Description:

Have you ever wondered why Hindus wave lamps in front of their deities? Or why Hindu mandirs have the particular architecture that they do? Perhaps you’re wondering what those beads are that different Hindus wear around their necks. Or the significance of the red marking on their forehead. In Hindu Rites and Rituals, Sadhu Mukundcharandas does a remarkable job answering these and many more questions about Hinduism. A religion of intricate rituals, colorful festivals and beautiful stories, Hinduism can be a bewildering experience for many, even amongst its adherents. Sadhu Mukundcharandas demystifies so many of the rites and rituals, the sentiments and sacraments of Hinduism, taking the reader inside the religion to understand the assumptions and beliefs that inform the practitioner’s way of life. He explores in-depth the rituals and rites that form the outward expressions of the religion; whether the question is simple, such as, why Hindus clap while singing, or more theologically dense, such as why Hindus accept deity worship, it is thoroughly addressed with ample scriptural references in a manner that assumes no prior knowledge of Hinduism. He even addresses deeper philosophical issues, such as the need for rituals if devotional sentiments are more important, from a traditional Hindu perspective. The book is beautifully designed, with more than 900 stunning color photographs, paintings and maps. It is also encyclopedic in scope, as it systematically and exhaustively covers the methods and meanings of mandir rituals, bhakti rituals, home rituals, personal rituals, and Hindu symbols through over 500 pages of lucid text. Hindu Rites and Rituals is a masterwork of research and meticulous documentation as Sadhu Mukundcharandas has referenced over 160 scholarly books and journals and 120 Hindu scriptures for this book. Ultimately, this book serves as more than a mere explanation of Hinduism, but as a call to celebrate and practice Hindu rites and rituals with a renewed sense of significance.