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'''Kaushik'''/'''Koushik''' is  ancient [[India]]n'[[Gotra]]' applied to an indo-aryan clan. Origin of Kaushik can be referenced to an ancient Hindu text. There was a [[Rishi]] (saint) by the name of [[Vishvamitra#Kaushika|"Vishvamitra"]] literally meaning 'friend of the universe','vishwa' as in universe and mitra as in 'friend', he was also called as Rishi "Kaushik".<ref>[http://www.mythfolklore.net/india/encyclopedia/viswamitra.htm Vishwamitra]</ref> Vishvamitra is famous in many legendary stories and in different works of [[Hindu mythology]]. It most notably refers to Chhatrapati [[Shivaji]]. [[File:RaigadFort5.jpg|thumb|left|Chhatrapati Shivaji Raje Bhosle (statue at [[Raigad fort|Raigad]])]]

== Kaushik / Vishwamitra Gotra's ==
There are two gotras, or lineages, bearing the name of Visvamitra.

'''Kousikh Gotra'''
People belonging to [[Kaushika]] (Kaushik/Kousikh/Kousikasa/Kousikha/Kausika/Ghrit kaushika) Gotra take Rajarishi Kaushika as their root. Kaushika was son of Vishvamitra.11 96 of the royal clans of Marathas belong to Kaushik gotra including the illustrious house of Shivaji and Rashtrakutas. 2 more clans belong to the Vishvamitra gotra. Kaushika gotra also belongs to Baish clan of rajput which includes in the suryavanshi rajput, one of the oldest and biggest Kshatriya/Chattari clan of Vedic India.

Kousikh/Kaushik is a gotra of influential Cchatri´s as well as Brahmins (he who does priestly labour) of Punjab and Haryana also some [[Anavil Brahmins]] [[(Desai)]] from [[Gujarat]]. Brahmins consider themselves the descendants of the seven main sages, Angiras, Bhrugu, Vishvamitra, Kashyap, Vasishtha, Atri and Agasti. Of these sages Vishvamitra was part Kshatriya (descendant of thhouse of Puru) , so Kaushik gotra is also of Kshatriyas.

Its origin lies in the Rig-Veda; ancient [[Sanskrit]] language. Kaushik was the son of [[Kushika]] an Indian Kshatriya legend.

'''Visvamitra Gotra''' People belonging to the Visvamitra Gotra consider Brahmarishi Visvamitra as their ancestor.
There is an off-shoot of "Vishvamitra Gotra" called "Chakita Vishvamitra Gotra". Two explanations have been suggested for this off-shoot. The group is supposed to have sprung from a "surprised" reaction of Vishvamitra. The other, more likely, explanation, is that a group of descendants decided to split from the main group and started their own branch of this line.

'''Vishvamitra descendants''' still use Kaushik as their first or last name. This is how majority of the Hindu names were followed. This system of following Rishis' name as the last name was the foundation of "Gautra" in Hindu philosophy. Gautra is used to trace back ancestry especially at the time of marriages till today. Kaushik as the last name is mostly seen in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana (Northern India).
for e.g. ARUN KAUSHIK. Kaushik is also commonly used as a first name (mostly used by people in West Bengal,Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Karnataka in India and Bangladesh). for e.g. KAUSHIK RAMASWAMY.

== Chhatrapati Sri Shivaji Raje Bhosale ==
Shivaji's royal successors also held the title of [[Chhatrapati]]. Chhatrapati is an honorific or an imperial title for an Indian ruler. Shivaji was a king in ancient India, also called [[Kaushika]] ("the descendant of Kusha"). He was a valiant warrior and the great-grandson of a great king named ''Kusha''. "There was a king named Kusha (not to be confused with [[Kusha (Ramayana)|Kusha]], son of [[Rama]]), a brainchild of Prajapati, and Kusha's son was the powerful and verily righteous Kushanaabha. One who is highly renowned by the name Gaadhi was the son of Kushanaabha, and Gaadhi's son is this great-saint of great resplendence, Vishvamitra. Vishvamitra ruled the earth, and this great-resplendent king ruled the kingdom for many thousands of years.It is the Indian counterpart of [[Shah]], [[Padishah]] or [[Pasha]] (which is a shortening of Pati Kshatra) and also written as [[Kshetra]]-Pati, the lord, ruler of a domain and therefore can be compared with the European king. For the Maratha empire, the importance of the title Chhatrapati declined over the years, as first the [[Peshwa]]s (Prime Ministers) and then the ''[[Karbharis]]'' (chatelains of the Peshwas) came to exceed them in effective power.{{ref|1}} The European duke (Her+tog=leader of an army) is comparable with the Indian [[Senapati]]. According to the [[Rigveda]] he was son of a king named Kusika, a descendant of Kusa, but later authorities make him the son of Gathin or [[Gaadhi]], king of Kanyakubja, and a descendant of Puru; so Vishvamitra is declared in the Harivansa to be "at once a [[Paurava]] and a Kausika" by lineage. According to some, Gadhi was of the Kusika race, descended from [[Kusika]]. Vishvamitra is called [[Gadhija]] and Gadhinandana, 'son of [[Gaadhi]].

