Post No. 12,123
Date uploaded in London – – 12 June , 2023
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https://www.pustaka.co.in/home/author/london-swaminathan
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London Swaminathan speaking
New English book on Hindu temples was launched in London Murugan Temple in London yesterday (11-6-2023). The book written by Dr Siva loka nathan, a Forensic specialist, was praised by all the speakers. They all highlighted the unique contribution of the author to the migrant children who could follow only English in Britain.
The event got added significance because of the presence of Sri Pitchai Sivachariar, Chief Priest of Pillayaarpatti in India.He is the founder of Anmeeka, Kalachara Kendra. He pointed out that all the proceeds through the sale of the book go to London Murugan Temple. Sri Naganatha Sivam, Chief Priest of London Sri Murugan temple pointed out that the book has come out after doctor’s deep research who got inspired by his grandmother from his childhood days. Barrister Vickneswaran, who spoke in English, explained the structure of the book and its logical division into many parts.
Mr Sampathkumar, trustee of the temple, presided over the meeting and said that it is the first time that London Murugan temple bringing out a book and the reason for it is the family’s close association with the temple and his deep devotion. Dr Sivaloknathan explained the reason for writing the book and thanked all the people who helped at the end.
Trustees Dakshinamoorthy, President Ramadas, Mr Anbananthar organised the event in a perfect way. Traditional welcome was given to the doctor couple in the beginning with all the drums and pipes. Mrs Padma Sekar, secretary of the temple board of trutees, proposed a vote of thanks. Trustee Mrs Lakshmi Rajagopal received the book along with many others. About 70 people attended the event and queued up to get the signed copy from the author.
The function finished with sumptuous Prasad (food).
London Swaminathan, one of the speakers explained the salient features of the book. Here is the gist:
Gods, Temples and Myths, written by Dr Sivaloka nathan is unique in many ways. I would like to call it in Tamil ‘From Kedarnath to Kadirgamam’ because it gives details about the temples he visited covering a vast geographical area. It is a hard bound volume and has A 4 format. The uniqueness can be seen in the 178 stories he related with almost 700 pictures. it shows that his deep study and involvement in writing the book. If we go to specific Hindu scriptures, we get only a few stories. But he has collected 178 stories from Abhirami Bhattar to Umapathi Sivachariar. He has dealt with Sthala Puranas as well. We in London tried to digitize some old sthala puranas (local stories of temples) but dropped it when we came to know that there are at least 900 sthala puranas. Now that Dr Sivalokanathan is dealing with it, we can use them as a seed to the new project. No one has collected all the sthala puranas until today.
Dr Sivalokanathan, who got the Hindu stories, from his grandma when he was a child, went to India at least 20 times and prepared the materials during the past thirty years. He has taken all the 700 pictures and went through existing books and websites to study Hindu myths. Over 60 temples were visited by him in India and Sri Lanka.
He himself stressed the need for such a book in English, for the third generation migrant children in the introduction of his book .
Mr Sampathkumar, temple trustee, also raised the issue of future of such big temples in a personal conversation with me. Recent news items such as a semi nude girl in a North Indian Hindu temple, obscene dance in a Tamil Nadu temple show the ignorance of the next generation of Hindus. Books like this in English will help all our youths.
A lot of books on temples are available in Tamil. But very few are published in English about Tamil temples. But this book has got stories in addition to basic details. So it is worth buying it and keeping it in libraries as well.
I have been toying with an idea of temporary libraries in Temples. During the closed afternoon hours, temporary library service can be rendered inside the temple hall; a day can be allocated for male readers and another day for female readers and maintained by respective genders. Books like Dr Sivaloknathan’s can be displayed there.
Before I conclude my speech, I would like to give you some idea to read the book. First go to the contents and have a glance; then go to index and see the famous personalities names; look at the 20++++ maps; at the end go through the 700+++ pictures with captions. That will show the trouble the author went through to prepare the book. Then you can leisurely read the whole book.
(Earlier a honorary title Deiveeka Seva Ratnam was given to Dr Sivalokanathan by the Murugan temple and the Anmeeka, Kalachara centre at Pillaiyarpatti. Sri Ganesh Sivam read it and then the trustees of the temple and Sri Pitchai Sivachariar presented it.)
Thank you.
— Subham—Tags. Book luanch, Murugan temple, London swaminthan, Dr Sivalokanathan
Tamil and Vedas 