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.

Hinduism--Customs and practices.

Hinduism.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (226 p.)

Place of Publication:

Albany : State University of New York Press, c2005.

Language Note:

English

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:

Front Matter

Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Contemporary Metaphor Theory and Alternative Views of Krishna and Rādhā in Vaishnava Sahajiyā Tantric Traditions

Folk Vaishnavism and the Thākur Pañcāyat Life and Status among Village Krishna Statues

Domesticating Krishna: Friendship, Marriage, and Women’s Experience in a Hindu Women’s Ritual Tradition

Krishna as Loving Husband of God The Alternative Krishnology of the Rādhāvallabha Sampradāya

Holī through DaūjOE’s Eyes Alternate Views of Krishna and Balārama in Daūjī

A Family Affair Krishna Comes to Pandharpuūr and Makes Himself at Home

Dance before Doom Krishna in the Non-Hindu Literature of Early Medieval South India

Hero of Wonders, Hero in Deeds Vasudeva Krishna in Jaina Cosmohistory

Epiphany in Rādhā’s Arbor Nature and the Reform of Bhakti in Hariaudh’s Priyapravās

Contributors

Index

Notes:

Bibliographic Level Mode of Issuance: Monograph

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9780791483411

079148341X

9781423744061

1423744063

OCLC:

76786394