Ritual Enactment in Temple Tradition : Cheluvanarayana Svami Temple Melukote

Contents: Foreword. 1. Introduction. 2. Ritual topography and temple complex. 3. Srivaishnava iconography. 4.     Contributions of Alvars and Acaryas to Srivaisnava temple tradition. 5. Myths and legends. 6. An introduction to the Pujapaddhati and Utsavas. 7. Major rituals and festivals. 8. Epilogue. Appendices. Bibliography. Index. 

The Temple of India, particularly of South India and more specifically of Karnataka, are a living testimony to the efficacy of the sacred world of consecrated images, they are integral to the conception of enlivened image. The ancient modes of worship authenticated by the agamas have continued to this day, and the practicing priests provide material on these for conducting holistic studies to get a unifying vision. These resources are termed today as ‘Living traditions’ or Living Human Treasures’, which come under category of Intangible Human Heritage. They have relevance to the category of socio-psycho and socio-cultural elements of human values experienced through the senses both strong and fragile, as they rely on community to pass it on. It has symbolic relevance, so it is intangible symbolism inlaid. 

The project of Ritual Enactment at the shrine of Cheluvanarayana Svami Melukote is conceived keeping in mind the vision of Indira Gandhi National for Arts, IGNCA, to document the temple traditions and bring them into the fold of scholastic and academic framework. Melukote, the Alaya Ashrita Grama is endowed with the tangible and intangible cultural heritage has the charismatic installed image of Sri Cheluvanarayana Svami and the processional image of Shevapillai fondly worshipped Sri Ramanujacharya in 12th century. Melukote as temple town received its due patronage from Hoysalas continued in Vijayanagar and Wodeyar times. This publication pertains to the year-long ritual tradition laid down by Sri Ramanujacharya almost 900 years ago. With accompanying text supported by beautiful photographs, meaningful illustrations authenticate the value of research and documentation of the Ritual Enactment performed on specific days and months at this temple town. This seriously researched and beautifully designed volume will be a valuable reference work to whom it matters an interesting read to devotees, seekers and common readers.