Ganesha as enshrined in Shri Mangesh Temple in Priol, Goa.

Dictionary of Hindu Lore and Legend (ISBN 0500510881) is a book written by Anna L. Dallapiccola, and contains information on over one thousand concepts, characters, and places of Hindu mythology and Hinduism, one of the major religions of the Indian subcontinent. The writer has remained associated with the university of Heidelberg, Germany as a Professor of Indian Art; with the University of Edinburgh, Great Britain as Honorary Professor; and with De Montfort University, Leicester as a Visiting Professor. She is a Fellow of the Royal Asiatic Society. Lord Ganesha In Hinduism, Ganesha (Sanskrit: गणेष or श्रीगणेष (when used to distinguish lordly status) (or lord of the hosts, also spelled as Ganesa and Ganesh, sometimes also referred to as Ganapati) is a son of Shiva and Parvati, and the husband of Bharati, Riddhi and Siddhi. ... Goa (गोआ in DevanāgarÄ«) is Indias smallest state in terms of area and the fourth smallest in terms of population after Sikkim, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh. ... The term Hindu mythology refers collectively to a large body of Indian literature (essentially, the mythology of Hinduism) that detail the lives and times of legendary personalities, deities and divine incarnations on earth interspersed with often large sections of philosophical and ethical discourse. ... Basic beliefs What can be said to be common to all Hindus is the belief in Dharma (duties and obligations), Samsara (Reincarnation/rebirth), Karma (actions, leading to a cause and effect relationship), and Moksha (salvation) of every soul through a variety of paths, such as Bhakti (devotion), Karma (action) and... Composite satellite image of the Indian subcontinent Map of South Asia. ... The Ruprecht Karl University of Heidelberg (German Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg; also known as simply University of Heidelberg) was established in the town of Heidelberg in the Rhineland in 1386. ... The vast scope of the art of India intertwines with the cultural history, religions and philosophies which place art production and patronage in social and cultural contexts. ... The University of Edinburgh, founded in 1583, is a renowned centre for teaching and research in Edinburgh, Scotland. ... De Montfort University (DMU) is one of two universities situated in the city of Leicester, England; the other institution of higher education being University of Leicester. ... Leicester city centre, looking towards the clock tower Leicester (pronounced ) is the largest city in the English East Midlands. ... Article 90a of the bylaws of the Royal Asiatic Society. ...

Presentation

The dictionary covers a variety of topics including myths and legends of Hinduism, temple architecture, festivals, astrology and ayurveda, as also contemporary thoughts pertaining to Hinduism. There are 243 illustrations in the book, facilitating the understanding of the issues involved. The contents of the book are arranged in seven sections as noted below: ... A legend (Latin, legenda, things to be read) is a narrative of human actions that are perceived both by teller and listeners to take place within human history and to possess certain qualities that give the tale verisimilitude. ... Ayurveda (आयुर्वेद Sanskrit: ayu—life; veda—knowledge of) or ayurvedic medicine is a comprehensive system of medicine, more than 5,000 years old and based on a holistic approach rooted in Vedic culture. ...

• Introduction

• The Dictionary

• Principal Dynasties and Empires

• Subject Index

• Chronology: This section covers major events associated with India, vedic mythology and vedic civilization, and Hinduism, spanning a period of 5000 years. The chronology recounts the major events, beginning from 3000 BC-1700 BC (the period of the Indus Valley Civilization) until 2001 AD, when the celebration of Mahakumbha Mela took place in Allahabad, India, are briefly indicated in the secion chronology.

• Bibiliography, whichcontains references to several works and publication, and is further sub-divided into six sections, namely, art and iconography; material culture; Hinduisms, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism; history and language; performing art; and primary sources in translation.

• Sources of Illustrations