The Domain of Constant Excess: Plural Worship at the Munnesvaram Temples in Sri LankaThe Sri Lankan ethnic conflict that has occurred largely between Sinhala Buddhists and Tamil Hindus is marked by a degree of religious tolerance that sees both communities worshiping together. This study describes one important site of such worship, the ancient Hindu temple complex of Munnesvaram. Standing adjacent to one of Sri Lanka's historical western ports, the fortunes of the Munnesvaram temples have waxed and waned through the years of turbulence, violence and social change that have been the country's lot since the advent of European colonialism in the Indian Ocean. Bastin recounts the story of these temples and analyses how the Hindu temple is reproduced as a center of worship amidst conflict and competition. |
From inside the book
Results 1-5 of 29
Page xix
generic term for low labourer caste often described as 'firewood collector' palågi (Skt.) – 'flowery' column design of two mirrored lotus flowers paligahanavå (Sinh.) – striking revenge, a form of sorcery distinguished – xix – Glossary.
generic term for low labourer caste often described as 'firewood collector' palågi (Skt.) – 'flowery' column design of two mirrored lotus flowers paligahanavå (Sinh.) – striking revenge, a form of sorcery distinguished – xix – Glossary.
Page 4
... ran a small shrine to the Sinhala Buddhist sorcery deity Suniyam.9 He described how he used this bo tree throughout the year for sacrifice and sorcery, bringing clients from different parts of the island for night-time rites.
... ran a small shrine to the Sinhala Buddhist sorcery deity Suniyam.9 He described how he used this bo tree throughout the year for sacrifice and sorcery, bringing clients from different parts of the island for night-time rites.
Page 7
While lacking a lay trust means that Munnesvaram does not display the same kinds of local social dramas described for other south Indian temples,15 this has not meant that the temples remain aloof from the social tensions affecting Sri ...
While lacking a lay trust means that Munnesvaram does not display the same kinds of local social dramas described for other south Indian temples,15 this has not meant that the temples remain aloof from the social tensions affecting Sri ...
Page 16
... and what the 1921 Census described as non-Sinhala 'mother tongue' where the father's language was not Sinhala (Ceylon at the Census of 1921 p.156) are all evidence of the area's floating population.3 In addition to the Karava, ...
... and what the 1921 Census described as non-Sinhala 'mother tongue' where the father's language was not Sinhala (Ceylon at the Census of 1921 p.156) are all evidence of the area's floating population.3 In addition to the Karava, ...
Page 31
Thus, the pattuva displayed features of what Tambiah has described as the 'galactic polity' (Tambiah 1976, 1985): a satellite orbiting a core planet and replicating it ...
Thus, the pattuva displayed features of what Tambiah has described as the 'galactic polity' (Tambiah 1976, 1985): a satellite orbiting a core planet and replicating it ...
What people are saying - Write a review
We haven't found any reviews in the usual places.
Contents
| 1 | |
| 15 | |
Chapter 3 Myths and Marginality | 43 |
Chapter 4 Ritual Practices and Religious Identity | 59 |
Chapter 5 The Saivite Temple as a Monumental Architecture | 89 |
Puja and Arccanai | 117 |
Chapter 7 The Presence of Sakti | 133 |
Chapter 8 Guardians Games and the Formation of Power | 145 |
Chapter 9 The World Inside Out | 163 |
Chapter 10 The Domain of Excess | 183 |
Divine Kings and Regal Gods Temples in Society and History | 195 |
References | 213 |
Index | 227 |
Other editions - View all
The Domain of Constant Excess: Plural Worship at the Munnesvaram Temples in ... Rohan Bastin No preview available - 2002 |
Common terms and phrases
according action active aesthetic Ambal annual associated attend bathing becomes Bhadrakali temple body Brahmins called caste central century Chapter Chilaw closely coconut complex condition deities demonic described developed devotees discussion divine especially ethnic example existence expression festival Figure flag front goddess ground guardian hall Hindu human important Indian inside involves Jaffna Kali Kataragama king lamp land marked meaning movement Munnesvaram temple myth nature Navaratri noted Obeyesekere offerings origin Pattini pattuva performed Pillaiyar popular possibility potency potentiality practice presence priests procession puja regard region relation religious remains reveals rite ritual Saivite temple sense shrine simply Sinh Sinhala Buddhist Sinhalese situation Siva social sorcery space specific Sri Lanka statue stress symbolic takes Tamil Saivite temple’s theme traditions tree village worship
Bibliographic information
| Title | The Domain of Constant Excess: Plural Worship at the Munnesvaram Temples in Sri Lanka |
| Author | Rohan Bastin |
| Publisher | Berghahn Books, 2002 |
| ISBN | 1789203678, 9781789203677 |
| Length | 254 pages |
| Subjects | › › Religion / General Social Science / Anthropology / General |
| Export Citation | BiBTeX EndNote RefMan |