Book Review
Abstract
This collection of book reviews examines recent scholarly works on Vaishnavism, covering theological, historical, and cultural dimensions of the tradition. The reviews discuss:
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Marcus Schmücker’s Viṣṇu-Nārāyaṇa: Changing Forms and the Becoming of a Deity in Indian Religious Traditions (2023), which explores the evolution of Viṣṇu-Nārāyaṇa’s identity through Śrīvaiṣṇava texts, art, and theology, emphasizing historical and philosophical developments.
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Nancy M. Martin’s Mirabai: The Making of a Saint (2023), a study of the 16th-century poet-saint’s contested legacy, tracing her transformation from a rebellious devotee to a pan-Indian symbol of devotion and resistance.
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Martin Gurvich et al.’s Illuminations from the Rāmāyaṇa (2024), a visually rich retelling of Vālmīki’s epic, blending scholarly essays with artistic interpretations to highlight the Rāmāyaṇa’s enduring cultural and devotional influence.
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Gustavo Moura’s Sacred Sound and the Transcultural Practice of Kirtan (2024), analyzing the globalization of kirtan, its adaptation in yoga and spiritual movements, and debates over authenticity and cultural appropriation.
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Angela R. Burt’s Leading the Hare Krishna Movement: The Crisis of Succession in ISKCON (2024), a historical and institutional study of leadership challenges in ISKCON post-Prabhupāda, examining tensions between charismatic authority and organizational governance.
Together, these works illuminate Vaishnavism’s dynamic intersections with theology, history, art, and globalization, offering fresh perspectives on devotion, tradition, and modernity.
