How powerful was Pradyuman in the Mahabharata?

 Pradyumna was eldest son of Shri Krishna and Mata Rukmini. He was Incarcation of Sanathakumara as well as Kamadeva . He was one of the most powerful warriors of Dwarapar yuga .Pradyumna was eldest Son of Shri Krishna and Mata Rukmini who was lakshmi herself and his first wife. He was abducted by demon Sambara 7 days after his birth and threw into ocean. He was then swallowed by Fish and when fish was caught and cut open he was found in sambara's house. He was given to Mayawati who was cook in Samabara's house but was Rati wife of kamadeva in disguise.

Let's come to his power and feats.

1. Pradyumna killed the all Sons of Sambara in battle.

Krishna's son too, worked up with anger, struck them in the battle each with five arrows shot off his bow. Thereupon those resolute Asuras, exceedingly wroth, set up a net-work of weapons for killing Pradyumna. There at worked up with anger Ananga soon took up his bow .He then killed the ten highly powerful sons of Shamvara.The next moment, filled with anger the powerful son of Keshava soon cut off Chitrasena's head with a Bhalla. There upon the remaining sons of Shamvara, anxious to fight, began to run taking up and discharging arrows. And for killing Ananga they all unitedly fought and shot arrows. The highly powerful son of Krishna, on the other hand, cut off their heads, as if in sport. Having thus slain one hundred sons of Shamvara, all good bow men, he stood in the battle field desirous of fighting.

2. Pradyumna was one of the warriors who possesed The Rare powerful Vaishnavastra of Shri Hari Vishnu. He slayed demon sambara with vaishnavastra. Narada gave him vaishnavastra on orders of Indra taking it from him.

Thereupon informed of his motive the king of gods said to Närada —“Do you soon approach the car of the large armed Pradyumna, make him conscious and remind him of his pristine birth. Give that of slayer of Asura this invincible coat of mail and Vaishnava weapons.”

Thereupon bending his bow and setting to it the Vaishnava arrow which Närada had brought, Keshava's son said:-“O arrow, if I am the son of Rukshmini begotten by Keshava do thou, on the strength of this truth, kill Shamvara in the battle-field.” Saying this the noble-minded Pradyumna, as if to consume the three worlds, drew his bow and shot the arrow at Shamvara. Thereupon that arrow, discharged by that Vrishni chief, piercing Shamvara's breast, entered into the earth. By the energy of that Vaishnava arrow all his flesh, bones, nerves, skull and blood were reduced to ashes.

3. Pradyumna was one of the few warriors who knew complete secret of chakravyuha.

Addressing Abhimanyu, that slayer of hostile heroes, who was not inferior to Vasudeva himself and whose energy was superior to that of Arjuna, the king said, 'O child, act in such a way that Arjuna, returning (from the Samsaptakas), may not reprove us. We do not know how to break the circular array. Thyself, or Arjuna or Krishna, or Pradyumna, can pierce that array. O mighty-armed one, no fifth person can be found (to achieve that teat).

4. Arjuna said he trusts only Pradyumna and Satyaki for protection of Yudhisthira.

Making over the monarch to thee, O mighty-armed one, or to that great car-warrior Pradyumna, I can go with an easy heart towards Jayadratha.

5. Pradyumna was Guru to Abhimanyu as well as Upapandavas in Dwarka.

And, O Krishna, as Rukmini's son is the preceptor of Aniruddha, of Abhimanyu, of Sunitha, and of Bhanu; so he is the preceptor and the refuge of your sons also! And a good preceptor, would unceasingly give them lessons in the wielding of maces and swords and bucklers, in missiles and in the arts of driving cars and of riding horses, being valiant. And he, the son of Rukmini, having bestowed a very good training upon them, and having taught them the art of using various weapons in a proper way, takes satisfaction at the valorous deeds of your sons, and of Abhimanyu.

6. Pradyumna's only arrows were powerful enough to defeat like of Kripa and karna and drona.

Kripa and Drona and Vikarna and Kama are not able to bear the keen arrows shot by Pradyumna.

7. Pradyumna accompanied Krishna and Balrama in banasur battle and defeated Lord Kartikeya in battle.

Kārtikeya was so strongly beaten by Pradyumna that he fled the battlefield, while the remnants of Bāṇāsura’s army, harried by the blows of Lord Balarāma’s club, scattered in all directions.

