Hindu Monastery in South India - Social, Religious, and Artistic Traditions

This study analyzes the role of asceticism, icons, and the guru in South India. Tracing the development of Hindu monastic orders, the author analyzes the growth of these institutions from educational establishments to centers of traditional socio-religious authority, centering her argument on the phenomenon of guru whole-body relics.

List of contents

Introduction: Hindu Monasteries in a Socio-religious Context

Chapter Two: Beginnings and Growth of Saiva Monasteries

Chapter Three: Ved¿nta Mathas: Development, Identity, and Patronage

Chapter Four: The Icon and Relic of the Guru

Chapter Five: Multivalent Symbolism of the Vrndavana

Chapter Six: Conclusions

About the author

Nalini Rao is professor of world art at Soka University of America.

Summary

This study analyzes the role of asceticism, icons, and the guru in South India. Tracing the development of Hindu monastic orders, the author analyzes the growth of these institutions from educational establishments to centers of traditional socio-religious authority, centering her argument on the phenomenon of guru whole-body relics.

Product details

• Authors: Nalini Rao, Rao Nalini
• Publisher: Lexington Books
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 31.05.2022
• EAN: 9781793622396
• ISBN: 978-1-79362-239-6
• No. of pages: 252
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > History > Regional and national histories; Non-fiction book > History > Miscellaneous; RELIGION / Hinduism / History, Hinduism, Indian sub-continent, South Asia (Indian sub-continent), Religious subjects depicted in art, Religious communities and monasticism, Religious and ceremonial art, Religious communities & monasticism, HISTORY / Asia / South / General