Download or read book The Goddess and the King in Indian Myth written by Raj Balkaran and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2018-07-27 with total page 300 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Sanskrit narrative text Devī Māhātmya, “The Greatness of The Goddess,” extols the triumphs of an all-powerful Goddess, Durgā, over universe-imperiling demons. These exploits are embedded in an intriguing frame narrative: a deposed king solicits the counsel of a forest-dwelling ascetic, who narrates the tripartite acts of Durgā which comprise the main body of the text. It is a centrally important early text about the Great Goddess, which has significance to the broader field of Purāṇic Studies. This book analyzes the Devī Māhātmya and argues that its frame narrative cleverly engages a dichotomy at the heart of Hinduism: the opposing ideals of asceticism and kingship. These ideals comprise two strands of what is referred to herein as the dharmic double helix. It decodes the symbolism of encounters between forest hermits and exiled kings through the lens of the dharmic double helix, demonstrating the extent to which this common narrative trope masterfully encodes the ambivalence of brāhmaṇic ideology. Engaging the tension between the moral necessity for nonviolence and the sociopolitical necessity for violence, the book deconstructs the ideological ambivalence throughout the Devī Māhātmya to demonstrate that its frame narrative invariably sheds light on its core content. Its very structure serves to emphasize a theme that prevails throughout the text, one inalienable to the rubric of the episodes themselves: sovereignty on both cosmic and mundane scales. The book sheds new light on the content of the Devī Māhātmya and contextualizes it within the framework of important debates within early Hinduism. It will be of interest to academics in the fields of Asian Religion, Hindu Studies, Goddess Studies, South Asian Studies, Narrative Studies and comparative literature.
Download or read book The Goddess and the Sun in Indian Myth written by Raj Balkaran and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2020-04-07 with total page 161 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In analyzing the parallels between myths glorifying the Indian Great Goddess, Durgā, and those glorifying the Sun, Sūrya, found in the Mārkaṇḍeya Purāṇa, this book argues for an ideological ecosystem at work in the Mārkaṇḍeya Purāṇa privileging worldly values, of which Indian kings, the Goddess (Devī), the Sun (Sūrya), Manu and Mārkaṇḍeya himself are paragons. This book features a salient discovery in Sanskrit narrative text: just as the Mārkaṇḍeya Purāṇa houses the Devī Māhātmya glorifying the supremacy of the Indian Great Goddess, Durgā, it also houses a Sūrya Māhātmya, glorifying the supremacy of the Sun, Sūrya, in much the same manner. This book argues that these māhātmyas were meaningfully and purposefully positioned in the Mārkaṇḍeya Purāṇa, while previous scholarship has considered this haphazard interpolation for sectarian aims. The book demonstrates that deliberate compositional strategies make up the Saura–Śākta symbiosis found in these mirrored māhātmyas. Moreover, the author explores what he calls the "dharmic double helix" of Brahmanism, most explicitly articulated by the structural opposition between pravṛtti (worldly) and nivṛtti (other-worldy) dharmas. As the first narrative study of the Sūrya Māhātmya, along with the first study of the Mārkaṇḍeya Purāṇa (or any Purāṇa), as a narrative whole, this book will be of interest to academics in the field of Religion, Hindu Studies, South Asian Studies, Goddess Studies, Narrative Theory and Comparative Mythology.
Download or read book Indian Mythology written by Jim Ollhoff and published by ABDO Publishing Company. This book was released on 2011-08-15 with total page 34 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Who is Devi? What is Ganesha? Why are myths so important in our lives? Myths are a rich source of history. People use them to make sense of our world. Even before myths were written down, people told and retold the stories of the gods and goddesses of their homeland. Readers of Indian Mythology will learn the history of myths, as well as their deeper meaning. From the mother of the universe Sarasvati to Indra, the king of gods, this book helps kids understand the myths that shape and direct people's lives. Abdo & Daughters is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.
Download or read book Hindu Gods and Goddesses written by W. J. Wilkins and published by Courier Corporation. This book was released on 2003-11-21 with total page 529 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Hindu pantheon comprises such a multitude of gods and goddesses that even the most devout can find it difficult to remember their names and characteristics. This self-contained volume presents a comprehensive picture of the gods and goddesses commonly worshiped in India; their origins, and their related myths and legends. It covers the deities from both the Vedic and Puranic literature, as well as demons, sacred birds, and other lore, all accompanied by excellent illustrations from traditional sources.
