Language is the expression of a culture. As it evolves it picks up events that have left a mark on the collective psyche of the society and uses the specifics associated with that event to describe more general situations. There are several examples of phrases from the English language that are based on the Greek-Roman mythology. In this context it must be remembered that English is derived from Latin. Hercules the Greek hero had to complete twelve tasks in order to achieve immortality. These tasks were difficult and dangerous and beyond the ability of normal men. Hence a near impossible assignment is referred to a Herculean task.
The Puranas and Epics of Hindu mythology contain the legends and folklore from which much of Hindu culture originates. Literature, dance and art are all deeply based on Puranic events. The Hindi language has therefore internalized and generalized many of these events. Some of the more common ones are discussed in this article.
Lakshman Rekha
Lakshman Rekha refers to a limit that cannot be crossed and if crossed the consequences are dire. For example in a school rowdiness in class or not completing ones assignments would be met with minor punishments. But stealing would be the Lakshman Rekha that would lead to expulsion. Lakshman Rekha derives from an incident in the Ramayan. Ram has gone to capture a golden deer for his wife Sita and has apparently called for help. Sita compels her brother-in-law Lakshman to go to Ram’s assistance. Lakshman draws a line or Rekha around their dwelling and tells Sita that she will be safe as long as she does not cross the line. But the evil Ravan cons Sita into crossing the Lakshman Rekha and thus succeeds in kidnapping her. Sita had crossed the Lakshman Rekha and paid a price.
Bhagirath Parishram
Bhagirath Parishram has come to mean incessant toil. Parishram is the Hindi word for toil, and Bhagirath was the king who toiled in Hindu mythology. Bhagirath’s great grandfather and great grand uncles had been burnt to ashes by Sage Kapila. Their souls would attain salvation only if the River Ganga flowed over their ashes. Bhagirath decided to complete this task. He went to the Himalayas and conducted severe penances. Brahma agreed to send Ganga down to earth but only Shiva would be able to bear her impact and prevent the earth from shattering. So Bhagirath conducted penances before Shiva and ultimately received his blessings.
But Ganga was not happy about leaving heaven and vented her fury on Shiva, who promptly imprisoned her in his matted hair. So Bhagirath was again forced to plead with Shiva. Ganga had not yet learnt her lesson and on her way to Sage Kapila’s hermitage she tried to inundate the hermitage of Sage Jahnu. So Jahnu drank her up. Once again Bhagirath had to conduct severe penances to please him so that Ganga was released. Finally, Bhagirath did manage to achieve his objective and in the process lent his name to the act of incessant and almost futile labor.
Trishanku Sarkar
Mythological idioms have entered the political lexicon as well. Elections in India in the recent past have resulted in hung assemblies. In Hindi, this is referred to as Trishanku Sarkar. Sarkar more commonly means government, but in this context is used for assembly. Trishanku was a king who was suspended between the heaven and earth for all time to come. Trishanku had a desire to ascend to heaven without giving up his mortal form. This would violate the laws of nature but he could care less. He was promised success by sage Viswamitra, who was one of the most powerful personalities of his time and on the lookout for opportunities to display his talent.
Viswamitra had managed to get him half way up, when Indra the king of the demi-Gods intervened. He explained to the sage the consequences of his mission. Viswamitra was convinced but had a promise to fulfill. A compromise was reached between Trishanku, Indra and Viswamitra. A separate heaven was created for Trishanku mid way and he was suspended in it for eternity. Therefore, a hung assembly that leads to a compromise coalition government is referred to as a Trishanku Sarkar.
Juggernaut or Jaganath
The British were in India for over 300 years and therefore it is not surprising that words of Indian origin are found in the English Language. Curry is by far the most used. But there are religious idioms as well. Dictionary.com defines “juggernaut” as “any large, overpowering, destructive force or object, as war, a giant battleship, or a powerful football team”.
Juggernaut is a corruption of Jaganath, an epithet of Krishna, meaning "Lord of the World." In an annual celebration the idol of Jaganath is carried on a massive chariot in Puri. In earlier times, devotees would throw themselves under the wheels of the chariot because they believed it would lead to immediate salvation. The momentum of the chariot was so great that it was impossible to stop it.
Sources:
The Descent of Ganga, Suite101.com
Juggernaut, Dictionary.com
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