TAMIL
Pilgrim centres
C. L. RAMAKRISHNAN
GOPURA DARISHANAM — Part I: Mahadevan Sankaranarayanan; Copies can be had from the author, Plot No. 460, 24th Street, Ashtalakshmi Nagar, Alapakkam, Chennai-600016. Rs. 450.
This volume comprises beautiful photographs of temples covering Saivite (54) and Vaishnavite (24) pilgrim centres. Appropriate quotations from the saints like the Nalwars, Tirumoolar, and Arunagirinathar are given to highlight the importance of these places.
The clarity of the photographs and the legends given bring alive the holy places to one's doorstep. Interesting explanations have been given to certain names now in common use, in respect of these holy places, as for example, `Acchirupakkam', which is explained as the place where the axle (acchu) of the chariot of Lord Siva gave way (aru) when he set out to fight with the three demons in the form of three cities (tripura), without first paying obeisance to Lord Vigneshwara. In common parlance, this word would mean "that hamlet."
The author has surveyed 54 out of 275 Tirumurai places and 24 of 106 Divyadesas (two out of 108 not being in the world) This being the first volume, it is hoped that the subsequent publication (s) would be equally informative and interesting.
Under the photographs, extracts from the Sthalapuranas are given wherever relevant. These are very informative and kindle the curiosity of the reader to seek more details about the concept of God.
A well-documented, researched and exquisitely brought out volume, it will serve as a guide to these holy places.
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