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Published by Inner Traditions
Distributed by Simon & Schuster
Table of Contents
About The Book
The first exhaustive collection of goddess mythologies from India.
• Explores the evolution of goddess worship in India over 4,000 years.
• Stunning color photographs illustrate many stories of goddess lore never before available in one collection.
In India it is said that there is a goddess in every village, a nymph in every lake. Demonesses stand guard on village frontiers, ogresses howl on crossroads, and untamed forests resound with the laughter of celestial virgins. It is a land of mysterious Apsaras and seductive Yakshinis, of terrifying Dakinis and wise Yoginis--each with a story to tell.
In this wide-reaching exploration of ancient Hindu lore and legends, author Devdutt Pattanaik discovers how earth, women and goddesses have been perceived over 4,000 years. Some of the tales recounted are revered classics, others are common and folklorish, often held in disdain by priests. Until now, most have remained hidden, isolated in distant hamlets or languishing in forgotten libraries, overwhelmed by the din of masculine sagas.
As the tales come to light through word and stunning color imagery, the author identifies the five faces given to the eternal feminine as man sought to unlock the mysteries of life: the female half of existence is at first identified with Nature, gradually deified and eventually objectified. She comes to be seen as the primal mother, fountainhead of life and nurturance. The all-giving mother then transforms into the dancing nymph, a seductress offering worldly pleasures that bind man in the cycle of life. As this nymph is domesticated, the dominant image of woman becomes the chaste wife with miraculous powers. Finally the submissive consort redefines herself as the wild and terrifying goddess who does battle, drinks blood, and demands appeasement.
Exploring mysteries of gender and biology, and shedding light on the roots of taboos and traditions practiced in India today, the author shows how the image of the Mother Goddess can be both worshipped and feared when she carries the face of mortal woman.
• Explores the evolution of goddess worship in India over 4,000 years.
• Stunning color photographs illustrate many stories of goddess lore never before available in one collection.
In India it is said that there is a goddess in every village, a nymph in every lake. Demonesses stand guard on village frontiers, ogresses howl on crossroads, and untamed forests resound with the laughter of celestial virgins. It is a land of mysterious Apsaras and seductive Yakshinis, of terrifying Dakinis and wise Yoginis--each with a story to tell.
In this wide-reaching exploration of ancient Hindu lore and legends, author Devdutt Pattanaik discovers how earth, women and goddesses have been perceived over 4,000 years. Some of the tales recounted are revered classics, others are common and folklorish, often held in disdain by priests. Until now, most have remained hidden, isolated in distant hamlets or languishing in forgotten libraries, overwhelmed by the din of masculine sagas.
As the tales come to light through word and stunning color imagery, the author identifies the five faces given to the eternal feminine as man sought to unlock the mysteries of life: the female half of existence is at first identified with Nature, gradually deified and eventually objectified. She comes to be seen as the primal mother, fountainhead of life and nurturance. The all-giving mother then transforms into the dancing nymph, a seductress offering worldly pleasures that bind man in the cycle of life. As this nymph is domesticated, the dominant image of woman becomes the chaste wife with miraculous powers. Finally the submissive consort redefines herself as the wild and terrifying goddess who does battle, drinks blood, and demands appeasement.
Exploring mysteries of gender and biology, and shedding light on the roots of taboos and traditions practiced in India today, the author shows how the image of the Mother Goddess can be both worshipped and feared when she carries the face of mortal woman.
Product Details
- Publisher: Inner Traditions (September 1, 2000)
- Length: 176 pages
- ISBN13: 9781594775376
Raves and Reviews
"In this wide-reaching exploration of ancient Hindu lore and legends, Devdutt Pattanaik investigates the evolving cultural perceptions of each, women, and goddess over the course of 4,000 years. As these tales come to light through word and stunning imagery, the author identifies the five faces give to the eternal feminine as man sought to unlock the mysteries of life. Exploring mysteries of gender and biology and shedding light on the roots of taboos and traditions still practiced in India today, Pattaniak shows how mortal woman can be both worshipped and feared as she embodies the image of the Mother Goddess."
– Desh-Videsh, Volume 4 - Number 8
"Unique and fascinating for customers interested in goddess mythology, Indian deities, and feminism."
– Barbara Stevens, New Age Retailer
"An informative and enlightening introduction to the portrayal of woman."
– East and West, June 2002
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
- Book Cover Image (jpg): The Goddess in India eBook 9781594775376
