Indian Temple Traditions

Book Details:

• Publisher: Sri Satguru Publications

• Author: S.K. Ramachandra Rao

• Language: English

• Pages: 225 (Throughout B/W Illustrations)

• Cover: Hardcover

• Dimensions: 25.5 cm x 19 cm

• Weight: 620 gm

• Edition: 2014

• ISBN: 9788170309444

About the Book:

This insightful work by S.K. Ramachandra Rao offers a comprehensive exploration of the significance and cultural details of Hindu temples. The book delves into various aspects of Hindu temple tradition, including the human need for shrines, the evolution of temples, their structure, and the role of icons in worship. It covers thirteen chapters that examine different facets of temple worship, from folk approaches to the temple to the intricate value of icons used in rituals.

The book begins by discussing the basic concept of a Hindu temple, explaining that it serves as a place of worship and is dedicated to a particular deity or deities. The author explores the symbolic role of temples located at geographically significant places like hilltops, rivers, and caves, all considered sacred in Hinduism.

Each chapter is designed to give readers a deeper understanding of temples from a traditional perspective. Topics such as the evolution of the temple, its architectural and structural design, and its economic and social significance are thoroughly discussed. Additionally, the book delves into the world of icons in Hinduism, offering insights into their cultural and spiritual value, the rituals involving these icons, and their role in temple worship.

The author emphasizes the need to recognize the traditional accounts of building, consecrating, and worshipping in temples, a perspective often overlooked in many studies focused on the art, architecture, and historical aspects of temples. By providing a detailed look at these cultural practices, this book offers a well-rounded view of the multifaceted nature of Hindu temples.

Introduction:

In his introduction, S.K. Ramachandra Rao acknowledges the vast number of books written on Indian temples, yet he notes that many of them fail to address the traditional and cultural practices related to temple building and worship. While there is an abundance of literature covering the architectural and religious aspects, few works delve into the traditional perspectives that shape the way temples are constructed and consecrated.

The author seeks to correct this gap by focusing on the cultural and spiritual significance of temples as places of worship and contemplation. Rather than simply focusing on the physical structures of individual temples, the book looks at temples as a broader cultural detail within the context of Hinduism. The goal is to emphasize the importance of understanding the temple tradition in its entirety, from the worship of deities to the use of icons and symbols, creating a more holistic view of Hindu temple practices.