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The Hindu pantheon is rich in images of the divine feminine—deities representing a wide range of symbolic, social, and meditative meanings. David Kinsley's new book documents a highly unusual group of ten Hindu tantric goddesses, the Mahavidyas, many of whom are strongly associated with sexuality and violence. What is one to make of a goddess who cuts her own head off, or one who prefers sex with a corpse? The Mahavidyas embody habits, attributes, or identities usually considered repulsive or socially subversive and can be viewed as "antimodels" for women. Yet it is within the context of tantric worship that devotees seek to identify themselves with these forbidding goddesses. The Mahavidy...
Treasures of Lakshmi is the culmination of the much-loved goddess series, brilliantly curated and edited by Namita Gokhale and Malashri Lal. This trilogy, which began with In Search of Sita and continued with Finding Radha, examines the mystical realms of Hindu thought and practice, celebrating the essence of the sacred feminine. Whether it is Lakshmi's 108 names or a sahasranama of a thousand appellations, her blessings are multidimensional and eternal. as the third and final instalment of this remarkable trilogy, Treasures of Lakshmi takes readers on a unique journey of exploration, unravelling the compelling narrative of 'the goddess who gives'.
The Indian state of West Bengal is home to one of the world's most vibrant traditions of goddess worship. The year's biggest holidays are devoted to the goddesses Durga and Kali, with lavish rituals, decorated statues, fireworks, and parades. In Offering Flowers, Feeding Skulls, June McDaniel provides a broad, accessibly written overview of Bengali goddess worship. McDaniel identifies three major forms of goddess worship, and examines each through its myths, folklore, songs, rituals, sacred texts, and practitioners. In the folk/tribal strand, which is found in rural areas, local tribal goddesses are worshipped alongside Hindu goddesses, with an emphasis on possession, healing, and animism. T...
An illustrated A to Z reference containing more than 700 entries providing information on the theology, people, historical events, institutions and movements related to Hinduism.
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The Encyclopedia of Hinduism contains over 900 entries reflecting recent advances in scholarship which have raised new theoretical and methodological issues as well as identifying new areas of study which have not been addressed previously. The debate over the term 'Hinduism' in the light of post-Orientalist critiques is just one example of how once standard academic frameworks have been called into question. Entries range from 150-word definitions of terms and concepts to 5,000-word in-depth investigations of major topics. The Encyclopedia covers all aspects of Hinduism but departs from other works in including more ethnographic and contemporary material in contrast to an exclusively textua...
The essays in this volume, written by specialists working in the field of tantric studies, attempt to trace processes of transformation and transfer that occurred in the history of tantra from around the seventh century and up to the present. The volume gathers contributions on South Asia, Tibet, China, Mongolia, Japan, North America, and Western Europe by scholars from various academic disciplines, who present ongoing research and encourage discussion on significant themes in the growing field of tantric studies. In addition to the extensive geographical and temporal range, the chapters of the volume cover a wide thematic area, which includes modern Bengali tantric practitioners, tantric ritual in medieval China, the South Asian cults of the mother goddesses, the way of Buddhism into Mongolia, and countercultural echoes of contemporary tantric studies.
Contains A Number Of Graphics Illustrating Fundamental Concept Of Vedanta Unfolded In Vedantasara. Short Notes Are Appeared To Each Graphs In Sanskrit With English Translation. 27 Graphs In All.
The Cult of Bhairava in Nepal is an account of the Bhairava faith and conventions of Nepal. The adamantine practice of an early Saiva sect with the pragmatic convention of salvation (nivbriti) and accumulating merits (pravriti margas) as a way of life still persists and has become a part heritage in present day Nepal. Bhairava ensures the safeguarding of inevitable knowledge. He is also the reflection of a fierce aspect of Siva and is the patron sentinel deity in this land of Lord Pasupathinath. In this book, The cult of Bhairava in Nepal, Milan Ratna Shakya deals with the spiritual account as well as the cult, which is based on admiration for Bhairava rife in Nepal under local, intellectual and artistic perspectives. The spiritual realm of Bhairava cult also presents a pleasant merging of Saivism and Buddhism in Nepal. This deity has been worshipped as protector of medieval city-states in Kathmandu Valley and is known by various names like Bhailah-aju, Bhairah dyoh, Konca Bhairava or Ajudhyo in local parlance. This book is not only relevant in Nepal but in all regions where Hinduism is followed. The Cult of Bhairava in Nepal is a complete study of the Bhairava sect.
This Book Is A Treatise On Mahavidyatantras Very Rarely Dealt In The Literary Domain Of Sanskrit Thoughts. The First Chapter Of The Book Deals With The Evolution Of Sakti-Tantric Cult In General And Mahavidya Worship In Particular.