Porasonid mythology

This is an article about the many gods venerated in the republic of Porashon, and related characters in folklore and myth. It also includes the practices of Porashon's religions.

## Western Gods / Paschimadevas

See also: Hindu divine beings

In Porashon, the gods or devas of Sandharma or Hinduism (such as Shiva and Kali) are known as "the Western Gods", because their homeland of Prisapura is located at the western hemisphere of Jerde. West is also a sacred direction in Porasonid culture, associated with holiness. Porashon's version of Sandharma is more similar to polytheist beliefs in neighbouring countries and the Sarmelonid Empire, with Shiva and Kali ruling as the King and Queen of the Gods.

Porasonid Sandharma is more aligned towards Shaivism, bringing it closer with many nations along the southern parts of the Esamian continent. In Porashon, Shiva, Kali, Ganesha and Murugan are known as "the High Gods".

The Dharmic gods became very popular throughout Porashon because They are seen as the only gods who loved them. Other gods are more distant to their creations, perhaps more or less so to such an alien race as the Porasonids with their sins. On the other hand, the Dharmic scriptures mentioned that Shiva and other gods mentioned are more welcoming to them, for They instead look upon the Porasonids as Their beloved creations, or even like Their children. It was even more so, because the gods of the Dharma also wanted to help Their children become free from the sins of their ancestors.

This article lists only the more well-known Sandharmin deities in Porashon.

