V B Darshan (95 results)

Paperback. Condition: new. Paperback. Virupaksha Temple, Hampi: Vijayanagara Civilization Under the Soul of Stone is a sweeping exploration of one of India's most extraordinary sacred landscapes - a place where mythology, empire, art, and living devotion converge. Set in the dramatic terrain of Hampi, the book traces how the Virupaksha Temple became both the spiritual nucleus of the Vijayanagara Empire and the enduring heart of a city that once dazzled the world.The narrative begins by situating Hampi within its ancient sacred geography, known as Pampa Kshetra, where river, hill, and legend intertwine. Long before the rise of Vijayanagara, the region was revered as a Shaiva pilgrimage center linked with the goddess Pampa and Lord Shiva as Virupaksha. This mythic and spiritual foundation gave the landscape a sacred identity that would outlast political change.From this sacred beginning, the book moves into the rise of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 14th century - a powerful state that emerged during a time of cultural upheaval in South India. The founders established their capital at Hampi, deliberately aligning imperial authority with sacred legitimacy through patronage of the Virupaksha Temple. Religion became an instrument of statecraft, and the temple stood as a symbol of divine sanction.At the height of the empire, Hampi grew into one of the largest and wealthiest cities of the medieval world. Drawing on accounts of foreign travelers, the book reconstructs a bustling capital of markets, festivals, and monumental architecture. Yet amid palaces and bazaars, the Virupaksha Temple remained the spiritual axis around which civic and ritual life revolved.A substantial portion of the work explores the architecture of devotion within the temple itself. The reader is guided through its sacred axis, towering gopuram, pillared mandapas, and the quiet intensity of the garbhagriha. The temple is revealed not as static stone, but as a carefully designed cosmic diagram that directs the devotee's spiritual journey from the outer world to inner realization.The book also delves into the artistic language of the temple - its sculpted pillars, ceiling paintings, and symbolic motifs. Through these carvings and murals, stone becomes scripture, narrating myths, expressing philosophical ideas, and reflecting the artistic brilliance of the Vijayanagara age.Ritual life forms another living layer of the temple's story. Daily worship cycles, annual festivals such as the Virupaksha-Pampa Kalyanam and the grand Rathotsava, and the role of music and dance reveal how the temple functions as a vibrant center of communal and spiritual life. These practices connect present-day devotees with centuries of unbroken tradition.The narrative then turns to the catastrophic Battle of Talikota (1565) and the destruction of Hampi. Palaces fell and markets vanished, yet the Virupaksha Temple survived. The book explores the reasons for this resilience, emphasizing the power of community devotion and the difference between political monuments and living sacred institutions.In the centuries after the empire's fall, Hampi transformed from imperial capital to sacred town. The temple became a bridge across time, sustaining ritual continuity while surrounded by ruins. Pilgrimage, memory, and faith preserved the temple's vitality, ensuring it remained a living shrine rather than a relic of history.Philosophical reflections deepen the narrative by examining Shaivism, the balance of masculine and feminine divine principles, and the temple as a spiritual machine. These chapters reveal how theology, architecture, and ritual intertwine to create a space designed not only for worship, but for inner transformation.< Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability.…

Condition: New.

PAP. Condition: New. New Book. Shipped from UK. Established seller since 2000.

Paperback. Condition: New.

PAP. Condition: New. New Book. Shipped from UK. Established seller since 2000.

Condition: As New. Unread book in perfect condition.

PAP. Condition: New. New Book. Shipped from UK. Established seller since 2000.

PAP. Condition: New. New Book. Shipped from UK. Established seller since 2000.

PAP. Condition: New. New Book. Shipped from UK. Established seller since 2000.

PAP. Condition: New. New Book. Shipped from UK. Established seller since 2000.

Paperback. Condition: New.

PAP. Condition: New. New Book. Shipped from UK. Established seller since 2000.

PAP. Condition: New. New Book. Shipped from UK. Established seller since 2000.

PAP. Condition: New. New Book. Shipped from UK. Established seller since 2000.

PAP. Condition: New. New Book. Shipped from UK. Established seller since 2000.

Condition: New.

Condition: As New. Unread book in perfect condition.

PAP. Condition: New. New Book. Shipped from UK. Established seller since 2000.

