Hindu Goddesses: Visions of the Divine Feminine in the Hindu Religious Tradition

Hermeneutics: Studies in the History of Religions

by David R. Kinsley

Goddess worship has long been a significant aspect of Hinduism. In this book David Kinsley, author of The Sword and the Flute―Kali & Krsna: Dark Visions of the Terrible and the Sublime in Hindu Mythology , sorts out the rich yet often chaotic history of Hindu goddess worship.

Genres: Religion, Hinduism, Nonfiction, India, Spirituality, Mythology, Feminism

294 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1986

Reviews

[Salma · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a Hindu, I'm always on the lookout for books explaining the complexities of the world's oldest religion. Usually, I've been disappointed, as most of the material I find consist either of children's picture books or essays dry enough to cure insomnia.

But Kinsley's book was a delight, even more a surprise as the first edition was written when most Westerners regarded Hindus as monkey-brain devouring, animal/human sacrificing weirdos. (Thanks Indiana Jones).

Kinsley, however, really tries to understand the culture. He presents detailed, lively stories about the goddesses and the way their symbolism permeates the lives of average Indians. It is evident, of course, that Kinsley has his favorites- Saraswati, the Goddess of Art and Communication, gets better treatment in her description than Kali, the Goddess of Destruction. Possibly this is because the concept of a primal, destructive feminine force has always been intimidating to Westerners. I should clear things up once and for all. Kali represents the destruction of ego and all that is evil in the world. It's not the average Hindu's fault that Hollywood has exploited her appearance to evoke worldwide terror. Anyway, I digress.

But this book is otherwise very thoughtful and a must-read for anyone who wants a better understanding of the divine feminine in Hinduism.

[Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, first published in 1986, is widely considered to be a “classic” work on Hindu Goddesses. The first chapter provides an overview of goddesses in Vedic literature, then there are chapters focusing on the more well-known Indian goddesses: Sri-Laksmi, Parvati, Sarasvati, Sita, Radha, Durga, Kali, and the Mahadevi. Kinsley also examines groups of goddesses – the Matrkas and the Mahavidyas. The final two chapters examine, respectively, the Goddesses and their relation to Sacred Geography, and “local” or Village Goddesses. There is also an appendix dealing with the Indus Valley Civilisation and the problems of extrapolating too widely about evidence for goddess worship from the little we know about it. The first chapter is a useful start for anyone interested in looking into the earliest textual evidence for goddesses in India, examining goddesses such as Vac, Ratri or Nirrti. The chapters on Sr-Laksmi, Durga, Kali, Parvati, etc., focus on textual and iconographic representations. For each goddess, Kinsley examines the development of textual sources, the progression of each goddesses’ mythologies, and examines festivals, and how each goddess relates to wider cultural values and expressions. Kinsley was one of the first scholars to examine in depth the relationship between goddesses and the land, and whilst its easy to take this kind of material for granted nowadays, its not hard to see how ground-breaking his work was in the late 1980s. In Hindu Goddesses: Visions of the Divine Feminine in the Hindu Religious Tradition he eloquently expresses the diversity and richness of Indian goddess traditions in a way that few others have matched. Its an excellent work, and one for numerous re-readings.

[Brian Griffith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kinsley explores the contributions and contradictions in India's traditions of goddess worship. For example he points out that the goddess Lakshmi was originally worshipped as the vitalizer of nature, portrayed standing on a cosmic lotus, flanked by elephants spouting the waters of eternal life. But since the Muslim invasions, Lakshmi was ever less the upholder of nature, and ever more a supporter for the patriarchal household. She was pictured kneeling before her lord and husband Vishnu, modeling the proper wifely role as prescribed in the Aryan Dharma Shastras. She was presented as a feminine sanction behind the power of Hindu kings. As an ultimate pativrata (dutiful wife), Lakshmi seemed to answer the Muslim challenge, claiming that Hindu wives know their proper places at least as well as Muslim ones.

[Akshay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant! David Kinsley nails it yet again. He starts with the Vedic Goddesses ( Vac, usas, Nritti, Aditi) and draws a striking comparision between the ancient Egyptian and Indian religions. AS he moves to Sri-Lakshmi, Parvati and Sarasvati, you can clearly see the hues of meddeival Indian culture underlining all their mythologies. While Sita and Radha represent two sides of the same coin, Durga and Kali represent what's 'real' and must be brought to the fore.
The Mahadevi with her striking resemblance to Vishnu ( not to mention the Mahavidyas and the Dasavataras), represented the very core of Shaktism.

