Author: Sankara Acharya
Publisher: Sundeep Prakashan
Year: 1988
Language: English
Pages: 445
ISBN/UPC (if available): 8185066116
Description
The book is devoted to the results of the examinations and studies conducted on books as the Vedas and sacred books of the world religions; the views and opinions on the Indian Vedas, its facts and fictions; as well as relevant comparisons between the myths in the various scriptures.
Contents
INTRODUCTION
METRES AND LANGUAGE OF THE VEDAS
PRINCIPAL DIVISIONS OF THE VEDAS
BRAHMANAS
THE ARANYAKAS AND UPANISHADS
THE SUTRAS
HINDU ACCOUNTS OF THE ORIGIN OF THE VEDAS
THE TIME WHEN THE VEDAS WERE COMPOSED
THE VEDAS AT FIRST HENDED DOWN BY TRADITION
SOCIAL LIFE IN VEDIX TIMES
THE GODS OF THE VEDAS
The Religious Childhood of India, 30; Dyaus and Prithivi 32; Aditi and the Adityas, 33; Varuna, 34; Indra, 35; Agni, 37; Parjanya, 38; Vayu, 39; The Maruts, 39; Solar Deities, 40; Mitra, 41; Surya, 41; Savitri, 41; Vishnu, 42; Pushan, 43; Ushas, 43; Asvins, 44; Tvashtri, 44; The Ribhus, 44; Vishvakarman, 45; Prajapati, 45; Brihaspati or Brahmanaspati, 45; Vach, 46; Soma, 46; Rudra, 47; Yama and Yami, 48; Visve Devas, 48; Ka, 49; Goddesses, 49; The Pitris, 49; Sacrificial Implements, & c, 52; The Gods Not Mentioned in the Vedas, 52.
THE OFFERINGS AND SACRIFICES OF THE VEDAS
SOMA
ANIMAL SACRIFICES
PURUSHAMEDHA, HUMAN SACRIFICES
REACTION AGAINST SACRIFICES
SUMMARY OF THE BOOKS
ILLUSTRATIVE EXTRACTS FROM THE RIG-VEDA
Mandala I. 67; Mandala II. 76; Mandala III. 78; Mandala IV. 81; Mandala V. 83; Mandala VI. 86; Mandala VII. 88; Mandala VIII. 94; Mandala IX. 95; Mandala X.97.
THE SAMA VEDA
ATHARVA VEDA
THE BRAHMANAS
REVIEW
THE RELIGION OF THE VEDAS POLYTHEISTIC
CHARACTER OF THE VEDIC GODS
THE RELATION OF THE WORSHIPPERS TO THE GODS
THE PRAYERS OF THE VEDA
ARE THE VEDAS A DIVINE REVELATION?
A RETURN TO VEDIC HINDUISM IMPOSIBLE
A NATIONAL RELIGION
A RELIGION WORTHY OF ACCEPTANCE
APPENDIX
THE ARYA SAMAJ
LIST OF PUBLICATIONS