Dynasties of Devotion by Deepa Mandlik

 Synopsis:-

For centuries, temples have functioned not just as places of worship but also social and cultural centres, offering both a connection to the divine and entertainment in the form of music and dance as respite from everyday life. In Dynasties of Devotion, Deepa Mandlik explores seven ancient temples across India and Cambodia, meticulously examines historical contexts and mythological stories associated with each temple.At the Kailasa Temple in Ellora, Maharashtra, she is struck by the visual representation of fertility and abundance - Goddess Lakshmi, elegantly sitting on a lotus, surrounded by four elephants showering her with rain. Through the dancing sculptures of Shiva and Parvati at the magnificent Brihadeeswara Temple in Tamil Nadu, Deepa reveals that this Chola dynasty temple was once a prestigious platform for Bharatanatyam with nearly 400 dancers and 250 musicians in residence.

About the author:-

Deepa Mandlik has been a prolific and versatile Marathi writer for over a decade. This book has been originally published in Marathi as Parakrami Hindu Rajanchi Adwitiya Mandire and has received the Best Reference Book of the Year Award by Akhil Bhartiya Marathi Prakashak Sangh as well as the Best Book of the Year Award by the oldest literature society of Maharashtra, Granthottejak Sanstha, Pune. Now with Aboli Mandlik she brings it to a larger set of readers in English. Deepa has written humour, horror, science fiction, travelogues, thriller, history and archaeology. Her first book, Divas Ase Ki, received critical acclaim and awards including the prestigious C. V. Joshi Award for the Best Humorous Literature of the Year. She regularly writes for numerous prestigious Marathi publications.

My take:-

"Dynasties of Devotion by Deepa Mandlik" Translated from the Marathi by Aboli Mandlik 

"Dynasties of Devotion" is not just a book—it is a soulful pilgrimage wrapped in pages, where every temple described becomes a living, breathing entity. Through Deepa Mandlik’s vivid and reverent storytelling, one is transported into the sacred heart of ancient temples across India and Cambodia. The book doesn't merely inform, it immerses.

With a rare blend of historical depth and spiritual sensitivity, author explores the layers of myth, art, music, and devotion that breathe life into these architectural marvels. From the majestic Kailasa Temple in Ellora, where Goddess Lakshmi is beautifully adorned with divine grace, to the rhythmic splendor of the Brihadeeswara Temple in Tamil Nadu—where hundreds of dancers once performed Bharatanatyam in honor of the divine—the narrative is nothing short of enchanting.

One of the most mesmerizing moments in the book is the portrayal of the "saptaswara" steps at the Airavatesvara Temple, which sing when touched—a divine harmony between stone and soul. Such details are not just facts; they are moments of wonder that leave the reader awestruck.

Each temple, whether nestled in the heart of Karnataka or standing grandly in Cambodia's Angkor Wat, is treated with sacred respect and a historian’s precision. The translation by Aboli Mandlik retains the emotional richness of the original Marathi, allowing the spirit of the author’s devotion to shine through clearly and lovingly.

What makes "Dynasties of Devotion" truly stand out is the deep reverence it holds for India’s spiritual and cultural heritage. It is a moving tribute to temples not just as monuments, but as vibrant centers of life, art, and sacred expression. This book is perfect for seekers, scholars, and spiritual wanderers—anyone who longs to feel the pulse of divinity through history and architecture.

Reading this book feels like gently lighting a lamp in an ancient sanctum—quiet, powerful, and full of grace. Also the pictures added in the book is so beautiful, clear and connecting. Overall it's a good experience reading this book felt like a blessing.

This review is in associate with Blogchatter.

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