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The Hungry God

Hindu Tales of Filicide and Devotion

India’s folklore and classical literature abound with stories of parents who sacrifice their children. In The Hungry God, David Shulman examines one set of such tales—Hindu texts that bear similarities to the biblical aqedah, the account of Abraham’s near-sacrifice of Isaac. In all the stories that Shulman explores, the sacrifice proceeds from a divine command and has no utilitarian explanation or rationale.

168 pages | 9 halftones | 5-1/2 x 8-1/2 | © 1993

Asian Studies: South Asia

Medieval Studies

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments
1. Introduction
2. The Little Devotee according to Cekkilar
3. Ciruttontar/Siriyala in the Telugu Tradition
4. Sunahsepa: The Riddle of Fathers and Sons
5. On Teaching the Truth: Vyasa Loses Suka
6. Conclusion
Bibliography
Index

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