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Flight of Deities and Rebirth of Temples: Episodes from Indian History
This work examines the medieval response to temple destruction and image desecration. While temples were destroyed on a considerable scale, also noteworthy were the repeated endeavours to reconstruct them. In each instance of rebirth, the temple retained its original name, even though there was a visible downsizing in its scale and grandeur. The Keshava temple at Mathura, the Vishwanath temple at Kashi, the Somnath temple in Saurashtra, the Rama mandir at Ayodhya were among the shrines continually restored, well after Hindus had lost all semblance of political power. The Bindu Madhava, the most important Vishnu temple in Varanasi, was demolished in 1669 and a mosque constructed in its place. The temple now bearing the name Bindu Madhava is a modest structure in the shadow of the mosque, but continues the traditions associated with the site. Intriguingly, mosques built on temple sites often retained the sacred names —Bijamandal mosque, Lat masjid, Atala masjid, Gyanvapi mosque, and not to forget, masjid-i- janamsthan.
Equally worthy of study was the fate of images enshrined in temples. Many were swiftly removed by anxious devotees, many more were hurriedly buried; some remained on the move for decades, till such time they could be escorted back to their abodes. In several cases, images were damaged in flight. Countless images were lost, as their places of burial were forgotten over time. That necessitated the consecration of new images in more peaceable circumstances. So there were temples of the tenth-eleventh centuries, which housed images instated in the sixteenth. In situations where neither temple nor image could be safeguarded, the memory endured, and a shrine was recreated after an interval of several centuries.
Equally worthy of study was the fate of images enshrined in temples. Many were swiftly removed by anxious devotees, many more were hurriedly buried; some remained on the move for decades, till such time they could be escorted back to their abodes. In several cases, images were damaged in flight. Countless images were lost, as their places of burial were forgotten over time. That necessitated the consecration of new images in more peaceable circumstances. So there were temples of the tenth-eleventh centuries, which housed images instated in the sixteenth. In situations where neither temple nor image could be safeguarded, the memory endured, and a shrine was recreated after an interval of several centuries.
406 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2019
54 people are currently reading
1111 people want to read
About the author
Meenakshi Jain
35 books206 followersMeenakshi Jain is an associate professor of History at Gargi College, University of Delhi. She was Fellow, Nehru Memorial Museum & Library, Teen Murti. Her recent works include Parallel Pathways. Essays on Hindu-Muslim Relations (1707-1857). She is the co-author of The Rajah Moonje Pact. Documents on a Forgotten Chapter of Indian History.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 8, 2020
This book is documentation about reinstatement of deities after their original temples were desecrated or destroyed.
Some books can make you too numb to outrage over how unfair our history has been. And how much of a whitewashed version reaches us. And how we have been cultured to consume it without questioning anything. It is the product of a painstaking effort on the part of the author to gather information from primary sources and observation of the remnants of the heroic struggle of the Hindu community to protect their temples and murthys in the wake of centuries of attacks by Islamic and Christians invaders. This part of history was conveniently blanked out for us by leftist historians. Our truth is Carved in temples and deities. Their lies are written in History books.
This book also gives the answers to those Hindus how our ancestors survived so long after constant onslaught of Islamic invasion. This book is a gut wrenching tale of destruction of Hindu temples across the land and our ancestor relentless efforts to save the deities from desecration and destruction. From Sun temple of Multan in West to Kamakaya temple in east, Sharda temple in north to Temples of Tamil Nadu in south.
All i can say is this book is a brilliant eye opener. It changes your perspective of what is Indian history forever. And this book does have some photographs as well. One of the excellent books in Indian history, very transparent and no Pseudo secular cover-ups. Dr. Meenakshi Jain is an authority on her subject, her sources being various accounts of locals, foreign travelers, etc. This book makes you think and reflect on who you are and where you came from.
Along with this book. I also recommend you to read.