Download or read book Gods Goddesses of Ancient India written by Tammy Laser and published by The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc. This book was released on 2014-07-15 with total page 117 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This encyclopedic volume is a thorough examination of the history of religion in ancient India, detailing each of the gods and goddesses, his or her origins, and how the gods continue to be worshipped today. The history of religion is directly tied to the history of the past one thousand years. World history is an important part of the history curriculum, making this volume a valuable teaching tool, as well as an entertaining read. Vibrant images make it a visual experience.
Download or read book Hindu Mythology A Guide to the Gods and Goddesses of India written by Sebastian Berg and published by Creek Ridge Publishing. This book was released on 2021-11-03 with total page 71 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Hindu mythology is vast and features many gods and goddesses, most of whom have multiple variations of their names and associations. According to the Hindu religion, these deities were once human or superhuman beings. Some of them are still worshipped today as the gods and goddesses of the Hindu religion. In addition, many Hindus worship certain animals or objects that represent their deities.
Download or read book Gods And Goddesses Of India written by Kailash Nath Seth and published by Diamond Pocket Books (P) Ltd.. This book was released on 2000 with total page 194 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Genealogy of the South Indian Gods written by Bartholomaeus Ziegenbalg and published by Madras : Higginbotham. This book was released on 1869 with total page 264 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Indian Mythology written by Devdutt Pattanaik and published by Inner Traditions / Bear & Co. This book was released on 2003-04-24 with total page 262 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Provides a fresh understanding of the Hindu spirtual landscapes and pantheon of gods and goddesses through 99 classic myths.
Download or read book 7 Secrets Of The Goddess written by Devdutt Pattanaik and published by Westland. This book was released on with total page 328 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: About the Book A CLASSIC GUIDE TO THE LIVES AND LEGENDS OF THE MANY GODDESSES WHO INHABIT THE HINDU IMAGINATION Lakshmi massages Vishnu’s feet. Is this male domination? Kali stands on Shiva’s chest. Is this female domination? Shiva is half a woman. Is this gender quality? Why then is Shakti never half a man? Taken literally, stories, symbols and rituals of Hindu mythology have much to say about gender relationships. Taken symbolically, they reveal many more things about humanity and nature. Which is the correct reading? The third title in the bestselling ‘Hindu Trinity’ series focuses on the Goddess and respected mythologist Devdutt Pattanaik tries to unravel the secrets locked within her stories, symbols and rituals.
Download or read book The Elephant headed God and Other Hindu Tales written by Debjani Chatterjee and published by James Clarke & Co.. This book was released on 1989 with total page 100 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The worlds of gods, demons and humans meet and come alive in these twelve stories. The gods and goddesses, heroes and heroines, birds, beasts, demons, monsters, sages and warriors that inhabit these classical tales deliver the enduring wisdom of Hindu folklore. The stories are amongst the oldest in the world and belong to children everywhere, regardless of religion or country of birth. Each tale is illustrated with dramatic black-and-white pictures by Margaret Jones. These evocative illustrations capture the wealth and strength of the culture behind the stories and give the tales a magnificent setting worthy of their power and drama.
Download or read book The Reign of the Vedic Gods written by Swami Achuthananda and published by Relianz Communications Pty Ltd. This book was released on 2018-06-06 with total page 203 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Home to one of the ancient civilizations of the world, India is also the birthplace of a dizzying array of gods worshipped by millions of Hindus living in India and across the globe. Over the centuries many of these gods rose to power and became the object of utmost devotion, only to fall from grace and lose their standing. These deities shared a peculiar trait: they were never perfect. In this multivolume series entitled, The Galaxy of Hindu Gods, Sach takes you on an extended journey to meet with the gods and share their tales with you. Among the multitude of deities, the most ancient are the Vedic gods, which include luminaries like Indra, Surya, Varuna, Agni, and others. Today a minor deity, the Vedic Indra was once the ruler of the three worlds who, under the influence of a mysterious power drink, fought with the demons and vanquished them. His reign did not last long. His comrades Surya and Varuna also had their glory days but were overthrown by other gods of the pantheon. Yet, after thousands of years, gods like Indra, Surya, and Varuna are still household names and honored in Hindu rituals and traditions. If you know little or nothing about Hindu mythology, this is your ideal starting point where you will meet the overwhelming array of Hindu gods and learn about their wonderful stories.
