Dynasties of Devotion

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For centuries, temples have functioned not just as places of worship but also social and cultural centres, offering both a connection to the divine and entertainment in the form of music and dance as respite from everyday life. In Dynasties of Devotion, Deepa Mandlik explores seven ancient temples across India and Cambodia, and meticulously examines historical contexts and mythological stories associated with each temple. At the Kailasa Temple in Ellora, Maharashtra, she is struck by the visual representation of fertility and abundance-Goddess Lakshmi, elegantly sitting on a lotus, surrounded by four clephants showering her with rain. Through the dancing sculptures of Shiva and Parvati at the magnificent Brihadeeswara Temple in Tamil Nadu, Deepa reveals that this Chola-dynasty temple was once a prestigious platform for Bharatanatyam with nearly 400 dancers and 250 musicians in residence. At the Airavatesvara Temple in Tamil Nadu, she experiences the wonder of the saptaswara (seven-note) steps which, when struck lightly, produce the sound of the seven musical notes. From these to the other Brihadeeswara Temple at Gangaikondacholapuram and the Chennakeshava Temple in Karnataka and the Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Kerala to Angkor Wat and Bayon in Cambodia. Deepa brings to life the rich tapestry of history, art and spirituality that is woven through them. Marked by vivid storytelling, Dynasties of Dreation is an ode to the enduring legacy of India's temple culture; it is at once an intimate glimpse into these spaces for the curious reader and scholar and a handy walking guide for the spellbound tourist.

Upon receiving the book Dynasties of Devotion written by Deepa Mandlik, I was immediately intrigued by its title, as it suggested something new and noteworthy. As I delved into its pages, I realized I was right. The book sets out the narratives of seven temples each a testament to the noble kings who, through their vision and valour, brought these architectural marvels to life. In the hands of the author, the bravery of these kings is not just acknowledged but gloriously celebrated. What stands out in the narrative is the author's commitment to providing readers with credible information. As the historical tales of these kings' valour unfold, the author grapples with a delicate decision-whether to place special emphasis on the temple architecture or not. Admirably, Deepa Mandlik has successfully navigated this dilemma, ensuring that both aspects receive due and appropriate attention throughout the narrative. Temples and sculptures are distinctive features of Indian culture. Temples have been built since ancient times across civilizations in present-day countries such as Egypt, Italy, Greece, Iraq, Iran, and beyond. A notable example is the temple housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, discovered during the excavation of the Aswan Dam. Museums like the National Museum of Iran in Tehran and the Vatican Museums in Rome also showcase ancient sculptures, attesting to the global significance of these cultural treasures. In India, there is an abundance of temples, adorned with sculptures of deities who are worshipped, instead of being housed in museums. The sheer variety of sculptures can be overwhelming for researchers. This book is a detailed and scholarly exploration of iconic temples like the Kailasa Temple in Ellora, the Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur and Gangaikondacholapuram, the Airavatesvara Temple in Darasuram, and the Chennakeshava Temple in Belur. The historical context of these temple constructions is presented with meticulous care, prompting readers to ponder whether the author is a history scholar or an expert in temple architecture. Among the numerous temples outside India, the author has chosen to focus specifically on temples in Cambodia. This deliberate selection stems from the fact that the temple here is not only the creation of the mighty King Suryavarman-II but is also currently the largest Vishnu temple in the world, inspired by Indian culture. Whether in India or Cambodia, the author's meticulousness and aesthetic sense is evident in the thoughtful curation of temples. Typically, the study of temples tends to overlook the historical background of their creation. However, author Deepa Mandlik addresses this gap by providing detailed historical contexts. Examining the history of ancient India reveals a pattern wherein ambitious kings of various dynasties constructed magnificent

Namaskar.

I am delighted to present to you the book Dynasties of Devotion. Travelling has been an integral part of my life, as my husband Vinod, and I have a special interest in exploring ancient temples. Over the years, we have visited numerous temples, yet it was our visit to the Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Kerala that sparked a newfound passion for research and writing. The allure of the treasure in the temple's underground chambers, shrouded in mystery and surrounded by myriad beliefs, motivated me to comprehensively research it. Although I gathered substantial information from various sources, I did not come across any detailed articles covering all the facets of the temple. Driven to close this gap, I meticulously researched and wrote an exhaustive article. This piece was then submitted to the esteemed editor Shri Anand Antarkar for review and later accepted for publication in the Naval Diwali issue. The response from readers was overwhelmingly positive, with calls and emails expressing appreciation and a desire to revisit the temple with a fresh perspective. The positive reception of the article and the genuine need for such information being made available inspired me to continue my writing journey. Emboldened by this encouragement, during the Diwali vacations of the same year, we explored several ancient temples in Cambodia. We witnessed the grandeur of the largest temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, along with other Hindu and Buddhist temples. Additionally, the onset of Hindu culture in that country seemed very fascinating to me and inspired me to author the article "Tracing the Roots of Hinduism in Cambodia'. Our travels also took us to Tamil Nadu, where we marvelled at three temples considered to be the finest examples of Dravidian architecture. These temples, known as the 'Great Living Chola Temples', built by the visionary Chola kings, became the focus of subsequent articles. The rich art and history of the Chola dynasty compelled me to research further, sparking a series of articles chronicling their courage and vision. The journey of my book found its roots in the pages of Naval Diwali issues, where my articles, "Tracing the Roots of Hinduism in Cambodia' and 'A King's Grand Dream: Brihadeeswara Temple of Thanjavur', found a home in subsequent years. I received the insightful guidance of Shri Anand Antarkar during this journey. Unfortunately, he is no longer with us but his wisdom, encouragement and support remain eternally with me. I am also indebted to my guru, senior writer Madhavitai Kunte, whose constant encouragement and testimonies became wellsprings of inspiration for my subsequent articles.