Terms Flashcards
Who is Vishnu?
Vishnu is a major deity in Hinduism known as the preserver or protector of the universe. He embodies mercy, compassion, and order, intervening whenever cosmic balance is threatened. Vishnu’s role is often depicted through his avatāras, or incarnations, such as Rama and Krishna, who appear on earth to restore dharma (righteousness). Vishnu is commonly depicted with four arms holding symbols like a conch, discus, lotus, and mace, representing his divine attributes. His role in the Hindu trinity (alongside Brahma, the creator, and Shiva, the destroyer) is to maintain harmony and protect creation.
Who is Shiva?
Shiva is one of the principal deities in Hinduism, revered as the destroyer and transformer within the Hindu trinity (with Brahma as the creator and Vishnu as the preserver). Known for his role in cycles of creation, destruction, and regeneration, Shiva is associated with asceticism, meditation, and cosmic energy. He is often depicted with a third eye symbolizing higher consciousness, a serpent around his neck, and the river Ganga flowing from his hair, representing purification. His dual nature includes both fierce and benevolent aspects; he is both the peaceful, meditative ascetic and the powerful, destructive force. Married, Lord of dance, Doesn’t care about looking like a god he dresses normally.
What is Shakti?
Shakti is the Hindu concept of divine feminine power and energy, representing the dynamic force that sustains the universe. She is worshipped as the mother goddess and is often personified in various forms, including goddesses like Parvati, Durga, and Kali, each embodying different aspects of strength, compassion, and protection. As the consort of Shiva, Shakti is viewed as his essential counterpart, activating his creative and transformative powers. In many Hindu traditions, Shakti is considered the ultimate reality, the source of all energy, life, and movement, symbolizing empowerment and the primal cosmic force that drives existence.
What is Varna&Jati?
Varna refers to the four broad social categories (Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra) that define social hierarchy in traditional Hindu society. This framework is idealized in texts like the Puruṣa Sūkta and prescribes duties and social roles. Jati refers to subdivisions within varnas or independent social groups that often correlate with profession. Jati is localized and can vary widely, reflecting India’s complex social landscape.
What is Dalit?
Dalit (literally “oppressed” or “broken”) refers to communities in India historically marginalized and excluded under the caste system, often categorized as “untouchables.” Dalits have faced systemic discrimination and social exclusion in various spheres, including education, employment, and religion. Efforts for Dalit empowerment have been central to movements advocating for equality, dignity, and justice, including reforms led by figures like B.R. Ambedkar, who emphasized education, legal rights, and social change.
Who is Dr Ambedkar?
Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (1891-1956) was a visionary leader, social reformer, and the principal architect of the Indian Constitution. Born into the Dalit Mahar caste, Ambedkar personally experienced discrimination, which fueled his commitment to dismantling the caste system. His advocacy focused on eradicating caste-based oppression and promoting equality for all individuals in Indian society. Ambedkar challenged mainstream Hindu society’s treatment of Dalits and sought legal protections and educational opportunities for marginalized communities. Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi had ideological disagreements on how best to address caste. Ambedkar favored a separate electorate for Dalits to ensure fair representation.
What is Puja?
Puja (literally “worship”) is a ritual in Hinduism that involves offering devotion and reverence to deities, objects, or spiritual ideals. Performed at home or in temples, puja includes acts such as chanting, offering flowers, incense, food, and water, and lighting lamps. It serves as a way to connect with the divine, seek blessings, and express gratitude. Variations range from simple daily rituals to elaborate ceremonies marking festivals or life events.
What is Darshan?
Darshan (literally “view” or “sight”) refers to the auspicious act of seeing and being seen by a deity, saint, or sacred object in Hinduism and other Indian traditions. It is a deeply spiritual experience, often occurring in temples or during festivals, where devotees believe they receive divine blessings through the exchange of gaze. Darshan symbolizes a moment of connection and grace between the divine and the devotee.
what is nirguna & saguna bhakti?
Nirguna Bhakti (literally “devotion to the formless”) refers to worship focused on the divine as an abstract, formless, and transcendent reality, beyond attributes. It emphasizes meditation, inner reflection, and the realization of the ultimate truth (Brahman).
Saguna Bhakti (literally “devotion to the with attributes”) involves worship of a personal deity with form and qualities, such as Krishna, Rama, or Devi. It includes rituals, singing, and devotion expressed through physical representations of the divine.
What is Prasad?
Prasad (literally “grace” or “favor”) refers to food or other offerings made to a deity during worship, which are later distributed and consumed by devotees as a blessing. It symbolizes the deity’s grace and is considered spiritually purifying. Prasad can range from simple items like fruits and sweets to elaborate meals, and its preparation and distribution are seen as acts of devotion and service.
What is Ramayana?
Ramayana (literally “Rama’s journey”) is an ancient Indian epic attributed to the sage Valmiki, recounting the life and adventures of Rama, a prince and avatar of Vishnu. It narrates Rama’s exile, the abduction of his wife Sita by the demon king Ravana, and her rescue. The Ramayana emphasizes values like duty (dharma), devotion, and righteousness, influencing Hindu culture, art, and spirituality across centuries.
What is Ramlila?
Ramlila (literally “Rama’s play”) is a traditional theatrical performance that dramatizes episodes from the Ramayana, particularly the life of Lord Rama, his battle with Ravana, and his return to Ayodhya. Performed during the festival of Navratri, it combines acting, music, and dance. This play, usually symbolizing the victory of good over evil. Ramlila serves as a cultural and devotional celebration, fostering community spirit and moral reflection.
What is Raslila?
Raslila (literally “play of divine love”) is a traditional performance that enacts the stories of Krishna’s playful interactions with the gopis (cowherd maidens) of Vrindavan, particularly the divine dance (Rasa) where Krishna multiplies himself to dance with each gopi simultaneously. Rooted in Bhakti (devotion), it symbolizes the soul’s yearning for union with the divine. Performed with music, dance, and dialogue, Raslila remains a vibrant devotional art form, especially in regions like Vrindavan and Mathura.
Who is Ravidas?
Ravidas (c. 15th–16th century) was a revered saint, poet, and social reformer in the Bhakti movement, known for his devotional hymns emphasizing equality, love, and devotion to God. Born in a Dalit community, he rejected caste discrimination and advocated for a casteless, inclusive spiritual path. Ravidas’s teachings focus on nirguna bhakti (worship of the formless divine) and the pursuit of liberation through devotion, humility, and ethical living. His verses are included in the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism. Ravidas is venerated by followers worldwide, especially in the Ravidasia community.
Who is Mirabai?
Mirabai (c. 1498–1547) was a legendary saint, poet, and devotee of Krishna, renowned for her deep devotion and lyrical compositions in the Bhakti tradition. Born into a royal family, she defied societal norms, renouncing her privileged life to immerse herself in Krishna worship. Mirabai’s songs, expressing divine love, longing, and surrender, remain influential in Indian devotional literature. She is celebrated for her spiritual courage, rejecting caste and gender restrictions, and inspiring millions with her unwavering devotion.
