The Pauranic Lore Of Holy Water-Places (With Special Reference to Skanda Purana) (An Old Book)

From the Jacket :

The present work is based on an extensive and critical study of the legends connected with Holy water-places. Mythological, historical, geographical and scientific study of the legends is interesting and thought provoking. The Skanda Purana (1000 AD to 700 BC) has been made the basis of this topic most elaborately and covers almost all the tirthas referred to in various texts. Most of the legends have been studied critically and a comparative study has been done from the Vedas, Brahmanas, Upanisads, Epics and other Puranas. Various other mythologies such as Egyptian, Iranian, Greek, North American, African, Babylonian, Roman, Mexican etc. have also been compared to. The imminent purpose of the talks has been studied under various motifs. The author's psycho-scientific method of analysis and interpretation makes the work extremely fascinating and informative. The author has also drawn attention to the medical analysis of various water-tirthas. The work is a valuable addition to the Pauranic and mythological literature.

About the Author:

Dr. Mrs. Savitri V. Kumar is a lecturer of Sanskrit in Shri L. N. Hindu College, Rohtak. On the present work, she has been awarded a Ph. D. Degree from Bombay University.

CONTENTS

Preface vii

List of Abbreviations ix

Introduction 1

CHAPTER I The Holy Water-Places and the Legends of the Major Deities 17 Brahma 17
Visnu 37
Siva 54
Surya 68
Agni 88
Indra 98

CHAPTER II The Holy Water-Places and the Legends of the Minor Deities 104 Yama 104
Asvins 109
Visvedevas, Hanumat, Kama, Bhairava and Rahu 111
Moon 118
Nagas 123
Goddesses 134

CHAPTER III The Holy Water-Places and the Legends of the Demi-Gods and Sages141 Gandharvas, Apsarasas, Yaksas etc. 141
Vetalas, Pisacas, Pretas etc. 145
Pitrs 154
Sages 165

CHAPTER IV Legends Connected with the Rivers and Cow-Worship181 Legends Connected with the Rivers 181
Legends Connected with the Cow-Worship 204

CHAPTER V Metamorphosis210

CHAPTER VI Social Motifs 232 Dana 232
Salvation 241
Transmigration 246
Sin and Expiation 255
Curse and Blessing 270

CHAPTER VII Astrological, Didactic and Miscellaneous Legends Associated with the Holy Water-Places 276 Astrological Legends 276
Didactic Legends 286
Miscellaneous Legends 310

APPENDIX A Geographical Data of the Holy Water-Places 320
APPENDIX B List of the Linga-Tirthas 359
APPENDIX C List of The Surya-Tirthas 384
APPENDIX D List of Devi-Tirthas 388
Bibliography 394
Index 401