Goddess explained, perspectives from the West -- Contextualizing the fertility goddess and the Gramadevata -- Fertility symbols of goddesses : historical renderings and contemporary practices -- Profiles of anthropomorphic goddesses in myth, ritual, and history -- Bala Perantalu : auspicious virgin mothers -- Perantalu : auspicious wives -- Deifying victimised women : sacrifices and murders
Summary
Drawing on archaeological, artistic, sculptural and inscriptional sources and participant/observer insights, Sree Padma reconstructs a history of goddess worship in India from ancient times (before the rise of Buddhism and bhakti) to contemporary cults of deified women
