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Quizzes > Society & Culture

Hindu mythology quiz: test your knowledge of gods and epics

Quick, free quiz on Hindu mythology with instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Marisa McgrawUpdated Aug 24, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for Hindu mythology quiz on a coral background

This Hindu mythology quiz helps you test your knowledge of gods, epic heroes, and timeless stories. If you want a broader challenge, try our Hinduism quiz. Dive into the epics with a Mahabharata and Ramayana quiz, or focus on a single hero in a quick Hanuman quiz. Get instant results and discover a few new facts as you play.

Who is known as the king of the gods (Devas) in Hindu mythology?
Brahma
Indra
Shiva
Vishnu
In Vedic and Puranic texts, Indra is revered as the king of the gods or Devas, ruling over Svarga and wielding the thunderbolt Vajra as his weapon. His leadership and warrior prowess earn him the title of king in many ancient hymns. He features prominently in Rigveda as the slayer of the serpent Vritra. For more details, see .
Which river is considered the holiest in Hinduism?
Yamuna
Godavari
Saraswati
Ganges
The Ganges, or Ganga, is considered the most sacred river in Hinduism, believed to purify sins and grant moksha to devotees. It is personified as the goddess Ganga who descended from heaven to earth. Millions make the pilgrimage to bathe in its waters each year. Learn more at .
Who among the Hindu Trinity is responsible for creation?
Brahma
Vishnu
Indra
Shiva
Brahma is the creator god in Hindu mythology, forming the world and all living beings at the beginning of each cosmic cycle. He is part of the Trimurti alongside Vishnu the preserver and Shiva the destroyer. Brahma's consort is Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge. Details at .
Who is credited with composing the epic Mahabharata?
Vyasa
Kalidasa
Tulsidas
Valmiki
The sage Vyasa, also known as Krishna Dvaipayana, is traditionally regarded as the compiler and author of the Mahabharata, the world's longest epic poem. He appears within the narrative as a character and advisor. Vyasa also organized the Vedas into four collections. Read more at .
Which avatar of Vishnu took the form of a fish to save the Vedas during the great deluge?
Kurma
Matsya
Vamana
Varaha
Matsya, the fish incarnation of Vishnu, warned Manu of the impending flood and saved all living beings and the Vedas by guiding his boat. This avatar represents the first of the Dashavatara. The story underscores the preservation of knowledge and life. More information at .
Which animal serves as the vehicle (vahana) of Lord Ganesha?
Lion
Elephant
Mouse
Eagle
Lord Ganesha's vahana is a mouse named Mushika, which symbolizes humility and the ability to overcome obstacles regardless of size. The pairing illustrates that wisdom transcends brute strength. The mouse also signifies the mind that can run wild but is tamed by Ganesha's guidance. Read more at .
Who is the consort of Lord Shiva known as the mother goddess?
Saraswati
Parvati
Sita
Lakshmi
Parvati is the benevolent mother goddess and consort of Lord Shiva, embodying fertility, love, and devotion. She is also worshipped in forms like Kali and Durga. Parvati balances Shiva's ascetic nature with maternal compassion. See .
Which demon king did Lord Rama defeat in the Ramayana?
Bali
Hiranyaksha
Ravana
Mahishasura
Ravana, the ten-headed king of Lanka, abducted Sita and was ultimately vanquished by Rama in a climactic battle. Ravana was also a great scholar and devotee of Shiva. The story symbolizes the victory of dharma over adharma. Details at .
What is the primary weapon wielded by Goddess Durga while riding her lion?
Trident
Bow and arrow
Sudarshan Chakra
Vajra
Goddess Durga is most famously depicted holding the trident (trishul), which symbolizes three gunas - satva, rajas, and tamas - used to destroy evil. She carries various weapons gifted by the gods. Her iconography highlights empowerment and protection. Learn more: .
Who is the celestial sage known for carrying news between gods and people in Hindu mythology?
Hanuman
Kubera
Narada
Garuda
Narada is a divine sage and musician who travels freely between realms, conveying messages and stirring events to uphold cosmic order. He is known for his devotion to Vishnu and his role in many Puranic tales. Narada's interactions often advance moral lessons. More at .
Which sacred text contains the dialogue between Prince Arjuna and Lord Krishna?
Bhagavad Gita
Ramayana
Upanishads
Vedas
The Bhagavad Gita is a 700-verse section of the Mahabharata where Krishna imparts spiritual wisdom to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. It addresses duty, righteousness, and liberation. It is one of Hinduism's most important philosophical texts. Read it at .
Who is the monkey god who played a crucial role in building the bridge to Lanka?
Jatayu
Vibhishana
Sugriva
Hanuman
Hanuman, the vanara god and devotee of Rama, led the search for Sita and helped construct the Rama Setu bridge to Lanka by carrying and placing stones. His devotion and strength are central to the Ramayana narrative. Many temples are dedicated to his worship. More at .
Which avatar of Vishnu appeared as a dwarf Brahmin to subdue the demon king Bali?
Krishna
Vamana
Narasimha
Parashurama
Vamana, the fifth avatar of Vishnu, took the form of a dwarf Brahmin to trick King Bali into granting three paces of land. He then expanded to cosmic size to reclaim the universe for the gods. This story illustrates humility and divine intervention. More at .
Who is regarded as the author of the Ramayana?
Valmiki
Vyasa
Tulsidas
Kalidasa
Valmiki, honored as the Adi Kavi (first poet), is credited with composing the Ramayana in classical Sanskrit. His version is the oldest extant and serves as the standard reference for all later adaptations. Valmiki is also depicted as a character who mentors the princes. See .
During which months is the festival of Navaratri typically celebrated in India?
May-June
January-February
September-October
March-April
Navaratri, the nine-night festival honoring Durga and her forms, usually falls in the autumn months of September and October. The timing is based on the lunar calendar and marks the victory of good over evil. Regional variations exist across India. More at .
Which goddess is said to have emerged from the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan)?
Lakshmi
Saraswati
Parvati
Ganga
During Samudra Manthan, or the churning of the cosmic ocean, Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, emerged sitting on a lotus. She accepted Vishnu as her consort and became an enduring symbol of fortune. The story highlights collaboration between gods and demons. Read more: .
What event does the festival of Diwali commemorate in the epic Ramayana?
Krishna-Rukmini marriage
Return of Rama to Ayodhya
Victory over Narakasura
Krishna lifting Govardhan
In North India, Diwali celebrates Lord Rama's return to Ayodhya after his 14-year exile and victory over Ravana. The people of Ayodhya lit oil lamps to welcome him home, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness. Other regions commemorate different legends. Details at .
Which deity rides the white elephant Airavata?
Agni
Indra
Varuna
Surya
Airavata is the mythological white elephant and vahana of Indra, the god of rain and thunder. According to texts, Airavata emerged from the churning of the ocean of milk and is considered the king of elephants. He is often depicted with multiple heads. More at .
Which Yuga is characterized by the prevalence of adharma and moral decline in Hindu cosmology?
Dvapara Yuga
Kali Yuga
Satya Yuga
Treta Yuga
Kali Yuga is the fourth and final age in Hindu cosmology, marked by strife, dishonesty, and a decline of dharma to one-quarter of its original strength. It follows Treta and precedes the renewal of Satya Yuga. Many Puranas detail its characteristics and duration. Learn more at .
Who is the goddess credited with slaying the demon Mahishasura according to the Devi Mahatmya?
Parvati
Durga
Ganga
Kali
In the Devi Mahatmya of the Markandeya Purana, Durga is invoked by the gods to slay the buffalo demon Mahishasura. She appears with multiple arms bearing weapons and defeats him after a fierce battle. This text is foundational for Shakta theology. See .
Which divine warrior is known as the commander of the gods' army and is the son of Shiva and Parvati?
Varuna
Kartikeya
Indra
Vayu
Kartikeya, also called Skanda or Murugan, is the god of war and commander-in-chief of the Devas, born from Shiva and Parvati to defeat demons. He is particularly revered in South India and known for his spear, Vel. His legends are detailed in the Skanda Purana. More at .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Key Deities -

