Sociological Implication of the ‘Minor Deities’ in Hindu Doctrines-A Reflection on the Social Conditions
Author : Sukanya Saha
Abstract :
India is a country that is popular in history for its confluence of different varieties into unity. There have been religious scriptures and doctrines of different religions that have shaped the history of India in a very colourful manner. There had been dominant religions peacefully existing within the Indian Territory. However, of all the religions, there was a thriving religion ruling the majority of the Indian subcontinent from ages. And that is Hinduism. One of the prominent and exclusive features of this Hinduism practiced in Indian society is the Varna system. The difference between people from their birth had been an elementary practice in Indian culture. However, not just the daily life practices were reflections of discrimination; even the religiosity and ritualistic behavioral restriction and depiction were also not spared at all. How the religious depiction of Gods and Goddesses was even a victim and reflective tool of practicing this discrimination, I would like to reflect that through my paper. In this research article, I have referred to the doctrinal discrimination written, promoted and practiced even for the Hindu worship system. My aim is to focus on the explanation of how the deliberate discrimination between the major deities and the minor deities had been the mere reflection of the societal conditions of the original society.
Keywords :
Minor deities, Manasa, Sitala, smallpox
