Book Description

The present book is divided into eight Chapters including introduction and conclusion. Chapter Ist deals with the introductory aspects of the book in which attempts have been made to show Sun-Worship in India in different periods of cultural history, besides the methodological issues of the study. Chapter IInd highlights origin and history of Deo-Sun-Shrine on the basis of analysis of folkloric traditions. Chapter IIIrd reveals the religious activities of the shrine over the period of a year. Chapter IVth presents the origin, history and performance of Chhath-Vrata, a very famous Sun-festival. Chapter Vth describes the Chhath-Geet (song) collected for the study. The analysis of Chhath-Geet (song) indicates the manner purpose, motive and belief behind the performance of Chhath-Vrata. Chapter VIth is devoted to the study of Chhath-Mela and arrangement in which attempts have been made to classify visitors, hotels, shops, means of recreation and facilities provided by the administration to the visitors. Chapter VIIth explains the management and maintenance of the shrine in which roles played by administration, priest family, inhabitants of local area and devotees coming from different parts of our country have been dealt with. The last Chapter presents summary and main findings of the study. It also brings out the suggestions of devotees for solving their various problems and also for the beautification of the place Deo.