jjares reviewed Hindu Myths: Captivating Indian Myths and Legends from the Bhagavata Purana and Mahabharata on + 3270 more book reviews
Since about 1500 - 1000 BCE, Hindu beliefs and culture have been developed and used. It was at this point that the Vedas were written down. Dharma is important, not only with the Hindus, but also Buddhists, and other Asian religions. According to Dharma, one must adhere to laws, religious practices, and social structures for life to be orderly.
The sources for the tales told in this book come from the BHAGAVATA PURANA and MAHABHARATA. According to tradition, they were written by the Hindu sage, Krishna Dvaipayana (a pseudo-historical figure). The MAHABHARATA is considered to be one of the world's great epics -- and is the longest epic poem in the world.
The thing to remember is that within these stories are complex and philosophical arguments about choice and fate, good and evil, death, birth, and rebirth. Fortunately, the author spends some time before each myth/story to set the stage. This helps with understanding. This is a listing of the stories included in this book.
From the BHAGAVATA PURANA:
Indra and Vritrasura.
Yayati and Devayani.
Daksha and Shiva.
The Defeat of Kaliya.
Tales from the MAHABHARATA:
The Story of Shantanu:
Shantanu and Ganga,
Ganga's Tale,
Ganga Returns,
Shantanu and the Fisher-Girl,
Devavrata's Vow.
The Death of Bhishma
The Swayamvara,
Amba's Plight,
At the Ashram,
Amba's Penance,
Shikhandin.
Ekalavya.
The Burning of Khandava Forest
Agni's Banquet,
Arjuna and Maya.
Bhima and Hanuman.
Captivating History, probably through the interest of Matt Clayton, offers a variety of mythological stories from various nations and cultures. Since I've started reading them. I've found them to be quite informative about a given culture. They are highly readable and interesting.
The sources for the tales told in this book come from the BHAGAVATA PURANA and MAHABHARATA. According to tradition, they were written by the Hindu sage, Krishna Dvaipayana (a pseudo-historical figure). The MAHABHARATA is considered to be one of the world's great epics -- and is the longest epic poem in the world.
The thing to remember is that within these stories are complex and philosophical arguments about choice and fate, good and evil, death, birth, and rebirth. Fortunately, the author spends some time before each myth/story to set the stage. This helps with understanding. This is a listing of the stories included in this book.
From the BHAGAVATA PURANA:
Indra and Vritrasura.
Yayati and Devayani.
Daksha and Shiva.
The Defeat of Kaliya.
Tales from the MAHABHARATA:
The Story of Shantanu:
Shantanu and Ganga,
Ganga's Tale,
Ganga Returns,
Shantanu and the Fisher-Girl,
Devavrata's Vow.
The Death of Bhishma
The Swayamvara,
Amba's Plight,
At the Ashram,
Amba's Penance,
Shikhandin.
Ekalavya.
The Burning of Khandava Forest
Agni's Banquet,
Arjuna and Maya.
Bhima and Hanuman.
Captivating History, probably through the interest of Matt Clayton, offers a variety of mythological stories from various nations and cultures. Since I've started reading them. I've found them to be quite informative about a given culture. They are highly readable and interesting.
