New Books in Religion Jan E. M. Houben and Julieta Rotaru, "Vedic Myths and Rituals" (Dev Publishers, 2025)
Sep 11, 2025
Jan E. M. Houben, a Professor at Paris University, and co-editor Julieta Rotaru discuss the rich tapestry of Vedic Myths and Rituals. They explore the intricate interplay of mythic narratives and ritual practices, revealing how these ancient traditions continue to influence contemporary spirituality. From the significance of oral traditions in Europe to the complexities of Vedic metrics, their conversation uncovers the evolution of Vedic studies. They also address the socio-cultural impacts of these rituals and offer insights into future research in Indic studies.
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Filming Vedic Pravargya In India
- Jan Houben filmed authentic Vedic rituals in India and produced a VHS documentary on the Pravargya.
- Two parts of that film are now available online for students and researchers.
Myth And Ritual Are Mutually Interpretive
- The relation between myth and ritual can be framed both ways: myth explains ritual or ritual generates myth.
- Choosing a theoretical lens determines whether myths are primary or secondary to ritual practice.
Mimansa Prioritizes Ritual Over Story
- Mimansa treats ritual prescriptions as primary and myth as explanatory afterthought.
- Western scholarship historically favored narrative myths over ritual primacy, shaping interpretations.
