Introduction

Chapters in this book

1. Frontmatter I
2. Preface V
3. A Note on Transliteration VI
4. Contents VII
5. Introduction 1
6. 1. Creation of the Sacred Image: Apotheosis and Destruction in Hinduism 9
7. 2. On This Holy Day In My Humble Way Aspects of Pūjā 33
8. 3. Arcāvatāra: On Earth as He Is in Heaven 53
9. 4. The Devotee and the Deity: Living a Personalistic Theology 69
10. 5. Possession and Pottery: Serving the Divine in a South Indian Community 89
11. 6. God‘s Forceful Call: Possession as a Divine Strategy 103
12. 7. Founders, Swamis, and Devotees: Becoming Divine in North Karnataka 123
13. 8. The Holy Man as the Abode of God in the Swaminarayanan Religion 143
14. Conclusion 159
15. Notes and References 171
16. Contributors and Editors 189
17. Glossary 193
18. Bibliography 201