A Sacred Journey: The Kedara Kalpa Series of Pahari Paintings and the Painter Purkhu of Kangra (H.B)

Book Details

• Publisher: Niyogi Books

• Authors: Karuna Goswamy & B. N. Goswamy

• Language: English

• Edition: First Edition

• ISBN: 9789391125356

• Pages: 170

• Cover: Hardcover

• Dimensions: 12.1 x 9.4 x 0.6 inches

About the Book

“The Kedara Kalpa: A Journey into the Realm of Shiva” by Karuna Goswamy and B. N. Goswamy offers an exquisite exploration of a relatively obscure Shaiva text, Kedara Kalpa, and its visual representation in two captivating series of paintings. The text, although lesser-known, raises intriguing questions that delve into the nature of spiritual journeys, reality, and the mysteries of the mind.

The narrative of the Kedara Kalpa recounts the journey of five seekers embarking on a quest to reach the realm of the great god Shiva. They face a series of trials—barefoot travel through frozen mountains, perilous ravines, and moonlit rocks—all while confronting temptations and dangers. Ultimately, they succeed in their spiritual pursuit. However, as the narrative unfolds and is visualized through brilliant paintings—some by a gifted family of Pahari painters—readers are drawn into a philosophical inquiry: Is this a literal journey, a parable, or perhaps a long, unending dream?

The book invites readers to explore the duality of reality and illusion, posing questions about the authenticity of the journey and whether it exists in the physical realm or merely in the mind. Is the journey to Shiva’s realm real, or is it a metaphorical passage—an experience unfolding within the inner consciousness?

With its rich tapestry of text and art, The Kedara Kalpa invites readers into an enigmatic world where the boundaries between the real and the unreal blur, leaving them to ponder the deeper meanings of the spiritual quest and the nature of human perception. The authors leave it to each reader to decide: Is this journey real, or does it exist only in the mind?