The Book of Shiva

Oh, this book is a beautiful little gem. I've yet to find anything of such a quality as this, other than The Goodly Spellbook. Contrary to what another reviewer said, you do not have to know the first thing about Hinduism to understand this book. It may not even help - this is about Shiva, not the entire whole buffet of Hinduism. Just get yourself a pretty basic understanding of the symbols of pagan myth and you should be good to go. I've studied the mythologies of many different pre-Christian cultures, and if you do some of that, the complex myth of Shiva will make more sense to you (if you're having trouble at all!). You'll see the sheer, fascinating beauty of this and just how much this God encompasses. My copy of this book was an Indian import, and even had the little price sticker on it. The cover is one of those neat little flatap jobs, which just adds to its charm and makes it look like it's got a dust jacket. I really love this book, and wish I'd had it sooner. I love it so much. There's everything you could want to know about Shiva in here, from a Shaivite perspective. If you're looking for a conservative, racist, do-it-my-way-you-need-to-become-Indian-screw-your-culture book, this is not for you. If you're looking for something that just... speaks Shiva, dripping off every page... this book is for you. There's no rules in coming to Shiva. There's no rules in this book. You do the math.

Recently, I've developed an interest in Shiva. I purchased this book to get an overview of his myths and character. Let me tell you, I wasn't disappointed. The book is slim at roughly 120 pages, but each page is packed with information. It's the kind of book you go to again and again because there will surely always be something more to take from it. The first few chapters describe Shiva's aspects, along with Shiva-Shakti. The next few chapters talk about some of his famous stories, using them as a backdrop to describe Shiva's various polarities. Shiva is creator, preserver, and destroyer. He is a refuge and he is a terrifying god. Gokhale's writing skillfully brings all these aspects together into a coherent whole without cheapening Shiva, Hinduism, or Hindu culture in general, like too many other books on the subject do. The last couple of chapters are devoted to talking about linga worship and the different sects of Shaivism. The very last chapter contains a few excerpts of exceptionally beautiful poetry devoted to the blue-throated god. You'll need basic knowledge of Hindu concepts to understand parts of this book. Despite that, I still highly recommend the Book of Shiva.

Love this book

It is a nice introduction to Shiva for an adult. I was think it was think it would have colorful picture and a more detail description of the imagery of Shiva.

The Book of Shiva by Namita Gokhale tells a lot about a very complex God of Sanaatan Dharma also known as Hinduism. Ms. Gokhale packs lots of stories and attributes of Shiva in this small book. For someone who does not know anything about Hinduism, this book may be difficult to understand but it may serve him as an introduction to Hindu ethos and culture of ancient India. There are places in the book where some information is repeated but mostly it is page after page of new details about Lord Shiva. I wish the author had written more about Mount Kailash, the abode of Shiva. Some discussion about Maan Sarovar, the freshwater lake at 4590 meters above the sea level and located near the Mount Kailash would be useful too. Overall, the book is enjoyable and I cannot wait to read her other books.

Es justamente una lectura imprescindible para quienes queremos conocer y aprender. El libro no solo contiene información académica, provee crecimiento personal.

The book largely assumes basic knowledge of Hinduism; Gokhale briefly defines key Sanskrit terms the first time they are mentioned, and then uses the Sanksrit rather than translating. Each chapter covers an aspect of Shiva (often this means exploring various tensions of opposites). I found the book to be well-written, informative, and an excellent jumping-off point to further research.

As has otherwise been mentioned, with this book, you get a basic view into the very specific and opening aspects onto Lord Shiva and his worship/culture. This is great, if you, the beginner, think about how words in Dravidian/Sanskrit are Shiva's, and *what are/why are* the very basic concepts appearing with Shiva! :Ahem: but after that, if you are an outsider to Hinduism/Lord Shiva's precise worship, then you will be left with many, many questions: questions as to the words and concepts Gokhale alludes to here, as well as an endless mountain related to Hinduism, never even glimpsed truly from her book, so well written from a Hindu point of view. Her book is, nevertheless, a must for *any* Shiva devotee, and it tantalizes the beginner drawn to Shiva with His actual/numinous nature, so much so that you will find yourself writing down the words and looking up the concepts, or, vice versa, as whatever you need to define Lord Shiva, so then to follow Him personally. Next, you will quickly require other books and teachings! If this is your jumping-off point for a spiritual attraction to Shiva's true nature, worship, and being, you will swiftly find yourself in the religious corridor, looking for the rest of the information to be placed where it would belong in His workings and temple life. I should hope to find, but do not precisely see, Ghokale's thought of us, the Shaivate newbs, in her work here. She needs to address us with our appropriate beginner's practices, we the Shaivite beginners, and not just write from devotion, to just anyone, as she mentions she does, in the beginning of the book. Namaste all.