This book's complete title is Short Descripition of Gods, Goddesses, and Ritual Objects of Buddhism and Hinduism in Nepal, and that pretty much sums up the contents of this very helpful guide to navigating the different deities and religious items found in both Nepal and Tibet. This paperback book has 77 pages of information, covering the pantheon of deities in Buddhism and Hinduism that are found in the Thewavada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana schools of Buddhism.
There is a very short introduction to those three schools of Buddhism, and also a short introduction to Hinduism as well, since that great religion is prevelant throughout Nepal. There are short descriptions of 52 different symobls, weapons, and sacred objects held by different deities (for instance, the meaning of the Bell and Vajra, or the Trident held by Lord Ganesha, and the Chakra carried by Lord Vishnu). This is follewed by explanations of the seated postures and pedastals (collectively known as Asana) found in Buddhist and Hindu iconography. Then there is a brief section on Mudras - hand gestures that are common to both Hindu and Buddhist deities. Ten different Mudra are explained in this section.
Then the main section of this book has one or two paragraph-long introductions to over 100 different Buddhist and Hindu gods and goddesses, incluing the well known deities (Shiva, Durga, Lakshmi, Brahama, etc.,) and many lesser known gods and goddesses (such as Heruka, Lha Mo, and Varahi). There is even a brief mention of some of the more important mantras and prayers used.
The one minor drawback to this book is that it was written and published in the Kingdom of Nepal, and while this adds accuracy and credibility to the work, there are some places where the transaltion into English is a little rough. But if you don't mnd the occasional misspelled word and if you are not a stickler for grammer, then you will find this to be one of the best, most affordable books covering the numerous deities and aspects of both Buddhism and Hinduism. This is a must-have book for anyone interested in Hinduism, Nepal, or Tibetan Buddhism.
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