Hindu Gods and Temples: Symbolism, Sanctity and Sites

This book is a collector's special that provides a fascinating insight into the colourful world of Hindu deities and places of worship. The book explores the deep symbolism that lies embedded in the iconography of Hindu Gods and Goddesses and interprets the underlying messages that have been projected so intelligently and thoughtfully through the form, shape, colour, attire and attendant paraphernalia of different deities, by the sages and seers of ancient India. In the process it also unravels some of the important myths related to different deities and the festivals celebrated in their honour. The deeply researched text of Hindu Gods and Temples: Symbolism, Sanctity and Sites and its lucid presentation take the reader on an unforgettable journey into the wondrous world of Hindu religion and the Supreme Truth behind the apparent multiplicity of Gods and Goddesses. Why does Ganesha, the god of wisdom, have an elephant-head? Why does Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, travel on an owl? What is the symbolism of Krishna's flute? Why does he wear yellow? What is the Bhagwad Geeta? What are the legends behind the foundation of some of the most famous Hindu temples and shrines of India? Hindu Gods and Temples: Symbolism, Sanctity and Sites is a first publication that brings together some of the most popular Hindu images, legends, beliefs and places of worship within the covers of a beautifully designed book with an informatively engrossing text of over 23,000 words. The visually rich book featuring forty-seven popular images and shrines, has been pictorially embellished and extensively illustrated by some of the finest photographers and graphic artists. The exclusive images have been hand-painted by traditional master-craftsmen. Famed for their expertise in the presentation of a particular deity along with the related mythological lore, these experts hail from families which have inherited and mastered the art over several generations. Thus, besides being a treasure trove of information, Hindu Gods and Temples: Symbolism, Sanctity and Sites is also a celebration of this great art heritage of India

Contents: Divine Images: Ganesha; Vishnu; Lakshmi; Lakshmi-Narayana; Saraswati; Lakshmi-Ganesha, Lakshmi-Ganesha-Saraswati, Shiva Aadhaar, Shiva Swaroopa; Shiva Aradhana; Neelkantha Shiva; Ma Durga; Ma Kali; Rama; Hanuman; Rama Darbar; Hanuman's Rambhakti; Ma Vaishno Devi; Krishnavatar; Gopalakrishna; Krishna's Baal Leela; Krishna's Makhan Chori; Radha Krishna; One Divine Song (The Bhagwad Geeta) Divine Sites:Badrinath; Jagannath Puri; Rameshwaram; Dwaraka; Gangotri; Kedarnath; Yamunotri; Har Ki Pairi; Kashi Vishwanatha; Lingaraja Temple; Somnath Temple Kamakhya Temple Dakshineshwar Kali Meenakshi TempleTirupati Balaji; Kalahasti Shri Padmanabhaswamy Temple; Baijnath Temple; Pushkar; Anmarnath Cave; Sabarimala; Temples of Braj; Shrine of Vaishno Devi