1. Mountains, Rivers, and Siva. The Sources of Rivers. The Descent of the Ganga. Mountains, Lingas, and Siva. Water-Carrying Rituals. Interpretations -- 2. The Femininity of Rivers. Rivers as Feminine. Rivers and Cows. Female River Divinities. Rivers as Husbandless Wives -- 3. Abundance. Mahatmya Stories. Folklore: The Mysterious Wealth of the Depths. Rituals of Feeding. River Goddess Festival Calendars. Rivers as Mothers -- 4. Untamed Natural Wealth. Fish. The Forest -- 5. Sons and Sorrow. Folk Goddesses and the Navas. The Sati Asara. Case Histories. God's Tears -- 6. Modern River Goddess Festivals. Description of the Festivals. History of the Krsnabai Festival. Wider Worlds. Krsnabai and Folk Religion -- 7. Combating Evil. Types of Sin. Models for Doing Away with Sin -- Appendix A Water to the Gods -- Appendix B Images of Modern River Goddesses -- Appendix C Modern River Goddess Festivals
Analysis
Hinduism
Maharashtra (India)
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references (203-225) and index
