Classical Hindu Mythology: A Reader in the Sanskrit Puranas

Classical Hindu Mythology: A Reader in the Sanskrit Puranas

The Mahapuranas are the texts that best represent the conventional wisdom of Hindu mythology. This anthology includes recent translations of these stories, of which only a handful have ever been made accessible in English previously, and as a result, it makes available a substantial new section of Hindu mythology.

There are six different chapters in all in this book. Myths are told in “Origins” that are associated with creation, time, and space. The book “Seers, Kings, and Supernaturals” tells stories of rivers, trees, animals, demons, and mankind, most notably heroes and wise men. Krsna, Visnu, and Siva each have their own chapter to devote to debunking the many myths that circulate about them. The tales of the wives and lovers of the gods are told in the chapter titled “The Goddess.” The chapter also discusses Kali, the fierce goddess of conflict.

In the introductions that they have written, the editors have provided not only a historical context in which to analyse Hindu mythology but also a comprehensive examination of the sources upon which it is based. The several names that were originally given. The editors have included a comprehensive lexicon in order to make these names more understandable.

Author

Cornelia Dimmitt

About the Author(s)

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.