Paperback. Condition: new. Paperback. Virupaksha Temple, Hampi: Vijayanagara Civilization Under the Soul of Stone is a sweeping exploration of one of India's most extraordinary sacred landscapes - a place where mythology, empire, art, and living devotion converge. Set in the dramatic terrain of Hampi, the book traces how the Virupaksha Temple became both the spiritual nucleus of the Vijayanagara Empire and the enduring heart of a city that once dazzled the world.The narrative begins by situating Hampi within its ancient sacred geography, known as Pampa Kshetra, where river, hill, and legend intertwine. Long before the rise of Vijayanagara, the region was revered as a Shaiva pilgrimage center linked with the goddess Pampa and Lord Shiva as Virupaksha. This mythic and spiritual foundation gave the landscape a sacred identity that would outlast political change.From this sacred beginning, the book moves into the rise of the Vijayanagara Empire in the 14th century - a powerful state that emerged during a time of cultural upheaval in South India. The founders established their capital at Hampi, deliberately aligning imperial authority with sacred legitimacy through patronage of the Virupaksha Temple. Religion became an instrument of statecraft, and the temple stood as a symbol of divine sanction.At the height of the empire, Hampi grew into one of the largest and wealthiest cities of the medieval world. Drawing on accounts of foreign travelers, the book reconstructs a bustling capital of markets, festivals, and monumental architecture. Yet amid palaces and bazaars, the Virupaksha Temple remained the spiritual axis around which civic and ritual life revolved.A substantial portion of the work explores the architecture of devotion within the temple itself. The reader is guided through its sacred axis, towering gopuram, pillared mandapas, and the quiet intensity of the garbhagriha. The temple is revealed not as static stone, but as a carefully designed cosmic diagram that directs the devotee's spiritual journey from the outer world to inner realization.The book also delves into the artistic language of the temple - its sculpted pillars, ceiling paintings, and symbolic motifs. Through these carvings and murals, stone becomes scripture, narrating myths, expressing philosophical ideas, and reflecting the artistic brilliance of the Vijayanagara age.Ritual life forms another living layer of the temple's story. Daily worship cycles, annual festivals such as the Virupaksha-Pampa Kalyanam and the grand Rathotsava, and the role of music and dance reveal how the temple functions as a vibrant center of communal and spiritual life. These practices connect present-day devotees with centuries of unbroken tradition.The narrative then turns to the catastrophic Battle of Talikota (1565) and the destruction of Hampi. Palaces fell and markets vanished, yet the Virupaksha Temple survived. The book explores the reasons for this resilience, emphasizing the power of community devotion and the difference between political monuments and living sacred institutions.In the centuries after the empire's fall, Hampi transformed from imperial capital to sacred town. The temple became a bridge across time, sustaining ritual continuity while surrounded by ruins. Pilgrimage, memory, and faith preserved the temple's vitality, ensuring it remained a living shrine rather than a relic of history.Philosophical reflections deepen the narrative by examining Shaivism, the balance of masculine and feminine divine principles, and the temple as a spiritual machine. These chapters reveal how theology, architecture, and ritual intertwine to create a space designed not only for worship, but for inner transfo Shipping may be from our UK warehouse or from our Australian or US warehouses, depending on stock availability.…

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PAP. Condition: New. New Book. Shipped from UK. Established seller since 2000.

