God of Justice: Ritual Healing and Social Justice in the Central Himalayas
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Author Description
God of Justice deals with ritual healing in the Central Himalayas of north India, focusing on the cult of Bhairav, a local deity associated with the lowest castes, who are frequently victims of social injustice. When they are exploited or abused they often turn to Bhairav for justice, beseeching him to afflict their oppressors with disease and misfortune. In order to bring their suffering to an end, the oppressors must make amends with their victims and worship Bhairav together with them. Much of the book focuses on the tension between the high moral value placed on family unity on the one hand, and the inevitable conflicts within it on the other. This highly readable book describes the author's own experiences in the field as well as ritual healing practices such as divination, sacrifice, and exorcism.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
This work investigates the intersection of ritual healing practices and social justice mechanisms within the caste-stratified society of the Central Himalayas. William S. Sax utilizes his extensive ethnographic fieldwork to examine how the cult of Bhairav functions as a mediator for marginalized populations. By analyzing the interplay between divine retribution and social reconciliation, the author argues that these rituals provide a necessary framework for addressing systemic exploitation and restoring communal order.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- Ethnographic analysis of the Bhairav cult and its role among lower castes in North India.
- Documentation of ritual practices including divination, animal sacrifice, and exorcism.
- Examination of the tension between the cultural ideal of family unity and the reality of domestic conflict.
- Case studies illustrating how ritual affliction serves as a catalyst for conflict resolution between oppressors and victims.
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Scholars of South Asian anthropology frequently cite this text for its nuanced portrayal of local religious agency and the practical application of ritual in social disputes. The prose is noted for its accessibility, making it a valuable resource for both academic researchers and students interested in the sociology of religion.
Page Count:
298
Publication Date:
2009-01-02
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0195335856
ISBN-13:
9780195335859
Religion
Ritual Studies
Social justice
Sociology
Anthropology
Folklore_india
India
