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    Reconstructing Sacred Space In The Hindu Diaspora: The Case of The Sivananda Ghat
    Reconstructing Sacred Space In The Hindu Diaspora: The Case of The Sivananda Ghat
    Reconstructing Sacred Space In The Hindu Diaspora: The Case of The Sivananda Ghat
    Ebook89 pages1 hour

    Reconstructing Sacred Space In The Hindu Diaspora: The Case of The Sivananda Ghat

    By Melisha Rabilal

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    About this ebook

    This dissertation was submitted in part-fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Honours in Religion and Social Transformation in the Department of Religion and Theology, in the faculty of humanities at the University of Kwa Zulu-Natal.

    In this concise historical analysis, the causes and dynamics pertinent to the establishment of the Sivananda Ghat are explored. This is done by presenting the account of the events that arose prior to the construction of the Sivananda Ghat. Concepts, theories and discussion are offered on the sacred, the history of Indians in South Africa, and an overview of ritual and mythology. The effect of the establishment of the ash disposal facility on society and the environment is expounded upon.

    The dissertation was submitted in 2004, 9 months prior to the official opening of the Sivananda Ghat. A further chapter has been added to the initial submission documenting the number of ash disposals done to date. A message from Sri Swami Sahajananda, (Spiritual head of the Divine Life Society of South Africa) on the official opening of the Sivananda Ghat is chronicled here.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherBookBaby
    Release dateFeb 16, 2015
    ISBN9780620633130
    Reconstructing Sacred Space In The Hindu Diaspora: The Case of The Sivananda Ghat

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      Reconstructing Sacred Space In The Hindu Diaspora - Melisha Rabilal

      References

      Chapter 1

      Introduction

      1.1  Research Topic : Reconstructing sacred space in the hindu diaspora – The case of the Sivananda Ghat

      I set out in the research to describe the case above. Response to the proposed facility advanced discussion among interested and affected parties as well the greater community of Kwa Zulu-Natal via the media (both newspaper and radio) in the year 2004. My association with the Divine Life Society of South Africa motivated me to pursue the study.

      1.2  Objectives of the research

      The major objectives are :

      1.2.1   To present and facilitate understanding of the uniqueness of the case in all its complexity.

      1.2.2   To reflect on the scholarly material of theorists and their interpretations of the sacred, profane and sacred space.

      1.2.3   To examine and outline the responses by interested and affected parties and to attempt to understand the phenomenon in terms of a socio-religious model.

      1.3  Theoretical Approach

      The research takes place in the context of the proposed development of the socio-religious phenomenon of the Sivananda Ghat by the Divine Life Society of South Africa. Theoretically, the study aims at describing the phenomenon in all its complexity, in relation to the implications of the development on society. The main theoretical contribution of the dissertation will be to provide insight into the case as well as demonstrate the intergroup dynamics that occur when the project attempts to manifest and define itself. Concepts such as sacred and profane and diaspora are defined by reviewing and expounding on the work of renown theorists in the field.

      1.4 Problemitisation and contextualisation of reconstructing sacred space in the hindu diaspora – The case of the Sivananda Ghat

      Key Critical Questions

      1.4.1   Why did the need arise among South asians in the diaspora, for the creation of spiritual institutions and the ash disposal facility in South Africa ?

      1.4.2   With reference to sacred places, how has the purpose of pilgrimage to sacred places been interpreted ?

      1.4.3   How have eminent scholars from different disciplines commented on the sacred and profane and defined sacred space ?

      1.4.4   How was the Divine Life Society of South Africa formed ?

      1.4.5   What does the ash disposal facility – the Sivananda Ghat, entail ?

      1.4.6   What is the symbolism associated with the ritual of the disposal of ash into water ?

      1.4.7   What processes were initiated by the Divine Life Society of South Africa to proceed with the project ?

      1.4.8   What were the responses to the proposed project ?

      1.4.9   How can the events of the case be interpreted from a sociological perspective ?

      1.4.10 What other concepts have arisen from the discussion of the case in this study ?

      Research approach and methods

      Questions 1.4.1-1.4.2 are addressed by referring to the work of P. Kumar and K.A Jacobsen. A historical overview of the arrival of indians in South Africa is presented together with the dynamic of south asians in the diaspora. The purpose of pilgrimage to sacred places is described with reference to the work of Bharadwaj.

      Question 1.4.3 is addressed by detailing the arguments of scholars R. Otto, C.Jung, E. Durkheim and Mircea Eliade who elaborate on the notions of the sacred, the sacred and the profane and sacred space. Views expressed with respect to these concepts reflect opinions embodied in the disciplines of psychology, sociology and anthropology.

      Questions 1.4.4-1.4.8 are addressed by referring to the history of the formation of the society as described in the work of N. Singh and in the The Glory of Guru’s Grace, a Divine Life Society publication. The mythology as expounded by D. Eck and J. Lipner associated with the Ganges, and the immersion of ash into water is explained. Symbolism of the ritual as well as the sacred city of Benares where the ritual has its commonplace practice is described. The interactions among interested and affected parties regarding the Sivananda Ghat are discussed.

      Questions 1.4.9-1.4.10 are addressed by reflecting on the case and sentiments expressed by religio-sociologists as to minorities and intergroup dynamics in a pluralistic society. A discussion of the intergroup dynamics is presented along with issues that have arisen following the

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