Book Reviews
Abstract
This collection of book reviews examines recent scholarly works on Vaishnavism, focusing on themes of devotion (bhakti), architecture, pilgrimage, and the transnational spread of Krishna-centered traditions. The reviews cover five key publications:
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The Building of Vṛndāvana: Architecture, Theology, and Practice in an Early Modern Pilgrimage Town (Okita & Lutjeharms, 2024), which explores the sacred geography and socio-religious construction of Vṛndāvana.
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Madan Mohan: An Enchanting Saga (Bharti, 2024), detailing the history and significance of the Madan Mohan temple and deity in Vrindavan and beyond.
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Bhakti in Vaiṣṇava Traditions (Gawde & Sardella, 2024), a multidisciplinary study of devotional practices across Vaishnava sampradāyas.
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Krishna’s Mahabharatas: Devotional Retellings of an Epic Narrative (Pillai, 2024), analyzing regional adaptations of the Mahabharata centered on Krishna’s divinity.
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Bringing Krishna Back to India: Global and Local Networks in a Hare Krishna Temple in Mumbai (Robison, 2024), an ethnographic study of ISKCON’s revivalist mission in urban India.
Together, these reviews highlight the dynamic interplay between theology, history, and modernity in Vaishnavism, emphasizing its enduring influence in both sacred and globalized contexts.