And the chapters of Matrikas and various village Goddesses! Pure enlightment. The chapter On Indus Valley Civilization ..icing on the cake. Kudos!

[Riju Ganguly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite being published almost four decades ago, this book has remained an indispensable tool in the study of Indian philosophy and religious thoughts. In it, numerous goddesses— famous or lesser-known, having large followings to being confined to smaller circles— have been described and discussed with gentle erudition as well as genuine curiosity.
This discussion has benn staggered into the following chapters~
1. Goddesses in Vedic Literature;
2. Sri-Lakshmi;
3. Parvati;
4. Sarasvati;
5. Sita;
6. Radha;
7. Durga;
8. Kali;
9. The Mahadevi;
10. The Matrikas;
11. Tara, Chinnamasta, and the Mahavidyas;
12. Goddesses and Sacred Geography;
13. Village Goddesses.
It also has an Appendix touching the 'Indus Valley Civilization', Notes, Bibliography, and Index.
The book remains an excellent read. Its lucidity and informative nature have not diminished even today. Although more specialised books have now become available on many of these goddesses, the book helps the reader place them in proper perspective, and thus keeps showing us the right way towards knowledge.
Highly recommended.

[John Burns · Rating 4 out of 5]

A concise, readable and all-round first rate survey of Hindu Goddesses. It could do with having some more (and better) pictures but that's about the biggest criticism I can levy at this excellent book.

The subject matter is fairly narrow but I think that this book is so well-written, insightful and interesting that I can strongly recommend it to anyone with an interest in mythology or religion.

[madwhimsy (Madelyn) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. There are whole chapters devoted to the primary goddesses of the Hindu religion which discuss the origins (if known) of each goddess, where her centers of worship are, and traditions relating to her.

[Celeste · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good overview of the various Goddesses of the Hindu traditions. Kinsley discusses both pan-India goddesses and more local, village deities.

[Aneesa]

I used to own this book, but someone borrowed it and didn't return it. I would like to have it back.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a detailed overview of many of the Hindu goddesses and how they function within the religion.

[Savita Ramsumair · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good

A lot of information wss given. However I felt a bit disconnected to this book. I think this is because the author chose an academic approach rather than a spiritual approach to this book.

[Mills College Library]

294.521 K564 1987

[Nancy McQueen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a staple of my Hinduism bookshelf.

[Jagdish · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Deep Dive into the Hindu Divine Feminine: A Review of "Hindu Goddesses"

David Kinsley's "Hindu Goddesses: Visions of the Divine Feminine in the Hindu Religious Tradition" is a rich and comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted goddesses in Hinduism. Kinsley delves into the vast history of goddess worship, untangling the complex threads of mythology, theology, and ritual practices associated with these powerful deities.

The book offers a refreshing approach by treating each goddess as an independent entity. Kinsley dedicates chapters to well-known figures like Lakshmi, Parvati, Saraswati, Durga, and Kali, illuminating their unique characteristics and symbolism. He also explores fascinating groups of goddesses, such as the Matrikas (mother goddesses) and the Mahavidyas (tantric goddesses).

Kinsley's analysis extends beyond mere descriptions. He interprets the significance of each goddess within the broader Hindu tradition, revealing how they embody profound truths and universal themes. This approach allows readers to appreciate the depth and complexity of the Hindu concept of the divine feminine.

"Hindu Goddesses" is not just a study of goddesses; it's a study of Hinduism itself. Kinsley demonstrates how goddess worship reflects various aspects of the religion, from ancient Vedic traditions to contemporary practices. He even examines the link between goddesses and sacred geography, highlighting the reverence for the feminine in the Hindu view of the land.

The book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in Hinduism, religious studies, or mythology. Kinsley's clear writing style makes the complex subject matter accessible, while his in-depth knowledge ensures a scholarly and insightful exploration.

[Somali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mandatory. Has a peculiar scientific temperament.
An observer's perspective. It could have been more helpful if some more images accompanied the text. Iconographical description deserves images, otherwise too much is left on the unconscious imagery to be completed, that is risky on a level.

Very detailed set of references.

[Cherie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty academic, less telling you different stories.

[neel · Rating 4 out of 5]

tbh I was looking for story telling, and not a textbook. but it's a fine text nevertheless.