Hindu Mythology Quiz

1. A family places an elephant-headed deity's image near the entrance before beginning a new venture. Which deity are they honoring?

2. In the churning of the ocean, the Devas and Asuras seek a substance associated with immortality. What is it?

3. A student seeks the deity traditionally associated with learning, music, and eloquence. To whom would the student most directly turn?

4. Which goddess defeats the buffalo demon Mahishasura in a celebrated myth?

5. A warrior hesitates before battle, and his divine charioteer teaches him about duty, action, and spiritual insight. Who is the charioteer?

6. In artwork, a stream emerging from a deity's matted hair refers to the descent of the river Ganga. Which deity is shown?

7. Which pairing correctly matches a goddess with her widely recognized sphere of association?

8. Which Mahabharata character becomes the wife of the five Pandava brothers?

9. In many Ramayana-linked Diwali traditions, which event is commemorated by rows of lights?

10. A temple carving shows Vishnu traveling on a great eagle-like being. Which figure is serving as his mount?

11. The central dynastic conflict of the Mahabharata is fought mainly between which two groups of cousins?

12. A myth describes Vishnu appearing in a form that is neither fully human nor fully animal to defeat Hiranyakashipu. Which avatar is this?

13. Villagers shelter beneath a mountain lifted by a youthful deity who challenges reliance on Indra's storms. Who lifts the mountain?

14. When Rama goes into exile in the Ramayana, which brother chooses to accompany him?

15. A hero leaps across the sea to Lanka, finds Sita, and later carries a mountain associated with healing herbs. Who is he?

16. A story mentions Hastinapura, the dice game, exile, and the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Which epic provides its main narrative setting?