Hindu Rites, Rituals, Customs & Traditions

by Prem P. Bhalla

Hindu Rites, Rituals, Customs & Traditions is a book by Prem P Bhalla that provides a comprehensive study and analysis into the nuances of the Hindu culture. Summary Of The Book For most devout Hindus, rites and rituals are a quintessential part of life, right from birth to death. Hindu Rites, Rituals, Customs & Traditions is a book that puts together and lends an understanding of the basic premises that form the edifices of the Hindu culture and tradition. It presents a broad exposition into dharma, artha, kama, and moksha -- the four objectives that humans are driven by according to the Hindu culture. The book also stresses on the fact that unlike other religions where many customs are obligatory, the Hindu way of life is relatively flexible, with people in different regions following varied customs and traditions. Presented in an interesting FAQ format, Hindu Rites, Rituals, Customs & Traditions has done a decent job of conveying Hindu practices and rituals. It not just outlines the repertoire of practices that form the ultimate core of a pious Hindu s life, but also gives an insight into their importance. To prove his point about a particular rite, ritual or belief, Prem P Bhalla has also given enough references to the appropriate Vedas. Published in 2006, Hindu Rites, Rituals, Customs & Traditions is filled with illustrations that ensure it is enjoyable for readers from all sections. All in all, an interesting and enlightening read for not just Hindus but non Hindus too, the book helps its readers in understanding the significance behind several acts instead of following them mindlessly. However, for those looking at gaining some scientific information or rationale for each belief, Hindu Rites,Rituals,Customs & Traditions may not be the best read. The book has been converted into audio-books and is available on iTunes.

328 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Sriram Karunagaran · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great book on customs and rituals. I'm working in Amrita University in the Department of Cultural Education. We are planning to use this book to teach cultural education. It does give good references from Puranas and other scriptures to most of the topics. The author has put considerable effort is answering

But, I have some issues regarding the content in the book. On page 36, B-5, Shiva and Shivaling, it says Shivaling symbolises the phallus and that Mercury is Shiva's semen.

This interpretation is incorrect. Shri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, talk about this in Her book Eternal Truth. She says, that meaning of the word linga is 'the place of dissolution.' The universe arises out of linga and finally dissolves into it. The Rishis of antiquity looked for the origin of the universe and through the austerities they performed, they discovered that Brahman, the Absolute Reality, is the Source and Support of everything. Brahman cannot be described in words. One cannot point to Brahman. The beginning and end of everything lies in That. Brahman, the abode of all attributes and qualities, is devoid of attributes and qualities, and devoid of form. How can the attribute-less be described? Only that which has attributes can be grasped by the mind and the senses. In this difficult context, the sages found a symbol to represent that initial stage between Brahman and Creation: the Shiva linga. It signifies the creation of the Universe out of Brahman. The Shiva linga is the symbol used to reveal Truth they experienced in a way that ordinary people can understand. The Rishis accepted the Shiva linga as a scientific symbol to be used in this way.

Scientists who study certain rays that cannot be seen by the eye use symbols to describe them to others. When we hear about X-rays, we know that they are a certain type of radiation. Similarly, when we see the Shiva linga, we understand it is the attribute-less Brahman represented in its aspect with attributes. The word Shiva means auspicious. Auspiciousness does not have a form. By worship the Shiva linga, which is a symbol of auspiciousness, the worshiper receives that which is auspicious.

We should also consider why the Shiva linga was given its form. Today scientists say that the universe is egg-shaped. In India, for thousand of years, the Universe is referred to as Brahmandam, meaning 'the great egg.' Brahman means the absolute greatest. The Shiva linga is a microcosm of that vast cosmic egg. When we worship the Shiva linga, we are, in fact, worshipping the entire universe as the Auspicious Form and the Divine Consciousness. This is not the worship of a God who sits somewhere beyond the sky. This teaches that the selfless service rendered to the universe, including to all living beings, is worship of Shiva.

So, the meaning of linga is not 'phallus', for not even fools would pray to a male's sexual organ for protection! My children, who benefits from ascribing a non-existent meaning to and ridiculing a divine symbol that countless millions of people throughout the ages have used for the upliftment of their souls? This causes only anger and conflict.

[Shilpa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant read for someone interested ro know more about Indian culture with genuine reasons and background.

[Shriya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing, perfect! This book has been written very clear and concise. You can pick it up, read it to a 6 year old regarding Hinduism. User friendly, lots of beautiful pictures, worth purchasing indeed.

Prem does not only stick with the rituals but he explores a Hindus life journey from birth to death, every single aspect is covered.

[Erik Steevens]

i bought it in Mysore at a stall outside a Shiva temple