Vicissitudes of the Goddess : reconstructions of the Gramadevata in India's religious traditions /
Sree Padma,1956-author.
"This book provides a detailed history of Hindu goddess traditions with a special focus on the local goddesses of Andhra Pradesh, past and present. The antiquity and the evolution of these goddess traditions are illustrated and documented with the help of archaeological reports, literary sources, inscriptions and art. Tracing the symbols and images of goddess into the brahmanical (Saiva and Vaisnava), Buddhist, and Jaina religious traditions, the book argues effectively how and with what motivations goddesses and their symbolizations were appropriated and transformed. The book also examines the evolution of popular Hindu goddesses such as Durga and Kali, discussing their tribal and agricultural backgrounds. It also deals extensively with how and in what circumstances women are deified and shows how these deified women cults share characteristics with the village goddesses." -- Publisher website.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Goddess explained, perspectives from the West -- Contextualizing the fertility goddess and the Gramadevata -- Fertility symbols of goddesses : historical renderings and contemporary practices -- Profiles of anthropomorphic goddesses in myth, ritual, and history -- Bala Perantalu : auspicious virgin mothers -- Perantalu : auspicious wives -- Deifying victimized women : sacrifices and murders.
"This book provides a detailed history of Hindu goddess traditions with a special focus on the local goddesses of Andhra Pradesh, past and present. The antiquity and the evolution of these goddess traditions are illustrated and documented with the help of archaeological reports, literary sources, inscriptions and art. Tracing the symbols and images of goddess into the brahmanical (Saiva and Vaisnava), Buddhist, and Jaina religious traditions, the book argues effectively how and with what motivations goddesses and their symbolizations were appropriated and transformed. The book also examines the evolution of popular Hindu goddesses such as Durga and Kali, discussing their tribal and agricultural backgrounds. It also deals extensively with how and in what circumstances women are deified and shows how these deified women cults share characteristics with the village goddesses." -- Publisher website.
Hindu goddesses
Folk religion