Product Description
Recorded in sacred Sanskrit texts, including "The Rig Veda" and "The Mahabharata", "Hindu Myths" are thought to date back as far as the tenth century BCE. Here in these seventy-five seminal myths are the many incarnations of Vishnu, who saves mankind from destruction, and the mischievous child Krishna, alongside stories of the minor gods, demons, rivers and animals including boars, buffalo, serpents and monkeys. Immensely varied and bursting with color and life, they demonstrate the Hindu belief in the limitless possibilities of the world - from the teeming miracles of creation to the origins of the incarnation of Death who eventually touches them all. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

A honest POS
A screwed up ego translating holy scripts adored and respected by a group of people with a sexually perverted disposition, An honest POS from a POS

It doesn't really matter !
I am a Hindu and am not one bit bothered by the author's translation or her perceived 'agenda', if there is one.

The fact is that the religion she writes about has far longer survived the likes of the Greeks, the Romans etc. who also had many religious and cosmolologial myths. Where are those civilizations now? Hinduism which has not only been around far longer and continues to influence people in positive ways, has its own vitality and needs no defense.

Perhaps it is because Hinduism teaches that all spiritual paths are equally valid. "One God, many paths".Ultimately everyone is pursuing happiness in their own way, however mistaken that path may seem to others. Hinduism is but one spark from the divine Mind. Only those people bother to find shortcomings with others' beliefs who sub-consciously doubt or fear their own, and want comfort and justification (validation) by influencing others to come over to their point of view.


Love to all.

Need a book on the Abrhamic Myths.
How come there are never book coming out from U of Chicago or Harvad Divinity school about the Myth of Islam, Christianity and Judaism.

The offense here is Wendy and her children get into "Frauedean" lens wearing interpretations like Lord Ganesha's trunk is a symbol of a limp phallus and what not. Thats as "secular" view as saying, that everytime I see moses , it reminds me of Vagina!

What these "Secularists" like Wendy and other myth busters from Harvard do is such "Freudian"/Sexually vulgar interpretation. These blokes are unable to see anything without a sexual overtone to their observation. They are not merely stopping or exposing the myths. More oever, I am not sure if these same blokes at U of Chicago and Harvard write about the Myth of the bible or a sexual interpretation of Islam, Christianity and Judaism Any rational person out there has to come to a logical conclusion that Jesus is not son of God and the entire Bible is made up and Moses could not have been handed over the the 10 commandments from a green goblin up in the heavens and this as factual as a mermaid and unicorn.All these revelations are nothing but hearsay. Any rational person has to come to the logical conclusion that the Bible, the Torah and the Quran has to be written by a bunch of nomad goat herders. If these same institutions have already made these obvious decleratios loudly and clearly, then I would understand what you are saying. In the absence of such scrutiny of the Bible and the Quran (Abrhamic faiths), this is BS.

the most offensive nonsense is the "Chosen People" theory. Wendy from the "Chosen People"? Really? Ha ha!

Great work
Despite what many small-minded reviewers have said, this book is an excellent compendium of analysis and translation. Dr. Doniger possesses an unbelieveable command of Sanskrit, something which I doubt any of her detractors can even approach.

biased garbage
If you would like to read about how to denigrate hinduism, wendy doniger is your woman. She has in all her books insulted hinduism. Her lack of intellectual background or cultural understanding and pure racial bias are very obvious in her writings. ... Read more

Product Description
Unlike many other ancient mythologies, Hinduism thrives in the modern world. One billion followers and countless others have been captivated by its symbolic representations of love, karma, and reincarnation.
Handbook of Hindu Mythology offers an informative introduction to this dauntingly complex mythology of multifaceted deities, lengthy heroic tales, and arcane philosophies-all with a 3,000-year history of reinterpretations and adaptations. Williams offers a number of pathways by which to approach Hinduism's ever-changing gods and goddesses (e.g., Brahmâ, Vishnu, Siva), spiritual verses (such as the vedas), secular epics (including the Râmâyana and the Mahâbhârata), myths within myths, devotional and esoteric traditions, psychic and yogic disciplines, and magical practices. With this handbook, readers can explore the history of Hindu mythology, follow a detailed timeline of key episodes and historical events, and look up specific elements of historical or contemporary Hinduism in a beautifully illustrated reference work. It is the ideal introduction to the origins of Hinduism, the culture that shaped it from antiquity to the present, and the age-old stories, ideas, and traditions that speak to the human condition as eloquently today as ever.
Including annotated bibliographies, a glossary of cultural and mythological terms, and numerous illustrations, here is a gold mine of information on Hindu mythology. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Fraught with errors.
The book is full of errors.The mistakes are so bad that it becomes obvious that the author has little or no knowledge of Hinduism.Some examples: Calls Sati, Sita.Gets confused between Bhrigu and Sukracharya.Why write error-ridden books like this? ... Read more