8. Pradyumna was a great illusionist. He had repulsed and destroyed strong illusions of Sambara and Shalva .

Sources:-

Harivamsa Chapter CCLII

Harivamsa Chapter CCLIII

Harivamsa Chapter CCLIV

Drona Parva: Abhimanyu-badha Parva: Section XXXIII

Drona Parva: Jayadratha-Vadha Parva: Section CX

Vana Parva: Markandeya-Samasya Parva: Section CLXXXII

Vana Parva: Tirtha-yatra Parva: Section CXX

CHAPTER SIXTY-THREE

Image's courtesy:- Internet.

What is the most powerful astra of each of the Tridevas?

 Shiva :- Pashupatastra aka Roudra(on the context of Mahabharata)

‘I will give. O Pandava! My own weapon, roudra, will always be present before you.’ Satisfied, the lord granted me that pashupata weapon. Having given me that eternal weapon, Mahadeva told me, ‘This should never be used against humans. O Dhananjaya! This powerful weapon should only be used if you are hard-pressed. It can be used to counter all other weapons.’

• Shiva used it to kill tripuras and also in many other occasions against demons. Arjuna used it to kill Kalakeya/Poulomas. Vishwamitra used it Against Vasishta..According to upamanyu it is superior to Brahmastra and Narayanastra (but doesn't mean it's superior to Brahmashira or Vaishnava)

Vishnu:— Vaishnavastra.

• On paper it's equally powerful to Pashupatastra. Basically says same thing that No one is immune to This Weapon
• Krishna used it Against Varuna and Forced him to accept defeat, Rama used it to destroy parasurama's merit. Bhagadatta used it Against Arjuna.

Brahma:— Brahmastra(on the context of Ramayana).

Throughout the epic Ramayana , brahmastra is Shown as The Ultimate weapon more powerful than Any other even Brahmashira. And there's a Feat to back this Claim. Vishwamitra used it as a Final Resort against Vasishta after all his Weapons Including Pashupatastra were Neutralized..

Brahmashira(on the context of Mahabharata).

• According to Drona there is no other weapon superior to Brahmashira.
• It is Same Power as Pashupata as The Statements glorifying both these weapons are Almost exactly similar.

According to Ramayana, Brahamstra was the most powerful.

When coming to Mahabharata, Brahmastra is Nerfed AF and Pashupatastra , Vaishnavastra and Brahmashira are Equally Powerful…

If Hanuman was powerful enough to swallow the sun, why did he need a bridge to cross the ocean?

 

Good question. Hanuma is very powerful but not powerful enough to swallow Sun. There is no need or necessity for Hanuma to swallow Sun.

By seeing Full Moon in night, if we think that we can hold it with our two hands and play like a volleyball, it's not our mistake. From here it looks like that. If we go near, we will come to know its actual size.

From earth, in the morning, Hanuma thought that Sun is a fruit as its size is so small.

Here we should understand an interesting thing. Though we thought of playing with moon, can we or any human fly to moon. Hanuma flew to Sun as a boy. Any doubt about his power?.

Regarding construction of bridge to cross the ocean, it's not for him. It's for the entire army and other warriors.

In fact Hanuma requested Sitamma to sit on his shoulders so that he can fly back with Sitamma to Rama in minutes.

Such is his power.

Jai Hanuman.

Subhamastu

Why is Chaitra Navratri considered the most powerful time for Shakti Upasana?

Chaitra Navaratri marks beginning of Hindu new year.

As it falls on Chaitra month of Hindu almanac ; it’s known as Chaitra Navratri.

But, it is better known for Lord Rama’s birth and his Shakti Upasana.

Rama : Chaitra Navaratri ends on Rama Navami , birth day of Rama.

Goddess Durga (Shakti) is also favourite deity of Lord Rama.

Thus, devotees worship Goddess Durga during nine days to please Rama.

Shakti : Ramayana narrates, Lord Rama had worshipped Goddess Shakti for nine days.

Goddess Shakti became appeased with his austerities before start of Lanka war.

Thus, she blessed him with immense power to vanquish demons.

Fact : Like Sharada Navratri , Chaitra Navratri is worshipped for Shakti Upasana.

Prayer : Sri Ganeshaya Namah Sri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram Namo Parvatipataye Har Har Mahadev

Mata Sri Durga Sharnam ! Pawan Tanay Bal Pawan Samana Budhi Vivek Vigyan NIdhana Kaun Sa Kaaj Kathin Jag Mahi Jo Nahi Hoth Tath Tam Pahi

Pic Credits : Google Images / Web

What is the most powerful rakshasa in the Ramayana?

