Knowledge Bank

What is the meaning of Itihasa?

In Sanskrit, Itihasa means इतिह आस्ते अस्मिन् - that which contains advice to live a fulfilling life. They are based on real incidents of the past. The two Itihasas are Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Some vahanas in temple festivals

Vahanas or vehicles are used for taking out processions during festivals in temples. Some of them are - Surya Mandala, Chandra Mandala, Simha, Ashwa, Gaja, Hamsa, Garuda, Mayura, Hanuman, Nandi, Kalpavriksha, Meru, Pushpa Mandapa, Anantha, Andolika, and Brahma Ratha.