The author calls the Hindu temple as the epitome of Indian culture. And the way he explains you would definitely understand the significance of a temple from multiple dimensions. He begins the book Alayam The Hindu Temple by talking about the significance of religion and the philosophical symbolism of temples. He then takes you through a brief history of temples and their architecture. Beginning with the trees as temples to the building of magnificent structures that are standing witnesses to the golden eras gone by. He takes you through what the Shastras or scriptures say about temples.
He talks about the significance of temples in a human dwelling and the planning of towns around temples. Then he explains the north and south Indian temple styles. And the evolution of these styles and structures within the styles.
The highlight of the book is its illustrations, that so well illustrate all that is mentioned in the text. Concepts become clear when you see them in illustrations. The temple structures are clearer in illustrations than you would see them in photographs.
A simple and small book that explains the basis, basics, and journey of a temple in a way that anyone can understand. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand Hindu temples.
Buy this book – Alayam The Hindu Temple An Epitome of Hindu Culture by G Venkataramana Reddy at Amazon India.
Read more:
- The Life of Hinduism by John Stratton Hawley, Vasudha Narayanan
- The Puffin Book of Hindu Gods and Goddesses
- Being Hindu by Hindol Sengupta
- Myth = Mythya Decoding Hindu Mythology by Devdutt Pattanaik
- Scientific Reasoning behind Hindu Traditions by Bhojraj Dwivedi
- Devi Goddesses of India by John Stratton Hawley & Donna Marie Wulff
Anuradha,
Nice brief review. It would have been better if you had written about the author and also how you came across the book.
Also, I find your blog very interesting and read it regularly. Keep reviewing.
this magazines are giving the information about devotees in hindu religions………nice
Anuradha,
your blog is very informative and whenever I've time and want to read some book,first source is your blog.
Thank you very much for the detailed reviews of the book.
Could you tell how to get this book as flipkart catalogue didn't have this one.
This is a Ramakrishna Math publication, you can order it online from their website or walk into any of theor Ashrams and you can pick up this book.
Thank you very much for the information