When a Goddess Dies - Worshipping Ma Anandamayi After Her Death

Using numerous interviews and extensive research, this book explores the devotional movement of the enduring religious figure, Anandamayi Ma, venerated both as a guru and an incarnation of the Divine on Earth. Orianne Aymard asks what happens to a charismatic movement after the death (mahasamadhi) of the guru.

About the author

Orianne Aymard is Visiting Scholar at the South Asia Institute of Columbia University.

Summary

Using numerous interviews and extensive research, this book explores the devotional movement of the enduring religious figure, Anandamayi Ma, venerated both as a guru and an incarnation of the Divine on Earth. Orianne Aymard asks what happens to a charismatic movement after the death (mahasamadhi) of the guru.

Additional text

Orianne Aymard s study of the cult of Sri Anandamayi Ma is among the best works to date on the fate of contemporary post-charismatic religious movements. Through interviews with Ma s devotees, Aymard illustrates the fundamental Hindu belief in the presence of a saint after his or her death. She also describes the perils inherent in the institutionalization of the saint s charisma by her surviving devotees. A tour de force!

Product details

• Authors: Orianne Aymard, Orianne (Visiting Scholar At South Asia In Aymard, Aymard Orianne
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 01.07.2014
• EAN: 9780199368617
• ISBN: 978-0-19-936861-7
• No. of pages: 368
• Subjects: Non-fiction book > Philosophy, religion > Biographies, autobiographies; Social sciences, law, business > Law > International law, foreign law; BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY / Religious, RELIGION / Hinduism / General, Religion & beliefs, Biography: religious & spiritual, Hinduism, Religion and beliefs, Biography: religious and spiritual