* Shiva Mahakala
	+ The god of destruction, regeneration, time, change, dance, and renewal. He wields a trident and has long hair, and He lives on Mount Kailasha. He also has a third eye that incinerates anything it sees.
	+ When He is angry, he becomes into Rudra, a ferocious god of fire and storms. He also transforms into Bhairava, the ferocious embodiment of annihilation.
		- He also does not like gold or wealth, viewing them as wasteful and full of deceit.
		- Those who follow Him end up becoming more peaceful, wise, and helpful.
	+ One of His symbols is the *lingam*, a curved pillar of stone enthroned on a dais.
		- Porasonids believe it represents Mount Kailasa and its surrounding mountains, Shiva's paradise.
	+ Two other symbols are the trident (trishura) and the crescent moon.
	+ He is also as "Bhattara Guru", a great teacher.
		- Porasonids worship Him because he is Ravana's mentor and ruler.
		- As He is also Ravana's master, Porasonids also consider Him and Kalandil as the same god. They worship Him as "He Who Sees Beyond Time", "The Great Teacher", or "Beyond-Time".
		- His aspect of Dakshinamurti (the Great Teacher) represents His help to those who dedicate themselves to pursue knowledge: fitting for Porashon, a nation brimming with knowledge, data, and archives dating back to millions of years ago.
		- Another reason why the Porasonids worship Shiva and Kali is because They are more open, accepting anyone into Their presence such as outcasts. Just as the asuras and rakshasas of old prayed to Shiva, so do the Porasonids, whose people are hated in the rest of the world as monsters.
	+ He is honoured in the festival of Shiva Maharatri and the month of Shraavan (Soravan), when Porasonids fast every Monday to honour Him.
* Kali Ma
	+ The goddess of time, justice, destruction, purity, and love.
	+ She appears in many forms, such as Parvati (Queen of the Mountains), Durga (Destroyer of Evil), and Uma. Kali is Her aspect when she is angry, along with Mahakali and others.
	+ She also has nine forms, known as the Navadurga: Sailaputri (nature and divine power), Brahmacharini (penance), Chandraghanta (courage and serenity), Kushmanda (courage, the sun's warmth, and liberation), Skandamata (fire and war), Katyayani (power and divine wrath), Kalaratri (eternity), Mahagauri (purity), and Siddhidhatri (enlightenment and achievement). Each of Her nine forms are honoured in the festival of Navaratri, which concludes in Vijayadashami or Dasara.
	+ One aspect of Her, Kalaratri, represents auspiciousness and courage. Her very presence also destroys demons and evil creatures, causing them to be afraid of Her.
	+ It is said that Kali is more honoured by good deeds instead of offerings, although it is still honourable to leave offerings to Her. Those who follow Her end up becoming more humble and compassionate, or even protective against evil.
	+ As the very embodiment of Time, She is much more powerful and incomprehensible against mortals.
	+ She is honoured in the festival of Kali Puja and the month of Shraavan, when Porasonids refuse to eat on Tuesdays. To honour Her protection and preservation of people's lives, Kali Puja is also the country's equivalent of Children's Day, when families and their young give their thanks to Kali and Shiva.
* Ganesha
	+ The god of wealth and the removal of obstacles.
	+ He is known for His elephant head, His love of rich food, and His kindness.
	+ Like other Sandharmin societies, many Porasonid shops have a shrine to Ganesha or at least an image of Him to bless their business.
