Music Rituals in the Temples of South India, Vol. I

Contents: Preface. Acknowledgement. Key to transliteration. Introduction. 1. Role of music in the Vedas. 2. Music as a form of worship. 3. The Bhakti Movement. 4. The role of temples in promoting music. 5. The Nayanmars. 6. The Alvars. 7. Temple of Lord Venkatesvara-Tirumala (Music rituals in detail with photographs). 8. Comparisons between the works of Alvars and Nayanmars. 9. Comparisons of the Devadasis to the Temple music tradition. 10. Music traditions in the temples of Tamil Nadu. 11. Vocal music. 12. Instrumental music. 13. Dance forms as rituals in temples. 14. Festivals in temples. 15. Inscriptions of information on music in the temples. 16. Sculptures of dance and music in temples. 17. Unique music traditions in some temples. 18. Centres that promoted temple art forms. 19. A few important centres to visit. Conclusion. Bibliography. Index.

"The book presents a wealth of information on the music rituals in temples at various places in South India. Following visits to a number of temples and based on interviews with temple artists, the author shows that the musical traditions of temples differ from temple to temple, particularly from Vaisnavite to Saivite temples.

Beginning with the place of music in the Vedas, the book discusses music itself as a form of worship and the role of temples in promoting it. It focuses on the musical contributions of Nayanmars and Alvars whose hymns are sung today as a daily ritual in many temples, and compares their music. It concentrates on both vocal and instrumental music, dance forms as rituals in temples, and music and singing involved in temple festivals. Many interesting inscriptions and sculptures related to dance and music have also been taken up for discussion. In a fascinating attempt the author has dealt with unique music traditions in some temples of South India like ragas associated with specific temples only and the tradition of Nadasvaram playing in Tiruvarur Temple.

The volume will enthrall scholars of Indology, particularly those involved in study of religious art and music traditions." (jacket)