Product Description
Classic reference work, just reprinted in a deluxe edition ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

WOW!
This book is an exact reproduction of the original book from the 1800's. It has all the GORGEOUS line drawings, an absolute MUST fr anyone who is interested in Hinduism, the book reads like a presest day book, you have to keep reminding yourself this is over 100 yrs old! What a treasure. Do get this book. You wont be sorry . Its a great addition to any hindu/religious bookshelf! I was floored by the drawings too they are so unique and clear! Lovely!

***Review by Chizzle's wife:

Shishya Gauri-Pahari Sitaya Das ... Read more

Product Description
In this work an endeavor has been made to supply the long felt want of a Hindu classical dictionary. The main portion of the work consists of mythology, but religion is bound up with mythology, and in many points the two are quite inseparable. The chief geographical names of the old writers have also received notice, and their localities and identifications are described so far as present knowledge extends. Short descriptions have been given of the most frequently mentioned Sanskrit books, but only of such books as are likely to be found in the works of European writers. ... Read more

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[P]rovides an important segment of world literature that has been virtually inaccessible.&#151Choice ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Great selections, great translators
I have unfailingly found J.A. Van Buitenen to be both a true and interesting translator, this volume is no exception.It's a very comprehensive look at the subject matter, treated in such a way that it is accessible to the inexperienced Western reader, while leaving alot of meat left for the more accomplished reader.My one wish is to have a better idea of how the selections relate to the individual Purana books, and how they may be dated in history.

Classical Hindu Mythology
Just read the previous review from Norway which does not make much sense to me.This is a lengthy, detailed and dense translation of a wealth of Hindu myths.To my mind it is neither short (373 pages) nor simple, but difficult for the average reader.It reads like a scholarly textbook that requires study to use.I found it fascinating and worth the effort.But I wonder if the previous reviewer and I have read the same book!

Nice, short, lots of good stuff left out.
The book appears to be well classified, but the style is condensed anddoesn't look much Indian. If it weren't called a source-book, I would havegiven it better grades, thank you. ... Read more

Product Description
An exploration of 99 classic myths of India from an entirely non-Western paradigm that provides a fresh understanding of the Hindu spiritual landscape.

* Compares and contrasts Indian mythology with the stories of the Bible, ancient Egypt, Greece, Scandinavia, and Mesopotamia.

* Looks at the evolution of Indian narratives and their interpretations over the millennia.

* Demonstrates how the mythology, rituals, and art of ancient India are still vibrant today and inform the contemporary generation.

From the blood-letting Kali to the mysterious Ganesha, the Hindu spiritual landscape is populated by characters that find no parallel in the Western spiritual world. Indian Mythology explores the rich tapestry of these characters within 99 classic myths, showing that the mythological world of India can be best understood when we move away from a Western, monotheistic mindset and into the polytheistic world of Hindu traditions.

Featuring 48 artistic renderings of important mythological figures from across India, the author unlocks the mysteries of the narratives, rituals, and artwork of ancient India to reveal the tension between world-affirming and world-rejecting ideas, between conformism and contradiction, between Shiva and Vishnu, Krishna and Rama, Gauri and Kali. This groundbreaking book opens the door to the unknown and exotic, providing a glimpse into the rich mythic tradition that has empowered millions of human beings for centuries. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A modern Indian looks at Hindu Traditions
Many people have commented that there are at least two nations in India: India and Bharat. The first looks Westwards for inspiration, the second is not heard mostly, at least in mainstream literature. Dr. Devdutt Pattanaik breaks the mould. A modern Indian, a medical doctor by profession (who turned to mythology and writing), he has brought a freshness of interpretation to Hindu icons.

Dr. Pattanaik comes from Orissa where the fine arts continue to blossom. You can see that special touch of his heritage in his drawings and painting of Hindu icons. I have been a collector of his beautifully illustrated books on Hindu icons for many years, and have been fascinated by his grasp of Hindu traditions.

