Description
Art in India is never removed from life; it is intimately tied to religion, aesthetics, and utility. A walk into a temple or a place of worship becomes a profound experience at many levels—tactile, olfactory, sensory, visual, spiritual, and religious. Taking any of these elements individually offers only a partial experience at best.
In this captivating book, the author brings to the reader the Goddess Parvati, the ultimate Female Principle. She is explored in all her multifaceted glory: as the consort of the God Shiva, Lover, Mother, ultimate provider, and the very embodiment of beauty. By portraying her in each of her manifestations, the book intricately recreates the vibrant spiritual ambience that normally surrounds her to show her in her true glory.
The visual documentation includes evocative images in stone mostly from the classical period in North India. The dominant theme in these stone sculptures is the amorous togetherness of Shiva and Parvati, beautifully manifested in their form as Uma-Maheshwara. To provide a holistic view of the Goddess’s depiction across regions and mediums, the volume also includes iconic Chola bronzes, traditional Thanjavur paintings, and vibrant images drawn from Indian folk traditions.
Table of Contents:
Praramb, As We Begin
The Narrative of Parvati
The Literature of Parvati
The Images of Parvati
The Meaning of Parvati
Vidai, Taking Leave
Glossary
About the Author:
Harsha V. Dehejia holds a remarkable double doctorate—one in Medicine and the other in Ancient Indian Culture—both from Bombay University, India. He is a highly acclaimed author whose previous works include The Advaita of Art and Parvatidarpana.
Parvati: Goddess of Love
By Harsha Dehejia
Book Specifications:
Category: Art / Religion & Spirituality
Pages: 120 pages
Price: Rs. 750
Illustrations: 45 illustrations
Dimensions: 7.25 x 7.25″ (185 x 185 mm)
ISBN: 978-81-85822-59-4
Date of Publishing: 1999
Language: English
