This is the first of a two-volume monograph on the iconography of Hindu deities as presented in Tantric texts. It focuses on the iconography of 108 deities described in the sixteenth-century North Indian Mantramahodadhi by Mahīdhara. The print edition is available as a set of two volumes (9789069801193).
While Volume I of this two-volume monograph focuses on the deity pantheon of the sixteenth-century Mantramahodadhi, this volume compares for the first time deity descriptions extracted from two earlier and closely related texts, the anonymous Prapañcasāra (ca. tenth century) and Lakṣmaṇadeśika’s Sāradātilaka (tenth/eleventh centuries). The latter work, though based on the Prapañcasāra, treats the topics independently and incorporates new deity descriptions while omitting others. Both texts are still influential and are frequently cited. The Sanskrit text of the 78 deity descriptions extracted from the Prapañcasāra and the 101 descriptions from the Sāradātilaka is based on a comparison of different printed editions of these texts, as well as citations found in other works. The Sanskrit text is presented with a literal translation and remarks on the iconography. The introductory section addresses basic questions related to these two works. In addition, a new edition and translation of the important chapters I (on cosmogony) and 25 (on yoga) of the Sāradātilaka are presented in two appendices. A large number of illustrations of deities complement the volume. The print edition is available as a set of two volumes (9789069801193).
This introduction to the main Hindu deities is illustrated with 65 delightful, delicate Indian miniature paintings from the last century. Hindu life and belief is rooted in a mythology of gods and goddesses. The origins and adventures of the members of the pantheon are the source of Hindu philosophy, religious practice and social behaviour. It is an ancient, vast and varied mythology, which has changed across historical eras and geographical regions. Deities have their origins in different cultures that have gradually coalesced and, across time, the gods themselves have undergone vast shifts in role and importance. The myths, and the divinities themselves, embrace all aspects of experience: creation and destruction, benevolence and terror, love and rage. The mythology works at many levels: sometimes combined with local folk beliefs it provides simple personifications of natural phenomena, teaches moral lessons, explains the creation of the universe; at the other extreme it offers sophisticated theories of matter, energy, time and space. Here, a concise introduction outlines the development of Hindu religion and culture in India, while the commentary to each of the paintings introduces the god or goddess depicted. The miniature paintings illustrating this book come from the Oriental Manuscripts Collection in the Institute of Oriental Studies, St Petersburg.
Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. Hesperides Press are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.
Tantra Is A Distinct Philosophical System Many Feel Eager To Know About It, But Few Love The Time And Energy To Understand. The Intricacies Of Tantra. So, A Short-Cut Is Necessary. In The Present Work, An Attempt Has Been Made To Set Forth The Highlights Of The Tantra Works And Their Authors. A Bibliography, Intended To Help Further Reading, Has Been Addes.