Publisher's Synopsis
Rain and Rock: The Goddess Maisamma's Blessings is a profound exploration of the enduring worship of Maisamma, the fierce and compassionate village goddess of South India. Embodying the dual forces of rain and rock-nourishment and resilience-Maisamma protects the land, water, and people, ensuring balance in both nature and human life.
Rooted in the soil of folk traditions, this book delves into her origins, myths, and sacred rituals, painting a vivid portrait of a deity whose presence transcends time. From the prayers for monsoon rains to the anointing of sacred stones, from age-old sacrificial rites to modern-day urban shrines, Maisamma's worship continues to thrive, adapting to changing landscapes while holding firm to ancestral wisdom.
Through compelling narratives and real-life encounters, this book brings forth stories of her divine manifestations, miraculous interventions during droughts and crises, and the powerful dreams and visions experienced by devotees. It also explores how Maisamma's presence extends beyond South India, as migrant communities carry her worship across borders, keeping her blessings alive in distant lands.
Maisamma's legacy is one of faith, survival, and the sacred bond between humans and nature. In a world grappling with climate change, urbanization, and spiritual disconnection, her worship offers timeless lessons-honoring the earth, standing strong through adversity, and embracing the power of collective faith. Rain and Rock is not just a study of a goddess; it is a call to recognize the divine in the everyday, to find strength in tradition, and to walk forward with resilience and devotion.
