Worshiping Siva in Medieval India: Ritual in an Oscillating Universe

by Richard H. Davis

Book Summary of Worshiping Siva In Medieval India:Ritual In An Oscillating Universe Saiva liturgy is performed in a world that oscillates: a world permeated by the presence of Siva, where humans live in a condition of bondage and where the highest aim of the soul is to attain liberation from its fetters. In this account of Indian temple ritual, Richard Davis uses medieval Hindu texts to describe the world as it is envisioned by Saiva siddhanta and the way daily worship reflects that world and acts within it. He argues that this worship is not simply a set of ritualized gestures, but rather a daily catechism in which the worshiper puts into action all the major themes of cosmic Saiva philosophy the cyclic pattern of emission and reabsorption, the human path of attaining liberation, the manifestation of divinity in the world, and the proper interrelationship of humanity and god. In re-creating the convictions and intentions of a well-versed worshiper of the twelfth century, Davis moves back and forth between philosophical and ritual texts, demonstrating the fundamental Saiva belief that the capacities of humans to know about the world and to act within it are two interrelated modalities of the unitary power of consciousness. Review : "...... a commendable work filling a lacuna in Saiva studies." -- Praci-Jyoti, Digest on Indological Studies "...........work comprises an introduction, endnotes, a glossary, a selected bibliography, an index....bibliography is indedd "selected". Those interested in a more exhaustive summary of secondary literature must extract it frooom the notes which add a welcome dimension of academic discussion & methodological reflection to the book..........Davis has laid the solid foundation of this comprehensive and comprehensible research. "-------------Wiener Zeitschrift fur die kunde Sudasiens Band XLVIII, 2004 "...... a commendable work filling a lacuna in Saiva st

Genres: Hinduism, India

216 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1991

About the author

Born: 1951; Professor of Religion; Director, Religion Program; Director, Asian Studies Program;
Bard College

Reviews

[MM · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent overview of Shaiva Siddhanta

[Pita Gabby · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book delves into the Saiva siddhanta conception of the universe, portraying it as an oscillating world permeated by Shiva's presence. This worldview serves as the backdrop for understanding the rituals and their significance, highlighting how these practices are deeply intertwined with the philosophical themes of Shaivism.

Shaiva worship is not merely a set of ritualized gestures but a daily enactment of the major themes of Saiva philosophy. These themes include the cyclic pattern of cosmic emission and reabsorption, the human path to liberation, the manifestation of divinity in the world, and the proper relationship between humanity and god. By examining these elements, Davis demonstrates how ritual practices embody and enact the abstract philosophical concepts of Shaivism, illustrating the interdependence of knowledge and action in the Saiva worldview.

The author relies heavily on medieval Hindu texts to reconstruct the worldview and ritual practices of 12th-century worshippers. This approach provides valuable insights into the historical development of Shaiva traditions and underscores the sophisticated theological and philosophical systems that informed medieval Indian religious life.

Overall, Davis's work offers a nuanced understanding of Shaiva ritual practices, moving beyond simplistic interpretations to reveal the complex philosophical underpinnings of these acts. By exploring the oscillating nature of the Shaiva universe and the role of ritual within it, the author provides a deeper appreciation of the intricate relationship between Hindu philosophy, ritual, and devotional practices in medieval India. This book serves as an important resource for scholars and students seeking to understand the rich tapestry of Indian religious traditions during this period.