Vaishnavism of Gowd Saraswat Brahmins and a few Konkani Folklore Tales

It is believed that a group of Brahmins from the banks of Saraswati river settled in the region of Goa at the behest of Saint Parashuram. In course of time, these Brahmins moved eastwards towards the fertile lands of Videha in northern Bihar, around Mithila. As this place was known as Gowd, the Brahmins came to be known as Gowd Saraswat Brahmins. Initially influenced by Shankaracharya and his Shaivite philosophy, they soon came under the influence of Madhavacharya and Vaishnavism.

This fascinating account describes the life and religious beliefs of the Gowd Saraswat Brahmins, their periodic migrations and the intermittent tussles between the Vaishnavites and Shaivites and also presents some interesting konkani folklore tales.

A well researched book that touches upon an unconventional subject in a simple, reader-friendly way. An unconventional subject in a simple, reader-friendly way. An interesting read for students, researchers and general readers.