Hindu Goddesses: Visions of the Divine Feminine in the Hindu Religious Tradition (Volume 12) (Hermeneutics: Studies in the History of Religions)

by David R. Kinsley

Book Overview

Goddess worship has long been a significant aspect of Hinduism. In this book David Kinsley, author of The Sword and the Flute--Kali & Krsna: Dark Visions of the Terrible and the Sublime in Hindu... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0520063392
• Release Date: July 1988
• Publisher: University of California Press
• Length: 281 Pages
• Weight: 1.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.7" x 6.0"

Customer Reviews

Good, readable introduction

This is a good book. Whether you are interested as a teacher or student trying to learn more about the Hindu Goddesses, or just curious, this book provides a concise and effective introduction to some of the major Goddesses of Hinduism, as well as background information on classic Hindu scriptures and Gods. The style is academic, but it is also readable. Numerous black and white photos throughout help illustrate the Goddesses of Hinduism. I highly recommend this book.

Hindu Goddeses:Vision of the Divine Feminine in the Hindu Religious Traditions

Great book for one who wants to learn about Hinduism and the feminine within the Indian traditions. Scholarship is excellent, but it isn't for those who have more New Age beliefs in general on goddeses such as Kali or Hindu/eastern concepts in general. I would suggest it for those who are actually into learning about the Hindu religion and not the Western idea of Indian culture and religion.

Good overview of Hindu Goddesses

This is a very good, scholarly overview of the major Goddesses of Hinduism. It is an academic work, and therefore not for one who is seeking to read about the Goddesses from a devotional perspective, but nonetheless it is full of insights. An essential book for those interested in Hindu Goddesses and/or world Goddess myth and religion, and one which will serve as both a useful introduction to the subject and an accurate source to be returned to in research again and again.

5 stars

An incredibly interesting book. This is the book that got me interested in Hinduism, that made me take an entirely new look at Parvati & Sati, & (with a *little* bit of help) got me hooked on religious studies. Very well-written, like every other Kinsley book I've read (with the exception of Hinduism: A Cultural Perspective).

Detailed Information on Many Hindu Goddesses

David Kinsley's work is always thorough - this book is no exception. Each chapter details one Hindu Goddess, including rituals, poems, texts, and background. It is an interesting read and a great place to start researching a particular Goddess. My only complaint is that the pictures are of really poor quality and there are not enough to give a real feel for these Goddesses.