The Birth of the Ganga [Hardcover]

Harish Johari (Author, Illustrator), Pieter Weltevrede (Illustrator)

Book Description

A lavishly illustrated mythological story of the origins of the Indian river Ganga and its powerful purifying properties. 

• 46 full-color art reproductions bring to life many of the Indian saints and gods whose names abound in Hindu scripture and history 

• Unique in Indian art, this book's figures are inspired by the high classical style of the Ajanta caves and temple of Khajoraho 

• Includes a description of the ancient technique of silk painting used in creating the illustrations 

Translated for the first time in English, The Birth of the Ganga tells the mythological story of the origins of the river Ganga (known in the West as the Ganges River) and its powerful purifying properties. According to scriptures, Ganga was a goddess residing in heaven but was brought down to earth in the form of a river to provide salvation to the ancestors of King Bhagirath. It is said that not only did Ganga save King Bhagirath's ancestors, but she provided a means of purification for the entire population of human beings on earth. Today pilgrims travel from all over the subcontinent to bathe in the river as an act of worship in the hopes of obtaining her blessings and realizing salvation. 

The Birth of the Ganga will delight readers young and old alike for not only is it a wonderful story of good deeds leading to a just ending, but its 46 illustrations bring to life many of the Indian saints and gods whose names abound in Hindu scripture and history. The original illustrations, hand-painted on silk, are inspired by the high classical style of the Ajanta caves and temples of Khajoraho. Johari has restored this classical art form in accordance with the Hindu canon.

Editorial Reviews

Review

To listen to or read Ganga's story is said to fully awaken our spiritual side. . . . Some Hindus declare that in Kali Yuga (the present-era Age of Darkness), the only source of purification is Ganga. . . . If the river is too far away, perhaps this book will serve almost as well. -- Napra ReView

About the Author

Harish Johari (1934-1999) was a well-known author, scholar, artist, and composer who worked for decades to introduce the culture of his homeland to the West. He is the author of numerous books, including Tools for Tantra, Chakras, Ayurvedic Healing Cuisine, Ayurvedic Massage, Numerology, The Healing Power of Gemstones, and Breath, Mind, and Consciousness. Pieter Weltevrede has been Johari's student for 18 years and his illustrations also appear in Ayurvedic Massage. 

Product Details

• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Inner Traditions (December 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0892816902
• ISBN-13: 978-0892816903
• Product Dimensions: 11.6 x 9.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,479,133 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Universal Book, June 3, 2000

By 

JosephBaxter - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Birth of the Ganga (Hardcover)

One of the most beautiful books ever made, mostly in terms of an artistic sense. The story is interesting, but the inspiration and knowledge come from the silk water color paintings. These paintings are unique in the sense that they had to be repainted at least 10 times, while doing water washes between each painting until the water color becomes a part of the fabric. You can pour water on these paintings, but the color will not come off. This book is also good for children to read and be attracted to. What a great deal.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Birth of Ganga, October 12, 2005

A Kid's Review

This review is from: The Birth of the Ganga (Hardcover)

This is a wonderfully written and illustrated book of a traditional Hindu story. Harish Johari tells of how Ganga came to earth, fearful of being polluted only to find her waters were thought of as purifying. There is a story within this entire story, which adds to the fun of reading this. The artwork in this book is exceptionally beautiful as well. This is definitely a bedtime story book as parents will enjoy helping their child read this and smaller children will enjoy hearing the story then, retelling it through the illustrations in their own words. I originally purchased this book for the illustrations, as I am interested in art, but found, as an adult, the story to be very interesting and enjoyable. I would recommend this book to others who are interested in art, as well as anyone who does not have any insight into traditional Indian children's stories.

5.0 out of 5 stars Ravishing, February 21, 2009

By 

Compulsive Reader (New York, New York) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Birth of the Ganga (Hardcover)

The illustrations in this volume are worth the price of admission alone. Gods rise through a mist of washed-out blues, golds, and greens, accompaniments to a haunting story. Superb.