Hindu Images and Their Worship With Special Reference to Vaisnavism ─ A Philosophical-theological Inquiry

Hinduism comprises the majority religio-cultural traditions of India, and the term represents the faith of millions of Hindus in many other parts of the world. Hinduism can also play a valuable role in helping us understand the nature of religion and human responses to life, not least in lively and instructive contrast to the beliefs and practices of the so-called Abrahamic faiths. Hindu image-worship lies at the core of what counts for "Hinduism" – up-front and subject to much curiosity and misunderstanding. It is a defining feature of the tradition.

This book provides a philosophical-theological rationale for Hindu image-worship, with special reference to Vai??ava traditions. It offers a comprehensive account of the philosophical and theological rationale of such belief and practice in Hinduism. The author concentrates mainly, but not exclusively, on Sanskritic source material to show that image-worship may be understood via three levels of interpretation - the metaphysical/theological, narratival or mythic, and performative.

Rich in Indological detail, and with an impressive grasp of the philosophical and theological issues underlying materiality, worship, and image worship, this book will be of interest to academics studying theology, Indian philosophy and Hinduism.

Julius J. Lipner is Professor Emeritus of the Faculty of Divinity, University of Cambridge, UK and a Senior Fellow of the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies, UK.