Dedicatory volumes are often touching, and this one is useful, too. Krishna's Mandala is a collection of thirteen articles by D. Dennis Hudson written over a thirty-year period—six from the Journal of Vaishnava Studies, two previously unpublished. Those who are familiar with Hudson know of his expertise in uniting archeology, art, theology, textual analysis, poetry, ritual, and sociology into a wide-ranging picture of Vaishnava and Shaiva thought and practice. Krishna's Mandala is an excellent selection with a useful introduction that succeeds in providing a holistic view of Vaishnava and Shaiva traditions, drawing details from a wide range of sources.
Part I has four essays detailing the relationship between South Indian cities and theology, such as Madurai (after Mathurā) as an embodiment of the Mīnākṣi, and Madurai as an embodiment of Kṛṣṇa and Gopī in 300 bce. Part II has five essays on the historical origins of Bhāgavata religion....
