The Puranas in the Light of Modern Science

Author: K Narayana Swami Aiyar
Publisher: Cosmo Publications
Year: 2004
Language: English
Pages: 290
ISBN/UPC (if available): 8129200570

Description

Through (or in the light of) the Itihasas and Puranas, the Vedas have to be explained.

It is to this book that can be attributed the distinction of singularly and most compellingly proving the scientific basis of the Puranas, probably the most condemned of the Smuais, as they seem to contain a lot of apparently absurd and even indecent stories. Some, who take their stand on the Puranas, reject those that they can not interpret reasonably; while there are others who swallow them wholesale, without offering or finding explanations for those parts that seem not to be reasonable. The author advocates avoiding both extremes.

The Puranic authors wrote for the ignorant masses where simple dogmas were presented to them for blind acceptance. Symbolic representations of the great truths of nature were placed before their eyes often in the shape of stories about the abstract things. This is the reason why we find in the Puranas, dogmas, stories, and emblems-a whole series of symbols-suited for the less evolved. There is a valid reason therefore that the study of the Puranas is essential before any attempt at reading the Vedic literature is made.

A delightful book indeed which will surely open the eyes to the vast treasures buried in the Smuais-the eighteen Puranas.

Contents

Introduction

CHAPTER-I
Sarga

CHAPTER-II
Prati-Sarga

CHAPTER-III
Kala

CHAPTER-IV
Vamsa

CHAPTER-V
Vamsanucharitam

CHAPTER-VI
The Trimurti

CHAPTER- VII
Avataras
Key to the Study of the Puranas
Conclusion

Index