1. What happened to Hindu Temples (2 Volumes) by Sita Ram Goel.
2. Hindu Masjid by Praful Goradia.
Some books can make you too numb to outrage over how unfair our history has been. And how much of a whitewashed version reaches us. And how we have been cultured to consume it without questioning anything. It is the product of a painstaking effort on the part of the author to gather information from primary sources and observation of the remnants of the heroic struggle of the Hindu community to protect their temples and murthys in the wake of centuries of attacks by Islamic and Christians invaders. This part of history was conveniently blanked out for us by leftist historians. Our truth is Carved in temples and deities. Their lies are written in History books.
This book also gives the answers to those Hindus how our ancestors survived so long after constant onslaught of Islamic invasion. This book is a gut wrenching tale of destruction of Hindu temples across the land and our ancestor relentless efforts to save the deities from desecration and destruction. From Sun temple of Multan in West to Kamakaya temple in east, Sharda temple in north to Temples of Tamil Nadu in south.
All i can say is this book is a brilliant eye opener. It changes your perspective of what is Indian history forever. And this book does have some photographs as well. One of the excellent books in Indian history, very transparent and no Pseudo secular cover-ups. Dr. Meenakshi Jain is an authority on her subject, her sources being various accounts of locals, foreign travelers, etc. This book makes you think and reflect on who you are and where you came from.
Along with this book. I also recommend you to read.
1. What happened to Hindu Temples (2 Volumes) by Sita Ram Goel.
2. Hindu Masjid by Praful Goradia.
June 28, 2020
Meticulously researched on the centuries of loot & plunder of temples & how they still managed to survive & reinvent. Wounded Civilization indeed! Its a very transparent & no pseudo secular coverups.
Everyone should have in their library. It has lot of reference. Apart from this book, everyone should read Hindu Temples What Happened to Them Volume 1 and 2 by Sita Ram Goel.
Go for it. Highly recommended.
Everyone should have in their library. It has lot of reference. Apart from this book, everyone should read Hindu Temples What Happened to Them Volume 1 and 2 by Sita Ram Goel.
Go for it. Highly recommended.
July 6, 2020
This is a heart-wrenching tale of the medieval response to the destruction of temples and image desecration across the land from Sun Temple of Multan in West to Kamakhya Temple in East, from Sharda Temple, Kashmir in the north to Temples of Tamilnadu in South.
From primary sources in a well-researched book author, Meenakshi Jain traces the journey of Deities and outlines how temples were built again and again after their destruction by multiple waves of attack by theologically inspired Islamic Invaders.
The book examines the continuous desperate attempts to safeguard the images by ferreting them out of the Temples to some safer places, by burying them in the ground, by moving them from one place to another, by hiding it in forests, etc.These attempts succeeded sometimes and sometimes it failed. It took years, decades, even centuries for images to be unearthed and to be escorted back to their abodes. In several cases, images were damaged in flight and countless images and temples were lost forever.
The book reminds us of the heroic resistance of our ancestors, their indomitable sacrifice, their unflinching faith and devotion, their common zeal to save Deities and rebuilt Temples again and again against all the odds, that our survival came at a huge cost in spite of Islamic invaders not because they didn't try to wipe out our native culture.
PS- Cover Pic of the book is a sketch of the Gyanvapi mosque/Vishwanath Temple (a perfect example of Indo-Is!@mic architecture) by James Prinsep in 1831.
From primary sources in a well-researched book author, Meenakshi Jain traces the journey of Deities and outlines how temples were built again and again after their destruction by multiple waves of attack by theologically inspired Islamic Invaders.
The book examines the continuous desperate attempts to safeguard the images by ferreting them out of the Temples to some safer places, by burying them in the ground, by moving them from one place to another, by hiding it in forests, etc.These attempts succeeded sometimes and sometimes it failed. It took years, decades, even centuries for images to be unearthed and to be escorted back to their abodes. In several cases, images were damaged in flight and countless images and temples were lost forever.
The book reminds us of the heroic resistance of our ancestors, their indomitable sacrifice, their unflinching faith and devotion, their common zeal to save Deities and rebuilt Temples again and again against all the odds, that our survival came at a huge cost in spite of Islamic invaders not because they didn't try to wipe out our native culture.
PS- Cover Pic of the book is a sketch of the Gyanvapi mosque/Vishwanath Temple (a perfect example of Indo-Is!@mic architecture) by James Prinsep in 1831.
