An Introduction to Swaminarayan Hinduism

Includes up-to-date information about growth, geographic expansion, leadership transitions, and the impact of Swaminarayan institutions in India and abroad.

Raymond Brady Williams (Author)

9781108421140, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 8 November 2018

290 pages
23.5 x 15.6 x 2 cm, 0.51 kg

An Introduction to Swaminarayan Hinduism, third edition, offers a comprehensive study of a contemporary form of Hinduism. Begun as a revival and reform movement in India 200 years ago, it has now become one of the fastest growing and most prominent forms of Hinduism. The Swaminarayan Hindu transnational network of temples and institutions is expanding in India, East Africa, the UK, USA, Australasia, and in other African and Asian cities. The devotion, rituals, and discipline taught by its founder, Sahajanand Swami (1781–1830) and elaborated by current leaders in major festivals, diverse media, and over the Internet, help preserve ethnic and religious identity in many modern cultural and political contexts. Swaminarayan Hinduism, here described through its history, divisions, leaders, theology and practices, provides valuable case studies of contemporary Hinduism, religion, migrants, and transnationalism. This new edition includes up-to-date information about growth, geographic expansion, leadership transitions, and impact of Swaminarayan institutions in India and abroad.

1. The beginnings of Swaminarayan Hinduism
2. Growth, administration, and schism
3. The structure of Swaminarayan theology
4. The sacred world
5. Dharma: the disciplined life
6. The sacred thread: transmission of tradition
7. Transnational growth of Swaminarayan Hinduism.

Subject Areas: Hindu worship, rites & ceremonies [HRGC]