Devas, demons and Buddhist cosmology in Sri Lanka: apotheosis and the spiritual progression of Hūniyam
Introduction -- 1. Deva and Demon Worship in Sri Lanka -- 2. Temples, Shrines, and Sacred Spaces of Hūniyam -- 3. Iconography of Hūniyam -- 4. Historical Context -- 5. European Colonialism versus the Indigenous Kingdoms -- 6. From British Hegemony to the Modern Era -- 7. The Potential Apotheos...
| Main Author: | |
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| Format: | Print Book |
| Language: | English |
| Subito Delivery Service: | Order now. |
| Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
| WorldCat: | WorldCat |
| Fernleihe: | Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste |
| Published: |
London New York
Routledge
2022
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| In: |
Routledge South Asian religion series (22)
Year: 2022 |
| Series/Journal: | Routledge South Asian religion series
22 |
| Standardized Subjects / Keyword chains: | B
Sri Lanka
/ Theravada
/ Gods
/ Demon
/ Cosmogony
B Rājapakṣa, Mahinda 1945- / Apotheosis |
| Further subjects: | B
Buddhism (Sri Lanka)
Customs and practices
B Sri Lanka Religious life and customs B Devas (Sri Lanka) B Buddhist demonology (Sri Lanka) B Buddhist cosmology |
| Summary: | Introduction -- 1. Deva and Demon Worship in Sri Lanka -- 2. Temples, Shrines, and Sacred Spaces of Hūniyam -- 3. Iconography of Hūniyam -- 4. Historical Context -- 5. European Colonialism versus the Indigenous Kingdoms -- 6. From British Hegemony to the Modern Era -- 7. The Potential Apotheosis of Mahinda Rājapakṣa -- 8. Hūniyam as an Invader -- 9. Conclusion -- Notes. "This book examines the worship of devas and demons in Sri Lanka, illustrating how diverse influences interacted to create the Sinhala Buddhist cosmology. The work explains the processes by which apotheosis plays an important role in revitalizing that cosmology. The author offers an examination of holy sites associated with the worship of Huniyam. These sacred spaces each have a unique background historically, and the ritualists associated with these sites have divergent understandings concerning Huniyam. Building upon the examination of the temples, the book delves into the iconography of Huniyam, illustrating his transformation from demon to deity in the manner that he is depicted in imagery associated with his worship. The book moves to a discussion of Aritta Kivendu Perumal, a South Indian adventurer, demonstrating the likelihood that he is the historical figure later apotheosized as Huniyam. Sri Lankan society felt his impact so strongly, that in death he became a demon in the Sinhala Buddhist cosmology. Finally, the book demonstrates that the same apotheosis processes are at work today. This book will be of interest to researchers and students engaged in the study of religion, anthropology, folklore, and history, specifically in the South Asian context"-- |
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| Item Description: | Includes bibliographical references and index |
| ISBN: | 1032192666 |