Goddess worship has long been a significant aspect of Hinduism. In this book David Kinsley, author of The Sword and the Flute—Kali & Krsna: Dark Visions of the Terrible and the Sublime in Hindu Mythology, sorts out the rich yet often chaotic history of Hindu goddess worship.

In this book, David Kinsley sorts out the rich yet often chaotic history of Hindu goddess worship in a study that surveys the most important goddesses in the Hindu religious tradition. The author not only describes the main appearances and roles of the goddesses he has selected but also interprets the significance of each goddess within Hinduism and shows how she has come to exemplify important truths within the Hindu tradition. Each goddess is dealt with as an independent deity with a coherent mythology, theology, and in some cases, cult of her own. The book also includes an excellent bibliography. This is a valuable sourcebook and reference work for students and scholars of Hindu goddesses and of Hinduism in general.