One of the tribes dwelling in the Northern part of India.

The meaning of the term Ātmasambhava (Atmasamhava) is ‘the One who can be born out of One’s own self’. Parameśvara (Parameswara; the Absolute Divinity) can emanate Himself through his own Māya (Maya; the illusion of empirical reality) from His fundamental and eternal state of Being; hence we call Him Svyambhūta (Swyambhuta; Self-emerged). Matsyapurāṇa(Matsyapurana) has mentioned […]

One of the mantradraṣṭā (mantradrasta; one who has a vision of the mantra) ṛṣis (rishis, sages) belonging to the clan of Bhṛgu (Bhrigu). Ātmavan, son of Cyavana(Chyavana), married Ruci (Ruchi), daughter of King Nahuṣa. Sage Aurva was born from the uru (thigh) of Ruci. In a different version of Brahmāṇdapurāṇa, the name Āpravān (Apravan) can […]

A sage. Purāṇas (Purana) trace the distinguished lineage of the great sage Atrāyani (Atrayani) in the genealogy of sages descending from the great sage Aṅgirā (Angira).

Ātreyāyaṇi (Atreyayani) is one of the ṛṣi-vaṁśas (rishi-vamsa; genealogical line or disciple-cult of rishis) belonging to the gotra (clan) of Sage Aṇgirā (Angira). They are also known as Āngirasa (Angirasa), since they come of Aṇgirā — genealogically , or through the line of disciples.

Atri was one of the six supreme patriarch ṛṣi (rishi; sage) — like Marīci (Marichi) and Aṅgirā (Angira) — who were born at the onset of the Creation. Many legends are associated with the birth of these six prime sages, and the great sage Atri is no exception. The foremost of these legends is that all […]

A place of pilgrimage located in Himālaya (Himalaya; the Himalayas).  This holy place is also famous as a shrine suitable for performing the funeral rites of the manes. Performing last rites of one’s ancestors and giving away things in charity at this holy site earns one great puṇya (punya).  There is also a shrine called Aṭṭahāsa in […]

A mountain peak in the Himalayan range. Mahādeva (Mahadeva) or Śiva (Shiva) appears on this peak in the twentieth dvāpara (dwapara) era. This peak is a holy place where the goddess Mahānandā (Mahananda) resides. 

Ten sons were born of the womb of Apsarā (Apsara; Celestial Courtesan) Dhṛtā (Dhrita), and sired by Bhadrāśva (Bhadraswa), in the genealogical line of Puru, the youngest son of Yayāti (Yayati). Auceyu was the eldest among these ten sons. King Auceyu married Jvalanā (Jwalana), daughter of Takṣaka (Takshaka) Nāga (Naga; Snake). Rajarṣi (Rajarshi; A king […]

The vaṃśa (vamsa; lineage) of Maharṣi(Maharshi; Great Sage) Aukṣi (Aukshi) was one of the ṛṣivaṁśa(s) belonging to the gotra of Maharṣi Bhṛgu (Bhrigu). Maharṣi Aukṣi was related to Bhṛguvaṃśa through a genealogical or disciple-wise connection.  

Auṇḍra (Aundra) is a locality situated on Vindhyaparvata (the mountain Vindhya).

Matsya Purāṇa talked about the family of Maharṣi Aupagava which was one of the sage families included in the larger clan of Maharṣi Vaśiṣtha. It seemed that the family of Maharṣi Aupagava was connected with that of Maharṣi Vaśiṣtha through the tradition of disciples or through the family lineage.

Matsya Purāṇa talked about the family of Maharṣi Aupaloma which was one of the sage families included in the larger clan of Maharṣi Vaśiṣtha It seemed that the family of Maharṣi Aupaloma was connected with that of Maharṣi Vaśiṣtha through the tradition of disciples or through the family lineage.