    Recognize major Hindu gods and goddesses featured in epic tales and recall their distinctive attributes and roles.

  2. Recall Epic Narratives -

    Pinpoint significant events from the Ramayana and Mahabharata and summarize their importance in Hindu mythology.

  3. Analyze Mythological Themes -

    Examine common symbols and moral lessons within Hindu legends and understand their relevance to cultural values.

  4. Assess Knowledge Gaps -

    Evaluate which areas of your Hindu mythology quiz performance need improvement and target topics for further study.

  5. Apply Quiz Strategies -

    Use effective recall techniques and critical thinking skills to tackle hindu questions with confidence.

  6. Deepen Cultural Insight -

    Develop a richer appreciation for India's divine lore and its ongoing influence on literature and art.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Epic Narratives of Ramayana and Mahabharata -

    The Ramayana (24,000 verses) and Mahabharata (100,000 verses) form the backbone of Hindu mythology, chronicling Lord Rama's exile and the Pandava-Kaurava war (Monier-Williams, 1899). Focus on sections like the Adi Parva and Yuddha Parva to trace heroic journeys and pivotal events with clarity. Reviewing these epic structures from sources like Oxford India Research ensures a solid foundational timeline for your mythology quiz triumph.

  2. Trimurti: Roles of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva -

    The Trimurti - Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver, and Shiva the Destroyer - symbolizes cosmic functions outlined in the Puranas (Müller, 1859). Remember their attributes: Brahma's four heads (Vedas), Vishnu's conch and chakra, Shiva's trident and damaru drum as visual cues. Linking each deity to their cosmic duty helps cement their significance for quick recall during hindu trivia.

  3. Dashavatara Mnemonic for Vishnu's Incarnations -

    Vishnu's ten avatars (Dashavatara) span from Matsya to Kalki; a popular mnemonic is "My King Valiantly Navigated Many Rivers Rapidly, Krishna Conquered Demons" to capture Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Narasimha, Vamana, Parashurama, Rama, Krishna, Buddha, Kalki. This catchy phrase aligns each avatar with its key trait and sequence, aiding memorization. Cross-check with Britannica's "Avatars of Vishnu" entry for authoritative validation in your hindu mythology quiz.

  4. Symbolism in Deity Iconography -

    Common motifs like the lotus (purity), the conch or shankha (primal sound "Om"), and the chakra or wheel (dharma) recur across Hindu art and temple carvings. Noting these symbols in context - e.g., Lakshmi's lotus or Vishnu's Sudarshana Chakra - fosters deeper understanding and identification. Review high-resolution images from the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection to see these symbols in scholarly detail for your indian mythology quiz or to ace hindu questions.

  5. Yuga Cycle: Four Cosmic Ages -

    The cycle of Satya, Treta, Dvapara, and Kali Yuga spans 4,320,000 years, decreasing in virtue with each age (Rig Veda commentary, Harvard Oriental Series). A quick formula: total cycle = 10,000 divine years (1 divine year = 360 human years), so Satya Yuga is 4,320,000 human years, Treta 3,240,000, and so on. Grasping this chronology from academic sources empowers your timeline-based mythology quiz answers and helps you tackle hindu questions with confidence.

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