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Book Review
Hallowed shrines
C. L. RAMAKRISHNAN
TEVARATTIRUVULA — Part 3: Sudha Seshayyan; Vikatan Publications, 757, Anna Salai, Chennai-600002. Rs. 110.
THIS HANDY volume comprises 18 articles on various temples in Tamil Nadu and more specifically in and around Thanjavur District. Very interesting and informative details regarding the history of these temples as seen in the Sthala Puranas and explanation of certain crucial terminologies in vogue in these sacred places have been furnished. Cross references abound in respect of the Nalwar, Arunagirinathar, Ramalinga Adigalar, Tirumoolar, Sekkizhar and Adi Sankara. Relevant verses from the Tevaram of these Tamil savants and from Sivananda Lahari of Adi Sankara have been cited. The descriptions are graphic, accurate and extremely helpful, with photographs supplementing them. Should there be a need for reconstruction of the history and geography of these temples, the details given in this book would be of great help. A lot of research and thought has gone into the production of this work. The language employed is beautiful and at times, poetic. Episodes on Gnanasambandar and the histories of Tirupparaithurai and Kumbakonam are quite evocative. The author has brought to the fore glimpses of her knowledge of temple architecture and layout, archaeology, music and also the Dharmasastras. On the whole, an excellent publication with meticulous documentation, where a reader feels that he is actually taken around these temples, many of which are not well-known.
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