Encyclopedia of Mythical Creatures - Indian & Hindu Mythology: An Illustrated Bestiary of Legendary Beasts, Monsters & Spirits from Ancient Worlds. - Hardcover

Unveil the Mythology of Hinduism and Buddhism!

Step into the hymn-filled banks of the Sarasvati, the battlefield of Kurukshetra, and the flame-lit shrines of South India with the Encyclopedia of Mythical Creatures: Indian & Hindu Mythology Volume. This beautifully illustrated bestiary reveals a world where serpent kings, corpse-haunting spirits, celestial dancers, and hybrid guardians shaped centuries of ritual, storytelling, and belief.

Discover Legendary Beings and Ancient Wonders:

From the serpent-dragon Vritra who hoarded the waters to the lion-man Narasimha who tore apart tyranny, from the noble vulture Jatayu who gave his life for dharma to the fire-born Holika consumed by her own hubris, each entry uncovers the roots of myths preserved in the Vedas, the epics, the Puranas, and the folk traditions of India. Rooted in the cosmologies of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, this volume brings to life the creatures who blessed, cursed, protected, and devoured across temple, forest, river, and mountain.

Stunning Artwork for Every Creature:

Each being is reborn through luminous watercolor illustrations, capturing both their majesty and their terror. Scholars, storytellers, and dreamers alike will find inspiration in these pages, where every brushstroke evokes the awe and dread of India's mythic imagination.

Perfect for Myth Enthusiasts, Historians, and Fantasy Lovers:

Whether you are exploring Vedic serpent lore, the guardians of South Indian temples, or the demon armies of the epics, this immersive collection offers a vivid journey through one of the world's richest and most enduring mythic landscapes.

Inside this book, you'll find:

• In-depth profiles of legendary beings: Rakshasas, Vetalas, Gandaberunda, Garuda, Makara, Yakshas, Piśāca-Siṁha, Kamadhenu, and many more.
• Cultural insights into how myths shaped festivals like Holi, temple guardianship, ascetic taboos, and the eternal dance between dharma and chaos.
• Stunning illustrations that reveal the beauty and menace of each creature.