Indian Mythology: Tales, Symbols, and Rituals from the Heart of the Subcontinent

An exploration of 99 classic myths of India provides a fresh understanding of the Hindu spiritual landscapes and pantheon of gods and goddesses. Two 16-page color inserts. 320 pp.

 

An exploration of 99 classic myths of India from an entirely non-Western paradigm that provides a fresh understanding of the Hindu spiritual landscape- Compares and contrasts Indian mythology with the stories of the Bible, ancient Egypt, Greece, Scandinavia, and Mesopotamia- Looks at the evolution of Indian narratives and their interpretations over the millennia- Demonstrates how the mythology, rituals, and art of ancient India are still vibrant today and inform the contemporary generationFrom the blood-letting Kali to the mysterious Ganesha, the Hindu spiritual landscape is populated by characters that find no parallel in the Western spiritual world. "Indian Mythology" explores the rich tapestry of these characters within 99 classic myths, showing that the mythological world of India can be best understood when we move away from a Western, monotheistic mindset and into the polytheistic world of Hindu traditions.Featuring 48 artistic renderings of important mythological figures from across India, the author unlocks the mysteries of the narratives, rituals, and artwork of ancient India to reveal the tension between world-affirming and world-rejecting ideas, between conformism and contradiction, between Shiva and Vishnu, Krishna and Rama, Gauri and Kali. This groundbreaking book opens the door to the unknown and exotic, providing a glimpse into the rich mythic tradition that has empowered millions of human beings for centuries.

 

A medical doctor by training, Devdutt Pattanaik moved away fA medical doctor by training, Devdutt Pattanaik moved away from clinical practice to nurture his passion for mythology. rom clinical practice to nurture his passion for mythology. His unorthodox approach is evident in his books, which incluHis unorthodox approach is evident in his books, which include introductions to Shiva and Vishnu and The Goddess in Indide introductions to Shiva and Vishnu and The Goddess in India. He lives in Mumbai, India, where he works as a health coma. He lives in Mumbai, India, where he works as a health com