June 15, 2021
This book answers the question about how after numerous attempts of desecration and vilification of their temples,images and institutions, the Indic belief systems continue to exist and thrive to this day. The resistance and resilience of the Indic people of this land is very meticulously covered in this book. Gratitude and best wishes to Meenakshi Jain Ji
July 3, 2024
A must-read book for Indians. A rare look at the history of temples in India. Detailed review here - https://www.anuradhagoyal.com/flight-...
June 25, 2020
This is an amazing book, a treasure trove of information. A must read for anyone who wants to understand how our temples were plundered by our enemies. And the trouble our forefathers took, to save Dharma and the Deities from damage and destruction.
The very powerful last line of this book sums up pretty much everything.
“Weep beloved, sacred land. Your worshippers weep with you”
#MustRead
The very powerful last line of this book sums up pretty much everything.
“Weep beloved, sacred land. Your worshippers weep with you”
#MustRead
July 13, 2019
This is truly an exemplary work by Meenakshi Jain goes into excruciating details of the dilemmas faced by our ancestors for the past 1000 or so years. The amount of research that has gone into writing this book must have been mind boggling. I certainly recommend this book to every enthusiast trying to dig into Bharata's dharmic past. I myself found intimate references made to my ancestral temples of Goa, documented in this book.
I would have loved to read more on the desecration of the Ajanta, Ellora and Elephanta caves in Maharastra, and the handiwork of brutes like Siraj ud-daulah in Bengal, which is missing in this book. The book is a reminder to all Hindus, in India and elsewhere that our freedom came at a very great cost and let history never repeat.
A word of warning to readers - there are many emotional moments in this book that might make your blood boil, but please remember, bygones are bygones. Our beautiful dharma is NOT based on 'eye for an eye' principle. Let these events not dither you from practicing detachment and forgiveness, the two fundamental foundations of our dharma.
I would have loved to read more on the desecration of the Ajanta, Ellora and Elephanta caves in Maharastra, and the handiwork of brutes like Siraj ud-daulah in Bengal, which is missing in this book. The book is a reminder to all Hindus, in India and elsewhere that our freedom came at a very great cost and let history never repeat.
A word of warning to readers - there are many emotional moments in this book that might make your blood boil, but please remember, bygones are bygones. Our beautiful dharma is NOT based on 'eye for an eye' principle. Let these events not dither you from practicing detachment and forgiveness, the two fundamental foundations of our dharma.
April 2, 2022
Has to be Read by EVERY INDIAN.
September 15, 2019
Flight of Deities and Rebirth of Temples is a dispassionate, unbiased, and critical retelling of the history of India focusing on the countless incidents of destruction of temples and temple structures by Muslim invaders. It provides an expansive account from primary and secondary sources and covers the length and breadth of the country in its scope, thus providing a truly comprehensive insight into these incidents. Kudos to the author Meenakshi Jain for this mammoth effort!
The author challenges three dominant prevailing notions - that Hindu kings destroyed temples during their battles with each other and that Muslim kings merely followed that tradition; that the role of the deity in the past was as a political powerplay for the rule and had little to do with the common man and, that Muslim kings built their mosques on top of existing Hindu temple structures, indicating co-existence between the two.
The author surgically dissects each of these arguments by recounting a multitude of events and instances to the contrary. She proves that the temples were establishments which were collectively nurtured by the society at large, with thousands of common men throwing their lives to protect, hide, and preserve them.
The book goes into great detail on various kings across the country who built historic and grand temples and the continuing service by conquering Hindu kings and the local populace in respecting this tradition. We get a reality check on the efforts that went into preserving these structures and of their everyday importance in the functioning of society. It gives a sense of why the memory of these events continues to live among people centuries after they happened, as for Hindus the "sthala" is more important than the actual object.
I particularly enjoyed the coverage on southern India, something which is usually not available in school history textbooks. Temples from Sharada Peetha in Kashmir, to ones in Ayodhya, Somnath, Kashi, eastern India, and in the south from Vijayanagara to Kerala and Tamil Nadu temples and their origins are analyzed. An eye-opening book and a comprehensive look into our past.
