The Book of Vishnu

On Vishnu (Hindu deity) and his ten incarnations.

Religion & Spirituality

Krishna, Nanditha

Hinduism

Penguin Global

Pages: 268 (10 Color Illus., 2 B/W Illustrations)From the Rig Veda to myriads of folk narratives, the belief in demons prevails all over India, vividly illustrating that a demon is something people fear because it is beyond their comprehension and control. Time and again, the menacing and uncontrollable forces of night, darkness and death, along with powerful defeated enemies and incomprehensible natural phenomena, are demonized.The Book of Demons presents a perceptive overview of the various types of demonic beings and concepts that exist in Hindu literature, supplemented with a dictionary of individual demons for ready reference. Besides the well-known rakshasas and asuras, the author also reveals a densely populated world of lesser-known, but equally fascinating, demonic creatures. Andhaka (blind darkness), conceived when Parvati playfully covered Shiva's eyes and the world was plunged into darkness; Gajamukha, the elephant-faced demon who was transformed into a mouse by Ganesha and then converted into his vehicle; Jambha, the demon-leader who snatched the pot of immortal nectar from the ocean during the great churning; Maya, the demonic equivalent of Vishvakarma, architect of the gods, who built the three cities of Tripura; and Putana, the demon who tried to kill Krishna by suckling him with poisoned breasts.Male or female, human, animal, plant, or simply a concept—demons play a pivotal role in our mythical traditions. Blending insightful erudition and lively description, Nanditha Krishna brings to life the traits and actions of a host of-complex, colourful, monstrous and intriguing demons that inhabit Indian religion and mythology.PENGUIN BOOKSTHE BOOK OF DEMONSThe Book of DemonsIncluding a Dictionary of Demons, in Sanskrit LiteratureNANDITHA KRISHNAPENGUIN BOOKSContents

Book of Demons

Politics & Social Sciences

Social Sciences

On Vishnu (Hindu deity) and his ten incarnations.

Book of Vishnu

Literature & Fiction

Belief in the sanctity of animals originated from ideas of karma and the transmigration of souls thus an ant or a tiger could be one s past or future identity. Sacred Animals of India draws on the ancient religious traditions of India Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism to explore the customs and practices that engendered the veneration of animals in India. Animals are worshipped in India as deities, as, for instance, the elephant-god Ganesha and the monkey-god Hanuman, or as the fish, tortoise and boar forms or avatars that Vishnu is believed to have taken on earth. Some species, such as the swan, bull, lion and tiger, regarded as vahanas vehicles of deities developed sanctity by association. Others, such as the snake, are worshipped out of fear. Birds such as the crow are regarded as the abode of the dead, or the souls of ancestors, while the cow s sanctity may derive from its economic value. There are also hero-animals, such as the vanaras, and animals that were totemic symbols of tribes that were assimilated in Vedic Hinduism. This book also examines the traditions that gave animals in India protection, and is a reminder of the role of animal species in the earth s biodiversity.

Sacred Animals of India

Religious Studies

India Penguin

Vishnu, the Supreme Being, is the preserver, the protector of the good and the guardian of dharma. Seated on Adi Shesha, the many-hooded serpent, in the primeval waters, he watches over his devotees and rewards the pious. And whenever dharma is in danger, he incarnates himself on earth to rid it of evil. Beginning with an investigation of the possible non-Vedic, Dravidian origins of Vishnu, this book describes his form, aspects and attributes, and his avatars or incarnations: Matsya, the fish; Kurma, the tortoise; Varaha, the boar; Narasimha, the man-lion; Vamana, the dwarf; Parashurama; Rama; Krishna; and Kalki, the final destroyer. Combining the skill of a storyteller with the insight of a scholar, Nanditha Krishna has brought to glorious life perhaps the most powerful and revered god in the Hindu pantheon. An art historian, Nanditha Krishna is the director of the C.P. Ramaswami Aiyar Foundation at Chennai. Her books include The Art and Iconography of Vishnu-Narayana; Manuscript Paintings of the Sarasvati Mahal Library, Tanjore and Ganesha: The Auspicious...The Beginning (with her mother, Shakuntala Jagannathan).

The dividing line between art and craft in Tamilnadu is not easily discernible. With an uninterrupted classical heritage, its craft forms were transformed into works of art - the village terracottas became the great bronzes, the wood carvings became splendid monuments in stone. Unlike other parts of India, Tamilnadu's geographic location in the far south protected it from extraneous influences and made for a certain insularity of culture which strengthened the styles from within.

Arts and Crafts of Tamilnadu (Living Traditions of India)

Arts & Photography

Mapin Intl

The Temple of Balaji or Venkateshwara on Tirumala hill above the town of Tirupati in India has become a focal point of contemporary religion attracting crowds of all ages,faiths and Nationaliteis.However,not much is known about the God,except his ability to answer prayers and perform the most improbable miracles.Not many people are aware that the sanctity of the God and the hill is over two thousand years old.What makes the temple so popular,and what are the beliefs of the people,are the questions that this Book has tried to answer. This Book is a collection of the folk legends about Venkateshwara,the sacred Tirumala hill and it's many lakes and waterfalls,his miracles,and the beutiful rituals and festivals associated with him.He is a manifestation of Vishnu the preserver,and his association with the other incarnations is well documented. There are rare photographs of the God,his gold and diamond jewellery,the various other bronzes and sculptures contained in the temple and the images of the festivals for which Tirumala has been famous from time immemorial.The illustrations of the stories have been executed in the Tirupati style of drawing. This Book should be of equal interest to to the layman,the scholar and the devotee,and a valuable addition to every home and library.

Balaji-Venkateshwaralord of Tirumala-Tirupati: An Intoduction

Reference

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Books by Krishna, Nanditha

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The Book of Vishnu

Book of Demons

Book of Vishnu

Sacred Animals of India

The Book of Vishnu

Arts and Crafts of Tamilnadu (Living Traditions of India)

Balaji-Venkateshwaralord of Tirumala-Tirupati: An Intoduction