Hindu Gods And Mantras Flashcards

1
Q

What is Brahman?

A

The ultimate, formless, all-encompassing reality; the source of everything.

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2
Q

What is Brahma?

A

The creator god, part of the Hindu trinity (Trimurti).

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3
Q

What is Vishnu?

A

The preserver god, responsible for maintaining the universe; incarnates as Krishna and Rama.

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4
Q

What is Shiva?

A

The destroyer god, responsible for transformation and change; also a symbol of asceticism and meditation.

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5
Q

Who is Lakshmi?

A

Goddess of wealth, prosperity, and fortune; consort of Vishnu. Incarnates as Sita (wife of Rama) and Rukmini (wife of Krishna).

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6
Q

Who is Parvati?

A

Goddess of love, fertility, and devotion; wife of Shiva and mother of Ganesha and Kartikeya.

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7
Q

What is Shakti?

A

The feminine divine energy, representing the dynamic, creative power of the universe; personified as goddesses like Parvati, Durga, and Kali.

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8
Q

Who is Ganesha?

A

Son of Shiva and Parvati; remover of obstacles and god of beginnings and wisdom.

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9
Q

What is Bhakti?

A

Devotion or love for the divine; a path of worship, service, and surrender to God.

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10
Q

What is Vairagya?

A

Detachment or dispassion from worldly desires, leading to spiritual liberation.

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11
Q

What is Shanti?

A

Peace—inner peace and harmony; often chanted as ‘Om Shanti.’

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12
Q

What is Prema?

A

Divine love; unconditional and selfless love, especially toward the divine or all beings.

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13
Q

What is Moksha?

A

Liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara); the ultimate spiritual goal in Hinduism.

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14
Q

What is Karma?

A

The law of cause and effect; actions (good or bad) determine future outcomes in this life or the next.

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15
Q

What is Dharma?

A

One’s duty or righteous path; moral and ethical obligations in life.

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16
Q

What is Ishta Devata?

A

Your personal chosen deity in Hinduism, the form of the divine you feel most connected to for worship and guidance.

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17
Q

Why is Shiva important in Hinduism?

A

Shiva is the god of transformation and emotional healing, breaking down the old to make way for the new.

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18
Q

What is the mantra associated with Shiva?

A

Om Namah Shivaya.

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19
Q

Why is Ganesha important in Hinduism?

A

Ganesha is the remover of obstacles and god of beginnings; he helps with fresh starts and clarity.

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20
Q

What is the mantra associated with Ganesha?

A

Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha.

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21
Q

Why is Lakshmi important in Hinduism?

A

Lakshmi is the goddess of wealth, prosperity, and balance, aiding in financial and emotional stability.

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22
Q

What is the mantra associated with Lakshmi?

A

Om Shreem Mahalakshmiyei Namaha.

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23
Q

Why is Durga important in Hinduism?

A

Durga is the fierce protector and embodiment of divine feminine strength, offering courage and protection.

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24
Q

What is the mantra associated with Durga?

A

Om Dum Durgayei Namaha.

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25
Q

Why is Hanuman important in Hinduism?

A

Hanuman represents devotion, strength, and mental clarity, helping overcome obstacles with loyalty and power.

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26
Q

What is the mantra associated with Hanuman?

A

Om Hanumate Namaha.

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27
Q

What is the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra?

A

A mantra to Lord Shiva for healing, rejuvenation, and inner strength.

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28
Q

What is the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra?

A

Om Tryambakam Yajamahe Sugandhim Pushtivardhanam | Urvarukamiva Bandhanan Mrityor Mukshiya Maamritat.

29
Q

What is the Gayatri Mantra?

A

A universal prayer for guidance, wisdom, and enlightenment.

30
Q

What is the Gayatri Mantra?

A

Om Bhur Bhuvah Swah | Tat Savitur Varenyam | Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi | Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat.

31
Q

What is the Lakshmi Mantra?

A

A mantra invoking blessings of Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity and clarity.

32
Q

What is the Lakshmi Mantra?

A

Om Mahalakshmyai Cha Vidmahe | Vishnupatnyai Cha Dhimahi | Tanno Lakshmihi Prachodayat.

33
Q

What is the Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu mantra?

A

A mantra for loving-kindness and universal happiness.

34
Q

What does the Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu mantra translate to?

A

May all beings everywhere be happy and free.

35
Q

What is Lila?

A

The concept of divine play; the universe is a playful expression of Brahman.

36
Q

What is Maya?

A

The illusion of the material world that veils the true nature of reality.

37
Q

What is Atman?

A

The individual soul or self, which is identical with universal consciousness (Brahman).

38
Q

What is the Sri Yantra?

A

A sacred geometric symbol representing the union of masculine (Shiva) and feminine (Shakti) energies; used for meditation and manifestation.

39
Q

What is the purpose of the Devi Prayer?

A

To honor the divine feminine energy as a source of power and creativity.

40
Q

What is the mantra associated with the Devi Prayer?

A

Ya Devi Sarva Bhuteshu | Shakti Rupena Samsthita | Namastasyai Namastasyai | Namastasyai Namo Namaha.

