Hindu Mythology, Vedic and Puranic

Hindu Mythology, Vedic and Puranic is a book by W. J. Wilkins, first published in 1900. It is a comprehensive study of Hindu mythology, examining both the Vedic and Puranic traditions.

The Vedic tradition represents the earliest phase of Hindu religious life, centred on the worship of natural forces such as fire and the performance of sacrificial rites. The Puranic tradition, developing from around the fourth century CE, is characterised by devotion to a wide pantheon of gods and goddesses and by the rich narrative literature of myths and legends.

Wilkins surveys themes such as the creation of the universe, the attributes and functions of the deities, and the major mythological narratives that shaped Hindu belief and practice. Long regarded as a classic work of Indology, the book remains a valuable reference for readers interested in Hindu mythology, religious history, and comparative religion.