Mythology

The statement "He said to let them build a great wooden horse" alludes to the story of the Trojan Horse from Greek mythology. In this tale, the Greeks, after a long and unsuccessful siege of the city of Troy, devised a plan to trick the Trojans. They built a large wooden horse and hid a group of soldiers inside.

The Greeks then pretended to sail away, leaving the horse behind. A Greek soldier, Sinon, was left behind to convince the Trojans that the horse was an offering to the gods and that it was meant to be brought inside the city walls. Despite warnings from some, such as Cassandra and Laocoön, the Trojans, curious and perhaps believing they had won the war, brought the horse inside their city.

During the night, the Greek soldiers emerged from the horse, opened the city gates, and allowed the rest of the Greek army to enter, leading to the fall of Troy.

According to classical sources, Narcissus was indeed known for his exceptional beauty. While the specific age of Narcissus isn't universally agreed upon in all accounts, he is consistently depicted as a strikingly handsome young man.

Here are some points gathered from reputable sources:

• Appearance: Narcissus was famed for his beauty. He was so beautiful that he attracted the attention of many admirers, both male and female.
• Age: Though the precise age varies, he is generally portrayed as a young man, typically in his late teens or early twenties.

For further reading, you might find the following resource helpful:

• Encyclopædia Britannica - Narcissus

According to Hindu mythology, during the construction of the Rama Setu (bridge) to Lanka, a small squirrel wanted to contribute to the effort. While the monkeys were carrying large stones, the squirrel rolled in the sand and then shook itself over the bridge, depositing tiny grains of sand.

The monkeys mocked the squirrel for its insignificant contribution. Lord Rama, witnessing this, appreciated the squirrel's devotion and effort. He picked up the squirrel, and stroked its back. The marks of Rama's fingers are said to be the stripes that squirrels bear to this day.

The story highlights the importance of selfless service and devotion, regardless of size or capability. Lord Rama's actions demonstrate that every contribution, no matter how small, is valuable when offered with sincerity and love.

The story of Bheema's finger is associated with the tale of how the Shiva Lingam was established at Bheemashankar Temple .

The Legend:

• The Demon: A demon named Tripurasura terrorized the world, and Lord Shiva vanquished him.
• Bheema's Role: Bheema, known for his strength, was instrumental in the battle against Tripurasura.
• The Sweat: After the fierce battle, Shiva rested on the Sahyadri hills. The sweat that poured from his body formed a river (Bhima River).
• The Lingam: It is believed that the Shiva Lingam at Bheemashankar is self-manifested (Swayambhu).
• Bheema's Finger: As the legend goes, Bheema pressed his finger into the ground to create a source of water to quench Shiva's thirst after the battle with Tripurasura. This act is associated with the origin of a holy water source near the temple.

Yudhishthira calls Dharma the best friend in the Yaksha Prashna episode of the Mahabharata. This is revealed through a series of questions posed by a Yaksha (a forest spirit) to Yudhishthira, and his subsequent answers.

When asked who a man's best friend is, Yudhishthira replies:

His reasoning is that Dharma accompanies a person even after death. Wealth and relationships are temporary and left behind in the mortal world, but the consequences of one's righteous actions (Dharma) follow the soul into the afterlife, shaping their future existence.

Essentially, Yudhishthira emphasizes the importance of living a virtuous and righteous life, as these actions provide enduring benefits beyond death.

Orpheus possessed an extraordinary talent for music. He was renowned for his ability to:

• Play the lyre: His music was so beautiful and enchanting that it could charm all living things, including animals, trees, and even rocks.
• Sing: His voice was equally captivating, adding to the magic of his lyre playing.

Sources:

• Britannica - Orpheus
• Theoi.com - Orpheus

In Hindu mythology, Akshara is not directly Shiva's offspring. Akshara is not a widely recognized or commonly mentioned figure in popular Hindu scriptures and stories related to Shiva. Shiva's more recognized children are Kartikeya and Ganesha.