The author challenges three dominant prevailing notions - that Hindu kings destroyed temples during their battles with each other and that Muslim kings merely followed that tradition; that the role of the deity in the past was as a political powerplay for the rule and had little to do with the common man and, that Muslim kings built their mosques on top of existing Hindu temple structures, indicating co-existence between the two.
The author surgically dissects each of these arguments by recounting a multitude of events and instances to the contrary. She proves that the temples were establishments which were collectively nurtured by the society at large, with thousands of common men throwing their lives to protect, hide, and preserve them.
The book goes into great detail on various kings across the country who built historic and grand temples and the continuing service by conquering Hindu kings and the local populace in respecting this tradition. We get a reality check on the efforts that went into preserving these structures and of their everyday importance in the functioning of society. It gives a sense of why the memory of these events continues to live among people centuries after they happened, as for Hindus the "sthala" is more important than the actual object.
I particularly enjoyed the coverage on southern India, something which is usually not available in school history textbooks. Temples from Sharada Peetha in Kashmir, to ones in Ayodhya, Somnath, Kashi, eastern India, and in the south from Vijayanagara to Kerala and Tamil Nadu temples and their origins are analyzed. An eye-opening book and a comprehensive look into our past.
November 13, 2019
Very accurate and Prof Jain demolishes Marxist historian quite convincingly .
August 14, 2020
To put it simply: this is an absolute must-read for every Indian. History has been conveniently moulded to fit in certain spurious political agendas, and it is time for a complete overhaul of the narrative that is peddled in the mainstream.
I picked this book up because of the recent clamour around 'temples' and 'birthplaces'. Frankly, a few months, I was of the view that temples are just another place of worship, that makes people unite with the Almighty and find solace. I sought to understand the deeper meaning behind temples and their architectural splendour, that has, over the years, showcased the redoubtable potential of uniting millions of people across the nation and beyond. And that is how I placed my hands on this book.
The Flight of Deities is a magisterial work that provides a thorough survey of temples that were rankled by Abrahamic iconoclasm. It covers virtually every part of the country (most pertinently, the North East included- with a thorough history of the Kamakhya temple), and shows the resolve of ordinary Hindu devotees in such devastating times. The techniques used by our ancestors to preserve our culture are sure to make anyone proud and embarrassed at the same time. The latter can be gauged by reading the final chapter of this book that briefly documents the plight of temples in independent India.
The book is thoroughly academic in nature, and presents a lot of convincing evidence to portray the cultural continuity fostered by the 'common man'. A lot of information is drawn from primary sources like agamas, mahatmyas and inscriptions. One must go through the notes at the end of the chapter and the references at the back to fathom the stupendous level of research undertaken for this book. At times, there is excessive usage of local terms and divine symbols that one might just skim through. However, this is compensated by the shorter headings in the beginning that encapsulate the crux of the message being conveyed.
At a time when a cultural renaissance is unfolding in front of our eyes in Bharat, this is a book that must be read by everyone. It underscores the values that have shaped our pristine nation, those of resilience, devotion and cohesion. Note that there is not a single evidence to show a Hindu attacking a mosque or a church. Feelings of retribution (that so prevail in the modern day) were showcased rather covertly, through spiritual practices and local folklore.
I really felt proud reading this book, and am surely going to read it many times in the near future.
Jai Hind.
I picked this book up because of the recent clamour around 'temples' and 'birthplaces'. Frankly, a few months, I was of the view that temples are just another place of worship, that makes people unite with the Almighty and find solace. I sought to understand the deeper meaning behind temples and their architectural splendour, that has, over the years, showcased the redoubtable potential of uniting millions of people across the nation and beyond. And that is how I placed my hands on this book.
The Flight of Deities is a magisterial work that provides a thorough survey of temples that were rankled by Abrahamic iconoclasm. It covers virtually every part of the country (most pertinently, the North East included- with a thorough history of the Kamakhya temple), and shows the resolve of ordinary Hindu devotees in such devastating times. The techniques used by our ancestors to preserve our culture are sure to make anyone proud and embarrassed at the same time. The latter can be gauged by reading the final chapter of this book that briefly documents the plight of temples in independent India.