The sons or disciples of Sage Upamanyu are known as Aupamanyu, or Aupamanyava, in plural. In the Vedic age, they were basically known as an order well-versed in Vyākaraṇa (Vyakarana; Grammar). Yāṣka (Yaska), the author of Nirukta, has cited the opinion of these Aupamanyava in many places. In Vāyupurāṇa (Vayupurana), it is said that , The […]

Matsya Purāṇa talked about the family of Maharṣi Aupasthala which was one of the sage families included in the larger clan of Maharṣi Vaśiṣtha It seemed that the family of Maharṣi Aupasthala was connected with that of Maharṣi Vaśiṣtha through the tradition of disciples or through the family lineage.

A province near Gāndhāra. It was enriched by the water of the river Sindhu. The present location of this province still remains unknown.

Aurva is a sage, belonging to the order of Bhṛgu(Bhrigu). In Rāmāyaṇa (Ramayana), Mahābhārata (Mahabharata)and Purāṇa(s) (Purana),there are many legends related to the birth and life of Aurva. However, the earliest mention of sage Aurva can be found in Ṛgveda (Rigveda) and the ancient Brāhmaṇa (Brahmana) texts. In a sūkta of the eighth cycle of […]

It was mentioned in the Matsyapurāṇa (Matsyapurana) that Devī Bhagavatī (Devi Bhagavati; Goddess Bhagavati) was incarnated as Ausadhī (Aushadhi) in the North Kuru provinces.

Auṣajiti (Aushajiti) is a sage. The vaṃśa (vamsa; genealogical or disciple-wise order) of sage Auṣajiti is one of those ṛṣivaṁśa(ṣ), belonging to the pravara of Maharṣi (Maharshi; Great Sage) Aṅgirā (Angira), as mentioned in Purāṇa (Purana; Mythological Scripture).

In Śāntiparva (Santiparva) of Mahābhārata (Mahabharata), it is said that the airy sphere above the ground-level, where moisture from water is created by the help of sun-rays, is called ‘Pravaha’. The next sphere, whereto the clouds filled with moisture are transported from ‘Pravaha’, is called Āvaha (Avaha). Its modern name is Troposphere. In Mahābhārata (Mahabharata), […]

While slaying Andhakāsura (Andhakasura), Mahādeva (Mahadeva)created a number of Mātṛkā (Matrika; an order of lesser female deities) from his own body. Avālā (Avala) was one of those Mātṛkā.

Avantikā (Avantika) is a sacred pitṛtīrtha (pitritirtha; a site of pilgrimage sacred to the forefathers’ spirit).

While slaying Andhakāsura (Andhakasura), Mahādeva (Mahadeva)created a number of Mātṛkā (Matrika; an order of lesser female deities) from his own body. Avikārā (Avikara) was one of those Mātṛkā.

Vārāṇasī (Varanasi), the abode of Śiva-Maheśvara (Siva-Maheswara) is called Avimuktakṣetra (Avimuktaksetra; the space called Avimukta). In Matsyapurāṇa (Matsyapurana) while speaking of the greatness of Vārāṇasī, Goddess Pārvatī (Parvati) wanted to know about Avimuktakṣetra. Śiva then said, “Vārāṇasī is my perpetual abode. I have never left this sacred place, nor will I leave it ever in […]

Aya is one of the sons of Maharṣi (Maharshi; Great Sage) Vaśiṣṭha (Vasistha). He was a Prajāpati (Prajapati; Ruler of the people) during Svārociṣa (Swarochisha) Manvantara.  

Ayaḥśanku (Ayahsanku) is an Asura warrior, a follower of the Demon-king, Vali.

Ayaḥśiras (Ayaḥśirā) is an Asura warrior, a follower of the Demon-king, Vali.

Āyatāyana(Ayatayana) is one of the ṛṣivaṁśa (rishivamsa; genealogical or disciple-wise line of sages) belonging to the gotra (clan) of Maharṣi (Maharshi, Great Sage) Viśvāmitra (Viswamitra). Through the hereditary or disciple-wise line from Viśvāmitra, they are also known as Kauśika (Kaushika).

