| ID | 075611 |
| Title Proper | Divine enterprise |
| Other Title Information | Hindu priests and ritual change in neighbourhood hindu temples in Bangalore |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Srinivas, Tulasi |
| Publication | 2006. |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | This paper examines the changing nature of Hindu ritual performed in neighbourhood temples in the Malleswaram 'locality' of Bangalore city against a background of sweeping socio-economic change driven by globalisation. The investigation points to several 'accretions of change' in the embedded and experiential world of popular urban Hinduism. I argue that in the changing, competitive and multi-sectarian field of urban sacred landscapes in India, Hindu Brahmin priests act as 'religious entrepreneurs' and agents of change to create 'dynamic' adapted rituals that enable innovative approaches in order to expand their devotee base. The restructured and revitalised rituals lead to the invention of a 'new cultural grammar' that allows a reinterpretation and contextualisation of the language of traditional Hindu ritual to suit the needs of 'modern' devotees. The paper focuses on the nature, performance and experience of 'dynamic' ritual in an era of 'mass customisation', including three exemplar 'strategies of engagement' brought about by the Hindu priests in Bangalore: the incorporation of technology; the language of international imagery; and modern conceptions of hygiene.This paper is dedicated to my father Prof. M.N. Srinivas who was unstinting in his support of my study of the sacred landscapes and Hindu priests of Bangalore, and whose enjoyment of my fieldwork stories kept me going back for more. |
| `In' analytical Note | South Asia: Journal of South Asian Studies Vol. 29, No.3; Dec 2006: p321 - 343 |
| Journal Source | South Asia: Journal of South Asian Studies Vol. 29, No.3; Dec 2006: p321 - 343 |
| Key Words | Neighbourhood ; Hindu Priests ; Socio-Economic ; Religions |