This systematic effort is a study of religious symbols and myths that pervade the Hindu religion. Arguing that the symbols relate to what is intrinsic in human character, it shows that the myths ad symbols have philosophical value. Tracing their genesis to explain the importance of narratives in the religion, it presents a historical survey of myths and symbols, particularly those in the Vedas, the Upanishads and the epics. It explores rites and rituals, worship, sacrifice, ceremonial fasting, prayers and pilgrimage in Hinduism. It shows how myths and symbols prepared the ground for emergence of neo-Hinduism in the nineteenth century.
