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. This 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.
Author note: Cornelia Dimmitt is Assistant Professor of Theology at Georgetown
University and a Core Faculty Member of the Washington, D.C. Consortium Program
in History of Religions. J. A. B. van Buitenen is Distinguished Service
Professor of Sanskrit at the University of Chicago. He is currently translating
the full "Mahabharata", projected to run eight volumes.
Hindu Myths: A Sourcebook Translated from the Sanskrit
(Penguin Classics) Paperback) 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.
Introduction to Puranas
Written for scholars and laypersons alike, a clear study that reviews the puranic literature in Hinduism,
concise summary of major puranas(18), and a detailed glossary to Indian and Hindu thought.
