Book Review: Art of God Symbolism by Swami Chinmayananda

‘Art of God Symbolism’

By: Swami Chinmayananda

Central Chinmaya Mission Trust

ISBN: 8179570588

Hinduism is a mysterious religion for many. Are there millions of gods in Hinduism; and so many goddesses? Why there are so many different images in worship – at times opposite and so different than others? Why gods have sometimes four hands, sometimes four heads; and at times they are not even in human image but with a head of a lion or an elephant! There is even a Monkey god in Hinduism, whom Hindus worship with equal devotion! Did Lord Ram really leave Sita Mata and yet is idolized as ideal husband? Such questions are many and the journey to find clear answers to these is not readily available… Until, we have this book in hand.

‘Art of God Symbolism’ is a wonderful book which explains the real meaning of so many diverse images in Hinduism. It also reveals real meanings of many mythological stories which led to the development of these images. I can’t thank Swami Chinmayananda more; he has done a really brilliant work publishing this book. I am sure it will help in dispelling a lot of wrong perceptions amongst us. The writing in this book is of very high quality and content is not heavy too.

I have just purchased some more copies of this book which I am gifting to my friends. I think this is a must-read and must-have book for all of us.

- Rahul