Vaisnava Temples of South India- A Study of Divyaksetras in Tamil Nadu

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The present book on six Vaiṣṇava Divyakşetras situated in the far south of India is well conceived and designed in seven compact chapters along with a crisp introduction and conclusion. The book traces the evolution of the ksetras from the past to the present as gleaned from literature & epigraphy, presents their topography, ecology and landscape and tells about their importance in the history of Vaişnavism. The study also traces the history of these kşetras during different periods of history based on the epigraphical data. Though the kşetras existed from the time of the Alvārs, most of the existing structures are of the Vijayanagara-Nayaka period. The major stress is given to the architectural and iconographical potentialities of the kşetras. The images are examined with due reference to their mythology and canonic mandate. A special emphasis is given to the wood carved chariot of the Srivilliputtur temple. The study also presents an account of the pujas and festivals in the kşetras. This book is a fitting contribution to Vijayanagara Nayaka studies and indispensable for scholars and students of Indian cultural history.

Dr S. Ganeshram (b. 1964) was educated at Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai, Tamil Nadu. Prior to his appointment as Registrar of Tamil University, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu in 2013, he served as Dean (Research and Development) and Head, Department of History, Sri S. Ramasamy Naidu Memorial College, Sattur which is affiliated to Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai. He has edited two books, co-edited one book and authored three books. He has completed three research projects sponsored by the ICHR, UGC and CICT. He continues to present papers in both national and international conferences and publish articles in reputed journals.

The present book "Vaisnava Temples of South India: A Study of Divyakşetras in Tamil Nadu" is an attempt to bring to light the uniqueness of six Vaisnava divyakşetras situated in the far south of India. The book traces the evolution of the ketras from the past to the present as gleaned from literature and epigraphy. The study also examines these kşetras in the context of their importance as historical centres of religion, art and architecture. In this venture, I have been fortunate enough to be associated with a good number of scholars and friends who helped me a lot in bringing out the book in this present form.

First and foremost, I would like to convey my sincere thanks and gratitude to my esteemed teacher Dr B.S. Chandrababu, Emeritus Professor, School of Historical Studies, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai for all his encouragement, guidance and his tolerance of time and temper. He has shown sincere interest and scrutinized many drafts from which the book has finally emerged. I am deeply indebted to him for all his kind help. I express my sincere thanks to my friend Dr V. Venkatraman, Principal, Rajapalayam Rajus College, Rajapalayam for his encouragement.

My gratitude goes to my friends Dr A.R. Venkatachalapathy, Prof. A. Sivasubramanian, Dr M.S.S. Pandian and Dr Arul Krishnamoorthy for their unflagging love and support throughout my academic life. I sincerely thank my teacher Dr L. Sengaiah, Former Principal, Sri S.R.N.M. College, Sattur for his encouragement and support. I place on record my sincere thanks to my friends Mrs. Ezhilarasi, Dr Vedachalam, Dr Bavani, Dr Christu Doss, Mr. Dilip Divakar, Dr Avinash Mishra, Dr Abbas and Dr L. Manivannan for their help in the collection of source material. I sincerely thank Dr Rajarajan and Dr Jeyapriya for sharing copies of their unpublished articles, books and rare photographs. 1 am deeply beholden to Mr. Barath for his help in the preparation of plans of temples and architectural drawings. My deepest gratitude goes to my family for their love and support. They provided the best possible academic environment for me.

My special thanks are due to the library staff of Tamilnadu Archives, Madras Institute of Development Studies, Adyar Library & Research Centre, Connemara Library, Madras University Library, Nehru Memorial Museum and Library, Jawaharlal Nehru University Library and National Archives. I thank the temple authorities for permitting me to collect the available data in their office and to photograph the temples.

I express my sincere thanks to Mr. J. Balasubramanian for his computing assistance. I express my deepest gratitude to Mrs. Anjana Bansal, Sharada Publishing House, Delhi and her team for bringing out the book in a short span of time.

**Contents and Sample Pages**