 A Tie between Kumbhakarna and Indrajit

KUMBHAKARNA :-

• Undoubtedly the Most Strongest Rakshasa in the Treta Yuga.
• Defeated Indra and Yama in the Fair Battle.
• Plucked out the Airavata Tusk and pierced it in the chest of Indra.
• Crushed many Powerful Vanaras like Sugreeva, Nala, Nila, Angada etc., despite he is in the state of Intoxication.
• Survived the Indra’s Vajra, Shri Rama's Raudrastra and the Arrow which killed Vali and countered the Arrows by flourishing the Hammer.
• Shri Rama needed two Aindrastras and Vayavya Astra to bring him down.
• What makes the impressive is despite his nose, ears were torn and his limbs were chopped, he continued to fight on his thigh.

INDRAJIT :-

• He is the most powerful Archer from Lanka Side and also adept sorcerer and dangerous illusionist too.
• He is the only warrior from Lanka Side who had the possession of Brahmastra.
• Defeated Adityas, Rudras, Maruts, Vasus, Nagas and also Indra and his son Jayantha in fair fight (as mentioned in Valmiki Ramayana)
• Just like his uncle, he too plucked out the Airavata’s tusk and manhandled Airavata and it's rider Indra by hurling them to the floor with Bare Arms.
• He is the only being who captured Indra alive thus earned the name “Indrajit” (Conqueror Of Indra)
• Stomped Sugreeva, Angada, Dvivida, Mainda etc., with his Arrows and also knocked out 670 Million Vanaras along with Shri Ram and Lord Laxman to unconscious after performing Nikumbala Sacrifice.
• He converted some offsprings of Kadru into a weapon using his sorcery and with that weapon, he knocked out both Shri Rama and Lord Laxmana to unconscious by hiding behind skies through powerful illusions.
• His best feat was helding Lord Laxmana on the ground for three continuous days and also destroyed the latter's celestial Armour gifted by Varuna with normal Arrows. Suprisingly, he didn't restored to any sort of boons or illusions and also Celestial Beings came to prevent Indrajit Arrows to reach Lord Laxmana.
• Lord Laxmana has to use the Aindrastra empowered with Shri Rama's name which instantly kill Indrajit and the former’s condition was too serious after the battle so that he can't able to speak or take breath properly.

So Kumbhakarna/Indrajit are the powerful Rakshasas in Ramayana however Indrajit had a edge due to his unassailabled boons.

OM NAMAH SHIVAYA 🙏🙏

OM NAMO NARAYANA 🙏🙏

Who is more powerful between Suryadeva and Indradeva in Hinduism?

 I think it would be Devraj Lord Indra based on pure descriptions from the texts. He is the king of all Devas so technically Surya also comes within his domain.

To Start with, Indra can take on the role of both Surya and Chandra. Such is his magnificence.

Mahabharat 515(218)

Indra grants beings strength, energy, offspring and happiness. When he is satisfied, the lord of the gods grants everyone their shares. He withdraws it from those who perform evil deeds and grants it to those who perform good ones. The destroyer of Bala assigns beings to their tasks. He acts as the sun when there is no sun, and as the moon when there is no moon. He becomes the fire, the wind, the earth and the water and their origins. These are Indra’s tasks and Indra

Rig Veda 1.32.4 - According to the Rig Ved, the sun, dawn and skies had fallen in the battle with Vritra. Indra gave them life.

yad indrāhan prathamajām ahīnām ān māyinām amināḥ prota māyāḥ | āt sūryaṃ janayan dyām uṣāsaṃ tādītnā śatruṃ na kilā vivitse ||

4 When, Indra, thou hadst slain the dragon's firstborn, and overcome the charms of the enchanters,
Then, giving life to Sun and Dawn and Heaven, thou foundest not one foe to stand against thee.

Rig Veda 1.51.4 - Indra made the sun visible after destroying Vritra.

tvam apām apidhānāvṛṇor apādhārayaḥ parvate dānumad vasu | vṛtraṃ yad indra śavasāvadhīr ahim ād it sūryaṃ divy ārohayo dṛśe ||

You have opened the receptacle of the waters; you have detained in the mountain the treasure of the malignant; when you had slain Vṛtra, the destryer, you made the sun visible in the sky.

Hara Hara Mahadeva 🙏🏻📿🪔🔱

Namo Narayana 🙏🏻🪷🪔🦅

Why is “Ram Naam” considered powerful in Hindu scriptures?

 The name of Rama is the destroyer of sins, supreme among all names of Vishnu and the remover of obstacles.

Those who chant the name of Rama will never be defeated

“Your strength and valour are invincible. Your power never fails. Men who are devoted to you never fail. O god! If men faithfully chant about you as the ancient Purushottama, it is certain that they will never be vanquished.”

• 6 (105), Yuddha kanda, Valmiki Ramayana, Critical edition.

Rama Nama is equal to Vishnu Sahasranama

“O you beautiful one, O you charming one, (recite) ‘Rama, Rama, Rama’. The thousand names are equal to that.”

