Includes bibliographical references (pages 191-207) and index.
Contents
The religious life of woman-as-householder -- The woman who is not a householder: widowhood, unmarriageability, and female asceticism -- Unity and diversity I: basic terminology -- Unity and diversity II: sectarian affiliation, spiritual path and ascetic mode -- Socioreligious aspects of female asceticism in Varanasi -- Sainthood, society and transcendence: legends and the poetry of women saints.