Clothing as a Technology of Enchantment: Gaze and Glaze in Hindu Garments

This paper explores the effects and uses of shining garments in the contemporary Hindu group Iskcon (International Society for Krishna Consciousness). Shiny, decorative surfaces perform a paradoxical function in Iskcon's temple in Mayapur, India, and are worn both by deities and devotees in specific contexts. The importance of glaze can be understood through the centrality of gaze in Hindu worship, i.e., the magical efficacy of darshan where the devotee imbues the physical properties and qualities of the deity image through the tactility of sight. The luminous surfaces of shiny metal and plastic sequins, and gold and silver threads on the temple altar create an apotropaic barrier where clothing acts as a technology of enchantment (Gell 1998). Garment technology, as it is argued here, compels devotion through the juxtaposition of opposing emotions and forces.