Free topic Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Free topic - Research Paper Example However, the power of mythology evolves from its capability to communicate the existing requirements for identity within a human society (Williams, 2-3). The cultural as well as religious identity related to Hinduism is considered as quite broad. In Hindu mythology, there are more than 330 million role models that are most likely to validate the person’s identity who have been framed in pace with the developing mankind since ancient times (Doyle, â€Å"Hindu Mythology†). Thesis Statement Two short stories have been considered in the discussion henceforth, i.e. the Story of Yayati and the Incarnation of Vishnu as a Fish with the sole intention to obtain a better knowledge regarding the linkage of cultural values, philosophies and beliefs perceived by Indians with Hindu mythology. Hence, the chief objective of the discussion will be to obtain a better in-sight to the rudiments of Hindu mythology. Rudiments of Hindu Mythology Being the ancient most religion, Hindu mytholog y presents a rich culture along with some distinct but highly valuable principles of human life which can bring integrity and prosperity within the mankind. As the inherent values, ethos and principles of human culture are practiced as a complex purpose, various stories have been described in Hindu mythology rendering a comprehensive understanding of morality and justness within human society. One of the rudiments of Hindu mythology depicts that women play a dominant role as Shakti possessing the power of creation as well as destruction (Goel, â€Å"The Sacred Feminine in Hinduism†). As demonstrated in Ramayana, Kaikeyi (the third wife of King Dasharath) and Manthara (Kaikeyi’s maid) played the fundamental roles to cause the exile of Rama from Ayodhya which certainly caused destruction at the primary view, but for a greater good, i.e. the death of Ravana. Again, in the Story of King Yayati, Devyani (the daughter of sage Shukracharya) was shown imposing a direct impact on the decision making of her father causing the curse of King Yayati (Joshi, â€Å"The Story from Mahabharata†). Another rudiment of Hindu mythology emphasizes on the aspect that there is one ‘Supreme Soul’, God who is the creator and destructor of the cosmos. He is one who preserves the mankind and also punishes them according to their deeds (Hindu Wisdom, â€Å"Symbolism in Hinduism†). This particular belief can be observed apparently with reference to the story of Matsaya Avatar by Lord Vishnu. Matsya Avatar by Lord Vishnu is thought to have taken place in Satya Yuga when the Lord destroyed the life on earth due to the unsystematic and unjust practices of human kind (Purucker, â€Å"Section 4: Galaxies and Solar Systems: their Genesis, Structure, and Destiny†). It can be stated that the ‘Law of Karma’ is basic principles of Hinduism. Karma tends to generate its fruits in the form of pain as well as pleasure. It can be observed from the story of Yayati that King Yayati had been cursed by Shukracharya because of King’s own Karma or deeds to have a secret relationship with Sharmishtha. Furthermore, the ‘Law of Karma’ has also been reflected in the story of Matsaya Avatar where the demon, Hayagriva was defeated by Lord Vishnu owing to his deed of stealing the precious Vedas and hampering the creation of life on earth (Sivananda, â€Å"Hinduism†). The Matsya or Fish Avatara According to the Satapatha Brahmana, a Hindu sacred text