Inventing and Reinventing the Goddess: Contemporary Iterations of Hindu Deities on the Move

by Sree Padma (Contributor), Brenda Beck (Contributor), Perundevi Srinivasan (Contributor)

Popular religion in village India is overwhelmingly dominated by goddess worship. Goddesses can be nationally well-known like Durga or Kali, or they can be an obscure deity who is only known in a particular rural locale. The origins of a goddess can be both ancient—with many transitions or amalgamations with other cults having occurred along the way—and very recent. While some have tribal origins, others sprout up overnight due to a vivid dream. Inventing and Reinventing the Contemporary Iterations of Hindu Divinities on the Move looks at the nature of how and why goddesses are invented and reinvented historically in India and how social hierarchy, gender differences, and modernity play roles in these emerging religious phenomena.

Genres: Hinduism, Nonfiction, Anthropology

298 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Hakam · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book emphasises that many well-known goddesses have evolved significantly throughout history to remain relevant to their devotees. This transformation is not merely superficial; it involves deep cultural negotiations where local goddesses acquire new identities while retaining elements of their traditional worship. The essays discuss how goddesses migrate geographically—from rural to urban settings—and how this movement influences their roles and representations in different contexts1.

Padma's work critically examines the impact of modernisation on goddess worship. The essays argue that processes like colonisation and technological advancement have reshaped how local deities are perceived and worshipped. The authors explore whether the historical view of local goddesses as inferior or less significant than their more widely recognised counterparts remains valid today. This inquiry is crucial in understanding how contemporary issues—such as feminism and environmentalism—are intertwined with goddess worship in modern settings.

The volume adopts an interdisciplinary approach, combining insights from anthropology, religious studies, and cultural studies. This methodology enriches the analysis by providing multiple perspectives on the evolving nature of goddess worship. The contributors utilise various frameworks to discuss the implications of these transformations for understanding women's roles in society and spirituality.

"Inventing and Reinventing the Goddess" serves as a vital resource for scholars interested in Hindu studies, religious transformations, and gender studies. By documenting the ongoing evolution of goddess worship in response to contemporary challenges, Sree Padma's edited volume not only preserves traditional narratives but also opens avenues for new interpretations that reflect modern realities. This work encourages readers to reconsider the significance of local deities in a globalised world, making it an essential contribution to the field of religious studies.

[Mills College Library]

294.52114 I622 2014