Siva: The Siva Purana Retold

Ramesh Menon has done an excellent job in compiling this book. This book is written in simple language and is in the format of a story and snippets from the original purana. For people like me who are not familiar with sanskrit phrases this is a good start. There are no sanskrit phrases in this book and what we get is an english interpretation of the same. Since I am not an expert in vedic literature, I cannot say how true the interpretation is but it certainly does make for a good and interesting read.

I have not read any other translations of the Siva Purana. So I cannot compare this to any other work's. As a fan of Ramesh Menon I give him a 5 star for the simple fact of bringing this work to the west. Short compared to the Bhagavatam Purana it tells many stories that are not in other Purana's. If you are a devotee of Siva then this is a great read. Mr.Menon has translated most of the major Hindu Epics and Puranas. They are done well IMO. Not crazy long like some dry works and not cut to pieces like others. The reading for the most part is easy for the casual reader and enjoyable. Now I only wish Mr.Menon would take on a good translation of the Vedas. AUM Namah Sivayah

This is a really good collection of the mythology of one the supreme Hindu Gods..Shiva. It presents clearly, all the tales and legends of Shiva. Though it might not be the best one out there, its still good enough to add to your library.

This collection of stories is very well written. There is a lot of repetition in the stories, but at the same time, many different characters are introduced. If you just want to know Shiva's stories, this is a great way to start. Other interests, like religion or philosophy, will not be found here.

Beautiful writing of a classic text

This is one of the purest siva puran books you may found, a bit purest to the evolution and formation of gods , earth and all. But I am kind of lost some times as the narration breaks in middle, for example a chapter he talks about death of Sati and the next chapter he starts a story with siva and parvathi in it. And I often confused a lot following his transition between Rudra, and Siva, and Sivas. Bit exaggeration of romance more than needed. I will try to update my review once I have completed the book.

Great myths of Lord Siva, reads like a epic fantasy novel - the battle scenes rival anything Conan took part in, lots of decapitations and rivers of blood. Great stuff. Oh, and it is a very spiritual book - reading this book assures every material comfort in this long and satisfying life and moksha after. How awesome is that? Aum Nama Shivai

Anything about Mahadev I'm reading. I like to see what each persons interpretations are of facts that alot like to put as "myth".This book is not big so you can read it fast. If you like reading about other cultures and history, whether told verbally throughout time or written....here is one.

This is the most helpful introductory text I've read on any mythology. If you are looking for a starting point into Indian Mythology, I would highly recommend this book. That isn't to say that it isn't comprehensive either; from my limited exposure to the topic, it seems to cover nearly anything you could want to know about this particular deity. It would, however, be helped by a small glossary section, explaining some common terms, some of which are a bit more than difficult to figure out from context.

The Ramayana に引き続き Shiva Prana も読みたくて購入しました。 著者Ramesh Menon は、英語も美しく読みやすく、聖仙 ValmikiやVyasaなどにより書かれた 太古のインドの神々の世界を身近に感じさせてくれ ぐんぐんと引き込んでくれます。 サンスクリット語も敢えて全ての単語を英語に訳さずに そのまま使われているところも多いです。 そうすることで、臨場感があり、ヴェーダの文化にまつわるお話しが忠実に伝わります。 ただし、ヨーガや、ヒンドゥー教に精通した人には 問題ないですが そうでない読者には 意味を確認しながら読まないといけないので ちょっと大変な部分もあるかもしれません。 彼の書いたRamayana には、サンスクリット語の語彙集が 最後に載っていますが、本書にはありません。 その分 ヨーガや、インド文化ファンで サンスクリットの用語にも慣れている人なら このSiva Pranaは まさにGift です。 著者のThe Ramayana と同様 何度も読める永久保存版です。 英語がきちんとしているからといえ、やはりヴェーダ関連では、 西洋人の著者が書いたものをわざわざ読もうとは思えません。 Ramesh Menon氏のような、英文も素晴らしく 帰依心もありヴェーダ文化に対する誇りを感じられる著者に出会えて幸運です。

Beautiful and easy to read and understand for me. The description does say that only certain chapters of the Puran are included here but still it was. Great First Shiv Puran to start with. I will be re-reading for years to come. Well packed and reached me in great condition.

I had read the Devi Bhagavatam retold by the same author and was both impressed and intrigued, & so I decided to check out his take on the Shiva Purana. It's beautifully written, will make your eyes well up, your hairs stand on end & your heart to be so full of love and devotion for Lord Shiva & Goddess Parvati. Absolutely worth the price. If you love and enjoy Shiva/Shakti lore, do get it, you won't regret it.

Very nicely and fluidly written, breathtaking stories . A beautiful surprise for me, a westerner, about Indian mythology…. Specially Siva related. Awesome.