The first chapter provides an introduction and the basic approach behind his interpretation. The second is a comparison between Hindu, and Western myths. The third and fourth deal with some of the key Hindu traditions. Each of the selected tradition is described briefly, and also analyzed and linked up with the larger whole.

Dr. Pattanaik also covers a large ground, taking material from main Puranas, as also the regional and the sthal (local) puranas. A large amount of the material is from Mahabharata. He also takes some material from the Vedas.

This book is much more analytical than his earlier works, which were more descriptive. In the book, he offers a visual framework, diagrams and illustrations, to help interpret our traditions. These are superb and I have been deeply enriched by these.

Hindu traditions have mostly been interpreted by Western scholars, and most Indian scholars writing in English have been influenced by this. As a result, these often appear baffling to practicing Hindus, who therefore mostly keep away from such works. Dr. Pattanaik helps us understand why this happens.

According to him, Western scholars try to interpret Hindu traditions from their own standpoint, which is squarely in the middle of Western culture, and sensibilities. As a result, even the best meaning among them, fail to elicit deeper meanings that would resonate with practicing Hindus. This perhaps could explain the recent controversy reflected in invading the sacred.

Dr. Pattanaik offers an interpretation which is at once modern (analytical) and traditional (reverent). This creates a unique blend, invaluable for modern Hindus.

This is medium sized book, paperback, with glue binding. The paper is non-reflective. The font is clear, though the ink is slightly faint. There are some color photographs - though somehow the colors have not come out as well as are usual with Inner Traditions books. There is also a brief index to the book.

He has also recently written another book called Myth = Mithya: A Handbook of Hindu Mythology, which takes the ideas presented in this book further.


All in all, a good, interesting book. Worth buying if you want a fresh, modern look at some of the oldest traditions in the world.

A totally different vision
I have read Hindu myths since I was a child. But this is a totally different vision. I never realized that the concept of 'evil' or 'prophet' or 'heaven' or 'hell' makes no sense in Hinduism. How it is foreign idea. How modern language is dominated by Western concepts. I was always confused about the many 'heavens' there were in Hindu myths - the heaven of Indra, the heaven of Krishna. Now it all makes sense. The author systematizes this highly complicated body of myth. Sometimes he does take too much artistic license but that is ok.

Warped piece of literature.
While reading the introduction I came to realize that this author does not understand the essence of any of the world's religions. Throughout the entire piece, he compares and contrasts Hinduism with a composite "religious category" entitled "Judeo/Islamic/Christain" religion. He protrays this category as being less of value when compared in Hinduism (states basically nothing positive through the entire book about this "category"). Also, these three religions are VERY different, hence, they are three different religions. For instance, he states that this category believes that "heaven" is for "saved souls" , etc. - which is only the composite "Christain" way of viewing "heaven". Jews do not get "saved" at all let alone believe in such a "heaven", etc. This books also has warped versions of the myths and then presents warped essays about the meaning of these myths. Because I know a great deal about this lovely religion I could ignore the mistakes and have learned through his use of wonderful visuals (Hence 2 stars not 1). But I do not recommend individuals who are new to this religion to read this book though - anything by David R. Kinsley and John Keay ( Indian Historian ) is wonderful. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Western theodicy stood on its head
Very interesting. Salvation is reversed: men try to save the gods. Both Indra and Shiva must come down to earth to expiate their sin and thus regain lifeblood. Hindu gods removed the impurity of death from themselves, and gave it to the men. This was the reason behind the fall of man. Maybe this portrays the background story of what underwent in the garden of Eden. This could give some insight into the origins of evil. It is a full-scale scholarly work. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (2)

I LIKE IT...............
I would have liked a colour version, but black and white is ok by me. I grew up with black and white TV, so what the hay? I think the drawings depict what I was looking for, as far as identification is concerned.

There is even a page that shows/depicts sectarial markings (for different Hindu sects) and the drawings are very exact and intricate, as they were re-published in 2006 from much earlier drawings done in the 1800's, when colour was not at it's best, if you will. It's quite clear that these are adaptations from an earlier time, using descriptive indexes and plate numbers, typical of yesteryear. Quite a delight to take refuge from computer generated-mass produced illustrations of today.

Real Disappoinment
This has a bunch of black and white line drawings and is the most disappointing book.There are many better books you can get.If you are looking for a coloring book then go for it.Can's see any other use for it. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

a decent coverage on the Hindu mythology
Its a nice book, explores various myths in Hindu school of thought. Could be useful to Hindus who don't know what they are doing to others who want to know what they do.