The book is thoroughly academic in nature, and presents a lot of convincing evidence to portray the cultural continuity fostered by the 'common man'. A lot of information is drawn from primary sources like agamas, mahatmyas and inscriptions. One must go through the notes at the end of the chapter and the references at the back to fathom the stupendous level of research undertaken for this book. At times, there is excessive usage of local terms and divine symbols that one might just skim through. However, this is compensated by the shorter headings in the beginning that encapsulate the crux of the message being conveyed.
At a time when a cultural renaissance is unfolding in front of our eyes in Bharat, this is a book that must be read by everyone. It underscores the values that have shaped our pristine nation, those of resilience, devotion and cohesion. Note that there is not a single evidence to show a Hindu attacking a mosque or a church. Feelings of retribution (that so prevail in the modern day) were showcased rather covertly, through spiritual practices and local folklore.
I really felt proud reading this book, and am surely going to read it many times in the near future.
Jai Hind.
Want to read
June 6, 2019Meenakshi Jain's book is a historical documentation of Indian temples and idols, destructed, reconstructed and lost in attempt to be saved. Facts from various historical books and research papers are put into this book making it a ‘hand book’ useful for those who have interest in studying brutal history of Indian idolatry culture destruction. The dismantling and demolition was mostly done by Muslim invaders. Author inscribed how Quran's explicit hospitality to idols and idolatry led Muslim invaders to destroy the shrines and looting the wealth was a part of the course. And at many places mosques were built in place of temples.
On-dit about how Images were dig in or replaced or moved continuously to save from iconoclasts makes the book interesting. At some places, invaders couldn’t destroy the images suffosed with the divine energy or Idgah was built in front of temples to save it from Muslim invaders. Some images were resurrected and worshiped again, some are ruining in miserable condition in independent India, many of the images were lost for aeon. Some shrines were completely destroyed again and again but Hindus continued to worship places kept the memories alive, and new temples were built in favorable conditions.
In independent India temples remained vulnerable, as threat of foreign invaders and iconoclasts gave way to atheists, sceptics, rationalists and unscrupulous idol smugglers.
Various surveys performed by Indian government and UNESCO were also briefed by author.
The description with proper timeline, geographical details and facts from literature, makes the book valuable.
One time reading can make readers to postulate over the miserable fate of our sacred land.
The immense huge task done by author deserves accolade, can only be bestowed by reading it.
On-dit about how Images were dig in or replaced or moved continuously to save from iconoclasts makes the book interesting. At some places, invaders couldn’t destroy the images suffosed with the divine energy or Idgah was built in front of temples to save it from Muslim invaders. Some images were resurrected and worshiped again, some are ruining in miserable condition in independent India, many of the images were lost for aeon. Some shrines were completely destroyed again and again but Hindus continued to worship places kept the memories alive, and new temples were built in favorable conditions.
In independent India temples remained vulnerable, as threat of foreign invaders and iconoclasts gave way to atheists, sceptics, rationalists and unscrupulous idol smugglers.
Various surveys performed by Indian government and UNESCO were also briefed by author.
The description with proper timeline, geographical details and facts from literature, makes the book valuable.
One time reading can make readers to postulate over the miserable fate of our sacred land.
The immense huge task done by author deserves accolade, can only be bestowed by reading it.
September 3, 2020
#Outstandingly well researched book with more than 100 pages only of references. Unlike some abjectly overrated historians, this study is not punctuated by biased conjectures but offers pure facts citing writers and historians of that era which it refer to. It will remain as an important documentation of the excruciating pains that people of this country went through for no fault for their own in the name of iconoclasm and plunder. A #mustread book for all who wish to read history simpliciter and not propaganda. #HighlyRecommended.