Download or read book Dictionary of Hindu Gods and Goddesses written by T. Renga Rajan Iyengar and published by . This book was released on 2003 with total page 346 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Book Systematically Studies Various Hindu Gods And Goddesses Based On Hindu Sacred Literature. It Covers Their Earliest References And The Evolution Of Their Worship, Their Attributes And Forms, And Their Signific-Ance In The Hindu Scheme Of Worship. It Also Includes References To Many Animate/Inanimate Sacred Beings/Things Associated With The Deities.
Download or read book The Sacred Marriage of a Hindu Goddess written by William P. Harman and published by . This book was released on 1989 with total page 264 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Myth Mithya written by Devdutt Pattanaik and published by Penguin UK. This book was released on 2014-07-11 with total page 232 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A decoding of Hindu mythology Hindus have one God. They also have 330 million gods: male gods; female gods; personal gods; family gods; household gods; village gods; gods of space and time; gods for specific castes and particular professions; gods who reside in trees; in animals; in minerals; in geometrical patterns and in man-made objects. Then there are a whole host of demons. But no Devil. In this groundbreaking book Dr Devdutt Pattanaik; one of India’s most popular mythologists; seeks an answer to these apparent paradoxes and unravels an inherited truth about life and death; nature and culture; perfection and possibility. He retells sacred Hindu stories and decodes Hindu symbols and rituals; using a unique style of commentary; illustrations and diagrams. We discover why the villainous Kauravas went to heaven and the virtuous Pandavas (all except Yudhishtira) were sent to hell; why Rama despite abandoning the innocent Sita remains the model king; why the blood-drinking Kali is another form of the milk-giving Gauri; and why Shiva wrenched off the fifth head of Brahma. Constructed over generations; Hindu myths serve as windows to the soul; and provide an understanding of the world around us. The aim is not to outgrow myth; but to be enriched and empowered by its ancient; potent and still relevant language.
Download or read book The Stories Behind the Poses written by Raj Balkaran and published by Leaping Hare Press. This book was released on 2022-06-21 with total page 226 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Discover the traditional stories and wisdom behind your favourite yoga poses in this stunningly illustrated book of Indian mythology for yogis of all levels. A beautifully written introduction to Indian mythology, join storyteller, scholar and teacher, Dr Raj Balkaran, and explore the unforgettable tales behind 50 key yoga poses, such as: Vīrabhadrāsana II, the original warrior pose Tāḍāsana, mountain pose Bhujaṅgāsana, cobra pose Garuḍāsana, eagle pose Padmāsana, lotus pose Vīrāsana, hero pose Śavāsana, corpse pose Meet iconic Gods and Goddesses, from Gaṇeśa, the elephant-headed god of wisdom, to Śiva, Lord of Yogis, and Kali, goddess of mind, body, soul and death. Explore the rivalry between the sages Vasiṣṭha and Viśvāmitra, and their cosmic feud over a wish-fulfilling cow. Plunge into the depths of one of the richest myths in Hinduism: the battle between the demons and the gods who churn the cosmic oceans in search for the elixir of immortality. And learn how Śiva got his blue throat! Learn, through the mythology of the poses, more about the roots of this ancient practice and how you can use their teachings to better appreciate and respect yoga’s true origins. Enhance your practice by reading one story before or at the end of class, and incorporating the poses and their teaching into your life, as well as your yoga practice, and transform the way you view and practice this timeless art.
Download or read book Heroic Sh ktism written by Bihani Sarkar and published by British Academy Postdoctoral F. This book was released on 2017 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Heroic Saktism is the belief that a good king and a true warrior must worship the goddess Durga, the form and substance of kingship. This belief formed the bedrock of ancient Indian practices of cultivating political power. Wildly dangerous and serenely benevolent at one and the same time, the goddess's charismatic split nature promised rewards for a hero and king and success in risky ventures. This book is the first expansive historical treatment of the cult of Durga and the role it played in shaping ideas and rituals of heroism in India between the 3rd and the 12th centuries CE. Within the story of ancient Indian kingship, two critical transitions overlapped with the rise of heroic Saktism: the decline of the war-god Skanda-Mahasena as a military symbol, and the concomitant rise of the early Indian kingdom. As the rhetoric of kingship once strongly linked to the older war god shifted to the cultural narratives of the goddess, her political imagery broadened in its cultural resonance. And indigenous territorial deities became associated with Durga as smaller states unified into a broader conception of civilization. By assessing the available epigraphic, literary and scriptural sources in Sanskrit, and anthropological studies on politics and ritual, Bihani Sarkar demonstrates that the association between Indian kingship and the cult's belief-systems was an ancient one based on efforts to augment worldly power.