• Chapter 71, Uttara Khanda, Padma Purana.

Rama Nama is the best among all the names of Lord Vishnu

“O best brahmana, names of Visnu are superior to (the names of) all (other) gods. The knowers of Brahman have declared Rama’s name to be the best among them. O brahmana, the couple of letters, viz. Rama, is superior to all magical formulas, by just uttering which a sinner goes to the highest position. Siva alone and none else knows the efficacy of Rama’s name (which is) the worship of all deities.”

• Chapter 15, Kriyayogasara-Khanda, Padma Purana.

Rama Nama destroys all obstacles, ends quarrels, fear and grants victory

All the defects causing obstacles and all the quarrels causing death cease to exist and get dissolved only through the name of Rama. There is no doubt in this. What is called Rama dwells in all the living beings immobile as well as mobile, in the form of the immanent soul. The Lord of all Mantras, i.e. Rama, destroys fear and ailments. It grants victory in battle and gets every task accomplished.

• Chapter 256, Nagara Khanda, Skanda Purana.

Rama Nama grants the same results as chanting the hymns of the Vedas

O dear one, that fruit which one who recites the hymns of all Vedas, gets is obtained crorefold by Rama’s name only.

• Chapter 254, Uttara Khanda, Padma Purana.

Rama nama represents para Brahman itself and the world is dependent on Rama nama

The word ‘Rama’ on which yogis devote themselves is immeasurable and forever joyful and indicates Para Brahman itself. The body has been ascribed to Para Brahman which is holy, without any second, which does not have any blemishes and which is bodiless, so that the worshippers are shown the path. Similar to the whole banyan tree existing in the seed of the banyan tree, the entire world exists in the seed “Rama”.

• Rama Tapaniya Upanishad.

Why is Lord Narasimha considered the most powerful avatar of Vishnu?

 Well if you see, all the incarnations of Lord Vishnu are considered as powerful. SriNarasimha is as strong as SriRama or SriParshurama or SriKrishna. Yes, you may say why Lord Narasimha is considered as the most fierce avatara of Lord Vishnu.

In terms of power, knowledge, beauty, charm, opulence, valor all the avataras are the same, but if you talk about Narasimha avatara, then it was taken for destroying the evil forces and protecting devotees, so moreover he is the protector form of Lord Vishnu. If we see other avatars, yes they were also taken for evil destruction, but Narasimhavatara was primarily taken for immediate protection of a devotee, which simultaneously required destruction of evil. Even when the devotees are scared, or for removal of any sorts of black magic or anything like that, we go in the refuge of Narasimha roopi Narayana because he is ugra only for the evil and is shaantamoorti for the good people.

Hence in a nutshell, there is no difference between any avataras of Vishnu and all are the same and equally powerful. So, it is not like any one avatara is considered as the most powerful. All the avataras are powerful. Yes, Narasimhavatara is considered as fiercest avatara of Vishnu for evil destruction but he too is fierce for the evil while he is calm for a devotee.

Hope this helps!
Jay SriRam!
ShriKrishnarpanamastu!

Who were the top 5 most powerful demons in Hindu mythology?

 The top 5 strongest Asuras in my opinion would be:

1. Madhu and Kaitabha

Born in the Kshirsagar from Vishnu's ear wax, this two Asuras were astronomically powerful & performed severe penance to get a boon of invincibility from Goddess Shakti. They challenged Vishnu and fought with him for 5,000 celestial years (an insane feat). Later, the Devi suggested Vishnu to use a trick to beat this demons before they could destroy all of creation. Using his genius mind, Vishnu asked for a boon from the two Asuras, they agreed, and the boon was that they will die by his hands right now. The Asuras granted the boon, then got terrified as they knew they have been tricked.

Vishnu took his Vishwaroopa form and said "even an infinite number of Asuras like you would be nothing but atoms compared to me. As the eternal protector of the universe, I shall now vanquish you for your sins." Then he used the Sudarshana Chakra & beheaded them.

2. Mahishasura

The buffalo demon who almost defeated all gods & deities, was ultimately slayed by goddess Durga in a 9 day battle.

3. Tripurasura

A trio of 3 Asura brothers, who had extraordinarily powerful boons. The might of almost all gods was needed to beat them

4. Mahabali

A benevolent and righteous demon king, he was almost unstoppable until Vishnu incarnated as Vamana to beat him. Later he was banished to the underworld

5. Raktabija

The Asura whose blood drops created his clones whenever they dropped on the ground, making him almost unbeatable until goddess Kali manifested herself and started collecting his blood drops in a bowl to prevent him from multiplying. He was then ultimately killed.