Classical Hindu Mythology: A Reader in the Sanskrit Puranas [Paperback]

Cornelia Dimmitt (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 15, 1978

The "Mahapuranas" embody the received tradition of Hindu mythology. This anthology contains fresh translations of these myths, only a few of which have ever been available in English before, thus providing a rich new portion of Hindu mythology. The book is organized into six chapters. "Origins" contains myths relating to creation, time, and space. "Seers, Kings and Supernaturals" relates tales of rivers, trees, animals, demons, and men, particularly heroes and sages. Myths about the chief gods are dealt with in three separate chapters: "Krsna," "Visnu," and "Siva." The chapter "The Goddess" presents stories of the wives and lovers of the gods, as well as of Kali, the savage battle goddess. In their introductions, the editors provide a historical setting in which to discuss Hindu mythology as well as a full analysis of its basic sources. The many names given the gods and goddesses in the Sanskrit texts have been retained since their multiplicity is an essential part of the richness of the original. The editors have provided a thorough glossary to make these names accessible. Author note: Cornelia Dimmitt is Assistant Professor of Theology at Georgetown University and a Core Faculty Member of the Washington, D.C. Consortium Program in History of Religions. J. A. B. van Buitenen is Distinguished Service Professor of Sanskrit at the University of Chicago. He is currently translating the full Mahabharata, projected to run eight volumes.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"[P]rovides an important segment of world literature that has been virtually inaccessible." --Choice

Language Notes

Text: English (translation) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 392 pages
• Publisher: Temple University Press (June 15, 1978)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0877221227
• ISBN-13: 978-0877221227
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #200,406 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #22 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Hinduism > Sanskrit

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great selections, great translators, April 3, 2002

By 

Beth "Crazy, Dancing White Woman" (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Classical Hindu Mythology: A Reader in the Sanskrit Puranas (Paperback)

I have unfailingly found J.A. Van Buitenen to be both a true and interesting translator, this volume is no exception. It's a very comprehensive look at the subject matter, treated in such a way that it is accessible to the inexperienced Western reader, while leaving alot of meat left for the more accomplished reader. My one wish is to have a better idea of how the selections relate to the individual Purana books, and how they may be dated in history.

11 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Classical Hindu Mythology, November 15, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Classical Hindu Mythology: A Reader in the Sanskrit Puranas (Paperback)

Just read the previous review from Norway which does not make much sense to me. This is a lengthy, detailed and dense translation of a wealth of Hindu myths. To my mind it is neither short (373 pages) nor simple, but difficult for the average reader. It reads like a scholarly textbook that requires study to use. I found it fascinating and worth the effort. But I wonder if the previous reviewer and I have read the same book!

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for those who don't know much, December 21, 2011

By 

Jennifer Alderson (Wichita, Kansas) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Classical Hindu Mythology: A Reader in the Sanskrit Puranas (Paperback)

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.