Hindu Gods and Goddesses

by Swami Harshananda

This elegantly got up handy volume of a couple of hundred pages draws the reader into a fascinating labyrinth of symbols and mythology, philosophic speculation and spiritual insight. The author finds a successful clue to the understanding of the Hindu pantheon in the employment of symbolic interpretation. According to that clue, he elaborates the significance of divine figures and forms, ornaments and weapons, vehicles and retinue. He interprets the bewildering variety of Hindu gods on the principle that "the gods are doorways leading to one Godhead." One of the important features of the book is the copious illustrative sketches of the different gods, and goddesses; they are simple and graphic. They enhance the usefulness of the book to the general readers. It deserves a wide audience.