	+ Before anyone prays to any of the Sandharmin gods, it is recommended to pray to Ganesha first to ensure His blessings.
* Murugan
	+ The youthful god of war and victory.
	+ His weapon is a spear known as the vel.
* Devasena
	+ One of two consorts of Lord Murugan, the other being the tribal woman Valli.
	+ As the goddess Shashthi, She is also one of many, many divine protectors of children. In honour of Her humble mount, the black cat, cats in general (especially black cats) are respected in Porashon. That itself is a continuation of Vozonid tradition, where black cats were considered sacred to Zomjonor, a Vozonid god.
* Râma
	+ A form of Vishnu, the god of preservation and purification. The seventh of ten great visitations on Earth.
	+ He was well-known for ending Ravana's reign of terror and leading the people of Ayodhya in justice with his wife Sita.
	+ Even though He was Ravana's enemy, the Porasonids still worshipped Him and respected Him: they regard him as justice and divine retribution embodied. It is also considered very unacceptable to curse at or hate Rama, for they also consider Him to be Shiva Himself, coming to Ravana to execute him for the many murders done in the asura king's tyranny. They also noticed that He also sought some advice from Ravana before the latter died.
	+ The Porasonids believe that He IS Shiva himself, manifesting as a god-king to teach humanity to build a righteous society, and to stop His traitorous devotee Ravana from destroying the world. By extension, they also regard Sita as an incarnation of Parvati, and Their sons Kusha and Lava are regarded as manifestations of Ganesha and Murugan.
	+ Rama worshipped Shiva before He marched to Lanka - according to the Porasonid interpretation, He did this to set an example to His people to honour the Gods, and to remind them that He is everywhere when they need Him.
	+ In honour of Him, Porasonids refuse to damage or dirty basil (tulasi) plants, even though the plant is forbidden to them because Shiva rejects the plant. To harm one is to blaspheme against Rama, and then Vishnu, and by extension, Shiva.
* Surya
	+ The god of the sun.
	+ As Porasonids are a people with plant-like physiology, sunlight makes their wounds heal faster. As a result, Porasonids also venerate Surya as the god of medicine.
	+ The festival of Ratha Saptami honours him, with chariot races and drum performances.
* Jambavan
	+ The bear god who is king over a tribe of bears.
	+ In Porashon, he is worshipped as the god of the borders and diplomacy, and the guardian of the lost and children.
	+ To honour him, every child is given a black bear doll at their first birthday to protect them from evil spirits. On the thirteenth birthday, the doll is to be "cremated" in a mock funeral to represent the end of youth, so it is a more somber occasion than the other birthdays.
* Kubera
	+ The dwarf god of wealth, prosperity, and the north.
	+ Because he is the lord of the yakshas, the Porasonids worship him as the spiritual guardian of their nation.
	+ When angered, Kubera becomes into Vaishravana, a great warrior.
* Arayani
	+ The goddess of the forests.

## Slavonian gods / Slavyotadevas

See also: Slavic mythology

These are the gods worshipped by the neighbouring Slavonian peoples. They are sometimes referred to as the "Southern Gods".

Before the conversion of Porashon to Sandharma, these gods were given the highest respect in all of Porasonid society. They are still respected to this day as one of four pantheons.

