Religion, Landscape and Kinship: A Journey Through Hindu Spirituality
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In the Footsteps of a Traveling Hindu Goddess
When landscapes become sacred spaces and mythical stories are intertwined with familial relationships, a special access to the religious diversity of South Asia opens up. The lecture Religion, Landscape and Kinship: The Journey of a Hindu Goddess invites you on December 16, 2026, to a religious studies journey through the Central Himalayas at the Volkshochschule Bochum.
Mythical Places and Lively Spirituality
The focus is on a vast network of sacred places that are considered the settings of mythical events and the homes of Hindu deities. Particularly in the Central Himalayas, each valley and each village has its unique ensemble of deities. This religious landscape connects local traditions, narratives, and practices in impressive ways.
When Deities Visit Their Relatives
A special emphasis is placed on the deities that travel. They visit their human relatives while securing their rule over their own territory. Thus, kinship, religion, and landscape do not appear as separate areas, but as closely intertwined forms of cultural and spiritual experience.
Understanding Religion with All Senses
Religious practice shapes a region. It not only forms mental maps but also bodily, sensory, and emotional experiences. The evening thus opens a knowledgeable perspective on Hindu traditions, religious spaces, rituals, and the significance of home within a vibrant spirituality.
Religious Studies in Open Dialogue
The event is held in collaboration with CERES, the Center for Religious Studies at Ruhr University Bochum. The Volkshochschule Bochum together with CERES creates a space for scientifically based education, intercultural understanding, and dialogue about religions. The course is led by Gerrit Lange.
The offering is aimed at everyone interested in Hinduism, religious history, religious landscapes, and cultural diversity. No prior knowledge is required.
Conclusion
Visitors can expect an enlightening evening between myth, landscape, and kinship. Those who wish to understand religious traditions in their cultural context and gain new perspectives on Hindu spirituality will experience an inspiring access to a fascinating world in Bochum.
