Temples of South India


Book Description




THIRTHA YATRA


Book Description

India will just be a mere geography without its religious and spiritual ethos combined with moral values and civilization. If Bharat is known for its spiritual accomplishments and philosophical roots, one has to gratefully acknowledge the role played by its hallowed places of worship, holy rivers and magnificent mountain ranges which have inspired people for thousands of years. In particular, temples contributed in no small measure to Bharat's spiritual enlightenment, serving as a beacon to the rest of humanity. Every temple in this holy land has a story to tell, a legend to elevate our spirits and is a sacred space for all of us to experience inner joy. One can find the contribution of so many saints and rishis who devoted their entire life to many places of worship. In olden days, temples served as a great center for enriching all facets of human life—be it spiritual training or yoga; be it education; be it poetry and literature; be it fine arts and sculpture. There are thousands of fascinating temples, with great historical and spiritual backgrounds, spread all over the country. These temples can be divided into many groups, finding mention in innumerable scriptures. Which are they? Where are they located? This book is an attempt to collect and curate and tabulate information in brief which will certainly answer some of the queries a prospective yatri may have. All the information in the book was collated after personal visits to these places by author.




Gazetteer of South India


Book Description







Hinduism in Middle India


Book Description

Narasimha is one of the least studied major deities of Hinduism. Furthermore, there are limited studies of the history, thought, and literature of middle India. Lavanya Vemsani redresses this by exploring a range of primary sources, including classical Sanskrit texts (puranas and epics), and regional accounts (sthalapuranas), which include texts, artistic compositions, and oral folk stories in the regional languages of Telugu, Oriya, and Kannada. She also examines the historical context as well as contemporary practice. Moving beyond the stereotypical classifications applied to sources of Hinduism, this unique study dedicates chapters to each region of middle India bringing together literary, religious, and cultural practices to comprehensively understand the religion of Middle India (Madhya Desha). Incorporating lived religion and textual data, this book offers a rich contribution to Hindu studies and Indian studies in general, and Vaishnava Studies and regional Hinduism in particular.




Sri Ahobila Narasimha Swamy Temple


Book Description

Study on the Ahobilam temple complex, Andhra Pradesh.







Guruji


Book Description

In 1991, author Sunil Reddy was a college student in Hyderabad when he sought out Guruji Verahur V. Srinivasan, a retired deputy inspector general of police who was a Yogi and a God-realized saint. Reddy wanted to learn the art of meditation from this man who was a prodigy in mastering different spiritual paths. They connected, and for the next four years, the two met weekly. Guruji: Teachings of a Hindu Saint recounts those meetings and the lessons learned. Reddy presents this collection of spiritual practices and techniques gleaned from a master and designed to help guide a true practitioner. He narrates Guruji's visions and experiences with other masters, details the stages of spiritual progress, addresses distractions and detractions, repeatedly shows the qualities of true practice, and offers guideposts for assessment. Providing an in-depth look at many concepts central to the practice of Hinduism, Guruji: Teachings of a Hindu Saint guides disciples and seekers in their quest for spiritual enlightenment.




South India Heritage


Book Description

What do you know about Carnatic music? South India`s dance styles? Handloom weavers of Andhra Pradesh? The Madras Sanskrit College? The art of Ivory carving? Temple murals? Who was Ramanuja? How have Christians contributed to art, literature and architecture in South India? What`s notable about Gangaikondacholapuram, Belur, or Islamic places of worship? What do we know irrigation practices in Ancient South India? The evolution of Malayalam literature? What is special about the cuisines of South India? These are some of the 500-odd topics on South India`s Heritage discussed in this book. It provides snapshots of the collective cultural experience of the people of South India, their heroes, their rivers, lakes and hills and forests, their temples, their music, dance and folklore. The book has a general section on South India`s Heritage, common to the four southern states. It is followed by three sections--political, socio-economic and cultural. The book covers South India`s Heritage till the end of the nineteenth century. The book is targeted specifically at Indian students from South India who go abroad for college education. It is meant to give them an idea of our heritage--kindle their interest in the subject, enable them to answer questions, serve as their heritage companion and guide. A product of painstaking research, the book reflects an earnest attempt to shed light on a complex, amorphous, many-faceted subject and give it form, shape and substance.




Southern India


Book Description

This comprehensive guide to Southern India’s varied heritage covers all the major Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim and European historical monuments and sites in Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The descriptions vary from forts and palaces, and temple architecture, sculpture and painting, to mosques and tombs, and churches and civic buildings. The guide is divided into travel-friendly itineraries, accompanied by useful location maps. Some of the special features of this travel guide are: (1) The most comprehensive coverage of the region's cities and monuments, museums, and archaeological sites. (2) Includes all the major sites – the great port cities of Mumbai, Chennai and Kochi; the citadels of Golconda, Vijaynagara and Gingee; the rock-cut sanctuaries at Ajanta and Ellora; the temples at Badami, Halebid and Thanjuvar; the mosques of Hyderabad and Bijapur; and the cathedrals at Goa – and hundreds of less well-known places. (3) Detailed up-to-date practical information, with maps and archival photographs.