1. Introduction, Lavanya Vemsani (Shawnee State University, USA) Part One: Traditional Hinduism: Classical Texts, Traditions, and Practices 2. Multi-Regional and Multi-Linguistic Virasaivism: Change and Continuity in an Early Devotional Tradition , Elaine Fisher (Stanford University, USA) 3. Entering the South Asian City: Pravesa in Literature and Religion , Michael Baltutis (University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh, USA) 4. Demonic Devotees and Symbolism of Violence in Hindu Literature , Carl Olson (Allegheny College, USA) 5. Sacred Groves: The Playground of the Gods , Deepak Shimkhada and Jason Mitchell (Claremont School of Theology, USA) 6. Religious Symbolism of Sacrificial Blood in Contemporary Political Art: Myth and Art in Tamil Popular Culture , Amy-Ruth Holt (Independent Scholar) Part Two: Hinduism in the Modern World: Colonial, Diasporic and Women's Religion 7. Rite of Passage in India's National Struggle: Understanding Ravindranath Tagore's Gora in the context of Religion , Lavanya Vemsani (Shawnee State University, USA) 8.

America, the Superlative, and India, the Jewel in the Crown: Religious Ideologies, Transnationalism, and the End of the Raj , Deborah A. Logan (Western Kentucky University, USA) 9. The Integral Yoga of the Sri Aurobindo Asram : Gender, Spirituality, and the Arts , Patrick Beldio (Catholic University of America, USA) 10. In Relationship with the Goddess: Women Interpreting Leadership Roles and Shaping Diasporic Identities , Nanette R. Spina (University of Georgia, USA) 11. Spirituality and Ritual in Odissi Dance: Health, Healing, and Ritual in a Diaspora Performance Tradition , Kaustavi Sarkar (University of North Carolina, USA) 12. A Mandal of Their Own: Gender and the Reimagining of Community by Hindu Renouncers in North India , Antoinette E. DeNapoli (Texas Christian University, USA) 13.

Conclusion , Lavanya Vemsani (Shawnee State University, USA List of Figures List of Appendices GlossaryIndex.