Ancient names, who and who of Hindu hindu mythology, vedic names - N

ancient mythological vedic names

Nachiketa

Nachiketa was son of a cowherd, Vajashrava, who was offered to Yama to find a place in Heaven by his father. Nachiketa with his wits learnt the wisdom taught by Yama. Thus having learnt from Yama, and finding Brahman, Nachiketa was freed from death.

Naga

Naga is the Sanskrit and Pali word for a minor deity taking the form of a very large snake, found in Hindu mythology.

Nagas

Nagas existed during the period of the epic Mahabharata. The demi-god tribe called Suparnas (in which Garuda belonged) were arch-rivals of the Nagas. The well known Nagas are Ananta, Vasuki, Takshaka, Karkotaka and Pingala.

Nagavanshi

Nagavanshi dynasty is one of the Kshatriya dynasties of India . It includes a number of Jats and Rajput clans. The worshippers of Naga (serpent) were known as Naga or Nagil. The descendants of Nagas were called Nagavanshi.

Nahusha

A mighty King who was made King of the gods because Indra had disappeared due to him killing Vritra through sin and deceit.

Naivedhya

Food or eatables prepared as offerings to God, prior to the oblation. Prasad.

Nakula

Fourth brother of the Pandavas.

Nala

King of Nishadha who lost his Kingdom in a game of dice and deserted his wife Damayanti because of a curse.

Nanda

Nanda is head of a tribe of cowherds and foster-father of Krishna, who was allegedly given to him by Vasudeva. Nanda was married to Yasoda. Krishna derives his name Nandalal (meaning son of Nanda) from him.

Nandi

Nandi is the white bull which Shiva rides, and the leader of the Ganas. The white color of the bull symbolizes purity and justice.

Nandini

Vasishtha's divinely beautiful cow, child of Kamadhenu.

Narasimha

The fourth avatar of Vishnu. He is a mixed form of a man and a lion.

Nara

Arjuna or Dhananjaya. Also name for Man.

Narada

Narada is the Hindu divine sage. He is regarded the Manasputra of Brahma as he was born of his thoughts. He is regarded as the Triloka sanchaari, the ultimate nomad, who roams the three lokas of Swargaloka , Mrityuloka and Patalloka to find out about the life and welfare of people.

Narayana

Narayana is an important Sanskrit name for Vishnu. The name is also associated with Brahma and Krishna. He is also identified with, or as the son of, the original man, Purusha.

Narayaasrama

A charming forest where the Pandavas had halted during their wanderings.

Narayaanstra

Narayanastra is the personal missile weapon of Vishnu in his Narayana form, this astra lets loose a powerful tirade of millions of deadly arrows simultaneously.

Narishyanta

Narishyanta was son of Vaivasvata Manu and belongs to solar race of Kshatriyas.

Narmada

One of the most important sacred river, originating from Amarkantak is believed to have descended from the sky by the order of Lord Shiva. The personified river is variously represented as being daughter of a Rishi named Mekala (from whom she is called Mekala and Mekala-kanya), as a daughter of the moon, as a 'mind-born daughter' of the Somapas, and as sister of the Nagas.

Neta

Neta was daughter of Shiva and friend of Manasa Devi.

Nikumbha

One of Ravana's generals who led the rakshasas against the host of monkeys and was slain.

Nila

Son of Agni; One of the monkey host placed at the gate guarded by Prahasta.

Nishadha

A country where Indra, Lord of the gods had lived once disguised as a brahmana. King of the Nishadha was Guha who guarded Rama after he crossed Koshala Kingdom on his exile.

Names of Hindu Gods/ Goddesses