This book explores the diversity of Hindu goddesses and the variety
of ways in which they are worshiped. Although they undoubtedly
have ancient origins, Hindu goddesses and their worship is
still very much a part of the fabric of religious engagement
in India today. Hindu Goddesses: Beliefs and Practices offers
an introduction to a complex and often baffling field of study.
Part I, Beliefs, provides a series of encounters
with a range of Hindu goddesses starting with the idea of ‘Goddess’ as
a philosophical concept. Topics include textual evidence for belief
structures, goddess mythology, and the importance of ‘the
Goddess’ in Tantrism.
Part II, Practices, leads the reader through the tangled web of
goddess worship, pausing along the way to examine the contrast
between temple and local worship, the splendour of festivals and
the importance of pilgrimage to those places in India where goddesses
are considered to reside.
A Conclusion provides details of contemporary developments in
goddess worship, such as the appearance of new deities who supply
the needs of worshipers in the twenty-first century.
No prior knowledge is necessary as the book is aimed at undergraduate
students and anyone interested in the religions and philosophy
of India
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List of Contents to follow |
Publication Details
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ISBN: |
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9781902210438 p/b |
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Page Extent / Format: |
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224 pp. / 229 x 152 mm |
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Release Date: |
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November 2009 |
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Illustrated: |
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Yes |
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paperback Price: |
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£16.95 / $35 |
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