W. T. (Wilber Theodore) Elmore
'Dravidian Gods in Modern Hinduism' offers an in-depth exploration of the religious landscape of Southern India, focusing specifically on the local and village deities that form a vital part of the spiritual lives of millions. Wilber Theodore Elmore provides a detailed ethnographic study of the rituals, legends, and social significance surrounding these non-Brahmanical gods, illustrating how they coexist with and influence broader Hindu practices.The work examines the origins and characteristics of specific village spirits and goddesses, often associated with protection, fertility, and the warding off of disease. By analyzing the unique ceremonies, animal sacrifices, and the roles of local priests, Elmore sheds light on the persistence of ancient Dravidian traditions within the evolving framework of modern Hinduism. This study is an invaluable resource for scholars of South Asian history, anthropology, and religious studies, offering a rare glimpse into the grassroots religious expressions of rural India in the early twentieth century. Through careful observation and documentation, the author reveals the complex interplay between orthodox traditions and the powerful, localized cults of the village deities.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
