Vishnu - Hinduism's most important and powerful deity - is the great Preserver; vanquishing those who seek to destroy the balance of the universe. For his followers he is also the Creator and the Destroyer; the cause of all existence. His many traits are embodied in his impressive physical form; the weapons he carries; the goddesses who are his consorts; and the eagle Garuda; on whom he flies down from heaven. In Hindu legend; Vishnu descends to earth in many manifestations; known as avatars; to fight powerful demons and to save his devotees. The avatars range in form from Varaha the boar to Parashurama the Brahmin warrior; and in character from Narasimha the ferocious half-man half-lion; to Krishna the charismatic prince-cowherd. The legends of Vishnu have inspired some of the greatest art; literature; and ritual traditions in India. This catalogue examines the many faces of Vishnu and the ways that the god has been represented; from antiquity to the present. Essays by noted historians of South Asian art delve deeply into the regional and sectarian traditions of Vishnu worship in India. Illustrations and discussions of almost 200 works of art; in a wide range of media and borrowed from collections around the world; reveal the rich diversity of India's art and religious culture.
#524039 in Books imusti 2001-05-31Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 5.10 x 1.00 x 7.75l; .76 #File Name: 0192854496512 pagesOxford University Press; USA
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. This book changed my life.By John BThis book was a game changer for me. I had been an initiated Wiccan for many years when I first read it. This book helped me come to a much deeper understanding of the history of Wicca and helped me examine what I truly believe. I am still a follower of the "Old Ways" but with a greater understanding of the origins of the religion. After reading Triumph of the Moon I went on to collect many of Professor Hutton's other books and have copies of Triumph in Hardback (my original copy; read so many times the binding is giving up) paper back and now Kindle. I can not recommend this book enough! If you are a Wiccan and read this book you will come to a new understanding of your religion…hopefully for the better. If you are not; then you will understand Wiccans better for having read it.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Really informativeBy MyrhinneThis is a quality product and one that is grounded in a lot of research. The only reason that I didn't rate it higher is that at times I found it to be a bit dry. This book contains a lot of valuable information about the modern Pagan movements; exactly as promised by the title. There are sections that a well-versed Pagan would be familiar with (such as the work of Oberon Zell; the Green Egg; etc) as well as other more obscure details that I wasn't entirely familiar with.The author comes across as very knowledgeable and well studied; which lends a lot to credibility. I don't think this is something that a newer Pagan should hand to their non-Pagan friends and family because the academic depth is a little too overwhelming for beginners. However; if you are doing research for a paper or are looking for a credible source of our history; this is a really great product.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. This is a volume that has been well-reviewed for years ...By flying squirrel girlThis is a volume that has been well-reviewed for years; and doesn't really need my five stars for validation; but I am giving them anyway. I have read "Triumph of the Moon" rather more than once; and always find a new thread to investigate--which is what keeps me coming back; even more than the fact that it is clearly the product of a generous; good-humored; curious; even-tempered and evidence-oriented mind. For those of us with an intrinsic interest in magic as it lives in the modern (or is it post-modern?) Western world--not Hollywood magic; or political magic; or theatrical magic; but the current that runs beneath the visible skin of life; it is essential orientational reading.
