Customer Reviews

Hindu Goddesses: Visions of the Divine Feminine in the Hindu Religious Tradition (Hermeneutics: Studies in the History of Religions)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a very good, scholarly overview of the major Goddesses of Hinduism. It is an academic work, and therefore not for one who is seeking to read about the Goddesses from a devotional perspective, but nonetheless it is full of insights. An essential book for those interested in Hindu Goddesses and/or world Goddess myth and religion, and one which will serve as both a useful introduction to the subject and an accurate source to be returned to in research again and again.

An incredibly interesting book. This is the book that got me interested in Hinduism, that made me take an entirely new look at Parvati & Sati, & (with a *little* bit of help) got me hooked on religious studies. Very well-written, like every other Kinsley book I've read (with the exception of Hinduism: A Cultural Perspective).

David Kinsley's work is always thorough - this book is no exception. Each chapter details one Hindu Goddess, including rituals, poems, texts, and background. It is an interesting read and a great place to start researching a particular Goddess. My only complaint is that the pictures are of really poor quality and there are not enough to give a real feel for these Goddesses.

Great book for one who wants to learn about Hinduism and the feminine within the Indian traditions. Scholarship is excellent, but it isn't for those who have more New Age beliefs in general on goddeses such as Kali or Hindu/eastern concepts in general. I would suggest it for those who are actually into learning about the Hindu religion and not the Western idea of Indian culture and religion.

It's really a look at the Goddesses from a scholar's point of view without any religious attitudes whatsoever toward the subject matter. He treats the goddesses kind of like they're archaic symbols of some distant past, rather than great women of a living religious tradition. Good for students who are taking a course in this type of study, but not really good as a look at the goddesses through a devotional perspective.

This is a good book. Whether you are interested as a teacher or student trying to learn more about the Hindu Goddesses, or just curious, this book provides a concise and effective introduction to some of the major Goddesses of Hinduism, as well as background information on classic Hindu scriptures and Gods. The style is academic, but it is also readable. Numerous black and white photos throughout help illustrate the Goddesses of Hinduism. I highly recommend this book.

This book is very informative but dry and somewhat difficult to read. Being an Indian and a Hindu, I thought it was ok. You can't read more than a chapter at a time.

Great book about Hindu goddesses! A must read for those interested...

I believe this book is strictly for scholars and Hindus. It is somewhat dry and unless you have an overwhelming interest in the subject can become quite dull. It does have excellent detail and structure for those interested in the subject but alas I have discovered I am not.