Uttarakhand is the land where magnificent temples are dedicated not only to Brahmanical deities but also to folk Gods who are as colourful as they are revered. These grand edifices are virtually poetry in stone where every stone tells a different story. The ornamental exuberance and intricate craftsmanship can be compared to the handiwork of a gem setter as they stand in timeless harmony with centuries settling softly on their shoulders.
Through her book, Beyond the Misty Veil, retired IAS officer Aradhana Johri takes us through a detailed tour of over 1000 temples in Uttarakhand and helps us in reliving the wonder and mysticism.
THE MAGICAL TEMPLES OF UTTARAKHAND
Encompassing the faith of millions of people, the temples of Uttarakhand are also the windows to the past of this proud land where there is little recorded history. But most fascinating is the manifold legends that they clasp to themselves, as they stand tall at the cusp of heaven and earth. Here mythology merges into reality. These temples talk. The Himalayas speak.
Former bureaucrat Aradhana Johri wished to bring to limelight all such fascinating stories on hundreds of temples in the hill-state of Uttarakhand in detail. She visited the temples and listened to the stories they spoke of and attempted to lift the misty veil to capture some of the fascinating stories of Gods and Men, as seen through the eyes of these temples.
BEYOND THE MISTY VEIL
Perhaps the first-ever documentary on the temples of Uttarakhand, the book covers about a thousand temples, of which about 700 are listed and 300 are mentioned in great detail.
The book was formally launched last week by Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, who said, “Given the importance of old temples, their background and relevance cited in historic texts such as the Puranas, the book can be useful for the younger generation to preserve our culture.”
The book gives the reader a glimpse into history and mythology as it offers details about places of reverence, such as the temples collectively known as the Char Dham and the Panch Kedar.
CLOSE TO HER HEART
Ms. Johri completed most of her schooling from the hills of Nainital. As a young girl, she frequently visited the temples of Uttarakhand and got lost in their beauty and calmness. She could feel that every single temple located in the hills of the state had a unique story to tell.
Her love for the temples and the state of Uttarakhand brought out the inner author in her and she made up her mind to write Beyond the Misty Veil and dedicate it to the temples by bringing out their stories for the world to read.
“This book was borne out of my love for Uttarakhand and is the outcome of my abiding interest in our history and mythology, together with the passion for preserving India’s heritage and culture,” Ms. Johri said, while speaking to media.
The book was published by Prabhat Prakashan and was launched by the Vice President in the presence of Union minister G Kishen Reddy.
