The Goddess and the King in Indian Myth: Ring Composition, Royal Power and the Dharmic Double Helix

ISBN-13: 9780367588168 / Angielski / Miękka / 2020 / 178 str.

Raj Balkaran

Opis

This book analyses the Devī Māhātmya and argues that its frame narrative cleverly engages a dichotomy at the heart of Hinduism: the opposing ideals of asceticism and kingship. These ideals comprise two strands of what is referred to herein as the dharmic double helix.

Recenzje

The book is laudable in correcting the idea of the Hindu Goddess as dreadful and wrathful. In the cosmic realm, she serves as the sovereign warrior, just as kings do in the earthly realm. She is a royal goddess; her wrathful emanations are episodic breaks from her benign order granting essence. The book will be an invaluable source to the students, readers, and scholars of South Asia, religious studies, Indology, Hindu studies, Purāṇic studies, and goddess traditions of India. - Vineet Gairola, Asian Affairs Volume 54, 2023 - Issue 1

Spis treści

Introduction: Framing Ascetics Framing Kings 1. Framing the Framing 2. Finding the Forest Hermit 3. Mother of Kings 4. Reading the Ring 5. Mother of Power Conclusion: Framing Frontier

O autorze

Raj Balkaran teaches at the School of Continuing Studies at the University of Toronto, Canada.