== Temples of Bhavani ==
[[File:Bhavani & Shivaji.jpg|thumb|Goddess Bhavani giving the sword to [[Shivaji]]]]
The [[Tulja Bhavani]] and anthiur temple in [[Tuljapur]] in [[Osmanabad district]] of [[Maharashtra]] is considered as one of the 51 [[Shakti Pitha]]s. This temple was built in c. 12th century CE. A Tulja Bhavani temple was built between 1537-1540 CE in [[Chittorgarh]].<ref>[http://www.mewarindia.com/ency/tr.html Mewar encyclopedia]</ref> It is located at coordinates {{coord|18.011386|76.125641|type:landmark}}.

<sub>'''History''':</sub> Worship of the primeval energy Shakti in the form of the mother Goddess is seen in the four Shakti Peethas of Maharashtra - Bhavani with her seat at [[Tuljapur]], [[Mahalakshmi]] at [[Kolhapur]], Mahamaya Renuka at [[Mahur]] and [[Jagadamba]] at [[Saptshringi]]. Other Shakti temples in the state are those at Ambe Jogai and Aundh. (also see Daksha Yagna).

Bhavani was the tutelary deity of Shivaji, the valiant Maratha ruler and is held in great reverence throughout the state of Maharashtra. Bhavani is considered to be an embodiment of Ugra or ferocity, as well as a Karunaswaroopini - filled with mercy.

The Bhavani temple in Tuljapur is located on a hill known as Yamunachala, on the slopes of the Sahayadri range in Maharashtra near Sholapur. The temple entrance is at an elevation and visitors need to transcend a flight of steps to reach the shrine. Historic records speak of the existence of this temple from as early as the 12th century CE.

Bhavani is worshipped in the form of a {{convert|3|ft|m|adj=mid|-high}} granite image, with eight arms holding weapons, bearing the head of the slain demon Mahishasura. Bhavani is also known as Tulaja, Turaja, Tvarita and Amba.

Legend has it that a demon by name Matanga wreaked havoc upon the devas and the humans who approached Bhrahma for help and upon his advice turned to the Mother Goddess Shakti, who took up the form of the destroyer, and powered by the other (Sapta) Maataas Varaahi, Bhrahmi, Vaishnavi, Kaumaari, Indraani and Saambhavi and vanquished him for peace to reign again.

Legend also has it that Bhavani vanquished another demon who had taken the form of a wild buffalo (Mahishasura), and took abode on the Yamunachala hill, which is now home to the temple.

Four worship services are offered each day here. The festivals of significance here are Gudi Padva in the month of Chaitra, Shriral Sashti, Lalita Panchami, Makara Sankranti and Rathasaptami. The deity is taken out in procession on Tuesdays. Navaratri is also celebrated with great fanfare, and it culminates in Vijaya Dasami.

== Etymology ==
The term has various other possible derivations:
# From [[Sanskrit]] ('''''kshatra''''', also '''''kshetra''''' [''empire''/''land'']+'''''pati''''' [''lord''/''husband'']) meaning an emperor
# From [[Hindi]] ('''''chatra''''', also '''''chhatri''''' [''umbrella'']+'''''pati''''' [''lord'']) meaning a person worthy of a ceremonial umbrella.
# From [[Marathi language|Marathi]] ('''''chatra''''' [''roof'' or ''umbrella''] + Marathi '''''pati''''' [''husband'']) meaning a king or ruler — ''Chhatrapati'' indicates a person who gives shade to his followers and protects their success.
# Another possible derivation of Chhatrapati is "'''''Kshatriya'''''"+"'''''Pati'''''" i.e. Leader or Lord of the Kshatriyas or Warriors.

