Hindu Stories

Eight tales which illustrate some of the most significant beliefs, values and traditions of the Hindus. 8 yrs+

Recorded in sacred Sanskrit texts, including the Rig Veda and the Mahabharata, Hindu Myths are thought to date back as far as the tenth century BCE. Here in these seventy-five seminal myths are the many incarnations of Vishnu, who saves mankind from destruction, and the mischievous child Krishna, alongside stories of the minor gods, demons, rivers and animals including boars, buffalo, serpents and monkeys. Immensely varied and bursting with colour and life, they demonstrate the Hindu belief in the limitless possibilities of the world - from the teeming miracles of creation to the origins of the incarnation of Death who eventually touches them all.

Unlike many other ancient mythologies, Hinduism thrives in the modern world. One billion followers and countless others have been captivated by its symbolic representations of love, karma, and reincarnation. Handbook of Hindu Mythology offers an informative introduction to this dauntingly complex mythology of multifaceted deities, lengthy heroic tales, and arcane philosophies-all with a 3,000-year history of reinterpretations and adaptations. Williams offers a number of pathways by which to approach Hinduism's ever-changing gods and goddesses (e.g., Brahma, Vishnu, Siva), spiritual verses (such as the vedas), secular epics (including the Ramayana and the Mahabharata), myths within myths, devotional and esoteric traditions, psychic and yogic disciplines, and magical practices. With this handbook, readers can explore the history of Hindu mythology, follow a detailed timeline of key episodes and historical events, and look up specific elements of historical or contemporary Hinduism in a beautifully illustrated reference work. It is the ideal introduction to the origins of Hinduism, the culture that shaped it from antiquity to the present, and the age-old stories, ideas, and traditions that speak to the human condition as eloquently today as ever. Including annotated bibliographies, a glossary of cultural and mythological terms, and numerous illustrations, here is a gold mine of information on Hindu mythology. "

This work deals at length with various theories about relgion prevalent at the time when Megasthenes visited India very interesting and scholarly views have been put forth regarding investigations of Megasthenes their reliability and the reliability of his reporters.

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 are given the original. The editors have provided a thorough glossary to make these names accessible.

Animal stories are very interesting and inspiring; they have been used by the Hindus for thousands of years to teach some morals. Mahabharata, Ramayana and later Hitopadesa and Pancha tantra have lot of fables. Vishnu Sarman of Panchatantra used those stories to teach political science to the dullest boys of a king and succeeded. Thus the stories spread to different parts of the world.

Dive into the captivating world of Hindu mythology with this comprehensive guide! Unravel the stories of powerful gods and goddesses like Vishnu, Shiva, and Durga. Embark on a thrilling adventure through the epic tales of the Ramayana and Mahabharata. This guide, designed for beginners, explores the core concepts of Hinduism in an engaging and informative way. Here's what you'll discover: The Divine Realm: Meet the fascinating Hindu Trimurti (Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva) and understand their roles in creation, preservation, and destruction. Symbolism and Iconography: Learn the meanings behind common symbols associated with Hindu deities, from the Trishul (Shiva's trident) to the lotus flower (symbolizing purity and enlightenment). Captivating Epics: Delve into the timeless tales of the Ramayana and Mahabharata, exploring themes of duty, love, and the complexities of human nature. The Power of the Feminine: Discover the concept of Shakti (divine feminine energy) and the various goddesses who embody it, such as Saraswati (goddess of knowledge) and Lakshmi (goddess of prosperity). Beyond the Stories: Explore how Hindu mythology is woven into the fabric of everyday life through festivals, rituals, and artistic expressions. Modern Relevance: See how these ancient myths continue to resonate in the modern world, inspiring artistic creations and fostering a deeper understanding between cultures. This guide is your perfect resource if you're interested in: Understanding the core beliefs and practices of Hinduism. Learning about the fascinating stories and characters of Hindu mythology. Discovering the symbolism and iconography associated with Hindu deities. Exploring the connection between mythology and everyday life in Hinduism. Gaining a broader perspective on the rich cultural heritage of India. Embark on your journey of discovery today!

These Tales Of Hindu Gods And Demons Express In Vivid Symbols The Metaphysical Insights Of Ancient Indian Priests And Poets. This Selection And Translation Of Seventy-Five Seminal Myths Spans The Wide Range Of Classical Indian Sources, From The Serpent-Slaying Indra Of The Vedas (C. 1200 Bc) To The Medieval Pantheon&Mdash;The Phallic And Ascetic Siva, The Maternal And Bloodthirsty Goddess, The Mischievous Child Krishna, The Other Avatars Of Vishnu, And The Many Minor Gods, Demons, Rivers And Animals Sacred To Hinduism. The Traditional Themes Of Life And Death Are Set Forth And Interwoven With Many Complex Variations Which Give A Kaleidoscopic Picture Of The Development Of Almost Three Thousand Years Of Indian Mythology. &Nbsp;

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.

Hindu mythology is rich in detail yet, at times, features many contradictions. In this book, we are going to recount many favorite and classic stories of Hindu myths, gods, goddesses, heroes and monsters. In this text, many famous stories are retold in a way that will allow you to understand the rich narrative that takes place, from the classic mythological stories that you can read and share with your family that teaches lessons of dharma to important life and spiritual lessons. Some of the classic myths that are found inside this book are: Myths of Origin The creation of Universe Arrival of humans Concepts of the 4 Yuga Hindu Gods and Goddesses Brahma and the Curse Vishnu and the Churning Ocean The Third Eye of Shiva Sarasvati Saves the World The Birth of Shri Krishna Kalia The Elephant Head of Ganesha Krishna and Indra Gopal A Brave Boy A Meeting with Death Ajamil Turns a New Leaf Eklavya Trishank