It is significant that the stories of Vishnu rose to prominence after the rise of Buddhism. Prior to that, Hinduism was the religion of the elite-based complex rituals known as yagna and esoteric speculations captured in texts known as the Aranyakas and the Upanishads. These seemed very distant to the common man who focused on fertility rituals, worship of plants and animals and nature. To help readers unravel the secrets of Vishnu, the chapters have been arranged as below: The first chapter focuses on how gender is used to explain fundamental metaphysical concepts integral to Hinduism. The second chapter discusses the difference between man and animal. The third and fourth chapters focus on the Devas and the Asuras, both of whom are unhappy, as one struggles with insecurity and the other with Ambition. About the Author Dr Devdutt Pattanaik is a medical doctor by training, a marketing manager by profession and a mythologist by passion. He lectures extensively on the relevance of sacred stories, symbols and rituals in modern times. His books include 7 Secrets of Hindu Calendar Art, Shiva: An Introduction, Vishnu: An Introduction, Devi: An Introduction, Hanuman: An Introduction, Lakshmi: An Introduction, Krishna: An Introduction, Shiva to Shankara: Decoding the Phallic Symbol, Goddesses in India, Man Who Was a Woman and Other Queer Tales from Hindu Lore and Indian Mythology: Stories, Symbols and Rituals from the Heart of the Subcontinent.

About the Author

Devdutt Pattanaik is a doctor who worked in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry for fifteen years, before turning his passion for mythology into his profession. He has authored over 600 articles and 30 books on the relevance of sacred stories, symbols and rituals in modern times. His books include: