Hinduism
Puja & Samskara
Viveksar The Essence of Discernment
The Sakta Pithas
The sakta pithas by Dr D. C. Sircar, which is limited and precise in scope but has a wide appeal, brings honour to the young historian of Calcutta. Its basis is a critical edition of the Pithanimaya or Mahapithanirupana which is short treatise of the late period describing the fiftyone pilgrim spots associated with the Mother Goddess under some of her various names. Each one of the pithas is mentioned along with a particular form of the Goddess and that of siva associated with it.
Hindu Samskaras
The Hindu Samskaras give expression to aspirations and ideals of the Hindus. They aim at securing the welfare of the performer and developing his personality. They go back to a hoary antiquity. The Vedas, the Brahmanas, the Grhyasutras, the Dharmasutras, the Smrtis and other treatises describe the rites, ceremonies and customs here and there but they do not present them in their historical evolution.
The Bridge to the Three Holy Cities
The study of holy places and pilgrimages to them is treated in the Hindu tradition as a sub-field, called tirtha, of the Dharmasastra. The Tristhalisetu or "Bridge to the Three Holy Cities" of Narayana Bhatta, written in Varanasi in the 16th century A.D., is recognized as the standard and most authoritative text of the voluminous tirtha literature.
The Origins & Development of Classical Hinduism
The late A. L. Basham was one of the world's foremost authorities on ancient Indian culture and religion. Modelled on his monumental work The wonder that was india, this account of the origins and development of classical Hinduism represents a life time of reflection on the subject, and offers an intriguing introduction to one of richest of all Asian traditions.The Origins of Classical Hinduism clarifies much of Hinduism's enduring mystique. Offering an especially helpful bibliography, numerous illustrations of Hidu art never before published, and a lucid, accessible style, this book is much reading for anyone who has ever been intrigued by this fascinating religion.
Darsan Seeing The Divine Image in India
Sakta Contribution to Varanasi
This book incorporates a good number of paperrs on multiple aspects of Sakta traditions practised in Varanasi continuing from hoary past to-date. Beside philosophical, religious and cultural leanings the contents expose the iconographic, ritualistic and artistic rendering of the Divine Mother. Kasi or Varanasi has been a stronghold of religious and spiritual fervour, and several religious sects have contributed to its present texture. Saktism has also been a forceful current in the cultural stream of this holy city. This is evidenced by several Devi temples, Sakti-pithas, yantras, fairs and festivals associated with the worship of Mother-Goddess.
Philosophical Foundation of Hinduism
