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Indian Mythology: An Enthralling Overview of Myths, Gods, and Goddesses from India
From the creation of the universe to celestial wars to reincarnation, Indian mythology features enigmatic tales of time, creation, and spirituality.Indian mythology is not simply a thing of the past. Modern-day festivals, celebrations, worship, music, dance, poetry, and film and television might portray or include aspects of Indian mythology. The subject is also beloved by those who study and practice it.Indian mythology stretches beyond the tales of creation. This book will acquaint you with the gods and goddesses who shaped the world, as well as epic tales of hardship, struggle, and strife. Mythology attempts to explain the origins of the universe and delves deep into understanding the creation of time, matter, and life itself. Were humans born out of the light that spilled from Lord Brahma? Was the universe created out of a golden egg? Can all of the human race trace its lineage back to one man?This book offers a comprehensive guide to the events that shape Indian mythology.Reading this book, you will discover the Tales of the creation of the universeThe creation of matter, life, and timeThe way the three components of the universe interact to maintain balanceSome of the great gods in Hindu mythology, including the three gods of the TrimurtiThe role of the great goddesses in the creation and sustenance of the universe and the ways in which they overcome challenges The various avatars and incarnations of gods and goddesses in Hindu mythologyTales from the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, which speak of strength of character, resilience, and hopeAnd so much more!Scroll up and click the “add to cart” button to learn more about Indian mythology today!
- GenresHistory
114 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 29, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
October 24, 2023
A Whirlwind Glance at a Very Complex Mythos
Billy Wellman has packed a veritable universe of information about Indian mythology into his slim 136-page book. The cover accurately describes the book as an "overview," and Wellman is helpful in calling it an "introduction." The confusingly intricate world of ancient Indian myths, religions, philosophies, and histories remains mysterious even after serious study.
Indian lore is an accumulation of stories told, retold, and elaborated on countless times for centuries. The result is a mass of enigmatic contradictions with a seemingly endless list of character names. Historians haven't successfully unraveled a coherent narrative from the almost infinite expanse of Indian tradition.
To briefly introduce the reader to as much of this colossal world of legend as possible, Wellman's text is like an inventory list of characters and events. He doesn't offer intellectual commentary on what he presents. The result is an encyclopedic, literal presentation rather than an engrossing exploration of the topics.
If an editor worked on Wellman's text before publication, they didn't notice the recurring redundancies in the book. A paragraph will outline a story only to be repeated a page later. This distracting repetition of detail is a recurring issue throughout the book.
The Indian mythos is a dark labyrinth of inconsistently described Gods, Goddesses, humans, mythological tales, and history. To read an entire library of books on this topic wouldn't straighten out the mysterious tangle known as Indian mythology.
So, for the reader of this book to never discover a definitive version of a story or even of a character's name isn't Wellman's fault. That's just the nature of this especially puzzling but admittedly fascinating beast.
For readers wanting to discover chapters of India's fascinating past they'd like to research, Wellman's long list of legends, Gods, and Goddesses could help them choose topics that interest them most.
Billy Wellman has packed a veritable universe of information about Indian mythology into his slim 136-page book. The cover accurately describes the book as an "overview," and Wellman is helpful in calling it an "introduction." The confusingly intricate world of ancient Indian myths, religions, philosophies, and histories remains mysterious even after serious study.
Indian lore is an accumulation of stories told, retold, and elaborated on countless times for centuries. The result is a mass of enigmatic contradictions with a seemingly endless list of character names. Historians haven't successfully unraveled a coherent narrative from the almost infinite expanse of Indian tradition.
To briefly introduce the reader to as much of this colossal world of legend as possible, Wellman's text is like an inventory list of characters and events. He doesn't offer intellectual commentary on what he presents. The result is an encyclopedic, literal presentation rather than an engrossing exploration of the topics.
If an editor worked on Wellman's text before publication, they didn't notice the recurring redundancies in the book. A paragraph will outline a story only to be repeated a page later. This distracting repetition of detail is a recurring issue throughout the book.
The Indian mythos is a dark labyrinth of inconsistently described Gods, Goddesses, humans, mythological tales, and history. To read an entire library of books on this topic wouldn't straighten out the mysterious tangle known as Indian mythology.
So, for the reader of this book to never discover a definitive version of a story or even of a character's name isn't Wellman's fault. That's just the nature of this especially puzzling but admittedly fascinating beast.
For readers wanting to discover chapters of India's fascinating past they'd like to research, Wellman's long list of legends, Gods, and Goddesses could help them choose topics that interest them most.
November 23, 2024
Although I find most mythologies to be similar to one another--but with different names for their gods or places--Indian mythology is different.
For instance, shape-shifting is very common in mythology. Whether it's Zeus or Odin, gods appear in different forms to accomplish something (with Zeus it's usually to seduce a woman). But they don't become new gods. In Indian mythology, on the other hand, there's this concept of avatars. Many gods have several avatars and each avatar is basically a new god with unique identity and followers. Vishnu, for example, has 10 avatars and each avatar is basically a different god. Among the 10 are the popular gods, Krishna and Rama.
Another difference is the physical characteristics of the gods. While Greek and Norse gods and goddesses are usually depicted in anthropomorphic forms, Indian gods have more supernatural looks. For example, they have several arms (Durga has 8 to 10 arms), unconventional skin colors (Krishna is sometimes depicted in dark blue skin), or have animal forms (Ganesha has an elephant head).
All in all, it was a fun read.
For instance, shape-shifting is very common in mythology. Whether it's Zeus or Odin, gods appear in different forms to accomplish something (with Zeus it's usually to seduce a woman). But they don't become new gods. In Indian mythology, on the other hand, there's this concept of avatars. Many gods have several avatars and each avatar is basically a new god with unique identity and followers. Vishnu, for example, has 10 avatars and each avatar is basically a different god. Among the 10 are the popular gods, Krishna and Rama.
Another difference is the physical characteristics of the gods. While Greek and Norse gods and goddesses are usually depicted in anthropomorphic forms, Indian gods have more supernatural looks. For example, they have several arms (Durga has 8 to 10 arms), unconventional skin colors (Krishna is sometimes depicted in dark blue skin), or have animal forms (Ganesha has an elephant head).
All in all, it was a fun read.
March 26, 2024
I found this book to be quite comprehensive, giving listeners a good starting knowledge of many Indian mythological characters. Some I had heard of before, but many I had not.
The narrator was easy to understand, though I think some of the names may have been mispronounced (at least according to my memory of hearing them in the past.)
All in all, I felt this was great for those interested in leaning about Indian Mythology. I would suggest listening while you read along in an ebook or physical copy, especially if pictures are included.
I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook, and chose independently to review it.
The narrator was easy to understand, though I think some of the names may have been mispronounced (at least according to my memory of hearing them in the past.)
All in all, I felt this was great for those interested in leaning about Indian Mythology. I would suggest listening while you read along in an ebook or physical copy, especially if pictures are included.
I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook, and chose independently to review it.
November 23, 2023
Mythology from different parts of the world has always been fascinating to me and this book did not disappoint. Indian mythology is so interesting and I am glad I read this book!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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July 19, 2026A brisk tour through a tradition containing enough gods, incarnations, cosmic cycles, curses and complicated family structures to overwhelm several cinematic universes.
Useful as an accessible overview, though inevitably broad rather than deep. Best treated as a doorway, not the entire temple.
Useful as an accessible overview, though inevitably broad rather than deep. Best treated as a doorway, not the entire temple.
October 19, 2023
Z very good overview, with some details that clarify the complexity of the Hindu relgion.
November 7, 2023
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. It is a well written book about Indian mythology that was interesting as well.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews