Akshauhini An Akshauhini (Sanskrit: अक्षौहिणी), is described in the Mahabharata as a battle formation consisting of 21,870 chariots (Sanskrit Ratha); 21,870 elephants; 65,610 cavalry and 109,350 infantry (Adi Parva 2.15-23). The ratio is 1 chariot : 1 elephant : 3 cavalry : 5 infantry soldiers. In each of these large number groups (65,610, etc.),…
Aruni Uddalaka Aruni or Uddalaka or Uddalaka Aruni (fl. c. 7th century BCE) was a philosopher of Vedic India, whose teachings are recorded in the Brihadaranyaka and Chandogya Upanishads. One of the first philosophers inrecorded history, he taught that everything in the universe (including all living things) is made of…
Sun God – One of the Adityas Adityas Āditya (Sanskrit: आदित्य), meaning “of Aditi or related to Aditi”, refers to the offsprings of Aditi. Adityas are solar class deities. In the Rigveda, the Ādityas are the seven celestial deities, sons of Āditi, headed by Varuna, followed by Mitra: They are: Varuna, Mitra, Aryaman, Bhaga, Anśa or Aṃśa, Dhātṛ or Dakṣa,…
Ashvins The Ashvins, in Hindu mythology, are divine twin horsemen in the Rigveda, sons of Saranya, a goddess of the clouds and wife of Surya in his form as Vivasvat. The Ashvins are Vedic gods symbolising the shining of sunrise and sunset, appearing in the sky before the dawn in…