Hinduism: An Introduction

by Dharam Vir Singh

A new insider perspective, covers major topics, religious values, rituals, illus. useful introd. for all ages

Genres: India, Nonfiction, Religion

150 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Duncan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gives a very good explanation of the different deities (and the different incarnations of the deities) and how some of them are linked. Also explains different cultural activities, religious ideas, festivals and the arts.

[Marcelo Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting reference book for the curious.

[AMythicalBeast · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short but a really good introduction. Primarily written for tourists to India who are unfamiliar with the customs and rituals connected with Hinduism, but its worth reading even if you have lived all your life in this country. Chances are that you didn't know/understand the why and wherefores of many of society's traditions and unquestioned rules. Since Hinduism is so widespread here, the customs have become just something we do without questioning. This book might clear up the reasons for and origins of some of our traditions.

The first half of the book is devoted to explaining (in concise, relevant passages) the Vedic and Puranic pantheon of gods, so that we can appreciate the latter half which gives succinct explanations for practises we might dismiss as nonsensical. They stem from a belief in those gods and their individual (and often confusing) powers.

I'm keeping this book as a sort of introductory/reference textbook. For further reading on the subject you might look up http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10...