Review of A Hindu Primer

[Kshitija Sonawane]

[Following is a volunteer review of "A Hindu Primer" by Dr. A.V. Srinivasan.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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A Hindu Primer by Dr. A. V. Srinivasan is a book of tales for kids that helps them develop their thinking abilities while reading it. Although this book is for kids, it can be enjoyed by people of all age groups. So, don’t hesitate to grab your copy and be lost in this world which is 5000 years older than ours.

The book starts by explaining what the five Pandava brothers were doing in a forest and what a fire-making device used to look like. I, however, would argue that a pictorial reference to the device would have made more sense. The story moves on with the questions and answers of the Yaksha and Yudhishthira, the eldest among the five Pandava brothers.

The book is excellent, and the amount of work and effort that went into it is apparent. This is a fantastic, innovative step to teach kids what Dharma (right) is from Adharma (wrong). What gives my brain a more sudden jolt is how the first question is an astrology question, and I am studying astrology now. The mention of the Gods revolving around the sun gives me a new perspective. Indeed, Jyotisha (Vedic astrology) is a Vedanga (limb of the Vedas), and no matter how many times we revisit this story, it keeps giving more and more, no matter what your age group is.

I also liked how the book clarifies the difference between fake Brahmins and Brahmins based on their divine personality. Almost every Hindu scripture or book talks about more than one method a Brahmin can fall from their Varna. Caste discrimination was a problem when discrimination existed and when the distinction was made based on one’s birth and not based on one’s character and deeds. Without the so-called upper caste discriminating against the lower caste, the offensive caste system stumbles, and we are left behind with the divine varna vyavashtha. This sacred system classifies people based on their professions.

I am an Indian, and I am not a stranger to the theme of the general story of the Mahabharata. However, for a new person, there should have been a character sheet that explained who each Pandava was and their personality. A complete novice to the subject might ask why Duryodhana would poison a lake because they have no idea who Duryodhana was and how he was related to the Pandavas. A character sheet other than footnotes would have been more beneficial. The author can further work on connecting the footnotes to the symbols, such that clicking on them takes one to the footnote and back.

This book is an excellent collection of questions and answers. I found no errors in it. Overall, the Gods would not forgive me if I didn’t give it 5 out of 5 stars. What are you waiting for? Grab your copy of The Hindu Primer and start enjoying the ride.

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A Hindu Primer
View: on Bookshelves

[Anu Anand]

I agree with your points about the need for pictorial references and a character sheet. A visual of the fire-making device would clarify the concept, and a character sheet would provide essential context for those unfamiliar with the Mahabharata. These improvements would certainly make the book even more engaging and informative for readers of all backgrounds. Thank you for sharing these thoughtful insights!

[Gerry Steen]

I am sure I could learn something from this book. I am fascinated by Hindu culture and religion. The religion is so vast with many different Gods and personalities. I still do not have a grasp on it. My eldest daughter married into a Hindu family. Now both our families are bonded. My son-in-law is like my son. This children's book is what I need to gain basic knowledge. Thank you for this great review. Namaste!

[RJ Reviews]

Ah this sounds like a good opportunity to revisit our rich literature and history. Mahabharata has always been my favorite among all the epics. It has so much knowledge hidden within it that it's impossible to grasp all of them in a single read. And our new generation must read and learn from this epic story.
It was a great review, Kshitija. Looking forward to read more from you.

[Mradushi Singhal]

Your review provides an insightful glimpse into this intriguing blend of storytelling and cultural education. The focus on teaching Dharma through ancient tales is captivating, though the lack of visual aids and character context might be a hurdle for newcomers to the Mahabharata. I would love to read the book.

[Stephen Christopher 1]

I don't know a lot about Hindu religion, but I'd be keen to learn more. I'm adding this book to my list as it sounds educational. Thanks for introducing it to me.

[Adrian Bouknight]

Kshitija! Thank you for sharing this review! It sounds like an interesting book! I am not particularly big on astrology, but I do enjoy interfaith content with an ancient literary context. Your review has a lot of depth and detail and is precise and to the point. I appreciate your content and look forward to reading more of your reviews soon!

[Following is a volunteer review of "A Hindu Primer" by Dr. A.V. Srinivasan.]

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5 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

A Hindu Primer by Dr. A. V. Srinivasan is a book of tales for kids that helps them develop their thinking abilities while reading it. Although this book is for kids, it can be enjoyed by people of all age groups. So, don’t hesitate to grab your copy and be lost in this world which is 5000 years older than ours.

The book starts by explaining what the five Pandava brothers were doing in a forest and what a fire-making device used to look like. I, however, would argue that a pictorial reference to the device would have made more sense. The story moves on with the questions and answers of the Yaksha and Yudhishthira, the eldest among the five Pandava brothers.

The book is excellent, and the amount of work and effort that went into it is apparent. This is a fantastic, innovative step to teach kids what Dharma (right) is from Adharma (wrong). What gives my brain a more sudden jolt is how the first question is an astrology question, and I am studying astrology now. The mention of the Gods revolving around the sun gives me a new perspective. Indeed, Jyotisha (Vedic astrology) is a Vedanga (limb of the Vedas), and no matter how many times we revisit this story, it keeps giving more and more, no matter what your age group is.

I also liked how the book clarifies the difference between fake Brahmins and Brahmins based on their divine personality. Almost every Hindu scripture or book talks about more than one method a Brahmin can fall from their Varna. Caste discrimination was a problem when discrimination existed and when the distinction was made based on one’s birth and not based on one’s character and deeds. Without the so-called upper caste discriminating against the lower caste, the offensive caste system stumbles, and we are left behind with the divine varna vyavashtha. This sacred system classifies people based on their professions.

I am an Indian, and I am not a stranger to the theme of the general story of the Mahabharata. However, for a new person, there should have been a character sheet that explained who each Pandava was and their personality. A complete novice to the subject might ask why Duryodhana would poison a lake because they have no idea who Duryodhana was and how he was related to the Pandavas. A character sheet other than footnotes would have been more beneficial. The author can further work on connecting the footnotes to the symbols, such that clicking on them takes one to the footnote and back.

This book is an excellent collection of questions and answers. I found no errors in it. Overall, the Gods would not forgive me if I didn’t give it 5 out of 5 stars. What are you waiting for? Grab your copy of The Hindu Primer and start enjoying the ride.

******
A Hindu Primer
View: on Bookshelves

[Kshitija Sonawane]

Kshitija! Thank you for sharing this review! It sounds like an interesting book! I am not particularly big on astrology, but I do enjoy interfaith content with an ancient literary context. Your review has a lot of depth and detail and is precise and to the point. I appreciate your content and look forward to reading more of your reviews soon!

No haha sorry no the book is not about astrology, like the first few questions were. The book is about an interesting story of questions and answers

[Alissa Nesson]

I’m intrigued! I don’t have much knowledge on the subject, so I know I would appreciate a handy character sheet! I get frustratingly confused when there are too many new names or titles that I can’t remember or understand, and I’m sure having a list to refer to would be very helpful. I have studied astrology, and I’ve found it very interesting since I was a child and found all my hippy-mom’s old astrology books. But, I digress. This sounds like a great children’s book and a wonderful way to introduce anybody to the concepts and stories. Thanks for your review!