The Art of Loving Krishna: Ornamentation and Devotion

Since ancient times, Hindus have expressed their love and devotion to their deities through beautiful ornamentation--dressing and decorating the deities with elaborate clothing, jewelry, and flowers. In this pioneering study of temples in Vrindaban and Jaipur, India, Cynthia Packert takes readers across temple thresholds and into the god Krishna's sacred domain. She describes what devotees see when they behold gorgeously attired representations of the god and why these images look the way they do. She discusses new media as well as global forms of devotion popular in India and abroad. The Art of Loving Krishna opens a universe of meaning in which art, religious action, and devotion are dynamically intertwined.

Author: Cynthia Packert
Publisher: Indiana University Press
Published: 07/07/2010
Pages: 256
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 1.28lbs
Size: 9.95h x 7.09w x 0.64d
ISBN: 9780253221988

Review Citation(s):
Choice 02/01/2011

About the Author

Cynthia Packert is Professor of the Department of History of Art and Architecture at Middlebury College. She is author of The Sculpture of Early Medieval Rajasthan.