The Guru Shishya Tradition in Hinduism for Kids
The Guru Shishya Parampara/Tradition is a very important part of the Hindu culture and religion. The oral transmission of sacred knowledge, from the teacher to the student, continues till today.
There have been numerous instances of one or both the parents taking on the role of Guru for their child/children and imparting Religious and Secular education.
Hindu tradition is very rich in the art of story telling and poetry. You can help your kids know the nuances of Hinduism through the help of the modern retellings of traditional Hindu stories listed below. In this way you will continue the ancient Guru Shishya Parampara.
Young Children
Traditional Hindu Storybooks in English for Young Kids, Recommended for Pre-k, Kindergarten and early elementary school: Kids aged 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 years old.
Beautifully illustrated retelling for an international audience of stories like the young Krishna escaping the evil Kamsa and how an unwise king is humbled by the daughter of an elephant keeper.
Traditional Hindu children stories, recommended for children aged 4 through 8.
Rivers are the mothers of all human civilizations. Hindus continue to venerate Ganga, or the Ganges as she is known in the west, as the most holy of rivers. Sage Baghirath meditated long, so that the souls of his ancestors could find bliss, and Ganga came roaring down from the Heavens to the Himalayas. Beautiful picture book for young kids – it will help them learn more about one of the most important symbols of devotion in Hinduism.
Traditional Hindu children stories, recommended for children between 4 and 8 years of age.
Hanuman – the powerful and intelligent monkey God – is one of the central figures in the traditional Ramayana epic. Kids just love him – because he is so powerful and has a very mischievous nature. When Laxman, the younger brother of Ram (Rama), was seriously wounded in the fight against Ravan – the king of Lanka, Hanuman flew to get the life saving Sanjeevani herb. This beautiful look narrates the story of Hanuman’s successful attempt to save Laxman.
Traditional Hindu children story, recommended for children between 4 and 8 years of age.
A Mandir or Temple is where Hindus worship. Nearly all Hindu homes have a small Mandir shrine at home too. Most Mandirs are dedicated to a particular deity, while some bigger ones can house multiple ones. Let your young children know what a Hindu Temple is, and what’s its significance. The book also contains an introduction to the principal religions of the world, and has quality pics in it – something the kids are going to love.
Hindu children stories, recommended for children between 4 and 8 years of age.
Mahabharata is the greatest epic India has produced. With about one hundred thousand verses, and about 1.8 million words in total, this great story of Kings and Queen, War and Love, History and Religion, can be tough to grasp even for adults. The Bhagavad Gita, a well known Hindu scripture all over the world, is a part of Mahabharata. Help your kids get acquainted with one of the greatest stories ever told. With beautiful illustrations and easy to understand text – this surely will be a treat for young curious minds.
Traditional Hindu children stories, recommended for children between 4 and 8 years of age.
Pre-Teens: Hindu Holy Books in English for kids aged 10, 11 and 12
Krishna is one of the most popular Gods in Hinduism. He is considered to be an incarnation of God Vishnu – the Preserver – who comes to earth whenever the sinners begin to gain an upper hand. Krishna was raised up by a foster mother in a society of cow herders. He was a very mischievous kid and would play pranks on his mother, and friends. Follow the adventures of Krishna in this traditional story, as he grows up in the neighborhood of Vrindavan.
Traditional Hindu Story, Recommended For Children between 9 and 12 years of age.
Traditional Hindu Religious Tales accompanied by beautiful illustrations and fact boxes which contain useful information about Hinduism. The book also contains supplementary information, so kids get interested in the religion and want to know more. Nice way to ignite curiosity about various aspects of the faith in the minds of the young ones.
Recommended For : Children between 9 and 12 years of age.
My Hindu Year (A Year of Religious Festivals)
India is a land of sacred festivals. From Holi to Diwali, and Raksha Bandhan to Shiv Ratri – there is a festival for every season and reason. Educate your kid about Hindu festivals and why they are celebrated. This book looks inside eight-year-old Dhara’s diary to read what it’s like to be at each event. Nice, interesting way to learn about the festivities which are an integral part of this great Religion.
Recommended For : Children between 9 and 12 years of age.
Teenagers and Young Adults: Hindu Religious Books in English
The Little Book of Hindu Deities: From the Goddess of Wealth to the Sacred Cow
Hinduism is said to have a Pantheon of 330 million Gods and Goddesses. This is a great book to get acquainted with some of the more popular Hindu Gods and Goddesses. What really make the book remarkable are the full-color illustrations by the author – Sanjay Patel. He is an animator at the Pixar Studios! So have fun while you learn who is who is the Hindu Religious hierarchy of the divine beings.
Recommended For : Teenagers and Young Adults. HUGELY popular, because it is funny and easy to understand. Suitable for kids and adults.
Traditional Holy stories can be fun!
Encyclopedia Of Hinduism (Encyclopedia of World Religions)
If your kid is the type who wants to know everything – this book is just right. It is a very useful reference book for Hindus raised in the west, and also westerners interested in Hinduism. It is a concise explanation of Hinduism in an easily understood format that is not an ordeal to read – that’s how a reader reviews this Encyclopedia on Amazon. Improve your understanding of the Hindu faith and share it with others.
Recommended For : Teenagers and Young Adults.
Though a Kindle version is available, readers recommend the hardcover instead.
The Holy Vedas ; Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda, Atharva Veda
Vedas are the fountainhead of Hindu philosophy and religion. Even after thousands of years – they continue to be the ultimate guide for Hindus all over the world. So much of what is taught by modern masters originates in these 4 holy books of Hinduism. Isn’t it best to drink from the source?
This book explains the contents of the Vedas in easy to follow language, based on reader-friendly translations of the most famous verses and stanzas.
Recommended For Teenagers and Adults who want to know more about the textual basis of Hinduism.