This book offers a translation of the seven thousand verses of the second book of the medieval Hindu text, the Ganesa Purana, one of two Puranas dedicated to the important elephant-headed god. In this book the reader is given many narratives about Ganesas ascent to earth in order to kill demonic figures who threaten to overthrow the correct world order. In addition, these narratives contain myths about Ganesa's birth and family as well as some extended and quite humorous myths about ideal devotees of the god.The translation is preceded by a long introduction offering a geographical and historical context for the GanesaPurana. Following the translation are very extensive notes which bring our points of philological interest, but focus mainly on the literary structure of the text and the methods used to present the many myths and narratives in a coherent and fully integrated manner.

About the Book A CLASSIC GUIDE TO THE LIVES AND LEGENDS OF THE MANY GODDESSES WHO INHABIT THE HINDU IMAGINATION Lakshmi massages Vishnu’s feet. Is this male domination? Kali stands on Shiva’s chest. Is this female domination? Shiva is half a woman. Is this gender quality? Why then is Shakti never half a man? Taken literally, stories, symbols and rituals of Hindu mythology have much to say about gender relationships. Taken symbolically, they reveal many more things about humanity and nature. Which is the correct reading? The third title in the bestselling ‘Hindu Trinity’ series focuses on the Goddess and respected mythologist Devdutt Pattanaik tries to unravel the secrets locked within her stories, symbols and rituals.

Ganesh Baba (1895-1987) knew Lahiri Mahasaya, became a swami under Sivananda, and was the head of a sect whose followers consider entheogens to be the gift of the gods. This book contains the core of Ganesh Baba's teachings.

About the Book A WONDERFULLY CREATIVE INSIGHT INTO THE LEGEND AND SYMBOLISM OF SHIVA AS A GOD AND HIS ROLE IN THE HINDU TRINITY ALONGSIDE VISHNU AND BRAHMA Shiva, ʻthe destroyerʼ among the Hindu Trinity (of gods), is depicted in many contradictory manners. He is an ascetic who wears animal skin, his body smeared with ashes. Contradictory to his wild nature, he is also depicted as having a family, with a beautiful wife and two children. There are many more such varied representations of Shiva, the most prominent of these being the Linga and theNataraja. The author, Devdutt Pattanaik, introduces the readers to these varied aspects and representations and then sets about interpreting them. He explains the different anomalies and conflicts in beliefs, as well as the symbolism, rituals and reasons behind Hindu worship.

Anger arises from thwarted desires, ignorance results from anger, delusion stems from ignorance, memory loss occurs due to delusion, and loss of memory leads to the destruction of intellect and knowledge. As purity of the heart increases, sorrows gradually diminish. With a mind full of contentment, one's intellect becomes stable.