* Perun
	+ The god of thunder, mountains, oak trees, war, and masculinity. The king of the gods.
* Mokosh
	+ The goddess of water, the earth, weaving, death, and femininity. The queen of the gods.
* Svarog
	+ The god of the sun, the forge, law, and creation.
	+ As the Porasonids believe that they are too impure to approach his sacred presence, they only invoke him in thanksgiving ceremonies or in great disasters. Slavonians who live in Porashon mostly venerate him as the god of technology.
	+ The kolovrat, an eight-scythed wheel, is considered as his holy symbol. Porasonids usually do not look at a kolovrat out of respect to him.
* Dazhbog
	+ The god of fire, the sun, and the harvest.
	+ Invoked on harvest days to thank him for his blessings.
* Jarilo
	+ The god of plants and spring.
	+ A popular deity among southern Porasonids. They refer him as "Grandfather Jarilo" and "Lord of the Forest".

## Gauvajut gods / Gauvyotadevas

See also: Gauvajut mythology

These are the gods worshipped by the Gauvajut people. They are sometimes referred as the "Northern Gods".

* Tarhunz
	+ The Gauvajut god of thunder, lightning, justice, rain, and the weather.
	+ He is often associated with leadership, so all rulers and leaders (whether royal or elected) are dedicated to him.
* Hannahanna
	+ The goddess of the earth and agriculture.
* Arinna
	+ A solar goddess.
* Purilli
	+ The goddess of harvests.
* Telepino
	+ The son of Tarhunz and Hannahanna, the god of wisdom and righteous conduct.

## Vozonid gods / Vasundadevas

See also: Vozonid mythology

These are the gods worshipped by the Vozonid people. They are sometimes referred to as the "Eastern Gods".

* Mithura
	+ The Ontemazei goddess of love, stars, the sun, and fire.
	+ She and Goruso are considered as the protectors of the Porasonid ethnicity and race.
	+ Porasonids believe that she and Goruso serve Shiva and Kali.
* Goruso
	+ The Ontemazei god of war, defence, lightning, courage, and lightning.
	+ Goruso is invoked in war to bless the soldiers' weaponry, vehicles, and mutant powers.
* Zomjonor
	+ The god of gryphons, dreams, and refined culture.
	+ The popular deity of half of most Porasonids, who practice the Vozonid religion. His priests wear gryphon costumes and dance to Zomjonor and the other gods.
* Pjosaroz
	+ The god of civilisation. Venerated on certain ceremonies to affirm to the gods that Porashon is the successor of the Sarmelonid civilisation.

## Central gods / Kakhailandevas

See also: Kekhaulid mythology

These are the gods of the indigenous Kekhaulid peoples, who are venerated by the Porasonids to earn their favour. Kekhaulid citizens of Porashon enjoy certain privileges in honour of these gods.

* Ikoteira
	+ The goddess of the heavens, the queen of the gods.
* Pulutokka
	+ The falcon god of hunters and warriors. Syncretised with Svarog or regarded as his ally.
* Hal'honos
	+ The god of the earth and farmers.
* Ravui
	+ The goddess of the forests and trees.
* Teinokar
	+ The god of education, books, and wisdom.
* Salonto
	+ The god of the sun.
* Jarui and Kjarui
	+ The wives of the sun god. Jarui protects children, while Kjarui protects the elderly.
* Loinda and Narid
	+ The goddesses of the full and new moon.
* Rihal and Rohal
	+ The husbands of Loinda and Narid. They were the fathers of the stars of Heaven.
* Ara
	+ The god of fire.
* Amesalle
	+ The seventy-two chief constellations of the southern sky, the wardens of Heaven.
* Father Kankanta
	+ The god of trees, the supposed creator of the Ontemazei's souls.

## Asuras and rakshasas

According to Porasonid belief, asuras are monstrous gods who have divine strength and intelligence, but with a desire for more violence. Porasonids also believe that asuras who do not control their desires, but give themselves to evil, become into rakshasas. These savage, cannibalistic beasts gained brute strength, but in the process they also lose their sanity and personality, becoming a threat against all surrounding life.

