Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide (R/J)

An invaluable encyclopedia of HinduismHinduism is one of the world’s oldest religions; an amalgam of diverse beliefs and schools it originates in the Vedas and is rooted in Indian culture. Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide illuminates complex philosophical concepts through lucid definitions a historical perspective and incisive analyses. It examines various aspects of Hinduism covering festivals and rituals gods and goddesses philosophers memorials aesthetics and sacred plants and animals. The author also explores pivotal ideas including moksha karma dharma and samsara and details the diverse commentaries on the Bhagavad Gita and other important texts. Citing extensively from the regional languages the book describes Hinduism’s innumerable myths and legends and looks at the many versions of texts including the Ramayana and Mahabharata placing each entry in its historical context and tracing its evolution to the present.• Outlines all eighteen major Puranas the 108 Upanishads and a selection of Vaishnava Sahiva and Tantric texts• Provides quotations from rare original texts• A product of years of research with a wide range of entries