Rise of the Goddesses in Hindu Tradition

Book Details

• Author: Tracy Pintchman

• Publisher: Sri Satguru Publications

• Language: English

• Edition: 1997

• ISBN: 9788170305217

• Pages: 300

• Cover: Hardcover

• Dimensions: 22.5 cm x 14.5 cm

• Weight: 460 gm

About the Book

This deeply insightful work by Tracy Pintchman traces the historical and conceptual rise of the Great Goddess (Mahadevi) in Hinduism by analyzing the evolving interpretations of śakti (creative power), māyā (illusion), and prakṛti (material nature). Spanning from the Vedic period to the late Purāṇic era, the book unpacks how these foundational philosophical ideas gradually coalesced to form the theological core of Goddess worship in Hindu tradition.

Pintchman’s exploration is rigorous yet accessible, highlighting how the divine feminine is not an esoteric offshoot, but a central and integrative force in orthodox Hindu theology. By carefully avoiding anachronistic readings, she demonstrates the organic continuity and transformation of Goddess concepts across time, without projecting later Śākta or Tantric ideologies onto earlier scriptures. The result is a compelling intellectual and historical narrative of how the concept of the Goddess matured into a fully realized theological figure.

Key Features of the Book

• Examines the interconnection between śakti, māyā, and prakṛti and their theological implications.

• Offers a comprehensive intellectual history of the feminine principle in Hindu thought.

• Highlights the centrality of Goddess worship even in orthodox Hindu traditions.

• Bridges ancient textual analysis with contemporary gender discourse.

• Synthesizes a wide body of scholarship from India, Europe, and the U.S. without redundancy.

Critical Acclaim

"Pintchman carefully establishes the interrelationship between śakti, māyā, and prakṛti... revealing their organic integration. A brilliant study of continuity and transformation in the concept of the Great Goddess."
— C. Mackenzie Brown

"This is a conceptual adventure story told in flashbacks. The mature Goddess conception is familiar—but where it came from makes for fascinating reading. The author's engagement with gender issues is timely and thought-provoking."
— Thomas B. Coburn

This book is ideal for:

• Scholars of Hindu studies, theology, and gender studies

• Readers interested in Goddess worship and feminine divine traditions

• Those exploring the intersection of ancient philosophy and modern religious expression

A must-have for libraries, researchers, and anyone intrigued by the intellectual roots of Hindu spirituality and the rise of the Great Goddess.