Study of the importance of Varanasi as a centre for Hindu pilgrimage and the traditional priestcraft of the place.

The Encyclopedia of Hinduism contains over 900 entries reflecting recent advances in scholarship which have raised new theoretical and methodological issues as well as identifying new areas of study which have not been addressed previously. The debate over the term 'Hinduism' in the light of post-Orientalist critiques is just one example of how once standard academic frameworks have been called into question. Entries range from 150-word definitions of terms and concepts to 5,000-word in-depth investigations of major topics. The Encyclopedia covers all aspects of Hinduism but departs from other works in including more ethnographic and contemporary material in contrast to an exclusively textual and historical approach. It includes a broad range of subject matter such as: historical developments (among them nineteenth and twentieth century reform and revival); geographical distribution (especially the diaspora); major and minor movements; philosophies and theologies; scriptures; deities; temples and sacred sites; pilgrimages; festivals; rites of passage; worship; religious arts (sculpture, architecture, music, dance, etc.); religious sciences (e.g. astrology); biographies of leading figures; local and regional traditions; caste and untouchability; feminism and women's religion; nationalism and the Hindu radical right; and new religious movements. The history of study and the role of important scholars past and present are also discussed. Accessibility to all levels of reader has been a priority and no previous knowledge is assumed. However, the in-depth larger entries and the design of the work in line with the latest scholarly advances means that the volume will be of considerable interest to specialists. The whole is cross-referenced and bibliographies attach to the larger entries. There is a full index.

This book is a first-hand easy-to-read narration of separate group tours to Kanyakumari and Rameshwaram, two of India’s great sacred places. The author of the travelogue, Swami Atmashraddhananda, a former editor of the Vedanta Kesari, first wrote about the pilgrimage through articles in the magazine. Written in a conversational tone and replete with pictures, the book highlights the legends, religious and historical significance of the two places and their association with the Holy Mother, Swami Vivekananda and other direct disciples of Sri Ramakrishna. Both the sections of the book begin by explaining the purpose and motivation behind the pilgrimage. This book can be an inspiration to young and old readers all over the world to journey to Kanyakumari and Rameshwaram. Even those who have already been there can look at the places with new eyes.

Spirit is a frame of reference for a living a spiritually healthy life. It is a store house of spiritual experiences and encompasses enormous resources within its folds. Despite being laden with fruits of benefits, we rarely harness our spiritual core. As a result, we have become ignorant of our real pursuit and are wandering aimlessly to meet materialistic ends. Thus, the need of the hour is to unveil its potentialities and become liberated from clasp of ignorance. This calls for the realization of spirit as a universal entity requiring holistic consideration which in turn allows one to overcome our shortcomings and thereby facilitate perfection in us. Further the realization of spirituality helps in alleviation of our problems and achieving of meaningful existence in the world and hereafter. Thus the author of the book dwelled upon the essence of spirituality and the means to facilitate its practice. This book provides framework to the Mental Health Practitioners regarding the ways to practice spirituality in everyday life. This book also offers a fresh, holistic and practical framework for the integration of spirituality in psychology. This book has 10 chapters focusing on what is spirituality and the practicing domains of spirituality at the individual, healthcare, and organizational levels. This new book introduces psychology of spirituality in a lucid manner to allow the practitioners and readers to avail maximum benefits out of it.

India will just be a mere geography without its religious and spiritual ethos combined with moral values and civilization. If Bharat is known for its spiritual accomplishments and philosophical roots, one has to gratefully acknowledge the role played by its hallowed places of worship, holy rivers and magnificent mountain ranges which have inspired people for thousands of years. In particular, temples contributed in no small measure to Bharat's spiritual enlightenment, serving as a beacon to the rest of humanity. Every temple in this holy land has a story to tell, a legend to elevate our spirits and is a sacred space for all of us to experience inner joy. One can find the contribution of so many saints and rishis who devoted their entire life to many places of worship. In olden days, temples served as a great center for enriching all facets of human life—be it spiritual training or yoga; be it education; be it poetry and literature; be it fine arts and sculpture. There are thousands of fascinating temples, with great historical and spiritual backgrounds, spread all over the country. These temples can be divided into many groups, finding mention in innumerable scriptures. Which are they? Where are they located? This book is an attempt to collect and curate and tabulate information in brief which will certainly answer some of the queries a prospective yatri may have. All the information in the book was collated after personal visits to these places by author.

This book looks at various syncretic traditions in India, such as Bhakti, Nath Yogi, Sufi, Imam Shahi, Ismailis, Khojas, and others, and presents an elaborate picture of a redefined cultural space through them. It also investigates different syncretisms—Hindu–Muslim, Hindu– Muslim–Christian and Aboriginal-Ethnic—to understand diverse aspects of hybridity within the Indian nation space. It discusses how Indian nationalism was composed of different opinions from its inception, reflecting its rich diversity and pluralistic traditions. The book traces the emergence of multiple contours of Indian nationalism through the historical trajectory of religious diversity, lingering effects of colonialism, and experimentation with secularism. This volume caters to scholars and students interested in cultural studies, religion studies, pilgrimage studies, history, social anthropology, historical sociology, historical geography, religion, and art history. It will also be of interest to political theorists and general readers.