Tantra and Sakta Art of Orissa

Book Detail:

• Author: Thomas E. Donaldson
• Brand: D.K. Printworld Pvt. Ltd.
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of Pages: 1439
• Release Date: 01-05-2002
• EAN: 9788124601969
• Package Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.9 x 1.5 inches
• Languages: English

Description:
The emergence of Tantrism and Shaktism in the sixth-seventh centuries in ancient India marked a belief in fertility worship and the reverence for the female principle, with the Devi/Goddess as the supreme Energy/Power. In Orissa, particularly, Shakta/Tantra cults played a significant role in the region's religion and culture, as evidenced by its numerous temples and sculptures. Prof. Donaldson's work presents a comprehensive picture of Shakta/Tantra art in Orissa, focusing on the evolving iconography of individual images. Through firsthand study of temples and iconography, he explores the Shakta mythology of the region, detailing various depictions of the Goddess, including the Matrikas, Camunda, Naga/Nagi, Manasha/Jaratkuriu, Tara, the Mahavidyas, Yoginis, Dakinis, and images of Purusha/Prakriti, Agni/Soma, and Linga/Yoni. The book includes more than 700 photographs, diagrams, and iconographical charts, offering a rich analysis of temple architecture and the variety of Goddess depictions. This in-depth study is an invaluable resource for both new and experienced scholars in the field.

Author Details:
Thomas E. Donaldson is a distinguished scholar known for his research on Shakta and Tantric traditions in India, particularly focusing on the iconography and mythology of Orissa. His expertise includes a detailed study of the temples, sculptures, and religious practices related to Shaktism, with an emphasis on the Goddess in various forms. Through his extensive fieldwork and research, Donaldson has contributed significantly to the understanding of Tantric art and the cultural heritage of Orissa.