{"product_id":"the-renewal-of-the-priesthood-modernity-and-traditionalism-in-a-south-indian-temple-9780691116587","title":"The Renewal of the Priesthood: Modernity and Traditionalism in a South Indian Temple","description":"\u003cp\u003eMuch has changed for the priests at the Minakshi Temple, one of the most famous Hindu temples in India. In \u003ci\u003eThe Renewal of the Priesthood\u003c\/i\u003e, C. J. Fuller traces their improving fortunes over the past 25 years. This fluidly written book is unique in showing that traditionalism and modernity are actually reinforcing each other among these priests, a process in which the state has played a crucial role. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e Since the mid-1980s, growing urban affluence has seen more people spend more money on rituals in the Minakshi Temple, which is in the southern city of Madurai. The priests have thus become better-off, and some have also found new earnings opportunities in temples as far away as America. During the same period, due partly to growing Hindu nationalism in India, the Tamilnadu state government's religious policies have become more favorable toward Hinduism and Brahman temple priests. More priests' sons now study in religious schools where they learn authoritative Sanskrit ritual texts by heart, and overall educational standards have markedly improved. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e Fuller shows that the priests have become more \"professional\" and modern-minded while also insisting on the legitimacy of tradition. He concludes by critiquing the analysis of modernity and tradition in social science. In showing how the priests are authentic representatives of modern India, this book tells a story whose significance extends far beyond the confines of the Minakshi Temple itself.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAuthor:\u003c\/b\u003e C. J. Fuller\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/b\u003e Princeton University Press\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublished:\u003c\/b\u003e 11\/23\/2003\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePages:\u003c\/b\u003e 207\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eBinding Type:\u003c\/b\u003e Paperback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWeight:\u003c\/b\u003e 0.73lbs\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSize:\u003c\/b\u003e 8.60h x 6.72w x 0.57d\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN:\u003c\/b\u003e 9780691116587\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eC. J. Fuller\u003c\/b\u003e is Professor of Anthropology at the London School of Economics and Political Science. His books include \u003ci\u003eThe Camphor Flame\u003c\/i\u003e (Princeton) and \u003ci\u003eServants of the Goddess\u003c\/i\u003e.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Princeton University Press","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":40808624914547,"sku":"9.78069E+12","price":71.6,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0555\/9255\/0515\/products\/img_e3f36a79-d9c9-4c46-b5a2-4c0c8607aca0.jpg?v=1683033281","url":"https:\/\/bookstorenmore.com\/products\/the-renewal-of-the-priesthood-modernity-and-traditionalism-in-a-south-indian-temple-9780691116587","provider":"Bookstore N More","version":"1.0","type":"link"}