Welcome to the VFS 2010 catalogue… Books to treasure…and own! At Vakils, we are proud to present our new catalogue – with a few riveting new titles and a series of old, timeless classics. One of our runaway bestsellers this year has been The Don’t Diet Diet Cookbook by Suman Agarwal, one of India’s leading nutritionists and Tinu Shanghavi, a highly regarded culinary instructor. This unique book’s mantra is easy: don’t diet. Eat!! With a wide range of simple recipes using everyday ingredients and its wealth of nutritional advise, this attractive book is an absolute must-have for healthy living. We are proud to partner with The Akansha Foundation to co-publish a delightful picture book for children, Miss Muglee Goes to Mumbai. It is the first book in a series of adventure stories about a lonely crocodile who sets out for Mumbai in search of friends. Authored by Shaheen Mistri and Saker Mistri and delightfully illustrated by Sirajul Khan, an Akanksha alumnus, the proceeds of this book will be used to educate less privileged children across Akanksha’s centres. A collection of delightful stories on parenthood Can Moms Take a Chill Pill? has been written by a group of eight Indian mothers. It draws from their collective experiences and is a celebration of the joys and challenges of parenthood. The stories cover every stage in a child’s growth and suggest ways of dealing with the surprises kids throw up. Based on popular demand, our classic cookbooks Jamva Chaloji by Katy Dalal and Cooking Delights of the Maharajas by Digvijaya Singh are now back in stock. We are proud that these books have together sold more than 50,000 copies! In the days ahead, we wish you a wonderful journey through the pages of these books… We look forward to hearing from you with your comments or ideas for new publications! Bimal Mehta Sangeeta Bhansali Director Director - Publishing [email protected] [email protected] Mythology - Introduction Series Hinduism - An Introduction Over 52,000 copies Shakunthala Jagannathan sold One of the oldest living religions in the world, with approximately a billion adherents, Hinduism is both a school of thought and a way of life. Drawing from a colossal pool of texts written across the ages – from the Upanishads and the Vedas to the Gita and the Puranas – the religion melds together a range of voices. Yet, given the complexity of its philosophical thrust, the contradictions in its discourse, and the sheer immensity of its bank of wisdom, Hinduism remains a mystery, even to its followers. Hinduism: An Introduction attempts to simplify an undeniably complex belief-system, and shed light on its eternal laws. Fifteenth Edition Rs. 395/- ISBN : 978-81-8462-021-4 Balaji-Venkateshwara - An Introduction Nanditha Krishna Balaji–Venkateshwara: An Introduction attempts to unravel the life of Balaji and study his temple, nestled in the hills of South India. It is said that Lord Vishnu, to rescue a world in distress, took the form of Balaji-Venkateshwara, the destroyer of all sins. Yet, who really was Balaji? What is the legend behind his incarnation? What are the stories behind his temple’s origin? What are the meanings behind the rituals he demands? The book attempts to answer these questions, and more, for the pilgrim-soul. Third Edition Rs. 395/- ISBN : 81-87111-46-1 2 | www.vakilspublications.com Mythology - Introduction Series Ganesha - An Introduction Shakunthala Jagannathan, Nanditha Krishna Among the many Gods worshipped in India, Ganesha has a pride of place – as the lord of beginnings, the remover of obstacles, the endearing elephant-headed deity. But was Ganesha always our beloved God? How did he weave his way into a country’s affections? Moving effortlessly between legend and history, parables and archeology, the book sheds light on the rise of a God. With photographs and attractive line-drawings, this book speaks as effectively through visual as it does through words. Rs. 395/- Eighth Edition ISBN : 978-81-8462-004-7 Devi - An Introduction Devdutt Pattanaik This 126 page book attempts to unravel the mysteries behind Goddess worship. With stories on Adi-Maya-Shakti, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Parvati, Kali, Durga, it speaks of India’s long association with female deities, and the relevance of Shakti in these modern times. Drawing from a rich tradition of Shakta imagery, Indian philosophy, history, folklore and myth, Devi is one of the finest introductions to feminist theology. Rs. 395/- Third Edition ISBN : 978-81-87111-91-7 www.vakilspublications.com | 3 Mythology - Introduction Series Over Shiva - An Introduction 14,000 copies Devdutt Pattanaik sold The book is an attempt at demystifying one of the chief deities in the Hindu triumvirate, Shiva, the transformer. As Gangadhara, the carrier of the Ganges; as Pashupati, the lord of cattle; as Bhairav, the spirit of austere penance, the book delves into the many identities of a paradoxical Godhead. With a plethora of