From the preserver of the universe Lord Vishnu to the mighty Hanuman, from the mysterious Ganesha to the dutiful son Rama, the rich Hindu spiritual landscape is populated by characters that empower millions even today. Featuring 365 colourful artworks of significant mythological figures from across India, this fascinating book opens the doors to a spellbinding world of legends and stories.

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 colour 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.

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., Brahma, Vishnu, Siva), spiritual verses (such as the vedas), secular epics (including the Ramayana and the Mahabharata), 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. "

A beautifully written introduction to Indian mythology, join storyteller, scholar and teacher, Dr Raj Balkaran, and explore the unforgettable tales behind 50 key yoga poses.

A decoding of Hindu mythology Hindus have one God. They also have 330 million gods: male gods; female gods; personal gods; family gods; household gods; village gods; gods of space and time; gods for specific castes and particular professions; gods who reside in trees; in animals; in minerals; in geometrical patterns and in man-made objects. Then there are a whole host of demons. But no Devil. In this groundbreaking book Dr Devdutt Pattanaik; one of India’s most popular mythologists; seeks an answer to these apparent paradoxes and unravels an inherited truth about life and death; nature and culture; perfection and possibility. He retells sacred Hindu stories and decodes Hindu symbols and rituals; using a unique style of commentary; illustrations and diagrams. We discover why the villainous Kauravas went to heaven and the virtuous Pandavas (all except Yudhishtira) were sent to hell; why Rama despite abandoning the innocent Sita remains the model king; why the blood-drinking Kali is another form of the milk-giving Gauri; and why Shiva wrenched off the fifth head of Brahma. Constructed over generations; Hindu myths serve as windows to the soul; and provide an understanding of the world around us. The aim is not to outgrow myth; but to be enriched and empowered by its ancient; potent and still relevant language.

Provides an overview of prominent gods and goddesses in Indian mythology, including Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, as well as popular creation myths.

The basic dynamism of God has been defined in Indian philosophy as nature or Prakriti which is supposed to be Primeval Power that has been visualized from time immemorial as 'Adyashakti' by seers and thinkers.'Adyashakti' is again the integral active form of God keeping the entire cosmos in control while Her manifestation has been portrayed by the artists and sculptors of ancient India as the Supreme Goddess Mahamaya, the creative force of the Universe. That is why She is also known as Brahmani which is an epithet of Durga. The genesis of the concept of the Supreme Goddess Mahamaya is to be found in the prevailing faith of a great number of people on the supremacy of matriarchal culture. Mahamaya or Brahmani is also known as Durga, Chamunda, Chanda, Kali, Amba and Mahishasurmardini. These violent forms of Mahamaya denote her victory over the vicious and sinful elements. She is represented on these various violent forms as a slayer of demons and sinners. She is also represented as Maha Sarasvati, the great Goddess of learning and absolute Knowledge. She is as well represented as MahaLakshmi, the great Goddess of wealth, beauty and Bliss. Like the Triad of Brahma, the God of Creation, Vishnu the God of Protection and Mahesh the God of Destruction, Mahamaya also assumes the role of Creation, Protection and Destruction. Durga or MahaKali destroys the wicked while Maha Lakshmi and Maha Sarasvati uphold Virtue, spread enlightenment and grant power and prosperity while offering protection. In this volume we present select stories about Durga. The stories allegorically describe struggles between gods and demons and teach the human race to hope that eventually truth and justice prevail. The stories are designed for children and are accompanied with beautiful illustrations.

Eight tales which illustrate some of the most significant beliefs, values and traditions of the Hindus. 8 yrs+