Bogged down in writing!! Info on Jamadagni/Parushr

[brzezins at epas.utoronto.ca]

> In my research on the social reform of devadasis in Karnataka/Maha
> rashtra I was continually referred to the Jamadagni/Parushram myth.
> Renuka, in the local form of Yellamma is the major goddess to which
> devadasis are dedicated. (Matangi is another.) I have been looking
> at how local versions are narrated, often to present a subaltern
> point of view. And in this particular chapter (where I am bogged
> down!) I am addressing the father-son relationship contra the
> mother. I am aware of some of the versions of the high myth. But,
> I am not a religious specialist. I would like to contexualize
> these local narratives more fully with further historical/mythical
> information on the myth. Can any of you help? I have listed
> several queries below.
> 
> 1. What historical/mythical/religious sources are there for
>    this myth?
> 2. How do the Saivite and Vaishnaivite versions vary?
> 3. Given #2 what are the geneaological relationships?
> 4. Is Parushrama's parentage, or his relationship to either
>    parent, contentious in any of these sources?
> 5. Are there any sustained academic discussions/interpretations
>    on this myth? (Articles? books?)
> 6. Do you think this myth lends itself well to a psychoanalytic
>    interpretation? Other?
> 7. And finally. What sources of a similar nature are there that
>    illustrate the father's role, duty, especially in relation
>    to the son? Vice versa, son to father? (Succint quotes? sections?)
> 
> --queries on a sunday afternoon.

Greetings, Linda Joy Epp
York University Anthropology