The Porasonids loved the asuras and rakshasas, because they regarded them as fellow monsters. Sometimes, the asuras' devotion to Shiva and their civilisations were among the many inspirations for latter Porasonid society - not with violence or brute force, but devotion and altruism.

* Ravana
	+ The titan-king of the floating island of Lanka. Described as the Porasonid god of war and science, and the "king of the monsters".
	+ After their enemies called them "monsters", the Porasonids began worshipping Ravana to identify themselves with another kind of "monster". It also led them to worship Shiva and Kali, who are regarded as Ravana's masters and mentors.
		- During war, they invoke Ravana to channel his rage, to make themselves fight more fiercely against their enemies. They also invoke Goruso to bless their weaponry, and Tarhunz to instill courage into their leaders and officers.
	+ As Ravana was known for writing ancient books and composing music, the Porasonids also worship him as their god of science. Statues of Ravana are carved outside science laboratories and research centres. If a project is a success, scientists leave an offering to the statue of Ravana to thank him. Even the Porasonid word for "eureka" is a praise towards Ravana, "Džeravan!" (from "Jai Ravana").
	+ However, the term "Ravanalila" is used as a poetic term for "downfall" or "ruin", especially regarding an arrogant or destructive enemy. It means that the arrogant one is repeating the tragic story of Ravana, leading to their own destruction. The term must not be used on any stage play with Ravana on it, because it is considered blasphemous by elevating Ravana to Shiva's threshold and desecrating the honour of the Gods. "Lila" means "a holy stage play", as it depicts the deeds of the Gods.
* Vibhishana
	+ Ravana's righteous brother.
	+ He was a folk hero in the Bujanid Empire, representing redemption from evil by choosing to be good in spite of his origins.
	+ Later on, the Porasonids also celebrated him as a role model, representing their choice to be an ally of humans instead of waging war on them. It also led to better relations with Zvesta and modern Bujan, as both Porashon and Bujan love Vibhishana as a symbol of righteousness.
* Kalanemi
	+ Ravana's wicked advisor.
	+ Porasonids believe that he was the one responsible for encouraging Ravana to become cruel and evil.
* Kalakeya/Kalokei
	+ Asuras who gave themselves to evil, descending into mindless cruelty and hatred.
	+ The kalakeyas became synonymous with the Ontemazei Empire for their savagery.
	+ Later on, the cannibalistic Kalokei armies that massacred the southern reaches of Porashon named themselves after those monsters.
* Koli (Kali, not to ever be confused with Kali Ma)
	+ The manifestation of people's sin and corruption. The namesake of Kali Yuga, the age of decline, corruption, and destruction, known locally as Kolijuka or Kolejoka.
	+ His consort Durukti (Slander) gave him several vile descendants: Bhayanak (Terror), Mrityu (Death, Oblivion), Naraka (Hell), and Yatana (Torment, Hate).
* Yatana/Jotane
	+ The goddess of torture and cruelty.
	+ Considered in Porasonid folklore as the corruptor of tyrants and leaders, driving them to commit acts of cruelty.
	+ According to Porasonid folklore, she is known as Jotane, the demon-goddess of hatred and cruelty. The "Mithura" worshipped by the Ontemazei Empire or "Kalokei" was actually Yatana, hence the many atrocities and massacres done in her name. Anyone who kills people in the name of Mithura, or sacrifices them to Mithura, is instead giving an offering to Yatana.
		- Porasonids also believe that anyone who commits human sacrifice, or murders someone as a ritual offering, is always offering to Yatana. Even their enemies that attempted to kill them as sacrifices to their gods are considered worshippers of evil, of Yatana; especially the Kalokei who cursed against the Porasonids' beloved goddess, Kali, by their blasphemous murders. This was why defeated Kalokei were burned alive, to punish them for turning their sacrificial murders into blasphemies against the Porasonid Gods.
		- After the executions of Kalokei murderers, the blasphemous mock-shrines to Mithura and Kali were purified. The Porasonids conducted ceremonies, calling upon Kali Ma to cleanse the sites and sanctify the sacrificial victims' souls to the paradise of Kailasa. After the ceremony, the dark temples were torn down, rebuilt and consecrated as temples to Kali and Her manifold aspects.
	+ The Porasonid people devote themselves to Shiva and Kali to avoid being corrupted by Yatana. Kali Ma, the goddess of justice and righteousness, is therefore the arch-enemy and destroyer of Yatana. Likewise, all who uphold all that is good in the world, including the Porasonids and their allies, are also enemies of Yatana and children of Kali Ma.
	+ In the folklore of the Ontemazei of Bujan, Jotane became into some kind of arch-devil, the enemy of the gods. She drove many rulers to cruelty, including the Wannaenids who brought them to Bujan to be tortured and enslaved.

