Gandiva Bow of Arjuna in Mahabharata

Gandiva is the bow of Arjuna, one of the five Pandava brothers. Arjuna is the central character of Hindu epic Mahabharata. Gandiva bow was created by Hindu God Brahma.

Gandiva bow was given to Arjuna by Lord Agni. The bow made Arjuna really strong during the Mahabharata war.

After the Kurukshetra war, Agni Dev asked Arjuna to return the Gandiva to Varuna. Arjuna abandon the Gandiva bow in the waters of the sea and thus Gandiva was returned to the gods.

Dadhimukha vanara in Ramayana - Uncle of Sugreeva

The word Dadhimukha literally means “milk-faced”. Dadhimukha in Ramayana is the maternal uncle of Sugriva (Sugreeva), the king of Vanaras. He was part of the vanara army in Ramayana.

Dadhimukha guarded the forest Madhuvana situated between the Mahendra Mountain and Kishkindha. Madhuvana is noted for its wide variety of fruits, herbs and lots of honey.

Dadhimukha’s name can also be seen in the Hindu epic Mahabharatha.

Chhaya or Chaya - consort of Hindu God Surya

Chaya is the consort of Hindu God Surya. Chhaya, also spelled Chaya, is a Sanskrit word which literally means "shadow" or "shade". Chhaya is regarded as the shadow-image or reflection of Saranyu (Sangya), the first wife of Surya. Saranyu created Chhaya from her shadow, as she was unable to bear the heat of Lord Surya.

 Chhaya is the mother of Lord Shani, the god of the planet Saturn.

Quick Facts

Parents - Vishwakarma
Consort - Surya or Sun God
Children - Lord Shani Dev, Tapati, Bhadra (own children)
Step-Children - Yami, Yama, Ashvins, Revanta

Affiliation - Devi, shadow of Sandhya
Abode - Suryaloka
Mantra - Om Chhayave Namah

Bhairava - Vairavar form of Hindu God Shiva

Bhairava is one of the manifestations of Hindu God Shiva. Bhairava is also known by the name Dandapani, as he holds a Danda (rod) to punish those people who are sinful. Bhairav is a Hindu Tantric deity worshiped by Hindus.

The word Bhairava is derived from the word “bhiru”, which literally means "fearful". Bhairava means "terribly fearful form".

Quick Facts

Other names – Swaswa, Dandapani, Vairavar
Affiliation - Rudra, Shiva
Consort - Bhairavi
Vahana – Dog
Weapon - Trishula, Khaṭvanga

Main Festival Associated - Bhairava Ashtami
Important Observances - Bhairava Ashtami
Mantra - Om Shri Kaal Bhairavaya Namaha
Associated Number – 33
Forms of Bhairava – Total 64 Bhairavas

Achyuta - Acyuta - Name of Vishnu

Achyuta, also spelled Acyuta, is a Sanskrit word which literally means “infallible”. It is one of the popular names of Maha Vishnu. It appears as the 100th and 318th names in the Vishnu Sahasranama (the 1008 names of Vishnu).

Achyutha, according to Adi Shankara's commentary, means "one who will never lose his inherent nature and powers". 

Other literal meanings of Achyuta are - "immovable", "unchangeable", "imperishable", "unfailing" 

Matali - Charioteer of Lord Indra

Matali is the charioteer of Lord Indra, the King of the Gods. He is often employed by Indra as a messenger on his behalf. Matali is regarded as the greatest charioteer in the world. Matali took Arjuna to the kingdom of gods.

Quick Facts:

Father – Samika Rishi
Mother – Tapasvini

Consort - Sudharma
Son – Gomukha
Daughter - Guna Kesi
Son in law – Sumukha

Tourist Place: 

Matali Caves is also one of the noted caves in the list of caves in Papua, New Guinea.

Agni - Vedic Fire God of Hinduism

Agni is a Sanskrit word which literally means fire. In Hinduism, Agni is regarded as the God of Fire. Agni is one of the 5 Pancha Bhoota or the five great elements. Rishi Kashyapa and Aditi are the parents of Agni Dev.

Agni is of great significance in Hinduism, and is considered as the medium that conveys offering to them in a Homa (ritual).

Consort – Goddess Svaha
Vahana – Ram
Siblings of Agni - Indra, Brihaspati, Varuna, Vayu, Dyaus, Samudra