The Book of Hindu Imagery: Gods, Manifestations and Their Meaning

by Eva Rudy Jansen (Compiler)

Hinduism is more than a religion; it is a way of life. Its rich and multicoloured history has made the structure of its mythical and philosophical principles into a highly differentiated maze, of which total knowledge is a practical impossibility. This volume cannot offer a complete survey of the meaning of Hinduism. It is an extensive compilation of important deities and their divine manifestations, so that modern students can understand the significance of the Hindu pantheon.

Genres: Nonfiction, Art, History, Religion, Spirituality, Hinduism

158 pages, Paperback

Published October 1, 1993

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book to have in your library if you are an art historian or love Indian Art. I take this one with me when i go to the museum...it explains the symbolism in detail, making the study of a piece much more interesting.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned so much in this book. It is rather short but there is a lot of information packed into it.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super good. I was spellbound.

Not 100% good; more like 80-90%. I don’t know if it’s just how my copy is printed, or its typos, but it feels slightly underwhelming — maybe not the most up-to-date or helpful interpretation of Hindu imagery? Maybe a little general and vague? But very very informative, with absolutely wonderful illustrations!! Overall charming. 90% Wonderful

[Ansell · Rating 3 out of 5]

More of pamphlet than a book, but a useful pamphlet

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Way too much information. I was looking for an introduction.

[Andy Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice collection of hand-drawn diagrams of major symbolic details in Hindu culture. Would have liked detailed descriptions of what the main deities are associated with (rats, cows, tridents, etc) but there is at least a description of the deities themselves. Worth having to hand during a temople visit

[Katrina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Typographical errors made it difficult to follow and differentiate names. I don't know enough about the topic to judge the book's accuracy. Explanations were easy to understand, with the exception of typos.

[Ria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've found that listed out the meanings of personal items, mudras, and articles of clothing seen throughout Hindu artwork.

[Salvatore Familia]

Hinduism is more than a religion; it is a way of life. Its rich and multicoloured history has made the structure of its mythical and philosophical principles into a highly differentiated maze, of which total knowledge is a practical impossibility. This volume cannot offer a complete survey of the meaning of Hinduism. It is an extensive compilation of important deities and their divine manifestations, so that modern students can understand the significance of the Hindu pantheon. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.