Dynasties of Devotion: Unveiling India’s Ancient Temple Secrets by Deepa Mandlik | Book Review

Title of the Book:Dynasties of Devotion:The Secrets of 7 Iconic Hindu Temples
Author: Deepa Mandlik
Genre: Mythology & History
Pages: 208
Publisher: HarperCollins

Have you ever been to a site that fascinated you so much you wished you could uncover all its secrets. Have you ever been curious about the story behind a particular location, monument, or piece of art? If so, you will undoubtedly resonate with author Deepa Mandlik, whose beautiful journey of exploring outstanding temples began when she visited Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Kerala. Deeply impressed by the temple, she researched it comprehensively, uncovering a wealth of information that, though valuable, was scattered across various sources. This experience inspired her to write a detailed article about the temple, which was received very positively by readers

This marked the beginning of her thorough research into various temples and her first-hand experiences, gained through travels to many temples in India and abroad (Cambodia, to be precise). These detailed accounts form the basis of her book, Dynasties of Devotion.

About the Book

In Dynasties of Devotion, the author chronicles 7 iconic Hindu temples, ranging from the Kailasa Temple in Maharashtra to The Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur and Gangaikondacholapuram, The Airavatesvara Temple, Angkor Wat in Cambodia, The Chennakeshva Temple, and Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple. She provides detailed explanations of their architectural marvels, the rulers responsible for their creation, the legends connected to each, and even the minute intricacies of their sculptures.

She not only describes the sculptures in detail but also the political scenario of the era in which they were created. The book also discusses the reigns of the Mauryas, Rashtrakutas, Pallavas, Satavahanas, Vakatakas, Chalukyas, the Chola Dynasty, the Hoysala Dynasty, and many more.

After reading the book, you will be reminded that India was exceptionally rich in its art forms, whether in poetry, literature, craft, or the creation of grand structures. For example, consider:

• The sculpture of a woman gazing at her face in a circular mirror in the Chennakeshava Temple.
• The sculptures showing 108 Bharatnatyam mudras 
• The miniature sculptures as tiny as a finger.
• The miraculous sculpture in the Airavatesvara Temple that play with optical illusions, such as a female acrobat portrayed to be viewed from multiple perspectives.

These examples are enough to evoke wonder.

Honestly, it’s hard to find words to fully convey the genius of the people who created these temples and sculptures. They were truly incredible! And a big ‘well done!’ is also due to Deepa Mandlik for capturing every single tiny detail of them.

On one hand, you gain insights into historical facts such as the trade relations with Rome, Egypt, Italy, and Greece during the Satavahana period. You also learn about the bravery and influence of the Cholas, who brought several regions, including Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore, under their control – all of which proves India was always advanced and flourishing.

On the other hand, the book introduces you to the kings who commissioned these magnificent temples, revealing their diverse motivations. For instance, one temple might have been built for triumph, another to make a grandmother happy, or a third, according to legend, so that a queen could break her fast.

You will feel proud learning about the history and richness of these temples, but also saddened that some of them were not preserved properly and were used inappropriately. For example:

• The British took granite from the Brihadeeswara Temple to construct a dam.
• The ancient temples of Cambodia were used as military camps, and minefields were laid around them. The effects of this can still be seen today, as some areas remain unsafe due to unexploded mines.

I love the way Deepa Mandlik has related the erosion of Cambodia’s once thriving Hindu culture to the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh, which symbolizes the cycles of creation, preservation, and destruction.

The architectural vision and the ingenious engineering of the surrounding structures of these temples are also awe-inspiring. Consider the water management system at Cambodia’s Angkor Wat as a key example. This system effectively controlled the flow of the Mekong River into Tonle Sap, a shallow lake, thereby regulating water levels to prevent excessive inundation during the rainy season and ensure ample supply in the drier months.

Finally, Deepa Mandlik concludes her journey at the Padmanabhaswamy Temple, an architectural marvel where visitors can witness the idol through three distinct doors, each symbolizing a stage of human life: childhood, youth, and old age. The idol itself, studded with 12,008 shaligrams, is believed to be a thousand times more sacred than a single tirtha-kshetra (pilgrimage site). The narrative also includes the notable legal battle concerning the temple’s vaults and efforts to determine their vast treasures.

My Thoughts

As an ardent Hindu devotee, I found immense satisfaction in reading about these magnificent temples. The depth of Deepa Mandlik’s exploration – whether it’s the architectural marvels, the myths and legends, or the sculptures such as Shiva Parvati dancing, Shiva Tandava, and depictions of apsaras – truly makes one yearn to see them in person. The inclusion of pictures further enhances its relatability.

Having spent my entire life in the northern part of India, I’ve only visited temples in this region. Though I always knew about the architectural marvels across the rest of the country, reading about them in detail has ignited a strong desire to see them for myself. I look forward to explore them.

Aboli Mandlik has done full justice in translating the book from Marathi. I am glad that the names and titles are preserved in the original language; otherwise, some of their intrinsic meaning would have been lost. Although some words may be challenging, maintaining the essence of the text is far more important than simplifying everything.

The book itself is a profoundly deep read. I took the longest time to finish it, not due to its page count, but because of the sheer depth of knowledge it offers. There is so much to know, learn, and grasp that one must engage with it slowly, yet it’s entirely worth the effort. As the saying goes, good things take time – much like the temples mentioned in the book, which themselves required years to complete. For instance, the Brihadeeswara Temple at Gangaikondacholapuram took six years, while the Airavatesvara Temple took twenty.

With deep research and captivating detail, Deepa Mandlik’s Dynasties of Devotion inspires readers to discover the wonders of our ancient temples, fostering deeper devotion as well as praise for Incredible India. This profound work ensures a lasting appreciation for the nation’s unparalleled historical and cultural legacy. So, if you love exploring and learning in detail, you will definitely want to pick up this book.

About the Book Author: Deepa Mandlik

Meet Deepa Mandlik, a highly accomplished Marathi writer whose diverse literary portfolio spans over a decade, encompassing everything from thrillers to travelogues. Her magnum opus, “Parakrami Hindu Rajanchi Adwitiya Mandire,” originally penned in Marathi, has achieved significant recognition, including the Best Reference Book of the Year Award from Akhil Bhartiya Marathi Prakashak Sangh and the Best Book of the Year Award from Granthottejak Sanstha, Pune. This celebrated work is now accessible to a broader English readership, thanks to her collaboration with Aboli Mandlik. Deepa’s literary journey began with “Divas Ase Ki,” a critically acclaimed debut that earned her the distinguished C. V. Joshi Award for Humorous Literature. Her writings consistently feature in prominent Marathi publications.

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