The Mahanubhavs
This volume offers an overview of the origins and main religious and doctrinal characteristics of the Mahanubhavs, the ascetic, devotional sect that arose in 13th century Maharashtra.

Hardback, 104 Pages

ISBN:9780857284013

December 2011

£70.00, $115.00

  • About This Book
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About This Book

The ascetic, devotional sect known as the Mahanubhavs – ‘Those of the Great Experience’ – arose in 13th century Maharashtra. The Mahanubhavs initially experienced a fairly rapid expansion, particularly across the northern and eastern regions of Maharashtra. However, by the end of the 14th century their movement went underground as they sought a defensive isolation from the larger Hindu context, and they withdrew to remote areas and villages. Although the prominent leaders of the early Mahanubhavs were Brahmans (often converts from the prevailing advaita vaisnavism), their followers were and are mostly non-Brahmans, i.e. low caste people and even untouchables. Thus the Mahanubhavs were met with prejudice and distrust outside their own closed circles, and this isolation continued until the beginning of the 20th century. This volume offers an overview of the origins and main religious and doctrinal characteristics of the Mahanubhavs, with a particular focus on the aspects that reveal their difference and nonconformity.

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Author Information

Antonio Rigopoulos is Associate Professor of Sanskrit and Religions and Philosophies of India at the Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, Italy.

Series

Cultural, Historical and Textual Studies of South Asian Religions

Anthem South Asian Studies

Table of Contents

1. Introduction; 2. The Early Historical Background and the Mahanubhavs’ Foundational Texts; 3. The Five Manifestations of the Supreme God Paramesvar; 4. Elements of Mahanubhav Doctrine; 5. Mahanubhavs’ Practice: Devotion and Asceticism; 6. Mahanubhavs and Other Religions; Bibliography

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