Hanuman

Origin: Hindu mythology

Type: Deity

Hanuman is considered one of the most important characters in the Ramayana. Hanuman is a Vanara-brave, loyal and adventurous ape-like humanoids.

One story says that he led a troop of Vanaras on a search for Sita. When they reach the ocean, Hanuman makes an extraordinary leap across to the island of Lanka, where Sita is being held hostage by the demon, Ravana. Hanuman finds Sita and delivers a ring sent by Rama. Though his tail is set on fire by the demon, Hanuman escapes and later fights in battle to rescue Sita.

Kali

Origin: Hindu mythology

Type: Goddess of Time

Her name meaning, ‘the dark one’, Kali is normally dark blue in color. She has red eyes, wild hair, fangs, and a protruding tongue. In some images, she has four arms: the upper arms carry a sword and a severed head; the lower carries a skull bowl that catches the blood dripping, and a trident.

She is considered one of the kindest goddesses and fights against the forces that threaten harmony.

Ravana

Origin: Hindu mythology

Type: King of demons

Ravana has ten heads, 20 arms, copper colored eyes and a gaping mouth. He is described as being as tall as a mountain, and so powerful that he can stir the seas.

As the main villain in the Ramayana, Ravana transformed himself into an old beggar and kidnapped Sita, the wife of the hero, Rama. A furious battle took place, and with the help of Ravana’s brother, Rama shot an arrow into the demon king’s navel, defeating him.

Vetala

Origin: Hindu folklore

Type: Vampire

Habitat: Cemetaries

The Vetala is a evil spirit who lacks a body, so they possess the dead in order to prey on the living. They cause madness, miscarriages, and like to kill children. Magicians try to enslave them for their ability to see into the past and future. Ordinary people can ward off a Vetala attack by chanting prayers and mantras.

Ganesha

Origin: India

Type: Deity

He is called “The Lord Of Beginnings” and the “Remover of Obstacles”, and is recognized as the patron of arts and sciences. Ganesha has the body of a human man with a large belly, four arms, an elephant’s head, trunk, and a single tusk. He holds the other in his lower right hand. He carries a dish of sweets in his lower left hand and his upper arms hold a variety of weapons. In some modern images, his lower right hand is turned facing the viewer, in a gesture of fearlessness and protection.

Jatayu

Origin: Hindu mythology

Type: Vulture King

Jatayu has claws as long as an elephant’s tusk and as sharp as iron. He is the son of Aruna, the charioteer of the Sun, and the nephew of Garuda. Jatayu would compete with his brother, Sampati, to see who could fly higher. When he flew too close to the sun and almost scorched his wings, Sampati shielded him with his own wings, losing them in the process.

In the Ramayana, Jatayu tries to rescue the heroine Sita, who has been abducted by the demon Ravana. Though he fought valiantly, Jatayu was defeated. The hero Rana comes across the dying bird and learns that Sita is still alive. The rock where Jatayu is said to have died on is a tourist attraction.

Naga

Origin: Hindu and Buddhist mythology

Type: Snake-like creatures

Nagas are large and intelligent beings with a human top half and a serpents lower half. Some depictions have them with seven heads.

Carved statues of Nagas act as guardians in Hindu temples. In Tibet, Nagas are thought to reside underwater, protecting the purity of water and treasure.

In Buddhism, a Naga by the name of Mucalinda spread his seven heads and acted like a canopy to protect Buddha from a storm.

Rakshasa

Origin: Hindu mythology

Type: Demons

Rakshasas come in many different sizes and forms, some traits such as enormous bellies, pointed teeth, and crooked legs. In legends, Rakshasas were evil humans who have been reincarnated in a monstruous form as a result of their evil deeds. They feed on human flesh and blood, haunting cemeteries. They are also magicians with the ability of shape shifting, and enjoy harassing mediators and holy rituals.

Mahisha

Origin: Hindu mythology

Type: Buffalo headed demon

Mahisha threatened to throw the cosmic order off balance, polluting the earth and sea. The goddess Durga came to defeat him, and in his arrogance sent her a marriage proposal. The goddess replied, “I will only marry he that defeats me in battle.”

Their battle shook mountains and oceans. Mahisha transformed first into a lion, and then an elephant. Armed with Shiva’s trident and Vishnu’s discus, Durga smashed Mahisha’s horns, sheared his lion’s mane and slashed the elephant trunk. She kicked him with her holy feet, and drove the trident into his heart, killing him.