Hindu Mythology, Vedic and Puranic by W.J. Wilkins [1900]

This is a comprehensive study of Hindu mythology. Due to the huge number of gods and goddesses, and their changing role through centuries of Indian spiritual life, this is a complex subject. This book covers Hindu mythology during the Vedic and Puranic periods. Wilkins starts with the very earliest pantheon of the Vedas, such as Surya, the storm-god Maruts, Agni, Soma, Yama, and the dawn Goddess Ushas. From there he moves into the later, and very intricate, Puranic mythology. This includes detailed treatment of the central triad of Brahmâ, Vishnu and Shiva, along with dozens of other Gods and Goddesses, nature spirits, half-divine heros of the epics, and so on. Wilkins covers the dozen of so principal avatars of Vishu, including Krishna and (suprisingly) Buddha, and prophecies of the mysterious Kalki avatar, yet to come. The dozens of line drawings are good reference art for each of the major deities. If you are attempting a read through of the Rig-Veda, the Mahabharata or Ramayana, this the book will clear up much confusion.--J.B. Hare, May 17th, 2009.

Part I. The Vedic Deities

Part II. The Purānic Deities

Chapter V. The Incarnations or Avatāras of Vishnu

Part III. The Inferior Deities