"This fascinating little book deals in detail with what at first might
seem a small cult, colourful and dynamic certainly, but of significance
merely local to its place of origin in the Indian state of Kerala. As
the story unfolds, however, it becomes clear that this is far from the
case, and that the phenomenon is full of interest for students of the
history of religions. From Dr Gabriel's many other writings we have
learned to expect patient investigation and humane and sympathetic
interpretation. In this book we find those qualities once more
abundantly on display." - From the Foreword by Professor Andrew Walls,
Liverpool Hope University "This very short study of a possession cult in
India raises important questions about the relation of religion to
social organization -- and of the relation of religions to each
other." - David Eller, Community College of Denver, Anthropology Review
Database June 26, 2011 Playing God discusses the genre of rituals
known as Teyyam extant in the North Malabar region of Kerala State,
India. In this elaborately costumed ritual practitioners invoke the
spirit of a deity into themselves that constitutes a splendid theophany
in which, when the ritual process is over, the devotees are able to talk
to the god and invoke his/her blessings and predictions of their future.
This book concentrates on the cult of the Muttappan duo of gods, the
most popular among the Teyyams of North Malabar. Playing God analyses
the mythology and ritual praxis of the Muttappan cult and examines
attempts to integrate the cult into a wider Hinduism by enunciating a
new hermeneutic of the legend and rituals based on the Hindu Advaitic
tradition. The book also discusses how the Teyyam ritual contrasts
significantly with rituals and worship in Brahminical Hinduism. The
popularity of the cult is a reflection of the changing relationships
between castes in Kerala, involving a closer symbiosis and reflecting
the urge by the untouchable groups of Kerala to gain a higher standing
and acceptance in Keralan Hindu society. The rituals are rich in
theological significance and symbolism, and have links to the performing
arts of Kerala such as Kathakali and Ottam Tullal.