The birthplace of the famous Rāmacandra (Ramacandra), also the place of his many deeds, and the land of Ādikavi (Adikavi) Vālmīki’s conception. In Rāmāyaṇa (Ramayana), Kośala (Kosala) is described as a rich land, situated on the southern bank of Sarayū (Sarayu). The capital of this Kośala was Ayodhyā (Ayodhya). Rāmacandra (Ramachandra) ruled Ayodhyā. Manu, lord of […]

While slaying Andhakāsura (Andhakasura), Mahādeva (Mahadeva) created innumerable Mātṛkā (Matrika; an order of female deities) out of his own body. Ayomukhī (Ayomukhi) was one of those Mātṛkā.

Ayonisaṅgama (Ayonisangama) is a sacred nadī-tīrtha(nadi-tirtha; river-pilgrimage), where the Pāṇḍava(s) (Pandava) took a bath. Having a bath in this site, one gets salvation. It is located on the bank of river Narmadā (Narmada). It is advised that having a bath in this site, without having conjugal relationship with women, one should go to Pāṇḍaveśvara (Pandaveswara). […]

Āyu is one of the sons born of Urvaśī , sired by Purūravā. In Brahmaṇḍapurāṇa, Vāyupurāṇa, Viṣṇupurāṇa and Bhāgavatapurāṇa it is said that Āyu is the eldest of the six sons of Urvaśī and Purūravā. However, Matsyapurāṇa says that Āyu is the eldest of the eight sons of Urvaśī and Purūravā. In Vāyupurāṇa and Brahmāṇḍapurāṇa […]

According to Matsyapurāṇa (Matsyapurana), Āyuṣmān (Ayushman) is the son of Prahlāda (Prahlada), the king of Daitya (a type of Demons). According to Viṣṇupurāṇa (Vishnupurana), Āyuṣmān(Ayshman) is the son of Saṁhlāda (Samhlada).

Ayutāyu (Ayutayu) is the son of king Sindhudvīpa (Sindhudwipa), belonging to Ikṣvākuvaṃśa (Ikshvakuvamsa; the Ikshvaku dynasty). In the Bengal recension of Viṣṇupurāṇa (Vishnupurana), he is referred to as Ayutāśva (Ayutaswa). He is the father of Rājarṣi (Rajarshi; a king with the attributes of a seer) Ṛtuparṇa (Rituparna).

Ekacakra (Ekachakra) is one of the sons born of the womb of Danu, and sired by  Kaśyapa (Kasyapa) Prajāpati (Prajapati; Ruler of the people). From the Aṁśāvataraṇa-parva (Amsavatarana-parva) of Mahābhārata (Mahabharata) it is known that Ekacakra was incarnated as King Prativindhya to be born in Martyaloka (the earthly abode) in Dvāparauga (Dwaparayuga; the epoch called Dwapara).

In Padmapurāṇa (Padmapurana), the glory of Ekādaśīvrata (Ekadasivrata) is hailed as far greater than all other vrata(s), and major yajña (yajna) performances.The greatness of visiting pilgrimages, donation, and other vratas – are highly praised – until there comes the issue of greatness of fasting on the Ekādaśī tithi — tāvadgarjanti tīrthāni dānāni niyamāni ca yāvannopoṣayejunturvāsaraṃ […]

Ekakarṇa (Ekakarna) is an ancient locality. According to Purāṇa (Purana; Mythological Scripture), Gaṅgā (Ganga) got divided into seven branches and flowed on Martyaloka (the earthly sphere). Ekakarṇa (Ekakarna) was one of the localities situated on the bank of the branch of Gaṅgā (Ganga) that flowed eastward.

While slaying Andhakāsura (Andhakasura), Mahādeva (Mahadeva) created innumerable Mātṛkā (Matrika; lesser female deities), so that they could assist him in slaying the Asura. Ekākṣi (Ekakshi) was one of those Mātṛkā.

Ekāmraka (Ekamraka) is a sacred tīrtha (tirtha; site of pilgrimage). Goddess Satī (Sati) is known as Kīrtimatī (Kirtimati) in this tīrtha. This is also known as Āmrataka (Amrataka). It is a highly worthy place for performing the rituals of śrāddha (sarddha).

