This volume focuses on the religious shrine in western India as an institution of cultural integration in the period spanning 200 BCE to 800 CE. It presents an analysis of religious architecture at multiple levels, both temporal and spatial, and distinguishes it as a ritual instrument that integrates individuals and communities into a cultural fabric. The work shows how these structures emphasise on communication with a host of audiences such as the lay worshipper, the ritual specialist, the royalty and the elite as well as the artisan and the sculptor. It also examines religious imagery, inscriptions, traditional lore and Sanskrit literature. The book will be of special interest to researchers and scholars of ancient Indian history, Hinduism, religious studies, architecture and South Asian studies.
Hanuman was born to Anjana, a vanara woman who was cursed by Brihaspathi for having pestered him to marry her. Hanuman was extremely radiant at birth and as a little baby, had once jumped into the sky to eat up the sun thinking it was a fruit! During a scuffle among Devendra, Rahu and Hanuman, Indra injured the child Hanuman and Vayudeva got angry with him. In retaliation, he took away the child and went into a cave. The world became bereft of air and Brahma had to intervene to ease the situation. He and all the devas took turns to specially bless the child and bestow on him special powers. Later Hanuman used these powers in his search for Sita and during the great battle at Lanka. The whole of Lanka was petrified by his actions as he went about destroying Pramadavana and the 80,000-strong army of Ravana. His tail was set on fire and he was paraded through the streets of Lanka but he used this opportunity to observe each and every house and street of Lanka. During the battle when Rama and Lakshmana fell down unconscious, he brought the Sanjeevani mountain which contained life-saving herbs. Hanuman was a divine messenger as he carried the good news of Ravana’s death to Sita as well as to Bharatha and Guha. Earlier he had carried the most comforting message of Rama and Lakshmana’s search for Sita to her. After the coronation, Sri Rama gave expensive gifts to everyone. When he gave an exquisite necklace of pearls to Sita, she looked at him to be told that she could give it to anyone who had made her happy. Very rightly, she gave it to Hanuman. When Sri Rama was ready to go to his heavenly abode after completing the mission of his incarnation, he ordered Hanuman and Vibhishana to remain on earth as pillars of his victory and his righteousness. Our other books here can be searched using #BharathaSamskruthiPrakashana
Indian Police is his new venture on police and policing in Indiaits administration, failures, reasons and solutions are analyzed and discussed with illustrations supported by more than 30 years of experience at senior levels. This volume is a first-hand account of the observations, impressions and experiences of the author as an insider of the Indian police.
