Saivism in the Diaspora

Focusing on the worship of Siva, this book investigates how Hindu vernacular traditions have adapted in Western contexts, particularly within the Hindu diaspora. Through extensive fieldwork in Britain and India, it highlights the emergence of movements that maintain folk traditions linked to specific regions of the subcontinent. Key communities studied include those worshiping Baba Balaknath, Murugan, and the Community of the Many Names of God in Wales. The work examines evolving beliefs and practices, emphasizing the pragmatic aspects of worship while exploring theoretical concepts like Sanskritisation and the interplay between local and broader traditions.