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This book offers a close-up view of the religious world of one of the most influential families in Vrinbadan, India's premier place of pilgrimage for worshipers of Krishna. This priestly family has arguably been the most creative force in this important town. Their influence also radiates well beyond India's borders both because of their tireless work in fostering scholarship and performance about Krishna and because the scion of the family, Shrivatsa Goswami, has become an international spokesman for Hindu ways and concerns. Case, who has been an occasional resident in the family ashram, gives the reader a real sense of the atmosphere of daily life there, and the complete devotion of the residents to the service and worship of Krishna.
This book investigates the intersection of traditional priestly life and modern global influence within a prominent Brahman family in Vrindaban. Margaret H. Case, an academic observer with firsthand experience in the family's ashram, utilizes ethnographic observation to document the daily religious practices of the Goswami family. The text argues that this specific lineage serves as a primary conduit for the preservation and international dissemination of Krishna-centered devotion. By focusing on the interplay between local ritual service and global outreach, the author provides a framework for understanding how ancient religious traditions adapt to contemporary international contexts.
What You Will Find
Scholars and students of religious studies frequently cite this work for its intimate, grounded perspective on the lived experience of Hindu priesthood. The text is recognized as a valuable resource for understanding the practical application of devotion in a modern pilgrimage center.
Page Count:
192
Publication Date:
2000-04-20
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0195130103
ISBN-13:
9780195130102
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