Alternative Krishnas : regional and vernacular variations on a Hindu deity / edited by Guy L. Beck.

Format:

Book

Contributor:

Beck, Guy L., 1948-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Krishna (Hindu deity)--Cult.

Krishna.

Krishna (Hindu deity).

Cults.

Hinduism--Customs and practices.

Hinduism.

Physical Description:

vii, 217 pages ; 24 cm

Place of Publication:

Albany : State University of New York Press, [2005]

Summary:

Krishna-widely venerated and adored in the Hindu tradition-is a deity of many aspects. An ancient manifestation of the Supreme God Vishnu, or the Godhead itself, Krishna is the bringer of Yoga philosophy and the creator of the universe, the destroyer of evil tyrants, and the hero of the epic Mahabharata. He is also described in classical Sanskrit texts as having human characteristics and enjoying very human pursuits: Krishna is the butter thief, cowherd, philanderer, and flute player. Yet even these playful depictions are based upon descriptions found in the Sanskrit canon, and mostly reflect familiar, classical Pan-Indian images.

In this book, contributors examine the alternative, or unconventional, Krishnas, offering examples from more localized Krishna traditions found in different regions among various ethnic groups, vernacular language traditions, and remote branches of Indian religions. These wide-ranging, alternative visions of Krishna include the Tantric Krishna of Bengal, Krishna in urban women's rituals, Krishna as monogamous husband and younger brother in Braj, Krishna in Jainism, Krishna in Marathi tradition, Krishna in South India, and the Krishna of nineteenth-century reformed Hinduism.

Contents:

Chapter 2 Contemporary Metaphor Theory and Alternative Views of Krishna and Radha in Vaishnava Sahajiya Tantric Traditions / Glen Alexander Hayes 19

Chapter 3 Folk Vaishnavism and the Thakur Pancayat: Life and Status among Village Krishna Statues / June McDaniel 33

Chapter 4 Domesticating Krishna: Friendship, Marriage, and Women's Experience in a Hindu Women's Ritual Tradition / Tracy Pintchman 43

Chapter 5 Krishna as Loving Husband of God: The Alternative Krishnology of the Radhavallabha Sampradaya / Guy L. Beck 65

Chapter 6 Holi through Dauji's Eyes: Alternate Views of Krishna and Balarama in Dauji / A. Whitney Sanford 91

Chapter 7 A Family Affair: Krishna Comes to Pandharpur and Makes Himself at Home / Christian Lee Novetzke 113

Chapter 8 Dance before Doom: Krishna in the Non-Hindu Literature of Early Medieval South India / Anne E. Monius 139

Chapter 9 Hero of Wonders, Hero in Deeds: Vasudeva Krishna in Jaina Cosmohistory / Jerome H. Bauer 151

Chapter 10 Epiphany in Radha's Arbor: Nature and the Reform of Bhakti in Hariaudh's Priyapravas / Valerie Ritter 177.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

0791464156

OCLC:

55797661