The many faces of Murukan̮ : the history and meaning of a South Indian god. With the poem prayers to Lord Murukan̮ by A.K. Ramanujan

The series Religion and Society (RS) contributes to the exploration of religions as social systems– both in Western and non-Western societies; in particular, it examines religions in their differentiation from, and intersection with, other cultural systems, such as art, economy, law and politics. Due attention is given to paradigmatic case or comparative studies that exhibit a clear theoretical orientation with the empirical and historical data of religion and such aspects of religion as ritual, the religious imagination, constructions of tradition, iconography, or media. In addition, the formation of religious communities, their construction of identity, and their relation to society and the wider public are key issues of this series. Acknowledgements 7 Contents 9 POEM 'PRAYERS TO LORD MURUKAṈ' 11 1. INTRODUCTION: MURUKAṈ AS AN EXPRESSION OF TAMIL RELIGION 17 2. MURUKAṈ IN THE EARLY SOUTH 31 3. THE EARLY SANSKRITIC TRADITION AND THE SOUTHERN SEQUEL 61 4. THE MEDIEVAL PERIOD 89 5. LORD OF SPACE AND TIME: EXPRESSIONS OF MURUKAṈ IN THE CONTEMPORARY CULTUS 129 6. THE MANY FACETS OF MURUKAṈ 165 NOTES 221 REFERENCES 255 INDEX 265 Fred W. Clothey With The Poem Prayers To Lord Murukaṉ / By A. K. Ramanujan. Includes Index. Bibliography: P. [239]-248.