The readers of the autobiography of Tamil Scholar U.V. Swaminatha Iyer – En Charithiram – would come across details about his teacher Meenakshisundraman Pillai, being invited to various temple towns to write the sthalapuranam (purana of the temples) of various temples. Sthalapuranas, more often than not a hagiography, in a language beyond the grasp of the common man, was part of the Tamil tradition.
Now the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department has constituted a team of experts to pen the history of 26 temples in Tamil Nadu. K. Manivasan, Secretary, Tourism, Culture and Religious Endowments departments said the books would include high-resolution pictures and stories in a simple language. The department has issued an order detailing the requirement of the books with a minimum of 140 pages.
“Though books on various temples are available, they are not giving a complete picture of the history of the temple, the festivals, worship traditions, inscriptions, festivals and other features. The new project will include all aspects,” said Mr. Manivasan.
