Aayu Publications

ABOUT THE BOOK:- Embarking on a journey through the wonders of India's temples, one is captivated by the grandeur of the Kailash Temple in Ellora, skillfully carved from a single colossal rock with intricate details gracing its walls and roofs. Today's technology falls short in unraveling the mysteries surrounding this architectural marvel—how was it carved meticulously from top to bottom, adorned with detailed carvings?As we marvel at the musical notes produced by the pillars of Hampi's Vitthal Temple and the precision of timekeeping in the Sun Temple of Konark's wheel,questions linger: How do these ancient structures achieve such feats beyond our modern understanding? The mysteries deepen as we contemplate the paradox of the shadow in Chhaya Someshwar Mandir and the colossal single-stone murals in Mahabalipuram. How were these intricate panels carved from a single stone, and what secrets do they hold?The sculptors' artistry in Khajuraho's temples, depicting both beauty and boldness, prompts reflection on the profound reasons behind such sculptures in places of worship.Who were the sculptors, and what could have been the motivation for carving such statues on the walls of these sacred spaces? Despite our technological advancements, the secrets of these ancient marvels remain elusive, inviting us to ponder the ingenuity that crafted them centuries ago. Scattered across India's vast expanse, these enigmatic temples form a web of mysteries, each structure bearing witness to a cultural heritage that spans the ages. In the wisdom of ancient sages, the human body was deemed the dwelling place of God, a belief intricately woven into the synchronized design of temple architecture and its sacred spaces. The revered treasure of India lies not only in its tangible structures but in the profound connection between these architectural marvels and the human form. ‘The Temples of Bharat’ serves as a captivating exploration into the various dimensions of temple architecture, offering a lens through which we can decipher the essence of Indian society, religion, and culture.This endeavor seeks to comprehend the various ways in which 'the temple,' as a profoundly significant architectural typology of the past, can be studied. Each temple stands as a unique and promising field for research.The book meticulously documents and presents the temples' significant facets, delving into socio-cultural, spiritual, religious, historical, and architectural dimensions. The pages come alive with thoughtfully curated web-images, offering panoramic views that transport readers into the sanctified realms of these architectural marvels. Beyond its scholarly depth, ‘The Temples of Bharat’ is a visual delight, with aesthetics woven into its very fabric. The compilation of images not only enhances the narrative but also evokes a sense of exhilaration, breathing life into the words on the pages. The cultural, aesthetic, and architectural insights within these chapters kindle a profound sense of meaning and pride, encouraging readers to forge a connection with the opulence of India's heritage. Transcending mere scholarship, this work extends an invitation to rediscover the roots that anchor us to a glorious past. It is a celebration of the intricate craftsmanship, spiritual depth, and cultural richness that define India's temples. Accessible and engaging, The Temples of Bharat beckons to anyone who takes pride in India's cultural legacy, offering a journey through time and space, resonating with the echoes of devotion and artistic brilliance. ABOUT THE AUTHOR:- Prof. Ujwala Chakradeo is the Vice Chancellor of SNDT Women’s University, Mumbai. Previously, she held the distinguished positions of Professor and Principal of Smt. Manoramabai Mundle College of Architecture, Nagpur. Graduating from Vishveshwarayya Regional College of Engineering, Nagpur in 1984, Prof. Chakradeo completed her M.Tech in 1989 and Ph.D. in 2006 from VNIT. Her multifaceted career spans roles as an architect, interior designer, urban planner, educationist, and a devoted advocate of heritage conservation. With a teaching career that commenced in 1985, she has spent 38 years delving deep into innovative teaching methodologies, training approaches, and extensive research across the fields of architecture and beyond. Her Ph.D. thesis on the ‘Impact of Social Change on Architecture Education in India’ underscores her commitment to the evolving landscape of education. In 2013, her experiences with students were published in the Marathi book ‘Scale ani T Scale,’ reflecting her dedication to experiential learning. This commitment is further evident in her documentation of students' study tour work in Bhutan and Harsil Valley. Prof. Chakradeo's intellectual contributions extend to a chapter on 'Life Cycle Assessment, Methods and Procedures' in the Encyclopaedia of Renewable and Sustainable Materials by Elsevier in 2019. Her prolific career is marked by several research publications and six copyrights, testifying to her significant impact on the academic and professional spheres. Prof. Chakradeo has been instrumental in designing and launching postgraduate programs in Architectural Education and Urban Design at RashtrasantTukdoji Maharaj, Nagpur University in 2007 and 2020, respectively, showcasing her visionary approach to education. Under her adept guidance, eleven scholars have attained their Ph.D. As an architect and interior designer, she has undertaken diverse projects for government and private clients. Her passion for Indian culture and heritage structures materializes through various initiatives, notably in creating awareness about heritage structures among her students. She has been a member of various prestigious organizations, including the Heritage Conservation Committee (Nagpur Municipal Corporation since 2010), Indian Institute of Architecture, Council of Architecture, and Life Member of the Indian National Trust for Art & Cultural Heritage. Prof. Chakradeo's influence extends to various academic, administrative, and professional bodies, holding positions such as President of Maharashtra Association of Schools of Architecture, Chairperson of the Committee for NEP (Maharashtra), and Membership in Bhartiya Shikshan Mandal, All India Board of Town and Country Planning (AICTE), PG Board & NEP Committee (COA), Management Council (IGNOU), Steering Committee (Unnat Bharat Abhiyan, UGC), Committee for appointment of Lokpal (Pune University), Academic Advisory Committee (Architecture) National Board of Accreditation, New Delhi, and Jury for the 2022 National Awards to Teachers. Additionally, Dr. Chakradeo serves as Acting Vice-Chancellor of Homi Bhabha State University, Mumbai and Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli. Her tireless dedication to education, research, and heritage preservation continues to shape the academic landscape in India.