Ekaparṇā (Ekaparna)is one of the daughters born of the womb of Menā (Mena), and sired by Himālaya (Himalaya), king of the mountains. It is known that she practised tapasyā (tapasya; ascetic penance) for two thousand years, sitting under a banyan tree. During this long period, she lived by partaking of one banyan leaf daily.For this […]

A situation like “water, water, everywhere” is called Ekārṇava (Ekarnava). In Purāṇa(s) (Purana; Mythological Scriptutes), it is said that after a no-rain phase , if rain comes down and this continues for hundred years, incessantly, the entire world becomes overflowing with water; and all creatures get deluged. In such a condition the whole world appears […]

According to Brahmāṇḍapurāṇa (Brahmandapurana), Yogotpatti was the Mānasakanyā (Manasakanya; a daughter born out of imagination or mental conception) of the Sādhya (Sadhya) Pitṛgaṇa (Pitrigana; a sect of forefathers). This Yogotpatti later came to be known as Ekaśṛṅgā(Ekasringa). Sanatkumāra (Sanatkumara), son of Brahmā(Brahma) got Ekaśṛṅgā (Ekasringa) married to Śukrācārya (Sukracharya). Ekaśṛṅgā gave birth to a number […]

In Matsyapurāṇa (Matsyapurana), it is mentioned that Goddess Śakti (Sakti; the divine manifestation of elemental female power or the feminine principle behind creation) is known as Ekavīrā (Ekavira) in Sahyādri (Sahyadri; a mountain in South India). In Skandapurāṇa (Skandapurana) it is said that , Goddess Ekavīrā resides in a place that is a million yojana (a […]

While slaying Andhakāsura (Andhakasura), Mahādeva (Mahadeva) created out of his body innumerable Mātṛkā (Matrika; a kind of lesser female deities) in order to get their assistance in the slaying of the Asura.  Ekavīrā (Ekvira) (Ekavira) was one of these Mātṛkā.

Ekāyana(Ekayana) is a ṛṣi (rishi; sage). He is one of those sages whose names are mentioned in Purāṇa (Purana) as gotra-pravartaka (clan-founder) of the Bhārgava (Bhargava) clan.

In Matsyapurāṇa (Matsyapurana), it is said that when Hiraṇyakaśipu (Hiranyakasipu) launched an attack upon heaven, several Nāga(s) (Naga; Snake) living in Pātāla (Patala; the underworld) trembled under the pressure of his feet. Elāmukha(Elamukha) was one of these sanakes.

Elāpatra (Elapatra) is one of the Nāga(s) (Naga; Snake) born of the womb of Kadru, and sired by Kaśyapa (Kasyapa) Prajāpati (Prajapati). Elāpatra was one of the distinuished Nāga  living in Bhogavatīpurī (Bhogavatipuri, the city of Bhogavati), as mentioned by Nārada (Narada)to Mātali (Matali). When the gods wanted to know the way to stop Janamejaya’s […]

Elāpura(Elapura) is a sacred Pitṛtīrtha (Pitritirtha; a site of pilgrimage dedicated to the spirits of forefathers). It is sacred place suitable for performing the śrāddha (sraddha; post-funeral ritual dedicated to the deceased) ritual. matsa This is probably located in modern Elora.  However, Cunningham has identified the place called Verawal in Kathiawad, as the ancient Elāpura.

According to Matsyapurāṇa (Matsyapurana), Īḍya (Idya) is one of the sons of Śāvarṇi (Savarni) Manu in Bhaviṣyat (Bhabishyat; future) Manvantara.

Name of a river that has been mentioned along with Vedasmṛtā (Vedasmrita), Vedavatī (Vedavati) and Tridivā (Tridiva) in Jambukhaṇḍavinirmāṇaparva [Jambukhandabinirmanparva; a sub-chapter of Bhīṣmaparva (Bhishmaparva)] of Mahābhārata (Mahabharata). But the source of this river is not given in Mahābhārata. In Vāyupurāna (Vayupurana), river Ikṣulā (Ikshula), along with Trisāmā (Trisama), Ṛtukulyā (Ritukulya), Lāṅgulinī (Langulini), Vaṃśdharā (Vamsadhara), […]