Dictionary of Hindu Lore and Legend

From abhayamudra, the hand pose that Hindus use to dispel fear and offer divine protection, to the yupa, a pillar used in Vedic sacrifice, Anna Dallapiccola's Dictionary of Hindu Lore and Legend offers brief alphabetical entries on all aspects of Hindu history, belief and practice. Included are maps, a chronology, a brief rundown of India's most important dynasties and 243 b&w photos. The entries are short and not intended to be comprehensive, but they offer a useful overview of such topics as Hindu mythology, art, architecture and the caste system.