Classical Hindu Mythology: A Reader in the Sanskrit Puranas

There is a score main Puranas and even more other Puranas. The extant ones may be long, and can be aptly divided into sets of several volumes each, down to one-volumed books. For example, the Padma Purana in translation consists of ten volumes, the Brahma Purana consists of four, the Siva Purana of four comprehensive books. Granted that the extant texts are many and some of them long, the book by van Buitenen and Dimmitt serves as an introduction in the form of selected and abridged stories. As such it is a nice and good one in my opinion.The Puranas have taken their part in forming Indian culture and mentality, and still do. Stories of Krishna are found in some of them, for example.

Excellent writing, which reflects the amount of research and efforts in translating the original Puranas.

A little long winded at times, in fact at some points it kinda of reads like a text book for school.

One of the difficulties in understanding Hindu mythology is getting a grip on the major literary and philosophical works of Hindu thought, and who the major figures are and how they relate to their many chief associates and representatives. This book is well-organized to provide that understanding--both in the grouping of related stories and in the introductory essay and the excellent short essays that introduce each of six major sections (in order: Origins, Visnu, Krsna, Siva, "The Goddess", and "Seers, Kings and Supernaturals"). Those essays describe the essential characteristics and importance of the mythologic creature or topic that follows, The introductory essay also situates the Puranas, as a distinct body of mythologic literature, among other major categories and works, such as the Vedas, the Mahabharata, and other works. This is not the book I would advise the absolute beginner to start with, but it's a quite valuable and comprehensive.

fascinating mythology with scholarly background

I wasn't raised Hindu but was always curious about the religion. I've read Buck's translations of the Ramayana and Mahabharata (I'm working on the Penguin edition of the latter), along with other books (a translation of the Upanisads,etc.), but the original myths were largely inaccessible to me because I only speak English. For me the book was great; summaries plus myths that speak for themselves. And the myths are really interesting.

This is a reprint produced in India of a classic volume, out of print. The material is important and needs to be in print. But the production is shoddy: paper chip and full of wrinkles and blemishes. The authors deserve better. Perhaps some other outfit will seek the copyright to do a better job.

The editor and translator of this book have done a good job selecting and translating the principal Puranas for the Western reader. The Introductions to the various settings clarify the ideas expressed in the selections and clear up ambiguities about names of Gods and Goddesses, etc. The ideas are presented dispassionately, not criticizing or comparing ancient Indian cosmological ideas to modern Western cosmology and science. The only thing I missed would have been a comparison between ancient Indian and Darwinian views on evolution, especially the origins of the human species.

This is the BEST primer for someone who wishes to know the basic stories associated with Hinduism as it is practiced today. These stories are to be found in the Puranas. They are presented while adhering to the formal contours of deities.Thus we have~* The Puranas: An Introduction1. Origins2. Vishnu3. Krishna4. Shiva5. The Goddess6. Seers, Kings and Supernaturals* Glossary, Notes and BibliographyStudents of History would know that the word 'Hindu' means people of a certain geographical area who adhere to certain practices, habits and rituals that are different from others. Commonly those beliefs and rituals are thought to be constituents of a religion. But instead of such a narrow definition, the stories associated with those rituals and beliefs need to be understood as history of the people of this land, told through allegories and symbols. This book helps a lay reader to appreciate this rich history in a lucid and concise manner.Highly recommended.