Artfully written and extremely engaging.
Pattanaik's Myth=mithya approaches Hinduism from an interestingly rational standpoint. This was one of the first things that struck me about the book. Normally, books about God(s) tend to be pretty partisan in their world-view. Religion in general feeds into the overwhelming human urge to explain everything with one grand all-encompassing sentence or formula. A theological 42, if you will. Myth=mithyaon the other hand, approaches the world with the same rational observation-theory-hypothesis method that I would expect from a scientific paper. It makes no arrogant claims to authority, nor does it even pretend to be the be-all/end-all as far as Hindu Mythology goes. It simply states cases from Hindu Mythology and then draws correlations to different aspects of Hindu philosophy as opposed to religion. What makes it all the more interesting, and why I refer to it as theology is- Hindu Mythology is still a very integral part of Indian culture (and by stating this, I dont intend to undermine Muslim and Mughal influences on Indian culture in any way). While Greek, Roman and Egyptian myths are arguably more popular, globally; and are definitely studied/analyzed to a far greater degree, they are artifacts of now-defunct religions. Hinduism and the Hindu pantheon are still very much practiced and believed in, respectively. No scholar of Greek Myth actually believes that Aphrodite was born from Ouranos' genitals, but you try to tell my grandmum that Brahma was not born from a lotus that grew out of Narayana's navel while Narayana reclined on a thousand-headed serpent that floated on an infinite ocean of milk and I guarantee you that you are in for a bit of an argument.
As a consequence of Hindu Mythology being a popular belief in Hindu society, any discussion of Hindu Mythology has a lot of theological implications to weigh it down. To analyze and dissect the myth of the birth of Brahma or the nature of Rama's betrayal of Sita is to analyze and dissect Hinduism itself. With verbal dexterity that verges on magic, Pattanaik neatly sidesteps any large theological implication and simply discusses the Myth for what it is: a popular story that attempts to explain and justify the world-view of a largish group of people.

You can clearly see the Pattanaik loves and respects Hinduism. He presents Hinduism as it is and does not pretend that it is THE way or THE truth like some ridiculous religious fanatic. His humility, and the fact that you are not assaulted with religious propaganda make this book all the more enjoyable.
... Read more

Product Description
Originally published in 1864. Author: H. H. Wilson, M.A., F.R.S., Language: English Keywords: Religion / Hinduism Translated from the original Sanskrit. Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. Obscure Press are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

Interesting book
It examines of the tales of India's gods through a scholarly approach, whereas i was looking for the stories of India's gods. This is a good book for a scholar, but not a spiritualist. ... Read more

Product Description
The book has no illustrations or index. It may have numerous typos or missing text. However, purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original rare book from the publisher's website (GeneralBooksClub.com). You can also preview excerpts of the book there. Purchasers are also entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Original Publisher: Calcutta, Thacker, Spink ... Read more

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In this authoritative and accessible reference book the fascinating and powerful tales and legends of South and Central Asia are revealed in all their magnificence. This exciting publication will be essential reading for anyone interested in the myths and legends of India at either a basic or advanced study level. ... Read more

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The Khmer empire, which once extended across the whole of present-day Cambodia as far west as Burma and north into Laos, flourished for at least 500 years. During that time, many thousands of temples and shrines were carved with intricate stone reliefs of immense size, complexity and artistry. The author of this volume presents a study of these "stories in stone", explaining each scene, identifying the main features of each narrative and locating all the major reliefs in Cambodia which may be easily visited. Sites such as Angkor Wat and the Bayon glorify, not just the gods, the Buddha or Hindu epics, but also the wars and battles of kings, providing an insight into the lives of the Khmer people. ... Read more

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1882. The author's objective is to present a full and trustworthy account of the mythology of the Hindus. Contents: The Vedic Deities; The Puranic Deities; and The Inferior Deities. ... Read more

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This is an EXACT reproduction of a book published before 1923. This IS NOT an OCR'd book with strange characters, introduced typographical errors, and jumbled words.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more

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THIS 26 PAGE ARTICLE WAS EXTRACTED FROM THE BOOK: Curiosities of Superstition and Sketches of Some Unrevealed Religions, by W. H. Davenport Adams. To purchase the entire book, please order ISBN 0766129349. ... Read more