ETPanache@2: Five Indian mythological characters that gained cult status

While talking about smart characters from mythology, Shakuni or Chanakya are nearly universal picks, while many others are overlooked. We asked Ashwin Sanghi, author of popular fiction books with roots in mythology like Chanakya’s Chant, to pick those characters who according to him were sharp arrows in the quiver. Here’s his list:
Hanuman
The core character who brought about an alliance between Rama and Sugriva. Without such an alliance, it would have been near impossible for Rama to attack Ravana’s mighty Lanka army.

Bhagiratha
The mightiest river of India, the Ganges, is also known as Bhagirathi — the daughter of Bhagiratha. Had it not been for Bhagiratha’s efforts, the subsequent prosperity of Gangetic kingdoms would never have happened.

Krishna
The essence of dharma comes to us from Krishna through his discourse of the Bhagavad Gita. The outcome of the Mahabharata war would have been different had it not been for the cunning and strategic approach of Krishna.

Manu
Manu is the name given to the progenitor of humanity who appears in the world at the start of a new kalpa after universal destruction. It was the seventh Manu who heeded the warnings of the Matsya avatar of Vishnu and built a boat to carry humanity and the seven sages to safety, thus preserving human life on earth.

Parvati
She is the one who completes the Shiva-Shakti union. The fact that she was able to restrain Shiva from walking out on her indicates the superiority of Shakti over Shiva. Parvati tames Shiva and when he performs his violent Tandava dance, she is the one who calms him down. Without Parvati, the very notion of female power would not exists.