Hindu Amman Religion as a Post-Patriarchal Women's Spirituality

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Periodical article

Title:	Hindu Amman Religion as a Post-Patriarchal Women's Spirituality
Author:	Diesel, Alleyn
Year:	2004
Periodical:	Journal for the Study of Religion
Volume:	17
Issue:	1
Pages:	5-29
Language:	English
Geographic terms:	South Africa Natal
Subjects:	Hinduism women Religion and Witchcraft Women's Issues Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups)
Abstract:	The folk or village tradition of south India, which is dominated by the 'Amman' (Mother) Goddesses, is Dravidian in origin, belonging to the aboriginal inhabitants of the subcontinent. This religion is women-focused, encapsulating in its characteristics and mythology the potential for the empowerment of contemporary women. 'Amman' Goddesses have the potential to act, and are already to some extent acting, as empowering role models for their women devotees. This religion, particularly as the author has witnessed it in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, meets the criteria for women's spirituality, offering the possibility of support, well-being, and possibly transformation, to contemporary women. The author contends that this ancient and possibly prepatriarchal religion has the potential to offer a valuable post-patriarchal spirituality to both Hindu and other women. Bibliogr., notes, ref., sum. [Journal abstract, edited]