March 9, 2020
if one has read Meenakshi Jains works on Ayodhya and Sita Ram Goel's - "Hindu Temples: What Happened to Them" - then this book takes it forward by citing examples and giving ample proof about the resistance given by Hindu to save their deities. #MustRead
Those who havent read SRG, this is good..you can start with this but do read SRG's "Hindu Temples: What Happened to Them"
Those who havent read SRG, this is good..you can start with this but do read SRG's "Hindu Temples: What Happened to Them"
April 27, 2020
Mind-boggling research. The references alone run into 100 pages. I now understand why the book was a bit pricey. The level of pain, care, research and groundwork that has gone into this book is astronomical. A must read saga that will leave you proud, amazed and dismayed.
December 21, 2020
Jain points out how some historians, in order to justify Islamic iconoclasm, reduced Hindu temples to "pre-eminently political institutions", thus making them justifiable targets for Islamic attack.
Read it. There are tons of temples she have written about. A must read book.
Read it. There are tons of temples she have written about. A must read book.
March 15, 2020
Scholarly work by Meenakshi Jain.
All books of her a must read.
All books of her a must read.
September 23, 2021
The book is comprehensive and covers almost the entire contiguous Bharat. The references are precise, the descriptions of the destruction by islamic invaders brutal. The accounts of devotion of the devotees poignant.
Only minor limitation is that since it covers so many temples and sacred teertha-s, at times (few chapters) it may feel dry and too academic. But overall it is a must read for everyone.
See following reviews for more details (21 Sep 2021)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Only minor limitation is that since it covers so many temples and sacred teertha-s, at times (few chapters) it may feel dry and too academic. But overall it is a must read for everyone.
See following reviews for more details (21 Sep 2021)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
January 10, 2022
NATARAJA TEMPLE – CHIDAMBARAM, TAMIZH NADU
There have been many invasions in the region of Chidambaram of Tamizh Nadu. The invasions began during the reign of Sultan Alauddin Khilji whose most trusted eunuch slave general Malik Kāfur invaded Deccan to stockpile the material wealth for the Sultanate.
Later, the region faced the onslaught of Mughals under Emperor Aurangzeb whose life mission was to win Deccan at all cost for the Mughal Empire. The region also faced the continuous attacks from Haider Ali and have also seen the war waged by the Portuguese, British & Haider Ali to control the region.
In such turbulent times since many decades, one temple which witnessed all and had always faced the brunt of iconoclasts was the Nataraja Temple of Chidambaram. The temple is a site where Lord Śiva in his Nataraja form performed the cosmic dance for the sages Patanjali & Vyagrapada.
In one of the many episodes with regard to the survival of the temple, the Ambalappuli Episode is an interesting one.
During the invasion of Bijapur Sultanate, the Dikshitārs (a Brāhmin community) moved the icons of Nataraja & Sivakamasundari from Cit Sabha in the temple to some unknown place. It is said that while wandering to safeguard the icons they arrived at a dense tamarind forest, where they came across an old tamarind tree having huge trunk which had a hole large enough to accommodate the 2 murtīs. After placing the icons there, the Dikshitārs closed the opening to avoid any suspicion and returned to their homes at Chidambaram. Later, when political conditions became favourable, the locals decided to bring back the deities which were hidden in the forest by the Dikshitārs. However, the memory of the precise location of the tree had dimmed with years. Hence, to locate the same the younger generation of Dikshitārs were sent to identify the tree, but they failed to identify the same. Suddenly, they heard the shouting of a farmer who was instructing the farm boy to “Take the bulls along the foot of Ambalappuli. I shall join you very soon.” The young Dikshitārs followed the boy and reached the large tamarind tree. When questioned about why the name of the tree was Ambalappuli, the boy replied, “My master had given the name.”
The Dikshitārs before removing the icons, took the permission of the Vellala chief and requested him to end their agony. Vellala Chief who grasped the importance of the same granted his permission and said “You are a true devotee of Nataraja and have earned his grace by protecting the lord all these years.”
Dikshitārs gathered the murtis and made a return journey to Chidambaram. Though after this episode there were more political disturbances where the worship of the lord was disrupted. Thanks to Maratha Rulers of Tanjore or Thanjavur, the deities were re-installed in the Cit Sabha where Lord Nataraja is still worshipped till today.
The above is just one event which I have detailed here. There are countless such stories and events where the natives of our sacred land sacrificed themselves to save their beloved deities from the iconoclastic hordes and successive invasions.