## Other beings

* yakshas - tree spirits. In Porashon, they are venerated as ancestors, as the Porasonids believe that they were created from trees. The Porasonids also believe that if they live good lives, after they die their souls join the ancestors in Shiva's mountain gardens as guardian yakshas, who then look after the living.
* nai saremau/nai saremai - cherry tree spirits. In Porashon, they are depicted as righteous people whom the gods appointed to protect the living after their death.
* rusolla, rusolka (rusalka) - beautiful river women. In Porashon, they are depicted as peach-skinned, blonde women wearing Vozonid dresses and golden crowns, unlike the Sevestranians who depict them with white and red dresses.
* lashira (leshi) - forest spirits. Unlike the Sevestranians who somewhat fear them, the Porasonids venerate them as their ancestors.
* planetnicy (sg. planetnik) - cloud or wind spirits. They are supposedly created from people who destroyed themselves or who were taken away by rainbows. As servants of Perun, they control the clouds and bring rain or snow, and they are mostly neutral. Farmers pray to them to bless their crops, but the planetnicy can bring storms to punish evildoers.
	+ In Porashon, they are known as pelantei, syncretised from Sevestranian folklore. Because these spirits are associated with rainbows, the Porasonids also used their name to refer themselves as "living servants of Heaven".
* Sri Namaskâra - the goddess of good manners, honour, and cooperation. There were several public service announcements where she advises the protagonist to make the right choices.
	+ According to folklore, she is a heavenly spirit sent by Shiva to guide people to righteousness.
* Sri Himavayu Marut, Sri Himavaju Marut, Sri Gimavomarud - the god of winter who arrives every June to bring snow and rain, one of the Sixty Maruts (major wind gods). Depicted as a man in white armour and a bear's skin as his cloak. His weapon is a pike.
* kalokei - the warriors of the Ontemazei Empire, the very exemplars of unlimited cruelty and hate.
	+ They look like ordinary Porasonids - pink-haired humans - but they are more cruel and they wear dreadful armour.
	+ Kalokei enjoy drinking blood and eating their enemies, usually by tearing them apart with their teeth.
	+ The enemies of Kali and Shiva, for their hatred of all sentient life and attempts in omnicide and mass murder.
	+ After their deaths, they became into demons who possess and tempt people on the verge of rage and wrath.
	+ The rulers of the Kalokei, the Ontemazei imperial government, were known as the Dasju or Dosju, after the Dasyu demons of the Rig Veda scriptures. Like the Dasyu of old, the Imperial Ontemazei used to build massive cities while they waged ruinous wars against the world.
* džømbo - a bear spirit that inhabits a sacred doll that protects a child, or the doll itself.
	+ A džømbo can be male or female (known as a džaubi). These bear spirits live in a kingdom somewhere in Svarga or west of Mount Kailasha, where Jambavan or Kali sends the spirit to visit a one-year old child at midnight. The spirit protects the child for twelve years, and is then released on his or her thirteenth birthday when the child burns the doll.
	+ When the džømbo returns to Heaven, he or she reports the deeds of the child to Jambavan, and then to Shiva and Kali, who will decide what rewards will the child get when they become an adult. On the next midnight, the spirit is sent to another doll to protect another child.

## Locations

* Mount Kailasa - a holy mountain at the western end of the world. Long before the Porasonids started worshipping Shiva, it was popularised by the Ontemazei slaves across Jerde as a symbol of freedom and salvation. The Gods of Kailasa, including Shiva, are seen as more loving and forgiving, seeking to free them from the curse of their many sins.

