Indian Myths. The Indian Book of the Dead (set of 2 books)

«Indian Myths»

Indian mythology is exceptionally diverse. There are 330 million deities in it. There are gods and goddesses, spirits, personal gods, household gods, and gods of space and time. There are gods for each caste and those who care for artisans. There are gods guarding nature, living in trees, and those taking the form of animals. Some are fascinated by minerals, some by geometric shapes. Moreover, there are many demons, each with a story of rise and fall. What is absent in Indian mythology is an analogue of the devil, the supreme demon who commands the other evil spirits.

This book is a kind of guide to the main aspects of Indian mythology. Devdutt Pattanaik selects several stories that speak for themselves, helping readers understand why Yudhishthira went to heaven while his brothers went to hell. He shows why Rama was an exemplary ruler, despite exiling Sita to the forest. He also explains why Gauri and Kali are one, although one nourishes while the other kills.

«The Indian Book of the Dead»

«Garuda Purana» is an ancient sacred text of the Vedic tradition. Written a thousand years ago, it laid the foundations of Hindu beliefs about the afterlife and defined the culture of death in India for many centuries. From it, we learn about the reincarnation of the soul, dharma, yoga, the wheel of samsara, tantric ceremonies, and other elements of Indian culture.

In this book, mythology researcher Devdutt Pattanaik not only presents the content of the «Garuda Purana» but also narrates a whole system of beliefs and rituals surrounding death in Hinduism. About the art of dying and the art of living a righteous life.

For anyone who wants to return to the very roots of Hinduism, this book will be an indispensable companion.