Mahimnastava or Praise of Shiva’s Greatness

The Mahimnastava, or Mahimnastotra, a Sanskrit devotional ode in praise of Siva’s greatness is one of Hinduism’s most highly venerated religious lyrics. The edition is accompanies by an English translation, a critical apparatus, an index of stanzas, a complete word list, and an Introduction containing a discussion of the ode’s date of composition, authorship, and legendary associations. To these are added reproductions of the thirty-nine miniature paintings which illustrate a manuscript executed in Gujarat, probably in the early 17th century now belonging to the Baroda Museum. The entire series of paintings is reproduced in black and white and four of the paintings are also given in full colour.