41
Q

What is the Medicine Buddha Mantra?

A

A mantra for healing and alleviating pain for all beings.

42
Q

What is the Medicine Buddha Mantra?

A

Om Bekandze Bekandze Maha Bekandze Radza Samudgate Soha.

43
Q

Who is Goddess Kali?

A

Goddess Kali is a powerful and transformative deity in Hinduism, representing time (Kala), destruction, and spiritual liberation.

She is the fierce aspect of the Divine Mother, embodying the energy of change and the destruction of ego and ignorance.

44
Q

What is the appearance of Goddess Kali?

A

Black or dark-skinned, with wild hair, a garland of skulls, and a protruding tongue. She holds weapons and severed heads, symbolizing the destruction of ego and fear.

Her fierce appearance reflects her role in combating evil and ignorance.

45
Q

What role does Goddess Kali play in Hinduism?

A

Protector and liberator, destroying demons and negative forces while guiding devotees toward enlightenment.

She is often invoked for strength and protection in challenging times.

46
Q

What significant myth involves Goddess Kali?

A

Kali defeated the demon Raktabija by drinking his blood, preventing him from multiplying.

This myth illustrates her power to combat evil and restore balance.

47
Q

What is the spiritual meaning of Goddess Kali?

A

She transcends time and death, helping devotees overcome illusions and attachments to achieve moksha (spiritual liberation).

Kali’s teachings emphasize the importance of detachment and overcoming fear.

48
Q

During which festival is Goddess Kali especially venerated?

A

Kali Puja, particularly celebrated in Bengal.

This festival honors her as a symbol of fearlessness, transformation, and divine love.

49
Q

Fill in the blank: Goddess Kali embodies the energy of _______.

A

change and the destruction of ego and ignorance.

50
Q

True or False: Goddess Kali is associated with the concepts of preservation and peace.

A

False

Kali is primarily associated with destruction and transformation, not preservation.

51
Q

List three key aspects of Goddess Kali.

A
  • Appearance
  • Role
  • Spiritual Meaning
52
Q

What is Kali a manifestation of in Hinduism?

A

The Divine Feminine Shakti

Shakti represents the primordial cosmic energy that creates, sustains, and transforms the universe.

53
Q

What does Shakti represent?

A

Primordial cosmic energy

It is the force behind creation, sustenance, and transformation of the universe.

54
Q

What are the two aspects of Shakti represented by Kali?

A

Creative and Destructive Power

Kali’s transformative aspect brings destruction to make way for renewal and liberation.

55
Q

How does Kali transcend duality?

A

She is not bound by material world opposites

Kali transcends good and evil to reveal ultimate truth and spiritual liberation.

56
Q

What does Kali’s emergence from Durga illustrate?

A

Shakti’s ability to adapt and protect the cosmic order

This is highlighted in the story of the demon Raktabija.

57
Q

What is Kali’s role in relation to Moksha?

A

Symbol of Liberation

Kali liberates souls from the cycle of birth and death.

58
Q

What does Kali Ma emphasize?

A

Unconditional love for her devotees

Despite her fierce appearance, Kali is deeply compassionate and protective.

59
Q

In which tradition is Kali considered the ultimate representation of Shakti?

A

Tantric Tradition

Kali awakens and liberates the soul through spiritual practices, meditation, and surrender.

60
Q

Fill in the blank: Kali embodies all aspects of the divine feminine: creation, preservation, destruction, and _______.

A

transcendence

Kali guides her devotees to confront fears and align with eternal truth.

61
Q

True or False: Kali is only a destructive force in Hindu mythology.

A

False

Kali also embodies nurturing and protective energy.

62
Q

What does ‘Arkaya’ mean in this mantra?

A

‘Arkaya’ comes from Arka, which means ‘Sun’ or ‘radiance’ in Sanskrit. It symbolizes physical light, energy, vitality, and spiritual illumination.

The term highlights the significance of the Sun in spiritual and physical contexts.

63
Q

What is the literal meaning of “Om Arkaya Namaha”?

A

‘Om, I bow to the radiance of the Sun (Arkaya).’

The mantra expresses a direct salutation to the Sun.

64
Q

What does the repetition of ‘Arkaya’ signify?

A

The repetition emphasizes the importance of the Sun’s energy, symbolizing both physical light and spiritual enlightenment.

65
Q

What is the symbolic meaning of the arkaya mantra?

A

The mantra is a salutation to the Sun, representing gratitude for its life-giving energy and its role as a source of spiritual clarity and vitality.

66
Q

What are the benefits of chanting the arkaya mantra?

A
  • Invokes the Sun’s healing and rejuvenating powers.
  • Fosters mental clarity and spiritual growth.
  • Aligns with the energy of light and vitality.
67
Q

When is the best time to chant the arkaya mantra?

A

During sunrise, when seeking vitality or clarity, or in meditation to align with the Sun’s energy and foster spiritual illumination.

68
Q

How does ‘Arkaya’ relate to spiritual growth?

A

‘Arkaya’ symbolizes inner light and knowledge, reminding us of the path to spiritual awakening and enlightenment.