Hindu Literature

Shiva, 'the destroyer' among the Hindu trinity (of gods), is depicted in many contradictory manners. The author, Devdutt Pattanaik, introduces listeners to these varied aspects and representations, and then sets about interpreting them. He explains the different anomalies and conflicts in beliefs, as well as the symbolism, rituals and reasons behind Hindu worship.

Locked in the stories, symbols and rituals of Vishnu is the wisdom of the ancestors, transmitted over hundreds of years. This book attempts to unlock seven secrets that are relevant even in modern times.

Unveiling Saraswati: The Hindu Goddess of Knowledge, Music, Art & Wisdom Uncover the transformative journey of Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of knowledge, music, art, and wisdom. This comprehensive guide explores her evolution from a powerful Vedic river to a central deity in Hinduism's rich mythology. Dive into Saraswati's Ancient Origins: Explore her roots in the Vedas, where she personified purifying waters and transformed into the very essence of knowledge. Discover Saraswati's Diverse Aspects: Delve into her multifaceted roles as the goddess of cosmic order, speech, the feminine ...

The Upanishads are all composed in Sanskrit and every word in Sanskrit has multiple meanings and translators and commentators have interpreted the words and terms differently. One can read and study the Upanishads for many reasons. It could be to complete one’s understanding of Vedic literature from a historical or intellectual standpoint, or to understand Brahman and gain liberation. Which Upanishad should one begin with, or should one proceed directly to the Brahma Sutra and their innumerable commentaries? Here, we introduce the reader to several compilations of the Upanishads, many of ...

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.

With this collection of classic tales from India, you will learn about the playful, loyal, strong, loving, and wise gods, goddesses, and heroes of India. You will discover how the deity Ganesh, the remover of obstacles, got his elephant head; how the goddess Parvati won the heart of the great god Shiva; and how the goddess Ganga came to Earth from Heaven in the form of the holy Ganges River. You will discover how Krishna’s childhood as superhero and mischievous boy prepared him to fulfill his destiny as an avatar of the god Vishnu.

Uncover the fascinating world of the Ramayana, one of the world's largest ancient epics, and discover the defining aspects of the Gods, deities, and characters that populate its pages. The Ramayana is a timeless tale of good versus evil, love versus loss, and the triumph of righteousness over adversity. This book explores the complex and nuanced personalities of the Ramayana's cast of characters, from the noble Rama and Sita to the villainous Ravana. If you are interested in Hindu religion, Vedic literature, Sanskrit language, Indian culture, mythology, or simply want to learn more about ...

The Mahabharata and the Ramayana, two of India's greatest epics and foundational texts for modern Hinduism, both center on the supreme deity Vishnu and his two most adored incarnations, Krishna and Rama. These Epic books include a richness of philosophy and religion, as well as instructions for living a moral and upright life, all of which are woven throughout the tales that make up its heart. This book provides the reader with an understanding of the main events that shape the narratives, and further analyzes the characters, messages, and lessons that may be inferred.

Kumarasambhava, Kalidasa's second epic poem, is often regarded as his finest work and a defining example of kavya poetry. The style it used to express spring would go on to dominate nature metaphors in Indian literature for ages to come. This work translates select cantos from the original poem that narrates and celebrates the union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, the birth of their son Kumara or Kartikeya, and concludes with the slaying of Taraka.

Kiki Kallira has always been a worrier. Did she lock the front door? Is there a terrible reason her mom is late? Recently her anxiety has been getting out of control, but one thing that has always soothed her is drawing. Kiki's sketchbook is full of fanciful doodles of the rich Indian myths and legends her mother has told her over the years. One day, her sketchbook's calming effect is broken when her mythological characters begin springing to life right out of its pages and Kiki ends up falling into the mystical world she drew.

The daughter of a star and a mortal, Sheetal is used to keeping secrets. Pretending to be “normal”. But when an accidental flare of her starfire puts her human father in the hospital, Sheetal needs a full star’s help to heal him. A star like her mother, who returned to the sky long ago. Sheetal’s quest to save her father will take her to a celestial court of shining wonders and dark shadows, where she must take the stage as her family’s champion in a competition to decide the next ruling house of the heavens - and win, or risk never returning to Earth at all.

Fresh off the exciting discovery that her sketches of a beautiful kingdom and band of rebel kids have come to life in another world, Kiki Kallira has an unexpected visitor. One of those rebel kids has come into the real world to ask for her help—again. The river Kaveri, a crucial source of water for Mysore, has suddenly vanished! With no water to grow food or for wildlife to drink, Kiki's kingdom is doomed. Kiki enters her sketchbook once again, and her search for answers reveals the origin of the Kaveri.

We think of love stories as those that end in happily-ever-after. But thousands of years ago, in ancient India, love was understood in a different way—as one of the four aims of life, as a means for spiritual growth, as a celebration of the play of the Divine. As something profound, beautiful, and sometimes elusive.

Durga, as this powerful warrior-goddess is known, has nine special forms - each one unique, not just a clone. Shailaputri, Brahmacharini and Chandraghanta, Kushmanda and Skandamata, Katyayani and Kaalratri, Maha Gauri and Siddhidatri... They are the Nava Durga, worshipped during Navaratri, the festival of nine nights and nine days that's celebrated across India and the world in myriad ways to praise the goddesses and their glory. This is their story!

Join the festival of colour in this collection of stories celebrating the Hindu festival of Holi. With tasty treats and bonfire tales, these stories are fun and informative stories for 3-7 year olds. These stories are perfect for young children celebrating Holi with their friends and family, or wanting to learn about different Hindu traditions.

Kiki Kallira has always been a worrier. Did she lock the front door? Is there a terrible reason her mum is late? Recently her anxiety has been getting out of control, but one thing that has always soothed her is drawing. Kiki's sketchbook is full of fantastical doodles of the Hindu myths and legends her mother has told her since she was tiny. One day, her sketchbook's calming effect is broken when her mythological characters begin springing to life and Kiki is pulled into the mystical world she drew.

I read this story first time when I was about 12 years old. I could never forget the story. To the generation next, all grown up and on their own, perhaps the story had moved even farther away from their regular orbit of interest. My intention is to give the essence of the story so that it captures the attention of even 12-year-olds. But, I am sure this story will touch the hearts of all booklovers.

When the mighty goddess Ganga hears a forgotten melody in the night, she follows its tune to a palace in the icy Himalaya and to a young girl called Anya. For she has a quest for Anya–she needs her help to heal the fragile planet. Flying on her dragon Makara, Ganga leads Anya and her friend Mahi on an epic journey through time and across India, in search of elusive spirit animals and forgotten lullabies. Together, they must confront their fears and discover friends new and old, as they join their voices in a celebration of the planet.

This is a continuation from the adventure story of part 2. The stories of animals will keep your kids occupied for hours. The fun continues and it will mesmerize your kids with fun adventures that they will never forget.

Sona Sharma's house is full of three generations of people who joke often and argue sometimes. Relatives come over unannounced, the phone rings frequently, and friends drop by all the time. Then one day, Amma tells Sona that she is going to have a baby. Is that good? Sona isn’t so sure. She doesn’t want to share her room or her things with a new baby, not to mention the attention of Amma, Appa, Thatha, and Paatti. And despite Amma's assurance that the sky always has room for new stars, Sona doesn’t feel stretchy or big-hearted like the sky.