An Introduction to Swaminarayan Hinduism
An Introduction to Swaminarayan Hinduism
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USDA comprehensive study of a modern form of Hinduism that is growing in the place of its birth in the Indian state of Gujarat and among Indian immigrants in east Africa, Great Britain, and the United States. It is the most prominent form of transnational Hinduism because it creates networks that define and preserve ethnic and religious identity in the modern context of rapid mobility and communication. Founded by Sahajanand Swami or Swaminarayan (1781–1830), a religious reformer in a time of great social and political change in Gujarat, Swaminarayan Hinduism expounds a path of devotion to Swaminarayan as the final, perfect manifestation of God. Raymond Brady Williams provides a detailed introduction to the history, theology, discipline, and ritual of this important form of Hinduism. Based on and extending, with considerable updating and revision, his A New Face of Hinduism: The Swaminarayan Religion (1984), the book places Swaminarayan in the context of transnational Hinduism and analyses its current status in India and abroad.
- Records the development of Swaminarayan Hinduism from its beginning to its current status
- A comprehensive analysis of the entire tradition: history, theology, discipline, ritual, administration, and current status
- The Swaminarayan Hindu temples in London and Chicago and new temples in other cities are statements in stone of the presence and power of this form of Hinduism
Reviews & endorsements
"This is an extensive study of one of the most popular and fastest growing traditions within Hinduism that in the past two decades has also become one of the most significant forms of Hinduism among the Indian diaspora. Williams provides a history of the early-nineteenth century origins of the movement in Gujarat, and the subsequent development of two major branches...This book belongs on every scholar's shelf and would make an excellent textbook." Religious Studies Review Jan 2002
"This book belongs on every scholar's shelf and would make an excellent textbook." Religious Studies Review Jan 2002
"...Raymond Brady Williams has contributed greatly to an understanding of this dynamic form of Vaishnave bhakti and its distinctive place among contemporary Hindu sects and the south Asian diaspora...William's research is an indispensable foundation for work that looks at the specific engagement of Swaminarayan followers with their beliefs, what they think, what they say, and why they believe what they do." The Journal of Religion
Product details
January 2001Paperback
9780521654227
266 pages
229 × 152 × 16 mm
0.366kg
18 b/w illus. 6 tables
Temporarily unavailable - available from TBC
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- 1. The beginnings of Swaminarayan Hinduism
- 2. Growth, administration and schism
- 3. The structure of Swaminarayan theology
- 4. The sacred world
- 5. Dharma: the disciplined life
- 6. The sacred thread: transmission of tradition
- 7. Transnational growth of Swaminarayan Hinduism.
