Female Ascetics: Hierarchy and Purity in an Indian Religious Movement
This book examines in rich detail the neglected topic of female ascetics. Based on field research, it documents the social forces which facilitated the establishment of an Order of Ascetics for women, defying tradition in many respects. It describes the subtle methods by which the individual is transformed into a full member of the Order, and how hierarchy and purity are indeed integral to the process.
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This book examines in rich detail the neglected topic of female ascetics. Based on field research, it documents the social forces which facilitated the establishment of an Order of Ascetics for women, defying tradition in many respects. It describes the subtle methods by which the individual is transformed into a full member of the Order, and how hierarchy and purity are indeed integral to the process.
List of IllustrationsAcknowledgementsForewordGlossaryMap of KeralaIntroduction11The Hindu Revival72The Ramakrishna Movement: From Religious Renaissance to Nationalist Aspiration233The Ramakrishna Movement in Kerala444The Foundation of a Monastic Order for Women615The Ramakrishna Order of Samnyasinis856The Monastic Inmates1107Adjusting1288Being and Becoming1519Hierarchy and Rank18210The Concept of Purity19811Sarada Mandiram and the Local Villagers216Conclusion232Notes244Bibliography253Index259
