Mrtyu: Concept of Death in Indian Traditions - Transformation of the Body and Funeral Rites: No. 11 (Reconstructing Indian History and Culture, No. 11)

Book Detail

• ISBN: 9788124600726
• Brand: D.K. Printworld Pvt. Ltd.
• Edition: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of Pages: 270
• Release Date: 01-08-1996
• Package Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.8 x 0.9 inches
• Languages: English

Description

In this insightful and compelling work, Gian Giuseppe Filippi explores the profound theme of death in Hindu mythology, focusing particularly on Yama, the god of death and eschatology. While Yama is often feared and avoided in conversation, Filippi presents a paradox: death itself, despite its association with fear, is treated as a natural and accepted event in Indian culture, akin to poverty, sickness, and old age.

Filippi's exploration is grounded in Hindu traditions that have persisted for millennia, dating back to the times of the Vedas and Indic Civilization. He delves into the Indian worldview of death, tracing the journey from conception to death, followed by the passage to the Kingdom of Yama. The book provides a detailed examination of various aspects of death, including the rituals, customs, beliefs, and scriptural references surrounding the phenomenon.

Drawing on extensive research, Filippi has studied both classical and modern Indian literature, and his work is enriched by interviews with samnyasins, brahmanas, and relatives of the deceased, as well as people living near cremation grounds. This rare scientific objectivity makes the book an invaluable resource for scholars and general readers alike.

Accompanied by visual material, a bibliography, and a glossary of non-English terms, this book is a comprehensive and compelling exploration of the cultural, philosophical, and ritualistic dimensions of death in Hinduism.