"This fascinating little book deals in detail with what at first
might seem a small cult, colourful and dynamic certainly, but of
significance merely local to its place of origin in the Indian
state of Kerala. As the story unfolds, however, it becomes clear
that this is far from the case, and that the phenomenon is full of
interest for students of the history of religions. From Dr
Gabriel's many other writings we have learned to expect patient
investigation and humane and sympathetic interpretation. In this
book we find those qualities once more abundantly on display." -
From the Foreword by Professor Andrew Walls, Liverpool Hope
University "This very short study of a possession cult in India
raises important questions about the relation of religion to social
organization -- and of the relation of religions to each other." -
David Eller, Community College of Denver, Anthropology Review
Database June 26, 2011 Playing God discusses the genre of rituals
known as Teyyam extant in the North Malabar region of Kerala State,
India. In this elaborately costumed ritual practitioners invoke the
spirit of a deity into themselves that constitutes a splendid
theophany in which, when the ritual process is over, the devotees
are able to talk to the god and invoke his/her blessings and
predictions of their future. This book concentrates on the cult of
the Muttappan duo of gods, the most popular among the Teyyams of
North Malabar. Playing God analyses the mythology and ritual praxis
of the Muttappan cult and examines attempts to integrate the cult
into a wider Hinduism by enunciating a new hermeneutic of the
legend and rituals based on the Hindu Advaitic tradition. The book
also discusses how the Teyyam ritual contrasts significantly with
rituals and worship in Brahminical Hinduism. The popularity of the
cult is a reflection of the changing relationships between castes
in Kerala, involving a closer symbiosis and reflecting the urge by
the untouchable groups of Kerala to gain a higher standing and
acceptance in Keralan Hindu society. The rituals are rich in
theological significance and symbolism, and have links to the
performing arts of Kerala such as Kathakali and Ottam Tullal.
General
Is the information for this product incomplete, wrong or inappropriate?
Let us know about it.
Does this product have an incorrect or missing image?
Send us a new image.
Is this product missing categories?
Add more categories.
Review This Product
No reviews yet - be the first to create one!
Welcome to Loot.co.za!
Sign in / Register |Wishlists & Gift Vouchers |Help | Advanced search
