Classical Hindu Mythology: A Reader in the Sanskrit Puranas

Review
"This is an extraordinarily fine rendering of the Ashtavakra Gita , a book of unadorned compassion. As water wears away stone, so these profoundly simple truths wear away illusion."—Ram Dass "Byrom's exquisitely clean and untroubled rendering of this spiritual classic irresistibly invites us to listen for what cannot be heard and to search for what cannot be seen."—Jacob Needleman, author of The Heart of Philosophy and Lost Christianity "There have been English translations of the Ashtavakra Gita before, this is not only new and elegant but also the first to capture the spirit of the original in its freshness and directness. I warmly recommend it."—J. L. Brockington, Senior Lecturer in Sanskrit, Edinburgh University
Review
"[P]rovides an important segment of world literature that has been virtually inaccessible." --Choice

Product Description
[P]rovides an important segment of world literature that has been virtually inaccessible.—Choice

Language Notes
Text: English (translation) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Back Cover

The Mahapuranas embody the received tradition of Hindu mythology. This anthology contains fresh translations of these myths, only a few of which have ever been available in English before, thus providing a rich new portion of Hindu mythology.

The book is organized into six chapters. "Origins" contains myths relating to creation, time, and space. "Seers, Kings and Supernaturals" relates tales of rivers, trees, animals, demons, and men, particularly heroes and sages. Myths about the chief gods are dealt with in three separate chapters: "Krsna," "Visnu," and "Siva." The chapter "The Goddess" presents stories of the wives and lovers of the gods, as well as of Kali, the savage battle goddess.

In their introductions, the editors provide a historical setting in which to discuss Hindu mythology as well as a full analysis of its basic sources. The many names given the gods and goddesses in the Sanskrit texts have been retained since their multiplicity is an essential part of the richness of the original. The editors have provided a thorough glossary to make these names accessible. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
J.A.B. van Buitenen is Distinguished Service Professor of Sanskrit at the University of Chicago. He is currently translating the full Mahabharata, projected to run eight volumes. Cornelia Dimmitt is Assistant Professor of Theology at Georgetown University and a Core Faculty Member of the Washington, D.C. Consortium Program in History of Religions.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Agastya and Vasistha

Once long ago Visnu, the primal person, became the son of Dharma and practiced mighty tapas in the Gandhamadana mountains. Sakra grew alarmed at his tapas and sent Madhava and Ananga, Spring and Love, along with a bevy of Apsarases, to stop him. But songs, words, and other inducements offered by Love and Spring failed to attract Hari to the objects of the senses, and so Kama, Madhu and the crowd of women grew discouraged.

To amuse them, the first-born male produced a woman out of his thigh, as a magic trick for the inhabitants of the triple world. And in the presence of the gods, Hari spoke to those two, along with the Apsarases, saying, "this nymph shall be famous in the world as Urvasi!"

Mitra then desired Urvasi and summoned her, saying, "Make love to me!" to which she answered, "Of course." But as that Apsaras with eyes like blue lotuses rose up into the sky, she was grabbed from behind by Varuna. She repulsed him, crying, "Mitra chose me for his wife before you did, my lord," to which Varuna answered, " Then at least think well of me!"

"All right," she said and fled. But Mitra cursed her, saying, "since you have taken up the Dharma of a prostitute, go now to the world of men and make love to Pururavas, grandson of Soma!"

Because of this, Mitra and Varuna threw their ready semen into a jar of water, from which were born the two divine seers Agastya and Vasistha.