Although the role of the visual is essential to Indian tradition and culture, most attempts to understand its images are laden with misperceptions. Darsan, a Sanskrit word that means "seeing," is an aid to our vision, a book of ideas to help us read, think, and look at Hindu images with tolerance and imagination.

Preface to the Third Edition Preface to the Second Edition Seeing the Sacred A. Darsan B. The Visible India C. Film Images D. The Image of God E. The Polytheistic Imagination The Nature of the Hindu Images A. The Aniconic and the Iconic Images B. The Ritual Uses of the Images C. Creation and Consecration of Images D. Festivals and Images Image, Temple, and Pilgrimage A. The Temple and the Image B. Image and Pilgrimage Afterword: Seeing the Divine Image in America A. America's Murtis and Temples B. Sri Lakshmi Temple: The Process of Divine Embodiment Notes Appendix I. Bibliography Appendix II. Note on Pronunciation Appendix III. Glossary Index

An explanation of temple worship and the use of Deity images. Darsan will give the Hindu deeper insight into the practices of his own religion, provide explanations for non-Hindu friends, and convey useful konowledge to his children. Hinduism Today

Although the role of the visual is essential to Indian tradition and culture, most attempts to understand its images are laden with misperceptions. Darsan, a Sanskrit word that means "seeing," is an aid to our vision, a book of ideas to help us read, think, and look at Hindu images with tolerance and imagination.