Hindu Book "Hanuman - An Introduction" by Devdutt Pattanaik

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Special Features:  Hanuman, the lord of monkeys, is one of the few gods in Hinduism to be worshipped across caste lines by followers of the Shaiva, Vaishnava and Shakta orders.  He is admired for his strength, scholarship, wisdom, humility and celibacy.

This book is an attempt to understand the imagery, ritual and philosophy associated with Hanuman worship in our time.  At its heart is a single narrative on the life of the monkey-god woven out of plots and ideas found in the Valmiki Ramayana, Mahabharata, various Puranas and several vernacular Ramakathas.  Also included are tales found in Jain Ramayanas and Ramayanas of South East Asia.

Highlights include lucid explanations, a map showing the traditional journey of Rama to Lanka through Kishkinda, the text and translation of the Hanuman Chalisa, and over 100 color illustrations.

About the Author: Dr. Devdutt Pattanaik graduated in medicine from Mumbai University.

Though a medical man by profession, Dr. Devdutt Pattanaik is a mythologist by passion.  He topped Mumbai University's course on Comparative Mythology and is now part of 'Sabrang', a cultural organization that aims to demystify the arts.  Through lectures, workshops, articles in journals and newspapers, illustrations and books, he is determined to keep alive the ancient heritage of sacred lore and bring out its relevance to modern times.

Dr. Devdutt Pattanaik's has written five books on selected gods in the Hindu pantheon;
Shiva - An Introduction
Lakshmi - An Introduction
Devi - The Mother Goddess - An Introduction
Lakshmi - An Introduction
Hanuman - An Introduction.

Dr. Devdutt Pattanaik has a wonderful, Narrative writing style which is extremely easy to follow and entertaining to read.