Meru (also called Mahameru, Sumeru) is a mythical mountain that is the axis of the world according to Hindu and Buddhist cosmology. It is the most important of the mythical mountains in Hinduism. Its slopes are golden in color. On the summit of Meru, Hindu mythology locates nine heavenly realms where divine beings such as Brahma reside. 1)
Apsara in Indian mythology are goddesses of water, mists and clouds (the name ap-sara literally means “who came out of the water”). As the personification of feminine beauty and grace, the motif is often found in Indian art, and with Buddhism, it also reached many Asian countries. They are the companions of the Gandharvas, courtiers of the god Indra, dancing to the music they play. 2)
Prambanan is a Hindu temple complex located in Indonesia on the island of Java. It was built in the 9th century to commemorate the victory of Rakai Pikatana ruler Sanya over Balaputra the last ruler of Sailendra. The temple complex was dedicated to the Trimurti, the Hindu trinity of gods: the creator Brahma, the protector Vishnu and the destroyer Shiva. It was forgotten until 1811 when a British surveyor came across it. 3)
The symbol of Hinduism is a graphic representation of the most sacred syllable Om (also Aum). This sound found in the Vedas is the primary hymn. Om is the root-syllable (bidja), seen as the sound of the origin of the Universe. All the Vedic hymns are based on it. 4)
Airavata is a white three-headed elephant in Indian mythology and is the mount of Indra, king of the gods. It was born during the “whipping of the ocean of milk” in order to obtain amrita, a divine drink that grants immortality. The motif is also popular in the art of Southeast Asian countries. In Thailand, it is called Erawan. 5)