This volume offers an overview of the origins and main religious and doctrinal characteristics of the Mahanubhavs, the ascetic, devotional sect that arose in 13th century Maharashtra.

1. Introduction; 2. The Early Historical Background and the Mahanubhavs’ Foundational Texts; 3. The Five Manifestations of the Supreme God Paramesvar; 4. Elements of Mahanubhav Doctrine; 5. Mahanubhavs’ Practice: Devotion and Asceticism; 6. Mahanubhavs and Other Religions; Bibliography

Antonio Rigopoulos is Associate Professor of Sanskrit and Religions and Philosophies of India at the Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, Italy.