== Gayatri Mantra ==

[[Brahmarshi]] [[Vishvamitra]] (Sanskrit विश्वामित्र viśvā-mitra "all-friend") is one of the most venerated [[rishi]]'s or sages of ancient times in India. He is also credited as the author of most of Mandala 3 of the [[Rigveda]], including the revered great Gayatri Mantra. It is a mantra cum prayer and is found in all the three Vedas; Rig, Yajur and Sama Veda. [[Veda]]'s clearly state that anyone can chant this Mantra, and gain its benefits.
The [[Puranas]] mention that only 24 Rishis since antiquity have understood the whole meaning of, and thus wielded the whole power of, the Gayatri Mantra. Sage Vishvamitra is supposed to be the first, and Sage [[Yajnavalkya]] the last.

{| class="wikitable"
|Om Bhur Bhuvah Suvaha
<sup>We meditate upon the</sup>
|Tat Savitur Varenyam
<sup>glorious splendor of</sup>
|Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi
<sub>the Vivifier Divine.</sub>
|Dhiyo Yo Nah Prachodayat
<sub>May He Himself illumine our minds!</sub>
|}
Gayatri Mantra is so called because it liberates one who chants it.

== In the Ramayana ==
[[File:Ravi Varma-Rama-breaking-bow.jpg|thumb|Vishvamitra looks as Rama breaks the bow, winning the hand of Sita in marriage. Painting by Raja Ravi Varma]]
In the [[Indian epic]] ''[[Ramayana]]'', Vishvamitra is the [[preceptor]] of [[Rama]], prince of [[Ayodhya]] and the seventh [[Avatar]] of [[Vishnu]], and his brother [[Lakshmana]]. Shri Ram, he who is protected by [[Dharmaveer]][[Hanuman]] an Avatara of [[Shiva|Siva]].

Vishwamitra gives them the knowledge of the ''Devastras'' or celestial weaponry [ bala and adi bala ], trains them in advanced religion and guides them to kill powerful demons like [[Tataka]], [[Maricha]] and [[Subahu]]. He also leads them to the [[svayamvara]] ceremony for princess [[Sita]], who becomes the wife of Rama.

== Origins ==
Indra is a god of the [[Mitanni]]. If Indra, as a deity, is cognate to other Indo-European gods, either [[thunder god]]s such as [[Thor]], [[Perun]], and [[Zeus]], or gods of intoxicating drinks such as [[Dionysos]], his name has either not been preserved in any other branch, or else it is itself an Indian (or perhaps Indo-Iranian) innovation.

In [[historical Vedic religion]], Indra has prominence as the continuation of chief god of the Indo-European pantheon [[Dyēus]]. Dyēus himself appears in the [[Vedas]] as [[Dyaus Pita]], a relatively minor deity who, interestingly, is the father of Indra. This may derive from the same longstanding [[Cronus|father-usurpation pattern]] found in Greek mythology, in which even Zeus' offspring by [[Metis (mythology)|Metis]] was predicted to overthrow him, had the resulting child ([[Athena]]) been male. A similar pattern may come into play regarding the relatively low status of [[Tyr]] compared to [[Odin]] or [[Thor]] in [[Norse paganism]] (though Tyr has since been posited as Odin's son, instead of his father). Even in ancient Slavic religion, Perun, the Sky God, is the main deity, while his father [[Svarog]], with his heaven named Svarga (same as Indra's Heaven) was in most areas a less prominent deity.

It was once supposed that Vedic Indra corresponds to [[Verethragna]] of the Zoroastrian [[Avesta]]. This idea was based primarily on the fact that the noun ''verethragna-'' corresponds to Vedic ''vrtrahan-'', which is predominantly an epithet of Indra. The supposition that Indra corresponds to Verethragna is now controversial. While both ''vritra-'' and ''verethra-'' derive from the same root "to cover", the word ''verethra-'' is today understood to mean "obstacle". Thus, ''verethragna-'' is now understood to reflect "smiter of resistance".

Vritra does not appear in either the Avesta or in 9th-12th century books of [[Zoroastrian]] tradition. Since the ''name''<!-- stress --> 'Indra' appears in Zoroastrian texts as that of an arch-demon opposing [[asha|Truth]]<!-- caps; both common noun, and the hypostasis of it --> (''[[Vendidad|Vd.]]'' 10.9; ''[[Denkard|Dk.]]'' 9.3; ''[[Bundahishn|Gbd]].'' 27.6, 34.27), it may be supposed that ''Verethragna'' was a way of reintroducing him in a favourable light.

