Hindu mythology is one of the oldest storytelling traditions in the world. Its sacred texts have shaped India for more than three thousand years.
Here you will find free PDF books covering the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, the Bhagavad Gita, the Vedas, the Upanishads, and the Puranas. They tell the stories of Vishnu, Shiva, Brahma, Ganesha, and Hanuman.
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Epics
Hindu Epics (Ramayana and Mahabharata)
The Ramayana and the Mahabharata are the two great epics of Hindu mythology. Together they hold the stories of Rama, Sita, Krishna, Arjuna, and Hanuman.
The full Ramayana of Valmiki in English, the epic of Prince Rama and his quest to rescue Sita from the demon king Ravana. Includes all seven books in a clean modern edition.
The complete Ganguli prose translation of the Mahabharata, all eighteen parvas, the longest epic poem ever written. Contains the Kurukshetra war, the Bhagavad Gita, and the full story of the Kauravas and Pandavas.
A short retelling of the Ramayana for young readers, from the birth of Rama to his coronation. Focuses on the moral lessons of devotion, truthfulness, and duty.
A short educational guide from Durham University introducing Hanuman, his qualities, and his role in the Ramayana. Includes activities and Hindu cultural context.
A visual introduction to the main Hindu gods and goddesses, including the Trimurti, Tridevi, and popular deities like Ganesha and Hanuman. Clear illustrations, ideal for beginners.
A comprehensive guide to Hindu deities from the Ramakrishna Math, covering the Vedic gods, the Trinity, Shakti manifestations, and minor deities. Written from an authoritative Hindu monastic tradition.
A classic scholarly study of Hindu religion, from the Forlong Bequest lectures at the School of Oriental Studies. Traces the development of Hindu gods and heroes through the Vedas, epics, and Puranas.
A museum teacher packet from the Art Institute of Chicago exploring a 10th-century sandstone Ganesha sculpture. Explains the iconography, attributes, and mudras of the elephant-headed god.
The Vedas, Upanishads, and Puranas are the textual foundation of Hindu religion. They contain hymns, philosophical dialogues, and mythological narratives.
A classical English translation of the Bhagavad Gita by Shri Purohit Swami. Covers the full dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna on duty, devotion, and the paths to spiritual liberation.
The complete Max Muller translation of twelve principal Upanishads, from the Chandogya and Brihadaranyaka to the Katha and Svetasvatara. Part of the Sacred Books of the East series.
Condensed English versions of all eighteen Mahapuranas, from the Brahma and Vishnu Puranas to the Shiva, Bhagavata, and Skanda Puranas. A complete reference to Hindu cosmological and devotional narratives.
The first volume of the Shiva Purana in English, part of the Ancient Indian Tradition and Mythology series. Translated by a board of scholars and included in the UNESCO Collection of Representative Works.
A concise introduction to the four Hindu cosmological ages: Satya, Treta, Dvapara, and Kali Yugas. Explains their duration, characteristics, and role in Hindu cyclical time.
An academic paper exploring how tribal communities in India have shaped and preserved Shiva worship. Examines the cross-influence between Hindu and tribal religious traditions.
The classic 1900 reference work by W. J. Wilkins, a systematic guide to the names, characters, and relationships of the principal Hindu deities. Covers both Vedic and Puranic mythology.
A comprehensive English retelling of Indian mythology covering Vedic hymns, the Ramayana, and the Mahabharata. Introduces readers to Brahmanism, Buddhism, and Jainism through their myths and legends.
A short overview of Hinduism tracing its historical development, sacred texts, and core beliefs. Presents Hinduism as a set of traditions rather than a single founded religion.
An accessible classroom introduction to Hinduism covering beliefs, deities, sacred texts, and the concept of dharma. Written as support material for teachers and students.
