
PREFACE
PLATES IN COLOUR
PLATES IN MONOCHROME
INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER IIndra, King of the Gods
CHAPTER IIThe Great Vedic Deities
CHAPTER IIIYama, the First Man, and King of the Dead
CHAPTER IVDemons and Giants and Fairies
CHAPTER VSocial and Religious Developments of the Vedic Age
CHAPTER VIMysteries of Creation, the World's Ages, and Soul Wandering
This volume opens a vibrant portal into the ancient world of Indian mythology, guiding listeners through the sacred texts that have shaped the lives of millions. From the early invocatory hymns of the four Vedas to the sprawling epic narratives of the Rámáyana and Máhábharata, the book illuminates how poets and sages wove profound spiritual teachings into stories of gods, heroes, and cosmic battles. It also explores the rise of Brahmanism, Buddhism, and Jainism, showing how each tradition drew on shared symbols while forging its own path.
Beyond the legends, the author examines the historical currents that carried these myths across centuries—early Aryan migrations, later invasions, and the evolving social fabric of the Vedic Age. The discussion highlights how scholars piece together linguistic clues, archaeological finds, and comparative mythology to trace the development of ideas about the divine, the soul, and the universe. Listeners will gain a clear sense of why these ancient verses remain essential to understanding India’s cultural and religious heritage.
Language
en
Duration
~15 hours (866K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by David Garcia, Gonçalo Silva, Marilynda Fraser-Cunliffe and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)
Release date
Oct 29, 2014
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1873–1936
Drawn to old stories and big cultural questions, this Scottish writer turned journalism into a lifelong exploration of myth, religion, and folklore. His books range widely across ancient worlds, making complex traditions feel lively and approachable.
View all books
by Donald A. (Donald Alexander) Mackenzie

by Donald A. (Donald Alexander) Mackenzie

by Donald A. (Donald Alexander) Mackenzie

by Donald A. (Donald Alexander) Mackenzie

by Donald A. (Donald Alexander) Mackenzie

by Annie Keary, Eliza Keary

by Izumo Takeda, Shoraku Miyoshi, Senryu Namiki