An Introduction to Swaminarayan Hinduism (Introduction to Religion) - Hardcover

Williams, Raymond Brady

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0521652790 ISBN 13: 9780521652797

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 2001

Synopsis

A comprehensive study of a modern form of Hinduism that is growing in the place of its birth in the Indian state of Gujarat and among Indian immigrants in east Africa, Great Britain, and the United States. It is the most prominent form of transnational Hinduism because it creates networks that define and preserve ethnic and religious identity in the modern context of rapid mobility and communication. Founded by Sahajanand Swami or Swaminarayan (1781–1830), a religious reformer in a time of great social and political change in Gujarat, Swaminarayan Hinduism expounds a path of devotion to Swaminarayan as the final, perfect manifestation of God. Raymond Brady Williams provides a detailed introduction to the history, theology, discipline, and ritual of this important form of Hinduism. Based on and extending, with considerable updating and revision, his A New Face of Hinduism: The Swaminarayan Religion (1984), the book places Swaminarayan in the context of transnational Hinduism and analyses its current status in India and abroad.

About this title

Review

'A much-needed descriptive account.' The Times Literary Supplement

'This work is most valuable as a reference source on the Swaminarayan movement.' The Journal of Asian Studies

'A book every Hindu would do well to read.' East and West Series

Book Description

Founded by Sahajanand Swami, a religious reformer in a time of great social and political change in Gujarat, Swaminarayan Hinduism expounds a path of devotion to Swaminarayan as the perfect manifestation of God. This book provides a detailed introduction to the history and ritual of this important form of Hinduism.

About this edition

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 0521652790
• ISBN 13: 9780521652797
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 266