== In the Rig Veda ==
The [[Rig-Veda]] states,
<blockquote>''He under whose supreme control are horses, all chariots, the villages, and cattle'';
{{-}}''He who gave being to the Sun and Morning, who leads the waters, He, O men, is Indra.'' (2.12.7, trans. [[Ralph T.H. Griffith|Griffith]])</blockquote>

It further states,
<blockquote>“''Indra, you lifted up the outcast who was oppressed, you glorified the blind and the lame.''” (Rg-Veda 2:13:12)<ref>[http://www.bharatvani.org/books/ait/ch47.htm "Indra and Shiva" by KOENRAAD ELST]</ref></blockquote>
[[Indra]] is, with [[Varuna]] and [[Mitra]], one of the [[Ādityas]], the chief personification of God in the [[Rigveda]] (besides [[Agni]] and the [[Ashvins]]). He delights in drinking [[Soma]], and the central [[Vedic mythology|Vedic myth]] is his heroic defeat of [[Vritra|Vṛtrá]], liberating the [[Rigvedic rivers|rivers]], or alternatively, his smashing of the [[Vala (Vedic)|Vala]], a stone enclosure where the [[Panis]] had imprisoned the cows, and [[Ushas]] (dawn). He is the god of war, smashing the stone fortresses of the [[Dasyu]], and invoked by combatants on both sides in the [[Battle of the Ten Kings]].
[[File:Devendra Shivashankara.jpg|right|thumb|Indra as depicted in [[Yakshagana]], popular folk art of [[Karnataka]]]]

The Rig-Veda frequently refers to him as '''Śakra''': the mighty-one. In the Vedic period, the number of gods was assumed to be thirty-three and Indra was their lord. (The slightly later Brihad-aranyaka Upanishad enumerates the gods as the eight Vasus, the eleven Rudras, the twelve Adityas, Indra, and Prajapati). As lord of the Vasus, Indra was also referred to as '''Vāsava'''.

By the age of the [[Vedanta]], Indra became the prototype for all lords and thus a king could be called Mānavendra (Indra or lord of men) and [[Rama]], the hero of the [[Ramayana]], was referred to as Rāghavendra (Indra of the clan of Raghu). Hence the original Indra was also referred to as Devendra (Indra of the Devas). However, Sakra and Vasava were used exclusively for the original Indra.
Though modern texts usually adhere to the name Indra, the traditional Hindu texts (the Vedas, epics and Puranas) use Indra, Sakra and Vasava interchangeably and with the same frequency.

"''Of the Vedas I am the Sama Veda; of the demigods I am Indra, the king of heaven; of the senses I am the mind; and in living beings I am the living force [consciousness].''" (Bhagavad Gita 10.22) [http://www.bhagavad-gita.us/categories/Chapter-Ten-of-the-Bhagavad-Gita/]

=== Status and function ===
Indra is an important god in many post-Vedic and [[Hindu]] mythological tales. He leads the [[Deva (Hinduism)|Devas]] (the gods who form and maintain [[Heaven]]) and the elements, such as [[Agni]] (Fire), [[Varuna]] (Water) and [[Surya]] (Sun), and constantly wages war against the demonic [[Asura]]s of the netherworlds, or [[Patala]], who oppose morality and [[dharma]]. He thus fights in the timeless battle between good and evil. As the god of war, he is also regarded as one of the [[Guardians of the directions]], representing the east.

In post-Vedic texts, He is however, ascribed with more human characteristics and vices than any other Vedic deity. Perhaps consequently, he also has the most hymns dedicated to him: 250 (Masson-Oursel and Morin, 326).

Modern Hindus, however tend to see Indra as minor deity in comparison to others in the Hindu pantheon, such as [[Shiva]], [[Vishnu]], or [[Devi]]. A Puranic story illustrating the subjugation of Indra's pride is illustrated in the story of
[[Govardhan hill]] where [[Krishna]], [[Avatar]] or incarnation of [[Vishnu]] carried the hill and protected his devotees when Indra, angered by non-worship of him, launched rains over the village.

=== Characteristics ===
==== Appearance ====
[[File:Bangkok Wat Arun Phra Prang Indra Erawan.jpg|thumb|Detail of the Phra Prang, the central tower of the [[Wat Arun]] ("Temple of Dawn") in [[Bangkok]], [[Thailand]] - showing Indra on his three-headed elephant Erawan ([[Airavata]]).]]

