Heaven on Earth: The Universe of Kerala’s Guruvayur Temple, written by British writer and photographer Pepita Seth, narrates the history of Guruvayoor Sri Krishna Temple, its rituals and beliefs, its traditional style of management, its festivals and its patronage of ancient art forms in Kerala and its elephants. The book is a result of seven years’ research and is supported by brilliant photographs.
Driven by passion and respect for Kerala’s culture and traditions, Pepita Seth began seriously photographing and writing about the rituals of Hindus in Kerala from the 1970s. In 1981, she was given official permission to enter Hindu temples in Kerala.
The Guruvayoor Sri Krishna Temple is one of the most important Hindu temples in world and is frequented by millions of devotees. The temple is mentioned in the ‘Mahabharata’. The history of the idol worshipped in the temple goes back to the Dwapara Yuga when Lord Krishna lived on earth.
“I feel that Guruvayur is important on many different levels: it has existed for centuries and sustained devotees while maintaining its complex ritual cycle... There is ‘something’ intangible but deeply felt. People’s relationship with Guruvayurappan is intense and often very moving; He is loved. I could go on but I am sure you know what I mean! And, of course, I am a devotee!” (In an interview given to the Hindu Magazine section by Pepita Seth.)
Heaven on Earth: The Universe of Kerala’s Guruvayur Temple includes detailed descriptions of rituals and concepts behind them and is the first such book on the temple.
The book includes a brief introduction, details of the temple, myth and history, the Ooralan and the Zamorin (rulers and administrators), the Sri Krishna Idol, the priests, the worship of the Lord, daily poojas, dawn to dusk pooja, servants of the Lord, about ardent devotees, the traditional arts, the elephants of Guruvayur, Ekadasi at the temple, an year in the Temple, the Bhagavathi, the Sahasrakalasam and the Lord's Festival. The book is supported by a glossary and index and 215 photographs.
Heaven on Earth: The Universe of Kerala’s Guruvayur Temple
By Pepita Seth
Published by Niyogi Books
Price: Rupees: 2995/-
2 comments:
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Keep writing.
I am sreerag,i came to know about pepita seth on today's article on mathrubhumi news paper(2010,feb 7).
Its really good to seen that foreing people are attracted towards indian culture.I had't read the book yet but after gathering all information about the book ifelt it very interesting.
I few had request to seth that kindly concentrate more on the scientific background of hindu culture and customs i am sure that u will be amazed.The best person u can prefer to lead u is Dr.N.Gopalakrishnan who is the director of Indian Institute of scientific Heritage .Try to know more about Energy feelings in temples.Bakti,janhna,kala lead to single thing.SREERAMJAYAM
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