Dr. Meenakshi Jain has done a great service to the Hindu society by documenting many events starting from Multan till the deep southern state of Kerela on how prominent temples and deities were saved from the onslaught of oppression which Bharatvarsha faced from the successive invaders since 1000 A.D.
There is a reason why we still see many murtis still being dug out in many parts of the country. This shows the sheer will of the devotees to save their much loved deities. As the saying goes, the faith can move the mountains and it indeed had.
Dr. Meenakshi Jain provides us the information of how prominent temples faced the continuous cycle of repeated destruction by the iconoclasts, flight of deities to diferent regions to save them from falling into the wrong hands and rebirth of the same due to the sheer devotion and bhakti of the devotees and how different communities sacrificed themselves in the process.
Honestly, the book was painful to read and many a times I tried to stop midway, because it provides you with the events which has been grossly ignored by the Marxists historians to build the false narratives of unity instead of engaging in the exercise of ‘truth and reconciliation’ which could have healed the wounds inflicted since centuries on the natives of our nation and our sacred land. Dr. Jain provides us with the primary sources relying on the British sources, Jesuits missionaries, Muslim chroniclers and native chroniclers along with the epigraphical and archeological sources as well.
Unfortunately, in independent India too there are no high hopes. In states like Tamil Nadu & Kerela. The state governments are wreaking havoc on heritage, idol theft is yet to stop which is still going on due to the patronage by government officials, archeological departments, HR&CE etc. But, there is a silver lining as many young men & women are tracking the lost heritage worldwide and trying hard to get those back on our native shores.
She ends on a sombre note, "Weep beloved, sacred land. Your worshippers weep with you."
The only problem which I found with the book is that the language was bit academic in nature, so it will be difficult for casual readers to pique their interest in finishing the book in toto.
Highly recommend the book!
Source: Flight of Deities and Rebirth of Temples.
Author: Dr. Meenakshi Jain
Publisher: Aryan Books, New Delhi.
There have been many invasions in the region of Chidambaram of Tamizh Nadu. The invasions began during the reign of Sultan Alauddin Khilji whose most trusted eunuch slave general Malik Kāfur invaded Deccan to stockpile the material wealth for the Sultanate.
Later, the region faced the onslaught of Mughals under Emperor Aurangzeb whose life mission was to win Deccan at all cost for the Mughal Empire. The region also faced the continuous attacks from Haider Ali and have also seen the war waged by the Portuguese, British & Haider Ali to control the region.
In such turbulent times since many decades, one temple which witnessed all and had always faced the brunt of iconoclasts was the Nataraja Temple of Chidambaram. The temple is a site where Lord Śiva in his Nataraja form performed the cosmic dance for the sages Patanjali & Vyagrapada.
In one of the many episodes with regard to the survival of the temple, the Ambalappuli Episode is an interesting one.
During the invasion of Bijapur Sultanate, the Dikshitārs (a Brāhmin community) moved the icons of Nataraja & Sivakamasundari from Cit Sabha in the temple to some unknown place. It is said that while wandering to safeguard the icons they arrived at a dense tamarind forest, where they came across an old tamarind tree having huge trunk which had a hole large enough to accommodate the 2 murtīs. After placing the icons there, the Dikshitārs closed the opening to avoid any suspicion and returned to their homes at Chidambaram. Later, when political conditions became favourable, the locals decided to bring back the deities which were hidden in the forest by the Dikshitārs. However, the memory of the precise location of the tree had dimmed with years. Hence, to locate the same the younger generation of Dikshitārs were sent to identify the tree, but they failed to identify the same. Suddenly, they heard the shouting of a farmer who was instructing the farm boy to “Take the bulls along the foot of Ambalappuli. I shall join you very soon.” The young Dikshitārs followed the boy and reached the large tamarind tree. When questioned about why the name of the tree was Ambalappuli, the boy replied, “My master had given the name.”
The Dikshitārs before removing the icons, took the permission of the Vellala chief and requested him to end their agony. Vellala Chief who grasped the importance of the same granted his permission and said “You are a true devotee of Nataraja and have earned his grace by protecting the lord all these years.”
