The Cult of Pābūjī

Book excerpt: Pābūjī is a Rajput warrior prince from a small and insignificant kingdom, and a celibate ascetic who shuns the company of women, preferring instead to ride with his chieftains and perform miraculous deeds for Deval, an incarnation of the great Goddess. This book provides the historical and mythological background to the story of Pābūjī, the hero of a medieval epic poem which is still performed in India today by itinerant bards. Nuptial rites and Pābūjī’s own marriage are closely examined here, with parallels drawn with present day wedding ceremonies, which are essentially unchanged, and their impact on the modern day bride and groom. While maintaining high standards of academic rigour and thoroughness in the collection of data, this book renders the subject accessible, retelling Pābūjī’s exciting and often humorous adventures in its analysis of the epic tale.