
Alternative Krishnas
Regional and Vernacular Variations on a Hindu Deity
Guy L. Beck(Editor)
State University of New York Press
Published on 24. March 2005
Book
Hardback
233 pages
978-0-7914-6415-1 (ISBN)
Description
Going beyond the standard depictions of Krishna in the epics, this book uses regional and vernacular sources to present a wide range of Krishna traditions.
Krishna-widely venerated and adored in the Hindu tradition-is a deity of many aspects. An ancient manifestation of the Supreme God Vishnu, or the Godhead itself, Krishna is the bringer of Yoga philosophy and the creator of the universe, the destroyer of evil tyrants, and the hero of the epic Mahabharata. He is also described in classical Sanskrit texts as having human characteristics and enjoying very human pursuits: Krishna is the butter thief, cowherd, philanderer, and flute player. Yet even these playful depictions are based upon descriptions found in the Sanskrit canon, and mostly reflect familiar, classical Pan-Indian images.
In this book, contributors examine the alternative, or unconventional, Krishnas, offering examples from more localized Krishna traditions found in different regions among various ethnic groups, vernacular language traditions, and remote branches of Indian religions. These wide-ranging, alternative visions of Krishna include the Tantric Krishna of Bengal, Krishna in urban women's rituals, Krishna as monogamous husband and younger brother in Braj, Krishna in Jainism, Krishna in Marathi tradition, Krishna in South India, and the Krishna of nineteenth-century reformed Hinduism.
Krishna-widely venerated and adored in the Hindu tradition-is a deity of many aspects. An ancient manifestation of the Supreme God Vishnu, or the Godhead itself, Krishna is the bringer of Yoga philosophy and the creator of the universe, the destroyer of evil tyrants, and the hero of the epic Mahabharata. He is also described in classical Sanskrit texts as having human characteristics and enjoying very human pursuits: Krishna is the butter thief, cowherd, philanderer, and flute player. Yet even these playful depictions are based upon descriptions found in the Sanskrit canon, and mostly reflect familiar, classical Pan-Indian images.
In this book, contributors examine the alternative, or unconventional, Krishnas, offering examples from more localized Krishna traditions found in different regions among various ethnic groups, vernacular language traditions, and remote branches of Indian religions. These wide-ranging, alternative visions of Krishna include the Tantric Krishna of Bengal, Krishna in urban women's rituals, Krishna as monogamous husband and younger brother in Braj, Krishna in Jainism, Krishna in Marathi tradition, Krishna in South India, and the Krishna of nineteenth-century reformed Hinduism.
Reviews / Votes
"Alternative Krishnas is written by and for Indologists, though it can be profitably read by others, assuming that they have some background in South Asian studies Graduate students and scholars with an interest in the history of South Asian religions will find that the book presents fascinating insights into a very complex group of related religious traditions." - Nova Religio"After many 'many Raemaeyanas' and a host of volumes featuring 'many goddesses' a volume on 'many Krishnas' was overdue. Finally, Guy Beck has obliged us by providing a beautifully produced volume with some fascinating research papers presenting 'regional and vernacular variations on a Hindu deity.'" - Indo-Iranian Journal
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Albany, NY
United States
Target group
US School Grade: College Graduate Student and over
Product notice
sewn/stitched
Cloth over boards
Dimensions
Height: 236 mm
Width: 160 mm
Thickness: 20 mm
Weight
441 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-7914-6415-1 (9780791464151)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
02/2012
1st Edition
De Gruyter
€35.99
Available for download
Person
Guy L. Beck , a religious historian, teaches Hinduism and Asian Religions in the Religious Studies Program at Tulane University. He is the author of Sonic Theology: Hinduism and Sacred Sound.
Content
Acknowledgments
1. Introduction
Guy L. Beck
2. Contemporary Metaphor Theory and Alternative Views of Krishna and Radha in Vaishnava Sahajiya Tantric Traditions
Glen Alexander Hayes
3. Folk Vaishnavism and the Thakur Pancayat: Life and Status among Village Krishna Statues
June McDaniel
4. Domesticating Krishna: Friendship, Marriage, and Women's Experience in a Hindu Women's Ritual Tradition
Tracy Pintchman
5. Krishna as Loving Husband of God: The Alternative Krishnology of the Radhavallabha Sampradaya
Guy L. Beck
6. HolOE through DaujOE's Eyes: Alternate Views of Krishna and Balarama in DaujOE
A. Whitney Sanford
7. A Family Affair: Krishna Comes to Pandharpur and Makes Himself at Home
Christian Lee Novetzke
8. Dance before Doom: Krishna in the Non-Hindu Literature of Early Medieval South India
Anne E. Monius
9. Hero of Wonders, Hero in Deeds: Vasudeva Krishna in Jaina Cosmohistory
Jerome H. Bauer
10. Epiphany in Radha's Arbor: Nature and the Reform of Bhakti in Hariaudh's Priyapravas
Valerie Ritter
Contributors
Index
1. Introduction
Guy L. Beck
2. Contemporary Metaphor Theory and Alternative Views of Krishna and Radha in Vaishnava Sahajiya Tantric Traditions
Glen Alexander Hayes
3. Folk Vaishnavism and the Thakur Pancayat: Life and Status among Village Krishna Statues
June McDaniel
4. Domesticating Krishna: Friendship, Marriage, and Women's Experience in a Hindu Women's Ritual Tradition
Tracy Pintchman
5. Krishna as Loving Husband of God: The Alternative Krishnology of the Radhavallabha Sampradaya
Guy L. Beck
6. HolOE through DaujOE's Eyes: Alternate Views of Krishna and Balarama in DaujOE
A. Whitney Sanford
7. A Family Affair: Krishna Comes to Pandharpur and Makes Himself at Home
Christian Lee Novetzke
8. Dance before Doom: Krishna in the Non-Hindu Literature of Early Medieval South India
Anne E. Monius
9. Hero of Wonders, Hero in Deeds: Vasudeva Krishna in Jaina Cosmohistory
Jerome H. Bauer
10. Epiphany in Radha's Arbor: Nature and the Reform of Bhakti in Hariaudh's Priyapravas
Valerie Ritter
Contributors
Index