Flipside of Hindu Symbolism: Sociological and Scientific Linkages in HinduismHinduism is one of the major religions of the world with considerable antiquity and complexity. It is identified by its ancient scriptures called Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas and Epics, its iconography and temple culture visible in India and abroad. The popular epics Ramayana and Mahabharata attract interest all over the world for their thematic stories. Many books publicise the spiritual symbolism of these facets of Hinduism. Author of this book deviates from this general trend and analyses Hindu symbolism in the light of sociological perspectives and scientific parallels visible in the ever changing Indian society in the form of cultural expressions. |
Contents
Flipside of Hindu Symbolism Preface | 11 |
Flipside of Hindu Symbolism Introduction | 15 |
Flipside of Hindu Symbolism Chapter 1 Concept of God in India | 25 |
Flipside of Hindu Symbolism Chapter 2 Symbolic ideas behind Hindu Mythology I | 41 |
Flipside of Hindu Symbolism Chapter 3 Symbolic ideas behind Hindu Mythology II | 63 |
Flipside of Hindu Symbolism Chapter 4 Hindu Iconography | 83 |
Flipside of Hindu Symbolism Chapter 5 Hindu rituals and practices | 107 |
Flipside of Hindu Symbolism Chapter 6 Hindu Poojas and Festivals | 125 |
Flipside of Hindu Symbolism Chapter 7 Marriage Customs of India1 | 140 |
Flipside of Hindu Symbolism Chapter 8 Temple Culture and symbolisms | 154 |
Flipside of Hindu Symbolism Chapter 9 Music and Dances of India | 172 |
Flipside of Hindu Symbolism Chapter 10 Concluding Remarks | 183 |
Flipside of Hindu Symbolism References | 193 |
Common terms and phrases
Adi Shankara Advaita ancestors ancient animal Avatar Brahma Brahmin Buddhist called caste century chanting chapter civilisation classical music concept cosmic cult customs dance deity demon depicted Devas developed Devi devotees Durga early earth elephant energy epics episodes evolution evolved festivals fire ritual function Ganesha godheads gods and goddesses Hindu Hinduism human hymns iconography icons ideas idol incarnation Indian society Karnataka Karthigeya king Krishna Kshatriya Lakshmi language later linga Mahabharata male mantras marriage mind modern Mother Goddess Murugan mythological stories mythology nature orthodox pantheon Parvathi past philosophical pooja popular priest puranas Rama Ramayana recitation religion religious Rig Veda river sacred thread sage samskaras Sanskrit scriptures Shaivite Shakti signify Skanda social South India southern stone style Subrahmanya symbolises symbolism Tamil Tamil Nadu temple culture today’s tree tribal Tulasi Upanishads Vahana Vaishnavite Veda Vedic village Vishnu vivaha watershed wedding worship