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Mrtyu, Concept of Death in Indian Traditions: Transformation of the Body and Funeral Rites (Paperback)

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₹320.00

Short Descriptions

Professor Filippi explores the Indian view of mortal existence — from an individual’s conception to his/her journey to the Kingdom of Yama — with rare scientific objectivity — by unveiling a complex network of sentiments, beliefs, scriptural references, customs, etc.

More Information

ISBN 13 9788124603321
Book Language English
Binding Paperback
Total Pages 271
Edition 2nd
Release Year 2005
Publisher D.K. Printworld Pvt. Ltd.
Author Gian Giuseppe Filippi
Category Cultural Studies   Ever Green Shelf Life  
Weight 600.00 g
Dimension 14.00 x 22.00 x 1.80

Product Details

Yama, in Hindu mythology, is the eschatologist and god of death. And is, thus, dreaded. Even in today’s India, there is a fearful hesitancy, if not conscious avoidance, of any talk about him. Yet, paradoxically, the phenomenon of death does not evoke a similar fear in the Indian psyche — accepted, as it is, a natural event, a part of life: just like poverty, sickness and old age. Here is an insightful, at once compelling exposition of the phenomenon of death, based on plurimillennial tradition of the Hindus — which, despite the affirmation of Western attitudes in certain elitist sections of the urban society, has endured since the times of the Vedas and Indic Civilization. Exploring, contextually, the age-old Indian view of mortal existence: from the very moment of an individual’s conception to his/her journey to the Kingdom of Yama — through the major phases of birth, growth and ageing, Professor Filippi unveils a complex network of sentiments, beliefs, scriptural references, customs, hopes, ritualistic practices and much else — relevant to the ‘great adventure’ of death. Notwithstanding the sentimental undertones of the mrtyu-theme, Dr. Filippi’s work outstands for its rare scientific objectivity. It has grown from years of his rigorous research effort involving not only his extensive studies of Indian literature: classical as well as modern, but also his interviews with Indian samnyasins, brahmanas, relatives of the dead, and the persons living around the cremation grounds. Together with visual material, bibliographic references, and a glossary of non-English terms, the book holds out as much appeal to the general reader as to the specialist.
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