was essential to reincarnation, for most people marriage and parenthood were moral obligations.
However, this “childcenteredness”, was found to be limited to children. Indian tradition has always been indifferent, if not openly hostile, girls develop destination. The Indian tradition adheres to an ideology that reduces the role of the environment and included in the development of a child, and instead emphasizes a deterministic conception of mystical heritage. This mystical heritage in the Mahabharata was reduced to karmas of the previous life and the father of attributes (including caste) transmitted by his "seed" (Kakar, 1981: 199-200). These epics also reported on how children, especially young males, were placed under the supervision and guidance of respected gurus in which the moral precepts set forth in the shastras are taught in a one-to-one basis. But that, too, was limited to children breeds more