Siva Purana (Ancient Indian Tradition and Mythology Series)

Rating:
Summary: Shiva mythology
Review: Mythological stories, guide to ceremonies, wisdom and endless price of Shiva. Although it was a tough reading, it gave me a much deeper understanding of shaivism. It shows the richness of the hindu traditions in many ways, but especially through all the divine stories, which bear witness to a long evolution of this tradition and the presence of many enlightened beeings in it. If one is not from india, it may seem a little dry, because one has to use ones own fantacy to visualize the sceneries, while someone in india can see the temples etc. in real life.

Rating:
Summary: Can I convince you to at least dip into true source material
Review: The Puranas are the basic source of mythology for Hinduism/South Asia although the Vedas are a much earlier source. You'll certainly not find the stories in nice neat packages that retelling of the tales provide but in the 4 volumes of the translated Siva Purana, you'll have a nice leisurely stroll through the myths surrounding Siva, one of the better known Hindu deities. The translation is not perfect but the problems translating from Sanskrit to English is difficult especially when little previous knowledge of the subject matter can be assumed. The Puranic Encyclopaedia (editted by Vettam Mani) can certainly be of assistance. Alternatively, reading the work of Wendy O'Flaherty or John Hawley provides a very readable introduction to the world view behind the stories.

Tho daunting at first, reading the Puranas quickly becomes addictive - wonderful stories within stories ... and should you tire of Siva, the series contains about 96 more volumes to tempt you.

Rating:
Summary: Can I convince you to at least dip into true source material
Review: The Puranas are the basic source of mythology for Hinduism/South Asia although the Vedas are a much earlier source. You'll certainly not find the stories in nice neat packages that retelling of the tales provide but in the 4 volumes of the translated Siva Purana, you'll have a nice leisurely stroll through the myths surrounding Siva, one of the better known Hindu deities. The translation is not perfect but the problems translating from Sanskrit to English is difficult especially when little previous knowledge of the subject matter can be assumed. The Puranic Encyclopaedia (editted by Vettam Mani) can certainly be of assistance. Alternatively, reading the work of Wendy O'Flaherty or John Hawley provides a very readable introduction to the world view behind the stories.

Tho daunting at first, reading the Puranas quickly becomes addictive - wonderful stories within stories ... and should you tire of Siva, the series contains about 96 more volumes to tempt you.