In [[Rig Veda]], Indra the solar god is sometimes described as golden-bodied ("''[[Gora]]''" that means golden-yellowish) with golden jaw, nails, hair, beard.

One Atharva Vedic verse reads, "''In Indra are set fast all forms of golden hue.''"<ref>Hymn XXX, P. 407 ''The Hymns of the Atharvaveda''</ref>

'''Yellow or Brown Body'''

In the Rig Veda, hymn 65 reads, "''SAKRA, who is the purifier (of his worshippers), and well-skilled in horses, who is wonderful and golden-bodied.''"<ref>P. 113 ''Rig-Veda-Sanhitá'' By Horace Hayman Wilson, Edward Byles Cowell, William Frederick Webster</ref> Rig Veda also reads that Indra "''is the dancing god who, clothed in perfumed garments, golden-cheeked rides his golden car.''"<ref>P. 248 ''Journal of the American Oriental Society'' By American Oriental Society</ref> One passage calls him both brown and yellow.<ref>P. 520 ''The hymns of the R̥gveda'' By Ralph Thomas Hotchkin Griffith, Jagdish Lal Shastri</ref> "Him with the fleece they purify, brown, golden-hued, beloved of all, Who with exhilarating juice goes forth to all the deities"

'''Yellow Hair'''

Indra is described in the Rig Veda of dying his hair a yellow colour from yellow Soma juice.<ref>P. 90 ''Dialectics of Hindu ritualism'', Volume 1 By Bhupendranātha Datta</ref> One part of the Rig Veda says, "''At the swift draught the Soma-drinker waxed in might, the Iron One with yellow beard and'' ''yellow hair."'' The Rig Veda/Mandala 10/Hymn 96

==== Other Characteristics ====
"''Like violent gusts of wind the draughts that I have drunk have lifted me
Have I not drunk of Soma juice?"''<ref>Rig Veda:10.119.2</ref>

''"Fair cheeks hath Indra, Maghavan, the Victor, Lord of a great host, Stormer, strong in action.
What once thou didst in might when mortals vexed thee, where now, O Bull, are those thy hero exploits?"'' (RigVeda, Book 3, Hymn XXX: Griffith)<ref name="http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/rigveda/rv03030.htm">[http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/rigveda/rv03030.htm Rig Veda: Rig-Veda, Book 3: HYMN XXX. Indra]</ref>

''"May the strong Heaven make thee the Strong wax stronger: Strong, for thou art borne by thy two strong Bay Horses. So, fair of cheek, with mighty chariot, mighty, uphold us, strong-willed, thunderarmed, in battle."'' (RigVeda, Book 5, Hymn XXXVI: Grffith)<ref name="http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/rigveda/rv05036.htm">[http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/rigveda/rv05036.htm Rig Veda: Rig-Veda, Book 5: HYMN XXXVI. Indra]</ref>

Indra's weapon, which he used to kill [[Vritra]], (with the help of other gods), is the thunderbolt ([[Vajra]]), though he also uses a [[bow (weapon)|bow]], a [[Indra's net|net]], and a hook. He rides a large, four-tusked white elephant called [[Airavata]]. When portrayed having four arms, he has lances in two of his hands which resemble elephant goads. When he is shown to have two, he holds the Vajra and a bow.<ref>(Masson-Oursel and Morin, 326).</ref>

Indra lives in [[Svarga]] in the clouds around [[Mt. Meru]]. Deceased warriors go to his hall after death, where they live without sadness, pain or fear. They watch the [[Apsaras]] and the [[Gandharvas]] dance, and play games. The gods of the elements, celestial sages, great kings, and warriors enrich his court.

=== "Indradhanush", the bow of Indra: Rainbow ===

In [[Hindu mythology]], the [[rainbow]] is called "[[Indradhanush]]", meaning the [[bow (weapon)|bow]] ([[Sanskrit]] & [[Hindi]]: dhanush is bow) of Indra, the God of [[lightning]], [[thunder]] and [[rain]].
Indra figures as one of the chief [[Rigvedic deities|deities]] in the [[Rigveda]], celebrated as the slayer of [[Vṛtra]] and central to the [[Soma]] sacrifice. He has many epithets, notably ''{{IAST|vṛṣan}}'' the bull, and ''{{IAST|vṛtrahan}}'', slayer of Vṛtra.

== References ==
{{reflist}}

[[Category:Given names]]
[[Category:Surnames]]
[[Category:Ramayana]]
[[Category:Rig Veda]]
[[Category:Indian family names]]
[[Category:Gotras]]

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