Flipside of Hindu Symbolism: Sociological and Scientific Linkages in Hinduism

M. K. V. Narayan

Fultus Corporation, Apr 30, 2007 - Religion - 200 pages

Hinduism 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

• Concept of God in India: 25
• Monotheism or Polytheism?: 29
• Symbolic Expressions: 32
• Warrior Gods: 34
• Celestial Gods: 36
• Stones and Ammonites: 37
• Monkey Godhead: 38
• Philosophical treatment: 39
• Symbolism of Hindu Gods: 40
• Symbolic ideas behind Hindu Mythology I: 41
• Sleeping Vishnu: 45
• Human Evolution Indicated: 47
• Mathsya Avathar: 48
• Kurma Avathar: 49
• Varaha Avathar: 50
• Narasinha Avathar: 51
• Vamana Avathar: 53
• Cultural evolution of man symbolised: 54
• Parasurama Avatar: 55
• Rama Avatar: 56
• Krishna Avatar: 57
• Buddha Avatar: 60
• Kalki Avatar: 61
• Sum up: 62
• Symbolic ideas behind Hindu Mythology II: 63
• Shiva stories: 64
• Poison from the ocean: 67
• The myth of castration: 68
• The Balancing Act: 69
• Three eyed family: 70
• Benevolent Shiva of South: 71
• Untouchability over ruled by Shiva: 73
• Shakti stories: 74
• Impersonating Paraya: 76
• Immaculate births: 77
• Wisdom test: 78
• Ganesha the scribe: 79
• A helpful brother: 80
• Fathers Guru: 81
• Ganesha and the Moon: 82
• Hindu Iconography: 83
• Idols: 84
• Symbolism: 85
• Shiva: 86
• Symbolism: 87
• Shakti: 90
• Ganesha: 95
• Karthigeya: 97
• Other popular godheads: 98
• Dattathreya: 99
• Tulasi Devi: 100
• Symbols as icons: 101
• Shreem: 102
• Swastika Shatbuja symbols: 103
• Numerical symbolism: 105
• Hindu rituals and practices: 107
• Prenatal rituals: 108
• Postnatal rituals: 109
• Investiture into student life Samskara 10: 110
• Grace Saying at Meals: 115
• Completion of studies Samavartana Samskara 11: 118
• Funeral rituals Antyeshti: 122
• Sum up: 124
• Hindu Poojas and Festivals: 125
• Indian Godheads: 128
• Shodasopachara Poojas: 130
• Sathyanarayana Pooja: 132
• Devi Poojas: 133
• Vara Lakshmi Pooja: 135
• Worship modes of Hindu majority: 137
• Conclusion: 139
• Marriage Customs of India: 140
• Prewedding rituals: 142
• Cleansing and purification: 143
• Ganesh pooja: 144
• Ancestor pooja: 145
• Kasi Yatra and Baraat: 146
• Wedding and after: 147
• South: 148
• Laja Homa: 151
• Vidhai and Grihapravesh: 152
• Temple Culture and symbolisms: 154
• Social back drop: 157
• Temple expressions: 159
• Structural expressions: 162
• Ritualistic expressions: 163
• Symbolic realignments: 167
• Warding of evil eyes: 171
• Music and Dances of India: 172
• Musical diversity: 174
• Aesthetic symbolisms: 176
• Classical music: 177
• Semi classicals: 180
• Village music dance and drama: 181
• Aesthetic Hinduism: 182
• Concluding Remarks: 183
• Learning from the past: 185
• Why India is poor?: 186
• Abstract thinkers: 187
• Embarrassments of the past: 188
• Relics of the past: 190
• Future Hinduism: 191
• References: 193

Bibliographic information

• Title: Flipside of Hindu Symbolism: Sociological and Scientific Linkages in Hinduism
• Author: M. K. V. Narayan
• Publisher: Fultus Corporation, 2007
• ISBN: 1596821175, 9781596821170
• Length: 200 pages
• Subjects: Religion / Hinduism / General; Religion / Hinduism / Rituals & Practice