## Religious practices

"*Oh Gods! We now bear your image, as we approach your regal and glorious presence. We now make ourselves clean so nothing will go against you. May this performance be as sweet as honey. Hail to you, and all praise and glory be to you forever. Hail the Gods!*" - The Actor's Prayer

Many of the customs in Porasonid religion were derived from the founding era or the Rodnover era, when the Porasonids became more and more devout as they sought the Gods' forgiveness for their ancestors' sins.

* In some shrines to Shiva, Porashonids build arches in front of the shrines as a reminder for people to make themselves pure and clean before approaching Shiva. They also set up holy flags around the lingam to consecrate its area.
* Porasonid temples -- Hindu and Vozonid alike -- have lots of flowering trees.
* Before a Porasonid acts as a deity (such as Shiva, Kali, Rama, or Svarog, Perun, Mokosh, or any aboriginal deity), he or she kneels and prays to the Gods to purify their soul and focus their mind on the deity. They prayer may last for five minutes (ideally) or one minute (usually), and during the prayer, musicians perform on the stage. After he or she has done acting, they refuse to do anything dirty (such as rude jokes, sarcasm, some forms of entertainment; or for Sandharmins, eat meat) for half an hour, as they claim that they had approached the presence of the Gods during the performance.
	+ This Actor's Prayer is usually preceded with a salutation, like "Turo" (for Vozonid deities), "Makha" (for worshippers of aboriginal deities), "Slava" (for Slavic deities), or "Om" (for Hindu deities).
	+ Exceptions include Vozonid and Ontemazei deities (who are more closer), leshi, wights, some minor deities, and asuras like Ravana (because they are not proper deities). Some worshippers still do the Actor's Prayer out of politeness for some characters, like Jambavan, but to do it before acting as Ravana or the asuras is discouraged.
	+ If a Porasonid cannot kneel, he or she would just bow their head, close their eyes, and silently pray.

### Religious terms

* lingam - a pillar or column used to worship Shiva, where water, milk, ghee, flowers, and sacred leaves are placed on its top. It is placed on a fountain-platform with one stream, the yoni, where water, milk, and ghee flow from the lingam. The stream from the lingam is known as the nirmili, which no one may cross if they move around the lingam.
* bhûmi pudža - praying to the earth goddess to consecrate a new building. Porasonids also include local wights when consecrating new buildings.
* tandava, tandau - a folk dance with drums and sticks on the hands, and a lot of circling and leaping, derived from the Vozonid gryphon-priests' dances towards Zomjonor. The lyrics were derived from the Siva Tandava Stotra, a hymn towards the Lord of Eternity. It is usually performed four times a year: on Maha Shivaratri, New Year's Day, Sravana Somavara (third Monday of Shraavan), and Ravana Dan.
	+ The "great tandau", a sacred dance similar to a dance representing Shiva's dance of destruction, is so holy that Porasonids only perform it on certain religious occasions. They fear that to perform the great tandau outside those safe occasions is dangerous, as it draws the original dances' holy power, causing destruction on the world.
* trišulajatra, trišolatrai - a meditation where a devotee wears white and walks around with a trident, praying to Shiva or Kali
* bilva, bilova - a sacred tree with triple leaves used as offerings to Shiva
* kâlašveta (d'hvadža), kâlasovei - a black and white flag used in religious ceremonies and battle. Black represents Kali and white represents Shiva, so the colours together represent divine order, harmony, and justice.
	+ When Zaqo used a black and white flag, the Porasonids joked that they had gotten their "revenge" against the Thandizo invasion. They joked that the black and white flags of the Zaqovians would have suggested that Shiva and Kali are watching the empire more closely. The downfall of Zaqo and the civil war of the unstable Trimallean regime are regarded as divine punishment for the extermination and oppression of the Ontemazei slaves.
* Navaisvaras - Nine Sanctuaries, nine great temples to Shiva all over Porashon that consecrate the country.
	+ This practice was based on the Pancha Isvaram, five temples on the island of Tamrapanni dedicated to Shiva. One of them, the Grand Hall of Konesvaram, was supposedly built by Ravana ages ago. Not only do Porasonids go there to pay homage to Ravana and the gods, but also to learn in a warmer environment at a university by the coast.
	+ The temples were originally built in 700 BT, as simple shrines set up when Shiva was worshipped by some locals as a god of knowledge. When Porashon converted to Sandharma, these shrines were elevated into national monuments.
* nirmâlja, nirumâlja - consecrated offerings to the gods and wights. They are usually in the form of food and flowers. Taking nirmâlja from a lingam or a temple is an offense so strong, that the thief will end up with a great curse. This grand offering is then eaten by priests and given away to the less-fortunate, to share the gods' blessings to other people: the food is considered so holy, that the worshippers cannot eat the nirmâlja food.
* prasâda - any food offerings to the gods. The nirmâlja is considered more honourable than the prasâda: it cannot be taken by the worshippers at all. However, the prasâda is a more lighter offering, usually of foods, fruit, and sweets. After the gods receive the prasâda, the sacred food is then given back to the worshipper, representing the blessings of the gods.
* bolvana - a large statue of a god or deity used for worship. Derived from the previous era when Porasonid culture was influenced by Sevestranian Rodnovery.
* lila - a stage play about the deities, especially if it is considered an act of worship.
* solava ("so-lah-wah") - slava, a holy greeting to invoke the Slavonian Gods.
* namaskâra (the long "a" is in a low tone, followed by a high glottal tone) - namaskara, a holy greeting to invoke the Western Gods. Nowadays in Porashon, this is usually a formal greeting, akin to "salutations" in other languages.
* podžarjoz - Hindu priest, a pujari.
* pandjeso - Hindu high priest, a pandita.
* voljaroz - Slavic high priest, a volkhov.

