The Hindu Temple

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The Hindu Temple is a comprehensive expose on the evolution of a simple and sacred place of worship to a monument, which over the centuries became the pivot of Indian religiosity, culture and aesthetic significance; the super-ordinate ideological focus of society and polity. Tracing its origin to the pre-Christian era, its sanctity, and the unwavering reverence accorded to it even today, is manifested in the elaborate rituals performed within its precincts by devotees, and the festivals celebrated by them.

The book brings into special prominence the relevance of the temple in the social, economic and political integration of the subcontinent. Authoritatively written and impressively illustrated with exceptional and rare photographs, it elucidates in minute and graphic detail the multifaceted sculptural and architectural wonder that is the Hindu temple.

DR R. CHAMPAKALAKSHMI is a noted academic who has specialised in South Indian history. Her main area of research is religion and society, urbanisation, state formation, and art and architecture. After her fruitful tenure as a professor in Jawaharlal Nehru University, she is currently a consultant with several prestigious cultural organisations. Her publications include Vaisnava Iconography in the Tamil Country (1981), Trade Ideology and Urbanisation: South India 300 BC - AD 1300 (1996) and Tradition, Dissent and Ideology (1996).

**Contents and Sample Pages**