stories, unfamiliar and untold, a key to the deity’s chief symbols, a map to jyotirlingas, and a list of the ravel-haired god’s many names, Shiva: An Introduction takes the reader on a journey through Shaivite philosophy, history, folklore, ritual and myth. Rs. 395/- Sixth Edition ISBN : 978-81-8462-013-9 Vishnu - An Introduction Devdutt Pattanaik Vishnu: An Introduction attempts to highlight the many aspects of the preserver of the cosmos. As the sustainer of the elements, the lord of ten principal avatars, and the god of a thousand names – Rama, Krishna, Varaha, Narasimha, Narayana – Vishnu is an enigma and an intellectual challenge. The book untangles the bulk of this Godhead’s philosophy. Through a narrative that is eminently simple, and images that compliment a lucidly-written text, the book guides the reader through Vaishnava belief, history, folklore and myth. Rs. 395/- Third Edition ISBN : 978-81-87111-90-0 4 | www.vakilspublications.com Mythology - Introduction Series Lakshmi - An Introduction Devdutt Pattanaik Lakshmi, the goddess of material abundance, affluence, authority and auspiciousness is one of the most popular deities of the Hindu pantheon. The book presents a comprehensive description of the goddess, and helps the reader appreciate the Hindu approach to wealth and power. Simultaneously, it also delves into the temples, symbols, festivals, and names associated with her, and the rituals that promise material fulfillment. Rs. 395/- Third Edition ISBN : 978-81-8462-019-1 www.vakilspublications.com | 5 Mythology - Introduction Series Nanak - An Introduction Purushottam Nijhaawan This book seeks to celebrate the timelessness of Nanak’s teachings and its relevance to modern-day issues. Hailed as one of the greatest spiritual leaders of mankind, Guru Nanak’s message of unconditional faith and unremitting generosity was path-breaking. It resulted in the formation of India’s youngest religion, Sikhism. The book unfolds the life of a thinker, reformer and spiritualist, while explicating the teachings of the Guru Granth. With beautiful illustrations, an uncomplicated narrative, and English translations of Sikh prayers, the book is a must-buy for every curious reader. Rs. 295/- ISBN : 81-87111-67-4 Hanuman - An Introduction Devdutt Pattanaik Brother of Bhima, Son of Vayu, Guardian of Sita, Devotee of Rama, Hanuman is at once, the lord of strength and the lord of devotional surrender. Hanuman: An Introduction takes the reader through the life and philosophical impetus of India’s beloved Monkey God. Drawing from a rich pool of sources, the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, the Puranas and juxtaposing text with image, the book is an exploration of one of Hinduism’s most popular deities. Rs. 395/- Second Edition ISBN : 978-81-87111-94-8 6 | www.vakilspublications.com Spiritual Srimad Rajchandraji’s Adi Sankaracharya’s Atma-Siddhi Bhaja Govindam In Search of the Soul Follow Your Heart Translated by Chandrika Translated by Chandrika Atma-Siddhi, a 142 verse philosophical Adi Sankara’s Bhaja Govindam is a little poem, is a dialogue between the master collection of thirty-one verses in and the pupil, on the subject of the soul Sanskrit by the saint and scholar Adi and its journey through this world of Sankaracharya and his disciples. Also material manifestations. Written in known as Moha Mudgara or The lyrical and lucid Gujarati, by the great End of Illusion, the verses look at the Jain saint, Srimad Rajchandraji, it is as relevant today, as when it eternal question of man’s quest for happiness in a world that is was first written more than a hundred years ago. transient and filled with delusions. A contemporary of Gandhiji, Srimadji was considered by the Sankara in clear and lucid language, (probably the simplest Mahatma to be his spiritual mentor. Attaining enlightenment at Sanskrit text available) speaks of man’s weaknesses – lust, an unbelievably young age of 32 years, Srimadji, remains, even anger, greed and attachment – and the steps needed to today, one of those iconic spiritual teachers, who balanced, with overcome them. Our present translation includes stories from ease and grace, the life of a householder with that of a sage. the vast repertoire of wisdom literature across a wide spectrum The book is an interpretation that underscores the validity of of spiritual traditions. Srimadji’s work, for young and old, the spiritually and not so It also contains an exhaustive biography of Adi Sankara spiritually inclined, in a manner that is interesting as well as himself, his contribution to Hinduism and a chapter on the insightful. relevance of Bhaja Govindam today. Rs. 340/- ISBN : 81-87111-82-8 Rs. 290/- ISBN : 978-81-8462-001-6 www.vakilspublications.com | 7 Spiritual Understanding Ra–ma–yan. a as Ra–ma Within G. L. Narayan Understanding Ramayana as Rama Within is an attempt at enacting the Ramayana using the body – both the physical and the metaphysical ones – as the stage.