Ritual Art Of India

The splendour and diversity of India's ritual arts are incomparable. As Ajit Mookerjee explains, they are also a 'way' - a door to a new dimension of existence. The great gods and goddesses of India, Siva and Krishna, Durga and Lakshmi, and countless local deities, all have their own icons and symbols, their ceremonies and rites. From village wall-paintings and wayside shrines to complex classical icons, Ajit Mookerjee shows that the ritual art of India has deep historical roots, but is also a living tradition, representing an awareness of the 'oneness' of the universe.

Ajit Mookerjee is the distinguished author of numerous books on Indian art and religion.

Contents:

 Preface Introduction 1 Primal Form 2 Nature Worship 3 Fertility Rites 4 Popular Cults 5 Sivaism 6 Vishnuism 7 Saktism 8 Syncretism 9 Death and Rebirth 10 Bliss-consciousness Bibliography Glossary Index