A Concise Encyclopaedia of Hinduism by H.H. Swami Harshananda - A Review

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Dear Book Lovers in TBP,

 

Here is the second book I am trying to review. I hope you I will

instigate your inquisitiveness and eagerness to know the depths of the

subject matter of the book with this review. I am sure, who so ever

reads this book, will be endowed with the essence and essential

knowledge of Hinduism and what it conveys to its followers, in

particular, and every curious reader to know about Hinduism in

general. But, I strongly believe that it is an important addition to

one's library.

 

Review:

 

Hinduism or " Sanatana Dharma " for traditionalists, is a great

religion. In fact, " Sanatana Dharma' is more appropriate as it means

to convey " the ancient and eternal spiritual path to perfection

followed by its believers " . Hinduism is not only ancient but also

relevant even to the modern times. The biggest and the most beautiful

advantage of Hinduism is that it offers wide spectrum of choices and

proffers several alternatives to suit to different types of sadhakas.

It has space for both for the sadhaka who meditates on non-dual

Brahman (the Absolute) to the worshipper of images. However, not many

books are available covering every aspect of this great and ancient

religion " Hinduism " . To fulfill this requirement, Pujya Swami

Harshananda of Ramakrishna Mission, Bangalore, has taken upon himself

successfully the responsibility of writing an exhaustive omnibus type

of work to bring to high light many obscure areas of Hinduism.

 

The matter is spread over three volumes and arranged in the English

alphabetical order for easily locating the subject he wants to know by

an average reader. (Volume 1 covers subjects begin with A to G, Volume

2 with H to P and Volume 3 with Q to Z). The main topics dealt with in

greater detail are religion, philosophy, mythology, rituals,

scriptural works, festivals and pilgrim centres. The other topics

described include astrology, biographies of religious personalities,

iconography, Samskrit language and literature, temples and religious

institutions.

 

Care has been taken to deal with the four Vedas, their subsidiary

works and allied literature. Several important Vedic Suktas, yagas or

sacrifices as also unfamiliar concepts and terms have also been

carefully described. Along with the major Upanishads and the

Mahapuranas, several minor Upanishads and the upapuanams too have been

dealt with. While the essay on the Ramanaya is fairly exhaustive, the

one on Mahabharatam is more condenses because of its immense size.

However, the various topics dealt with in it like dharma or the minor

Gitas or the Yakshaprasna do find a place as independent articles.

 

Since Buddhism, Jainism and Sikkism areclosely allied to Hindusim,

they too have been described briefly along with the biographies of

their founders.

 

With major references, line-drawings, halftone pictures, photographs

at appropriate places and brief biographical notes of the better known

Indologists have also been given at the end as appendices.

 

The author, Rev. Swami Harshananda, started this stupdendous task in

1975. After almost 33 years of pregnancy, the Pujya Swmiji has

delivered The Trinity (three volumes) as a wonderful reference book

and every sadhaka in Hinduism should possess and read these volumes

with interest and reverence that they deserve. The followers of Hindu

religion owe a debt to Punya Swamiji for blessing the sadhakas in the

Hindu religion with these volumes. There is absolutely no doubt in

emphasizing the fact that the students of Hinduism as also the Hindu

society will find this work very useful in understanding the essence

of Hinduism in the right spirit.

 

The reader can easily notice the scholastic work with reverential

faith of the Author Pujya Swamiji. The book is a precious treasure for

many other reasons. The book is certainly a good companion and

valuable addition to one seeking to follow the spiritual path in

Hinduism. The hard bound cover with wonderful background photographs

are a treat to the eyes.

 

This great effort has been blessed by several Presidents of

Ramakrishna Mission, such as Swami Virfajananda (6th President), Swami

Vishuddhananda (8th President), Swami Ranganathananda (13th

President), Swami Gahanananda (14th President) and Swami Atmasthananda

(15th President). The volumes have bee dedicated Sri Saradadevi – the

Holy Mother, the Divine Spouse of the Divine Lord, Bhagawan Sri

Ramakrishna Paramahamsa.

 

In the first few pages, Divine Mother's photograph blesses the reader

with love and compassion.

 

1. Name of the Book: A Concise Encyclopaedia of Hinduism.

2. Language of the Book: English.

3. Author: H.H. Swami Harshananda

4. Price of the set: Rs. 1,500.00

5. Publisher and address with telephone numbers: Ramakrishna Math,

Bull Temple Road, Bangalore – 560 019, Karnataka.

Tel. +080-2661 3149 (Office), 2661 6060, 2661 6161 (Bookstall)

e-mails: rkmblr (Office), ramakrishnamathblr

(Bookstall)

6. Your comments - why do you recommend the book for reading: I have

already given at the end of above review.

 

Love and Love alone....

 

P. Gopi Krishna

p_gopi_krishna