Viṣṇu's children

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The Vaikhanasas, Brahmanic priests in south Indian Visnu temples, have a complex history marked by their struggle for status against competing priestly factions. This monograph focuses on a long-standing controversy regarding eligibility for performing rituals in these temples: is it determined by birth or initiation? Since the 14th century CE, debates in Sanskrit texts have revolved around whether Vaikhanasas priests need an initiation that includes branding on their upper arms, or if their prenatal life-cycle ritual, visnubali, suffices for temple service. As hereditary priests, the Vaikhanasas assert their identity as Visnu’s children, destined for this role before birth. The study includes analyses of three local conflicts from the 19th and 20th centuries concerning the initiation requirement, contextualizing these disputes. Additionally, it presents three contemporary performances of the visnubali ritual, examining the interplay between text and performance and the ritual competence of the priests involved. The publication also features a DVD with video coverage of the visnubali performances, enriching the exploration of this intricate religious tradition.