Change, Continuity and Complexity

The Mahāvidyās in East Indian Śākta Traditions

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Eastern Religions, Hinduism, New Age
Cover of the book Change, Continuity and Complexity by Jae-Eun Shin, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Jae-Eun Shin ISBN: 9780429831027
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: May 30, 2018
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Jae-Eun Shin
ISBN: 9780429831027
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: May 30, 2018
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

The Mahāvidyās are the representative Tantric feminine pantheon consisting of ten goddesses. It is formed by divergent religious strands and elements: the mātṛ and yoginī worship, the cult of Kālī and Tripurasundarī, Vajrayāna Buddhism, Jain Vidyādevīs, Śaiva and Vaiṣṇava faith, Śrīvidyā, the Brahmanical strand of Puranic traditions, etc. This volume is the first attempt to explore the historical process, through which these traditions culminated in the Mahāvidyā cult and the goddesses with different origins and contradictory attributes were brought into a cluster, with special reference to socio-political changes in the lower Gaṅgā and Brahmaputra Valley between the 9th and 15th centuries CE.
Based on a close analysis of Purāṇas, Tantras and inscriptional evidence, and on extensive field research on archaeological remains as well as sacred sites, Jae-Eun Shin discusses the two trajectories of the Mahāvidyās in eastern Śākta traditions. Each led to the systematization of Daśamahāvidyās in a specific way: one, as ten manifestations of Durgā upholding dharma in the cosmic dimension, and the other, as ten mandalic goddesses bearing magical powers in the actual sacred site. Their attributes and characteristics have neither been static nor monolithic, and the mode of worship prescribed for them has changed in a dialectical religious process between Brahmanical and Tantric traditions of the region.
This is the definitive work for anyone seeking to understand goddess cults of South Asia in general and the history of eastern Śākta traditions in particular. To aid study, the volume includes images, diagrams and maps.

Please note: Taylor & Francis does not sell or distribute the Hardback in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The Mahāvidyās are the representative Tantric feminine pantheon consisting of ten goddesses. It is formed by divergent religious strands and elements: the mātṛ and yoginī worship, the cult of Kālī and Tripurasundarī, Vajrayāna Buddhism, Jain Vidyādevīs, Śaiva and Vaiṣṇava faith, Śrīvidyā, the Brahmanical strand of Puranic traditions, etc. This volume is the first attempt to explore the historical process, through which these traditions culminated in the Mahāvidyā cult and the goddesses with different origins and contradictory attributes were brought into a cluster, with special reference to socio-political changes in the lower Gaṅgā and Brahmaputra Valley between the 9th and 15th centuries CE.
Based on a close analysis of Purāṇas, Tantras and inscriptional evidence, and on extensive field research on archaeological remains as well as sacred sites, Jae-Eun Shin discusses the two trajectories of the Mahāvidyās in eastern Śākta traditions. Each led to the systematization of Daśamahāvidyās in a specific way: one, as ten manifestations of Durgā upholding dharma in the cosmic dimension, and the other, as ten mandalic goddesses bearing magical powers in the actual sacred site. Their attributes and characteristics have neither been static nor monolithic, and the mode of worship prescribed for them has changed in a dialectical religious process between Brahmanical and Tantric traditions of the region.
This is the definitive work for anyone seeking to understand goddess cults of South Asia in general and the history of eastern Śākta traditions in particular. To aid study, the volume includes images, diagrams and maps.

Please note: Taylor & Francis does not sell or distribute the Hardback in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book An Introduction to Psychological Care in Nursing and the Health Professions by Jae-Eun Shin
Cover of the book The Stanza by Jae-Eun Shin
Cover of the book The Economics of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services by Jae-Eun Shin
Cover of the book Natural Religion by Jae-Eun Shin
Cover of the book The Treatment of Homosexuals With Mental Health Disorders by Jae-Eun Shin
Cover of the book Crusade of the Left by Jae-Eun Shin
Cover of the book Psychotherapy Abbreviation by Jae-Eun Shin
Cover of the book The Green Executive by Jae-Eun Shin
Cover of the book Understanding Group Behavior by Jae-Eun Shin
Cover of the book African Youth Cultures in a Globalized World by Jae-Eun Shin
Cover of the book Constitutional Democracy in India by Jae-Eun Shin
Cover of the book Death Comes to the Maiden by Jae-Eun Shin
Cover of the book Nursing & Health Survival Guide: Drugs in Use by Jae-Eun Shin
Cover of the book Religious Organizations and Democratization: Case Studies from Contemporary Asia by Jae-Eun Shin
Cover of the book The Green Bottom Line by Jae-Eun Shin
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy