Have you ever wondered why Hindus wave lamps in front of their deities? Or why Hindu mandirs have the particular architecture that they do? Perhaps you're wondering what those beads are that different Hindus wear around their necks? Or the significance of the red marking on their forehead? In Hindu Rites and Rituals , Sadhu Mukundcharandas does a remarkable job answering these and many more questions about Hinduism. A religion of intricate rituals, colorful festivals and beautiful stories, Hinduism can be a bewildering experience for many, even amongst its adherents. Sadhu Mukundcharandas demystifies so many of the rites and rituals, the sentiments and sacraments of Hinduism, taking the reader inside the religion to understand the assumptions and beliefs that inform the practitioner's way of life. He explores in-depth the rituals and rites that form the outward expressions of the religion; whether the question is simple, such as, why Hindus clap while singing, or more theologically dense, such as why Hindus accept deity worship, it is thoroughly addressed with ample scriptural references in a manner that assumes no prior knowledge of Hinduism. He even addresses deeper philosophical issues, such as the need for rituals if devotional sentiments are more important, from a traditional Hindu perspective. The book is beautifully designed, with more than 900 stunning color photographs, paintings and maps. It is also encyclopedic in scope, as it systematically and exhaustively covers the methods and meanings of mandir rituals, bhakti rituals, home rituals, personal rituals, and Hindu symbols through over 500 pages of lucid text. Hindu Rites and Rituals is a masterwork of research and meticulous documentation as Sadhu Mukundcharandas has referenced over 160 scholarly books and journals and 120 Hindu scriptures for this book. Ultimately, this book serves as more than a mere explanation of Hinduism, but as a call to celebrate and practice Hindu rites and rituals with a renewed sense of significance. Hindu Rites and Rituals: Sentiments, Sacraments & Symbols breaks the record with an astonishing number of superb color photographs, paintings and maps. These enable the reader to experience the depth of Hinduism and gain a better understanding of how Hindus live, how they have adjusted to migration and changing cultural trends, and how they cope with daily stress through their rites, daily rituals and festivals. The effort and care taken to include the minutest details and references from the ancient Sanskrit shastras is commendable. There's something here for every reader; all young Hindus who have been pestering parents about the "why's", parents who sorely wish to have the right answers, as well as teachers, admirers and academics. The book is worthy as a birthday gift or a gift for young Hindus about to get married. The extensive explanation of the vivah rites with photographs will make the Hindu wedding ceremony all the more meaningful and increase its sanctity in the hearts of the new couple. A must read prior to marriage. --Dr. Rashmikant Mehta, Sanskritist and Director of the B.J. Institute of Learning and Research, Ahmedabad, India Sadhu Mukundcharanadas grew up in the United Kingdom, where he studied pharmacy before ultimately deciding to dedicate his life to spiritual pursuits. A Hindu monk for the last thirty years, he has seen Hinduism through the eyes of a Westerner, embraced it wholeheartedly as a practitioner, and studied it rigorously as a scholar. Indeed, he was a star student at the Swaminarayan School of Philosophy in Gujarat, India. One of his greatest passions is sharing his learning: he has authored eight books on Hinduism.