### Søtul (prohibitions)

"Søtul" is a Sarmelonid word that means "forbidden" or "great sin". In Porashon, it refers to a series of offenses that Porasonids avoid practicing. This code of taboos is also known as Pâpanas or Nakartavjas (sins or forbiddens).

The legal punishments for some of those offenses were derived from the Rodnover Era, when the Porasonids were very devout to the Slavonian gods. However, the Sevestranians considered these punishments to be ridiculously excessive.

* Eating beef - dishonours Kali, the Mother Goddess. Her benevolent aspect, Parvati, uses a cow as Her holy emblem. Shiva is also accompanied by a bull, Nandi.
	+ As a result, beef is banned in most parts of Porashon, except in some districts with a non-Sandharmin majority.
	+ The only punishments for eating beef outside those districts is simply a fine of 3000 svorana, or a jail sentence for three months: but if the person accidentally ate beef or was forced to, the fine is reduced to just 200 svorana and the jail time is reduced to one week. The jail sentence is only applied for citizens, so foreigners who cannot pay the fine will be hit with a travel ban for three months.
* Champaka flowers, tulasi (basil), and ketaki (screw pine) flowers - the champaka and ketaki flowers were cursed by Shiva, and the basil plant's goddess was an enemy of Shiva. For these reasons, these plants are completely banned in Porashon. However, Porasonids are instructed not to harm anyone with basil, which is also a holy plant to other Sandharmins.
	+ This sometimes led to poor relations with Prisapura and its neighbours, who use tulasi plants to worship their gods.
* Drinking any alcohol during the holy month of Shraavan or Soraban
	+ The punishment for alcohol consumption during the holy month is a fine of 800 svorana or (for citizens) a jail sentence of one month. Non-Sandharmin provinces are exempt from the punishment, so they are the only ones who can still drink any remaining alcohol until Shraavan ends.
	+ On the other hand, forcing someone to fast on Mondays is punishable by a fine of 100 svorana, the same punishment as forcing a person to fast or not fast during other holy days.
* Any meat before the Sandharmin gods - meat defiles the state of purity one must undergo before praying to the gods or entering a temple.
	+ There is no legal punishment for bringing meat to a Sandharmin temple, although some districts impose a fine of 150-300 svorana (the same penalty for vandalising a school, a hospital, a fire station, or other temples).
* Bringing any bronze or coconut water to temples or shrines to Shiva - Bronze is associated with riches, and Shiva avoids riches, so copper is used instead. Bronze coins and machine parts are still allowed as long as they are not brought into the temple's hall. Coconut water is for worshippers after they venerate the gods.
* Saffron, turmeric, and sindoor - although these are allowed to be offered to Parvati and Ganesha, these are not allowed to be offered to Shiva. Again, the reason is that these are associated with wealth, and Shiva avoids wealth.
* Going one circle around a lingam or a temple - doing so desecrates the passage between Shiva and the mortal realm, provoking the more dangerous aspects of His power. The northern side of a temple or a lingam is considered very sacred. So worshippers only go halfway and then back.
	+ One story that explains why the lingam cannot be went around is about King Gandharva, who once went a complete circle around a lingam. Angered by the king's arrogance, Shiva took away his powers and his mind, reducing him to despair and defeat.
	+ Although in Porashon, this restriction does not apply to Slavonian temples, most Porasonids extend this treatment to any temple, so they refuse to go around any idol or temple to avoid desecrating local gods. The tradition is carried over by Ontemazei slaves to Bujan; although they only refused to go around Vozonid deities, they can still dance around Rodnover idols alongside their Bujanski compatriots.
	+ This does not apply to the Vozonid rituals, where worshippers dance around a sacred fire or on a field.
* Any offering that is dirty or infected
* The government cannot own any temple or shrine. This was done to avoid the mistakes of Prisapura, when it was ruled under an atheistic government.
* Calling any stage play about Ravana as a "Ravanalila". This elevates Ravana to the status of a proper deity, a sort of trespassing against holiness, so it is considered a blasphemy. However, the term is instead used to refer to the collapse of an arrogant enemy or a blasphemy, because that enemy is repeating the story and errors of Ravana.
* Wearing saffron - the Porasonids consider themselves too impure because they are not humans, and because of their ancestors' sins. So Porasonid priests instead wear white; saffron is only reserved for the closest priests to the Gods.
	+ In one ceremony, a sacred flag is being borne around a town to call upon the Gods to bless its people. It can either be a Vozonid gryphon banner, a Rodnover kolovrat flag, or the saffron flag.
	+ When the sacred flag is brought to a road, everyone stays away from the road, takes off their shoes, and gently escorts others out of the way so the flagbearers can move.
	+ Forcing anyone to move, especially with threats or violence, instead desecrates the flag ritual, and the abuser will be arrested for blasphemy. The punishment for abuse during the flag ritual may be more severe than simply desecrating the flag.
	+ Later, a custom emerged where worshippers sweep the ground where the flag is brought over. As a result, the broom became a religious symbol in Porashon, representing righteousness, respect, and devotion to the Gods. Porasonids believe that keeping the ground clean where a holy symbol is on is a mark of respect to Heaven, resulting in a blessing.
	+ As some countries were offended by seeing a broom next to a flag in online messages, Porasonids instead type a broom next to a lamp or lantern, or lanterns surrounding a flag, to symbolising praising the Gods.
* Looking at a kolovrat or touching one - Due to the excessive devotion of the Porasonids, many of them turn their eyes away from a kolovrat or cover their eyes, as they believed that they are not pure enough to approach Svarog's holy presence. They only allow humans of Slavonian descent to handle the sacred symbols. If they do touch or see a kolovrat, they also mutter a prayer to Svarog, pleading the sun god to forgive them for trespassing before him.
* "sacrosancts" - in Prisapura, around 49 temples do not allow non-Dharmic people to enter due to their extreme sanctity or historical grievances. As a result, the Porasonids refuse to enter in those temples, as they consider themselves too impure and sinful due to the horrific crimes of their ancestors. If they do get invited there, and they cannot refuse, the Porasonids would bathe themselves and pray before they go ahead.

## See also

* Josolchir mythology
* Azgovian mythology