Event
Sacred places, living traditions. The interplay between textual, visual and performative cultures of South Indian temples
About
The 33rd Gonda Lecture by Ute Hüsken takes place at KNAW, Amsterdam, on 4 December 2026 from 16:00 to 17:30. She discusses South Indian temple narratives and their textual, visual and performative dimensions.
What to expect
The 33rd Gonda Lecture is given by Ute Hüsken, professor of Indology and head of the Department of Cultural and Religious History of South Asia at Heidelberg University, Germany.
Her starting point is that research into mythological texts linked to sacred places should look beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries.
She uses case studies of legends around South Indian Hindu temples (sthalamāhātmya/talapurāṇam).
These legends are a dynamic, connected phenomenon with textual, visual, oral and performative dimensions.
Hüsken shows how South Indian temple narratives take shape through concrete art and visual storytelling.
She proposes and models an innovative methodological approach for research into sacred places, considering their layered character and importance for temple visitors.
- Lecture by Ute Hüsken
- South Indian temple narratives
- Textual, visual, oral, performative
- Case studies: sthalamāhātmya/talapurāṇam
- Method for sacred places
Questions
When does Sacred places, living traditions. The interplay between textual, visual and performative cultures of South Indian temples start and end?
Sacred places, living traditions. The interplay between textual, visual and performative cultures of South Indian temples runs Friday, 4 December 2026, 16:00 until 17:30.
Where is Sacred places, living traditions. The interplay between textual, visual and performative cultures of South Indian temples?
Sacred places, living traditions. The interplay between textual, visual and performative cultures of South Indian temples takes place at KNAW, Kloveniersburgwal 29, Amsterdam.
What is the lecture about?
She discusses South Indian temple narratives (sthalamāhātmya/talapurāṇam).
She looks at textual, visual, oral and performative dimensions.
She uses case studies of legends around South Indian Hindu temples.
She shows how concrete art and visual storytelling shape these narratives.
She proposes and models an innovative method for studying sacred places, considering their layered character and importance for temple visitors.
How can I register?
Register via https://www.lyyti.in/Gonda_20261204.
What does the J. Gonda Fonds support?
Stichting J. Gonda Fonds supports scientific research into Sanskrit, other classical Indian languages, Indian literature and cultural history.
Indian events
Getting there
KNAW, Kloveniersburgwal 29, 1011 JV Amsterdam, Noord-Holland, NL
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