Indian Mythology 1-3

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This exploration delves into 99 classic myths of India from a non-Western perspective, offering a fresh understanding of the Hindu spiritual landscape. It compares Indian mythology with biblical stories and those from ancient Egypt, Greece, Scandinavia, and Mesopotamia, examining the evolution of narratives and interpretations over millennia. The book highlights how ancient India's mythology, rituals, and art remain vibrant today, influencing contemporary society. Characters like the blood-letting Kali and the enigmatic Ganesha populate a spiritual realm that lacks parallels in Western traditions. By shifting away from a Western, monotheistic viewpoint, the author reveals the complexities of India's polytheistic traditions. Featuring 48 artistic renderings of significant mythological figures, the text unlocks the mysteries of ancient narratives and artwork, illustrating the tension between world-affirming and world-rejecting ideas, as well as the contrasts between figures like Shiva and Vishnu, Krishna and Rama, Gauri and Kali. This groundbreaking work opens the door to the exotic and unknown, offering insights into a rich mythic tradition that has empowered millions for centuries.