Temples of India: Ancient, Medieval and Modern

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Are you a general reader or pilgrim on a religious and spiritual journey? Are you someone that is curious about historical aspects and local legends of a temple?

Several ancient temples are currently decayed. However, Hinduism has stood as a great spiritual, religious, and moral force for over 2000 years in India and some countries of the Asian continent.

"Temples of India: Ancient, Medieval and Modern" helps you uncover your curiosity about our temples that are rich in history. I have attempted to cover several hundred temples, some with extensive details and others briefly. To help the readers navigate easily, this book is organised with individual chapters dedicated to each state in India and focuses on the temples of all states of our country, especially ancient and medieval. Some states are covered extensively due to their rich history and existence of Hindu temples.

Dr. K. Raghuram has had a distinguished academic career spanning almost four decades as a Lecturer, Reader, Professor, and Principal in NAAC-accredited degree and Post-Graduate colleges in the composite state of Andhra Pradesh. He preferred teaching as a profession due to his passion and zeal to serve and inspire future Historians.

He is the recipient of Gold Medal from Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, for his academic excellence in 'Bachelor of Arts' (B.A.) in the year 1968 and is the topper in his 'Master of Arts' (M.A.) with a specialisation in History & Archeology in the year 1970 from Osmania University, Hyderabad. He also received his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in History from Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, in 1993. Some of the honours and awards he received include:

'State Best Teacher Award - Andhra Pradesh' for the year 2002

Rashtriya Gaurav Award, New Delhi, for Administration in the year 2005,

'Rajiv Gandhi Vidya Vikas Award' for distinguished services in Education from Union Ministry in the year 2007

As a researcher, Dr. K. Raghuram has utilised extensive research material available at the National Archives, States Archives of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and National and state libraries and authored many Articles in History journals.

Temples of India" is written to inform general readers, pilgrims, travellers, and those on a religious and spiritual journey. The book covers the temples of all states in India, and I have personally visited some of them, including ancient, medieval, and modern temples. Some ancient temples have decayed over time due to age factors or foreign invasions, while the Archaeological Survey of India protects others. Some temples are still active and regularly visited by pilgrims for performing 'Pujas' and celebrations. The information presented in the book is collected from reliable and authentic sources, both from India and abroad, with care taken at every stage of collection, arrangement, and presentation. The temple histories are written with priority given to legendary sources or 'Sthalapuranas' and include historical, mythological, spiritual, and philosophical aspects from ancient times to the present day. When visiting South Indian temples, one can see that they are preserved in their original form, maintaining their original glory. The chronological links between the temples are undisturbed, covering a vast period and wide area.

The Indian Temples are profound symbols of spirituality beyond being places of religious worship. They serve as repositories of Indian art and sculpture, a testament to our rich cultural heritage. The rites and rituals performed at these temples are not mere traditions but a living embodiment of the teachings of great saints and reformers like Adi Shankaracharya and Ramanujacharya. The temple deities, far from being stone idols, are believed to be living and vibrant Gods, their presence felt by all who visit. Chanting Vedic mantras is not just a practice but a way to infuse divine energy among the devotees, connecting them to a higher power.

India's religious and philosophical traditions are the richest, having excellent continuity and development. Since 3250 BC, Hinduism has been a philosophy that served the people's requirements, from a commoner to a philosopher. In short, Hinduism spans the complete spectrum of Indian culture, according to George Michell, an Australian historian. The origin of the religion goes back to the Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro civilizations, furnishing the information of worship of the "Mother Goddess". In other words, nature is personified.

The Harappa origin focused on the Dravidian, non-Aryan, and pre- Aryan versions. Of course, temples were not discovered, but the "Divine Mother" worship has extended to Shiva, Vishnu, Shakti, and minor deities. In other words, the system of worship gained significant momentum.