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Classical Hindu Mythology: A Reader in the Sanskrit Puranas
The Mahapuranas embody the received tradition of Hindu mythology. This anthology contains fresh translations of these myths, only a few of which have ever been available in English before, thus providing a rich new portion of Hindu mythology.
The book is organized into six chapters. Origins contains myths relating to creation, time, and space. Seers, Kings and Supernaturals relates tales of rivers, trees, animals, demons, and men, particularly heroes and sages. Myths about the chief gods are dealt with in three separate chapters: Krsna, Visnu, and Siva. The chapter The Goddess presents stories of the wives and lovers of the gods, as well as of Kali, the savage battle goddess.
In their introductions, the editors provide a historical setting in which to discuss Hindu mythology as well as a full analysis of its basic sources. The many names given the gods and goddesses in the Sanskrit texts have been retained since their multiplicity is an essential part of the richness of the original. The editors have provided a thorough glossary to make these names accessible.
The book is organized into six chapters. Origins contains myths relating to creation, time, and space. Seers, Kings and Supernaturals relates tales of rivers, trees, animals, demons, and men, particularly heroes and sages. Myths about the chief gods are dealt with in three separate chapters: Krsna, Visnu, and Siva. The chapter The Goddess presents stories of the wives and lovers of the gods, as well as of Kali, the savage battle goddess.
In their introductions, the editors provide a historical setting in which to discuss Hindu mythology as well as a full analysis of its basic sources. The many names given the gods and goddesses in the Sanskrit texts have been retained since their multiplicity is an essential part of the richness of the original. The editors have provided a thorough glossary to make these names accessible.
373 pages, Hardcover
First published June 15, 1978
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 16, 2020
As a primer for someone who wishes to know the basic stories associated with Hinduism as it is practiced today, this is one of the best.
These stories are to be found in the Puranas. They are presented while adhering to the formal contours of deities.Thus we have~
* The Puranas: An Introduction
1. Origins
2. Vishnu
3. Krishna
4. Shiva
5. The Goddess
6. Seers, Kings and Supernaturals
* Glossary, Notes and Bibliography
Students of History would know that the word 'Hindu' means people of a certain geographical area who adhere to certain practices, habits and rituals that are different from others. Commonly those beliefs and rituals are thought to be constituents of a religion. But instead of such a narrow definition, the stories associated with those rituals and beliefs need to be understood as history of the people of this land, told through allegories and symbols. This book helps a lay reader to appreciate this rich history in a lucid and concise manner.
For an avid reader of mythology and a student, it wouldn’t be that attractive. But for a lay reader it’s rich in resources.
Recommended.
These stories are to be found in the Puranas. They are presented while adhering to the formal contours of deities.Thus we have~
* The Puranas: An Introduction
1. Origins
2. Vishnu
3. Krishna
4. Shiva
5. The Goddess
6. Seers, Kings and Supernaturals
* Glossary, Notes and Bibliography
Students of History would know that the word 'Hindu' means people of a certain geographical area who adhere to certain practices, habits and rituals that are different from others. Commonly those beliefs and rituals are thought to be constituents of a religion. But instead of such a narrow definition, the stories associated with those rituals and beliefs need to be understood as history of the people of this land, told through allegories and symbols. This book helps a lay reader to appreciate this rich history in a lucid and concise manner.
For an avid reader of mythology and a student, it wouldn’t be that attractive. But for a lay reader it’s rich in resources.
Recommended.
June 3, 2022
Growing up, you get used to a lot of the stories about the devas, asuras and god's through the amar chithra katha comics. For a fleeting moment I thought the book would elaborate upon the stories and show you more, but to my surprise I found that this did not add anything new at all.
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September 24, 2026Good textbook
December 21, 2009
Just begun...
February 17, 2010
A decent book summarizing the different Puranas
April 9, 2010
Beautiful & evocative translation. I will seek out more of van Buitenen's work.
September 12, 2012
Good book to start knowing about the inner science behind hindu culture
November 24, 2023
A good primer, albeit with a few contradictions.
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February 24, 2018The Mahapuranas embody the received tradition of Hindu mythology. This anthology contains fresh translations of these myths, only a few of which have ever been available in English before, thus providing a rich new portion of Hindu mythology.
The book is organized into six chapters. "Origins" contains myths relating to creation, time, and space. "Seers, Kings and Supernaturals" relates tales of rivers, trees, animals, demons, and men, particularly heroes and sages. Myths about the chief gods are dealt with in three separate chapters: "Krsna," "Visnu," and "Siva." The chapter "The Goddess" presents stories of the wives and lovers of the gods, as well as of Kali, the savage battle goddess.
In their introductions, the editors provide a historical setting in which to discuss Hindu mythology as well as a full analysis of its basic sources. The many names given the gods and goddesses in the Sanskrit texts have been retained since their multiplicity is an essential part of the richness of the original. The editors have provided a thorough glossary to make these names accessible.
The book is organized into six chapters. "Origins" contains myths relating to creation, time, and space. "Seers, Kings and Supernaturals" relates tales of rivers, trees, animals, demons, and men, particularly heroes and sages. Myths about the chief gods are dealt with in three separate chapters: "Krsna," "Visnu," and "Siva." The chapter "The Goddess" presents stories of the wives and lovers of the gods, as well as of Kali, the savage battle goddess.
In their introductions, the editors provide a historical setting in which to discuss Hindu mythology as well as a full analysis of its basic sources. The many names given the gods and goddesses in the Sanskrit texts have been retained since their multiplicity is an essential part of the richness of the original. The editors have provided a thorough glossary to make these names accessible.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews