Author: Swami Sivananda
Publisher: Divine Life Society
Year: 2010
Language: English
Pages: 159
ISBN/UPC (if available): 817052184X
Description
GOD is one, but His aspects are many. The different aspects of God constitute the Hindu Pantheon.
The naturally pious Hindu delights in his Deities. He delights in singing the Lord’s glories, in chanting His Mantras, in visiting His temples, in worshipping His Murtis. These devotional practices expand his heart, enlarge his vision, aid him powerfully in his Sadhana, and ultimately lead him to the highest goal of his spiritual endeavour, viz., God-realisation.
The conception of the names and forms of various Deities in Hindu mythology is grand, sublime, and unique. Every detail connected with every Hindu god and goddess has its inner meaning, its esoteric significance.
Swami Sivananda writes for the readers. His style is simple. His approach is direct. He writes with intense devotion and Prem.
We have great pleasure in realasing this beautiful book for the benefit of all those who want to understand Hinduism better. May God illumine the hearts of all and bring peace on earth.
Contents
Publishers’ Note
Introduction
What Is God?
Varying concepts of God
Law Governing thee Lord’s Descent
Kinds of Avataras
The Divine form of an Avatara
Philosophy, Mythology and Ritual
The ancient Mythology of Hinduism
The Diverse Sects and Creeds of Hinduism
The Question of Idol-worship
When Idols Became Alive
All Deities Are Aspects of the One Lord
1. DATTATREYA
2. DEVI
3. GANESHA
4. HANUMAN
5. KRISHNA
6. RADHA
7. RAMA
8. SASTHA
9. SHANMUKHA
10. SITA
11. SIVA
12. SUN-GOD
13. VISHNU
Sivanandashram Prayers:
The Universal Prayer
Invocatory Kirtan
Song of Arati