Description
If you’re serious about understanding Hindu art, spirituality, or Indian cultural symbolism, this two-volume masterwork is indispensable. Gopinatha Rao’s Elements of Hindu Iconography is the definitive scholarly guide to interpreting the visual language of Hindu deities—from the subtle hand gestures and attributes to the mythological narratives embedded in temple sculptures and paintings. With 1,618 pages of meticulously researched content, detailed illustrations, and interpretative commentary, it’s equally valued by art historians, artists, students of Indology, temple guides, and spiritual practitioners. This 4th edition from Motilal Banarsidass is the complete reference for anyone seeking authentic, academic knowledge of how Hindu iconography communicates sacred meaning.
- Publisher : Motilal Banarsidass; 4th edition (1 January 2017)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 1618 pages
- ISBN-10 : 8120808789
- ISBN-13 : 978-8120808782
- Item Weight : 2 kg 770 g
- Dimensions : 15.88 x 14.61 x 22.86 cm
- Country of Origin : India
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the author of Elements of Hindu Iconography?
Elements of Hindu Iconography was written by T. A. Gopinatha Rao, a respected scholar of Indian art and iconography. The 4th edition was published by Motilal Banarsidass in 2017, establishing it as the most authoritative modern guide to Hindu iconographic symbolism.
How many pages are in the Elements of Hindu Iconography set?
This two-volume set contains 1,618 pages in total, spread across 4 bound parts. It provides comprehensive coverage of Hindu deity symbols, gestures, attributes, and their spiritual meanings with extensive illustrations and detailed scholarly commentary.
What topics does Elements of Hindu Iconography cover?
The book covers Hindu deity symbols, mudras (hand gestures), attributes of gods and goddesses, cosmological representations, sacred architecture, and the mythological narratives behind visual elements in Hindu art. It’s an essential reference for understanding temple sculptures, paintings, and spiritual symbolism.
Is Elements of Hindu Iconography suitable for students and researchers?
Yes, it’s highly recommended for art history students, Indology researchers, artists, temple guides, and anyone studying Hindu culture and spirituality. The scholarly approach and extensive documentation make it valuable for both academic and personal exploration of Indian religious art.
What edition is this, and when was it published?
This is the 4th edition, published on January 1, 2017, by Motilal Banarsidass. It is hardcover with high-quality binding suitable for long-term reference use, making it the most current and reliable version of this classic work.
