Sundhya

by S.C. Belnos

Sundhya is the daily recital of prayers by Hindu Brahmins, accompanied by appropriate gesticulations. Book carries information on the accessories crucial to the conduct od such prayers like DHOOPDAN AND SHUNKH. This book was written in the mid-nineteenth century and for its author, a European lady, the religious habits and manners of the native Indians must have been interesting novelties worth exploring. The prayers, at places given in the original Sanskrit, invoke various Hindu deities like Vishnu, Hanuman and Mahadeva.

About the Author:

S.C. Belnos was attracted to the unique religious customs and practices of the local residents of Bengal. In fact this was not Belnos first attempt to document her impressions. She travelled to many a Hindu pilgrimage centres such as Varanasi, Goverdhan, Vrindavan and Mathura to research the topic of her interest and overcame many a hurdle to record with precision the daily recital of prayers which comprise SUNDHYA. In this book she provides a facinating and accurate expression of the sense and purport of the original Sanskrit texts which contain the intricate details about how such prayers are to be performed.