The Divine Play on Earth: Religious Aesthetics and Ritual in Orissa, India

This publication is a survey of religion and riual in Orissa, one of the major states of the Republic of India. It encompasses the literary sanskritic tradition as well as folk and tribal religious beliefs. Beginning with a brief historical introduction, it deals with important deities of Orissa, their healing powers, festivals and the ways of ascertaining their divine presence by means of darśana, visual communication. In addition, it analyses the sacred geography of the countryside and the symbols and meanings found in tribal art forms. The book is the result of the most current and up-to-date field research and is lavishly illustrated with new and previously unpublished photos.