ABSTRACT
The chapter talks about myths having a psychagogic function. The story of the life of a god or hero is intended to help people overcome the obstacles that will inevitably arise in their own spiritual journey. Among the other divinities of the Vedic pantheon they may mention Varuna, the sky, guardian of the order of the world. There are versions of the Ramayana throughout South-East Asia, which is permeated with Hindu culture, versions that are sometimes very far removed from the original story. Thus in Malaysia Sita is presented as Rama's half-sister; Rama and Sita are metamorphosed into monkeys, and Hanuman is their son. Siva, who occupies an important place in all Hindu mythology and worship, being regarded as the 'patron' of dancing and the theatre, with his exploits being widely reproduced on the walls of temples and in paintings, is the central figure in a great many stories, either on his own or along with his 'wife' Parvati.
