Abarimon are a mythological tribe of reversed-footed people renowned for their extreme running speed. First described by Pliny the Elder, they were believed to be native to India and inhabit isolated mountain valleys. Their unique physiology and restricted habitat have made them a subject of enduring fascination in ancient and medieval lore.

Abarimon

The Acheri is a ghostly spirit of a murdered or abused little girl, often referred to as a hill fairy. It haunts mountainous hilltops, emerging at night to sing ominous tunes that foretell death and disease. Protective measures such as wearing bright red ribbons or clothes are believed to ward off its deadly curse.

Acheri

Adi is an asura from Hindu mythology, known primarily as the son of the demon Andhaka. He appears in the Matsya Purāṇa. His lineage and narrative underscore the enduring cosmic battle between divine forces and demonic entities.

Adi (asura)

Aditi is a prominent Vedic goddess in Hindu mythology. She is revered as the cosmic mother and the personification of the infinite universe. As the progenitor of the celestial deities, she embodies creation, fertility, and boundless cosmic energy.

Aditi

The Aeternae are a legendary race of monstrous humanoids, noted for their bony, saw-toothed protuberances on their heads. Documented in the travels of Alexander the Great, they are remembered for their lethal close combat capabilities. Their encounters on the northern Indian plains blend history with myth.

Aeternae

Airavata is a divine white elephant from Hindu mythology, renowned for his four tusks, seven trunks, and majestic aura. Serving as the vehicle of the deity Indra, he is celebrated as the king of elephants and the 'elephant of the clouds'. Remarkably, in the Mahabharata, he is also identified as a great serpent, reflecting the complex symbolism in his myth.

Airavata

Alakshmi is the Hindu goddess of misfortune, serving as the antithesis of Lakshmi. She is depicted with repulsive, composite animal features and rides a donkey. Her presence in homes is believed to usher in poverty and discord, yet also motivate the pursuit of virtue.

Alakshmi

Ambika, also known as Ambika Devi, is a revered yakshini and protector goddess in Jainism, serving as the dedicated attendant deity of the 22nd Tirthankara, Neminatha. She is often depicted with one or more children and under a tree, symbolizing her role as the Mother Goddess. Her diverse iconography and alternative names, such as Ambai, Amba, and Kushmandini, also associate her with the Hindu goddess Parvati.

Ambika (Jainism)

Andhaka is a fearsome, malevolent asura from Hindu mythology known for his monstrous form that includes 1000 heads and arms. His pride and hubris set him on a collision course with divine forces, ultimately leading to his downfall at the hands of Shiva and Parvati. His story is a timeless cautionary tale against unchecked arrogance.

Andhaka

Angada is a legendary vanara from the Hindu epic Ramayana, celebrated for his loyalty and martial prowess. He plays a pivotal role in assisting Rama to rescue Sita from Ravana. As the son of Vali and later crowned the monarch of Kishkindha, Angada embodies courage, leadership, and devotion to dharma.

Angada

Apalāla is a water-dwelling Naga King from Buddhist mythology, famed for his conversion by the Buddha. He is traditionally depicted as a large, serpentine guardian residing near the Swat River in the Peshawar region. His story is celebrated as a powerful symbol of transformation and the embrace of Buddhist faith.

Apalala

Apsaras are celestial female spirits renowned for their breathtaking beauty and enchanting dance. They reside in the palaces of the gods in Hindu and Buddhist mythology, captivating all with their ethereal performances. Their ability to change shape and seduce even the most ascetic of sages highlights their mystical allure.

Apsara

Aryaman is an early Vedic deity associated with the sun, customs, and matrimonial rites. Depicted as a mid-morning sun disc, he embodies social harmony and celestial authority. As a son of Kashyapa and Aditi, he holds a significant position among the Adityas in Vedic Hindu mythology.

Aryaman

The Ashvins are Hindu twin gods associated with medicine, health, and the dawn. They are celebrated as divine healers and guardians, known for their swift chariot rides across the skies. As the divine sons of Surya and Sanjna, they play a pivotal role in ancient Hindu mythology and are linked to the epic narratives as progenitors of the Pandava twins.

Ashvins

Asuras are demigods or titans in Buddhist cosmology, known for their multiple heads and arms. They inhabit the realm of desire (Kāmadhātu) and are renowned for their fierce, combative nature. Their unique physical form symbolizes the internal struggle between desire and higher spiritual aspirations.

Asura (Buddhism)

Ādavaka, also known by the Pali name Ālavaka, is a revered yaksha in Buddhist mythology. He is honored as a Wisdom King in esoteric traditions. His fierce, protective nature embodies the transformative power of enlightened wrath in Buddhist thought.

Āṭavaka

Atingkok is the Supreme Creator God in Meitei mythology, known as 'Father Void'. He is revered as the legendary male ancestor of all living beings. His divine creation role forms the foundation of the Meitei cosmological tradition.

Atingkok

Bakasura is a giant crane-shaped asura from Hindu mythology, sent by King Kamsa to eliminate the infant Krishna. He is noted for his imposing size, avian features, and supernatural physical abilities. His defeat at the hands of Krishna underscores the recurring theme of divine triumph over evil.

Bakasura (crane demon)

Barbarika is a legendary warrior from Hindu folklore, known as the son of Ghatotkacha and revered across regions such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Nepal. He is celebrated for his exceptional martial prowess and is identified with deities like Khatu Shyam and Akash Bhairav. Despite his absence from the canonical Mahabharata, his legend endures in popular religious traditions.

Barbarika

Bhaga is the Vedic god of wealth and prosperity. He is one of the Ādityas, the divine sons of Aditi. His divine role is to ensure that mortals receive their fair share of life's goods.

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