Paperback. Condition: new. Paperback. Sabarimala is not merely a temple or a seasonal pilgrimage; it is a disciplined spiritual tradition shaped by geography, ritual, restraint, and lived experience. Set deep within the forested hills of the Western Ghats, the journey to Sabarimala has, for centuries, demanded preparation of the body, clarity of the mind, and humility of the spirit. This book approaches Sabarimala not as an event, but as a complete spiritual system.At the heart of the pilgrimage lies the idea that sacredness is not instantly accessible. The forest paths, the vows undertaken, the shared identity of the pilgrim, and the gradual ascent together form a process of inner transformation. Sabarimala reminds the seeker that effort precedes grace and discipline prepares the ground for devotion.This work explores Sabarimala through its landscape, tracing how rivers, hills, forests, and routes are inseparable from its spiritual meaning. The geography is not incidental; it is integral. Every river crossed and every step climbed reflects an inward movement toward self-mastery and surrender.The book also examines the origins and form of Lord Ayyappa, presenting theological foundations, regional traditions, and evolving narratives with balance and clarity. Rather than reducing these traditions to isolated stories, it places them within a broader framework of Dharma, unity, and ethical living.Historical chapters trace the continuity of worship through oral traditions, royal patronage, and changing administrative structures. From early devotional practices to the role of the Pandalam dynasty and later transformations, Sabarimala is presented as a living institution shaped by time without losing its essential character.A significant portion of the book is devoted to the discipline of the Vratham-the forty-one-day preparation that defines the pilgrimage. Dietary restraint, mental purity, equality among pilgrims, and the ethical meaning of brahmacharya are explored not as rigid rules, but as tools for inner refinement.Rituals such as the Irumudi, the sacred bath at Pamba, and the ascent of the Eighteen Steps are explained in depth, revealing their symbolic logic and spiritual intent. These practices are shown to be deliberate acts of awareness rather than mere tradition.The journey through Erumeli and the role of diverse communities in shaping the pilgrimage highlight the inclusive and shared nature of the Sabarimala tradition. Songs, chants, and oral expressions emerge as vessels of memory, binding generations of devotees into a common spiritual rhythm.Sacred time is examined through the lens of the pilgrimage calendar, with special attention to Makara Sankranti and the enduring significance of Makara Jyothi. Faith, continuity, and collective experience are presented with sensitivity, acknowledging both tradition and contemporary understanding.The book also addresses modern realities with care-temple administration, crowd management, environmental challenges, and public discourse-without polemics or sensationalism. These chapters aim to inform rather than provoke, maintaining respect for both tradition and present-day responsibility.Ultimately, this book views Sabarimala as an inner pilgrimage as much as a physical one. Beyond hills and seasons, it offers a model of spiritual living grounded in discipline, equality, and humility. Written with restraint and respect, this work serves as both a reference and a companion for anyone seeking to understand the enduring sacred journey of Sabarimala. This item is printed on demand. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability.…

Paperback. Condition: new. Paperback. GURUVAYOOR is not merely a book about a temple; it is a journey into a living world where faith breathes, ritual speaks, and divinity is experienced as an intimate presence. At the heart of this work stands Guruvayoorappan-the child form of Sri Krishna-revered not as a distant god, but as a compassionate, listening presence who has shaped the spiritual life of Kerala for centuries.Rooted in sacred tradition and supported by historical inquiry, this book traces the divine origins of the Guruvayoor temple from mythic time to recorded history. It explores the journey of the idol across yugas, the role of Guru and Vayu, and the emergence of Guruvayoor as a sacred landscape where mythology and geography merge seamlessly.Moving beyond origins, the book carefully unfolds the historical evolution of the temple-its royal patronage, periods of threat and survival, colonial challenges, and modern governance. These chapters reveal how Guruvayoor endured not by freezing itself in the past, but by adapting while remaining unwavering in ritual purity and spiritual intent.A central strength of this work lies in its detailed portrayal of daily worship and temple life. From Nirmalya Darshan at dawn to the closing rituals at night, each act of worship is explained not only as procedure, but as philosophy. Rituals are presented as living expressions of devotion rather than mechanical observances.The book devotes significant attention to faith as lived experience. Through accounts of vows, miracles, and personal surrender, it captures why millions approach Guruvayoorappan as a child who listens, comforts, and responds. These narratives are handled with sensitivity, allowing belief to speak for itself without sensationalism.Guruvayoor's festivals form another vibrant dimension of this work. Ekadasi, Ulsavam, Ashtami Rohini, and sacred observances are described as moments when the temple expands into society, transforming individual devotion into collective celebration. Music, lamps, elephants, and prayer merge into a rhythm that has defined Kerala's cultural identity.The book also highlights Guruvayoor as a cultural nucleus. Traditions such as Krishnanattam, Chembai Sangeetholsavam, and temple arts are presented as offerings rather than performances, reinforcing the idea that art at Guruvayoor is inseparable from worship.In examining Guruvayoor in the modern world, the book addresses administration, technology, crowd management, and digital devotion, showing how an ancient temple navigates contemporary realities without losing its soul. Guruvayoor emerges not as a relic resisting change, but as a living institution engaging the present with dignity.Equally important are the reflections on society, equality, service, and annadanam. The temple's role as a social and moral force is explored with clarity, revealing how devotion at Guruvayoor naturally extends into compassion, discipline, and collective responsibility.Ultimately, GURUVAYOOR is a meditation on endurance-of faith, of ritual, and of meaning in a restless world. Written with reverence and restraint, this book invites the reader not only to understand Guruvayoor, but to feel why, even today, millions believe that God still lives there as a child who never left. This item is printed on demand. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability.…

Condition: New. Print on Demand.

Condition: New. Print on Demand.

Condition: New. Print on Demand.

Condition: New. Print on Demand.

Condition: New. Print on Demand.

Condition: New. Print on Demand.

Condition: New. Print on Demand.