Indian mythology

Author: Elman Temkin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-06-01
Features: The greatest charm of Indian mythology lies in its mystery and strangeness, with its enigmatic deities offering boundless imaginative space, even delving into the primal desires of the human heart. The divine contemplation of sexuality is exemplified by Lord Shiva, the third of the three principal gods of India. Also known as "Shiva," he is one of the most revered deities. He is the god of prosperity and auspiciousness, yet also symbolizes destruction and rebirth from death. Generally regarded as the "God of Destruction," he is also the god of reproduction. When introduced to China, he influenced the Mahākaru?ā Bodhisattva in Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism. At times, he is depicted as a terrifyingly angry man copulating with an extremely beautiful woman. The wrathful aspect of Shiva, when introduced to Japan, became famously known as Daitenjin, the guardian deity of samurai and ronin.
Vishnu: One of the three principal gods, often referred to alongside the other two as the Trimurti. He has numerous titles, with over a thousand, including "Narayana" and "Lord of the Universe." In addition to these, there are many other awe-inspiring deities waiting to meet you. Indian mythology and legends are a brilliant gem in the ancient civilization of India. Indian mythological tales can broadly be divided into the Vedic period and the Epic and Puranic period. This book, Indian Mythology and Legends, belongs to the Epic and Puranic period and includes stories from the two great epics, the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, with relatively systematic and coherent plots. It consists of three main parts: one about the myths and legends of Krishna, another about the myths and legends of Balaratha, and the third about the myths and legends of Rama. The spirit of these three mythological tales—punishing evil, promoting good, suppressing tyranny, and upholding justice, while opposing evil—has deeply influenced the thoughts and moral character of the Indian people. Indian mythology and legends allow readers to enjoy the thrilling plots of the stories while gaining insights into the customs and culture of India, and they also serve as excellent materials for studying ancient India.