Playing God discusses the genre of rituals known as Teyyam extant in the North Malabar region of Kerala State, India. In this elaborately costumed ritual practitioners invoke the spirit of a deity into themselves that constitutes a splendid theophany in which, when the ritual process is over, the devotees are able to talk to the god and invoke his/her blessings and predictions of their future. This book concentrates on the cult of the Muttappan duo of gods, the most popular among the Teyyams of North Malabar. The Muttappan cult, though originating from worship of a forest god by tribal groups and untouchables of the hill districts of North Malabar, is not only popular in Kerala, but also attracts worshippers from all the castes and regions of South India. Playing God analyses the mythology and ritual praxis of the Muttappan cult and examines attempts to integrate the cult into a wider Hinduism by enunciating a new hermeneutic of the legend and rituals based on the Hindu Advaitic tradition. The book also discusses how the Teyyam ritual contrasts significantly with rituals and worship in Brahminical Hinduism. The popularity of the cult is a reflection of the changing relationships between castes in Kerala, involving a closer symbiosis and reflecting the urge by the untouchable groups of Kerala to gain a higher standing and acceptance in Keralan Hindu society. The rituals are rich in theological significance and symbolism, and have links to the performing arts of Kerala such as Kathakali and Ottam Tullal.

lgrsnf/Playing God Belief and Ritual in the Muttappan Cult of North Malabar [547797].pdf

United Kingdom and Ireland, United Kingdom

London, Oakville, CT, England, 2010

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction And A Short Account Of Kerala And The North Malabar Region -- Religion And Caste In North Malabar -- Spirit Possession And Ritual Praxis In North Malabar: The Teyyam -- The Muttappan Legend And Emancipation Of Untouchables In North Malabar -- The Rituals Of The Muttappan Cult -- Sanskritisation Of The Muttappan Cult: A New Hermeneutic For The Muttappan Legend And Ritual -- Conclusion. Theodore Gabriel. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [95]-103) And Index.

Discusses the genre of rituals known as the Teyyam extent in the North Malabar region of Kerala State, India. This book focuses on the cult of the Muttappan duo of gods, the most popular among the Teyyams of North Malabar. It discusses how the Teyyam ritual contrasts significantly with rituals and worship in Brahminical Hinduism.

Cover
Contents
Acknowledgements
Foreword
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Notes
Bibliography
Books in English
Journal articles (in English)
Books in Malayalam
Index

2024-06-12