Dikshitārs gathered the murtis and made a return journey to Chidambaram. Though after this episode there were more political disturbances where the worship of the lord was disrupted. Thanks to Maratha Rulers of Tanjore or Thanjavur, the deities were re-installed in the Cit Sabha where Lord Nataraja is still worshipped till today.
The above is just one event which I have detailed here. There are countless such stories and events where the natives of our sacred land sacrificed themselves to save their beloved deities from the iconoclastic hordes and successive invasions.
Dr. Meenakshi Jain has done a great service to the Hindu society by documenting many events starting from Multan till the deep southern state of Kerela on how prominent temples and deities were saved from the onslaught of oppression which Bharatvarsha faced from the successive invaders since 1000 A.D.
There is a reason why we still see many murtis still being dug out in many parts of the country. This shows the sheer will of the devotees to save their much loved deities. As the saying goes, the faith can move the mountains and it indeed had.
Dr. Meenakshi Jain provides us the information of how prominent temples faced the continuous cycle of repeated destruction by the iconoclasts, flight of deities to diferent regions to save them from falling into the wrong hands and rebirth of the same due to the sheer devotion and bhakti of the devotees and how different communities sacrificed themselves in the process.
Honestly, the book was painful to read and many a times I tried to stop midway, because it provides you with the events which has been grossly ignored by the Marxists historians to build the false narratives of unity instead of engaging in the exercise of ‘truth and reconciliation’ which could have healed the wounds inflicted since centuries on the natives of our nation and our sacred land. Dr. Jain provides us with the primary sources relying on the British sources, Jesuits missionaries, Muslim chroniclers and native chroniclers along with the epigraphical and archeological sources as well.
Unfortunately, in independent India too there are no high hopes. In states like Tamil Nadu & Kerela. The state governments are wreaking havoc on heritage, idol theft is yet to stop which is still going on due to the patronage by government officials, archeological departments, HR&CE etc. But, there is a silver lining as many young men & women are tracking the lost heritage worldwide and trying hard to get those back on our native shores.
She ends on a sombre note, "Weep beloved, sacred land. Your worshippers weep with you."
The only problem which I found with the book is that the language was bit academic in nature, so it will be difficult for casual readers to pique their interest in finishing the book in toto.
Highly recommend the book!
Source: Flight of Deities and Rebirth of Temples.
Author: Dr. Meenakshi Jain
Publisher: Aryan Books, New Delhi.
December 15, 2024
Meenakshi Jain's "Flight of Deities" is more than just a history book; it's a journey of discovery. While it may initially seem academic, don't be deterred! Within its pages lies a wealth of knowledge, meticulously researched and often overlooked, that unveils a crucial aspect of India's past.
As someone with roots in the Mewad region of Rajasthan, I was personally captivated by the history of the Sri Nath temple in Nathdwara. Jain's book not only revealed the city's original name but also provided fascinating insights into the temple's journey.
"Flight of Deities" also debunks misconceptions about iconoclasm by Hindu rulers, shedding light on a more nuanced reality. More importantly, it documents the resilience of the indigenous people of Bharat, who, against all odds, preserved their cultural identity in the face of immense challenges.
Be prepared to be emotionally stirred. This book unveils a cultural genocide that will leave you heartbroken, yet inspired by the unwavering spirit of those who safeguarded their heritage. It's a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of India's history and the enduring strength of its people.
As someone with roots in the Mewad region of Rajasthan, I was personally captivated by the history of the Sri Nath temple in Nathdwara. Jain's book not only revealed the city's original name but also provided fascinating insights into the temple's journey.
"Flight of Deities" also debunks misconceptions about iconoclasm by Hindu rulers, shedding light on a more nuanced reality. More importantly, it documents the resilience of the indigenous people of Bharat, who, against all odds, preserved their cultural identity in the face of immense challenges.
Be prepared to be emotionally stirred. This book unveils a cultural genocide that will leave you heartbroken, yet inspired by the unwavering spirit of those who safeguarded their heritage. It's a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of India's history and the enduring strength of its people.
January 4, 2023
This is one of the most well-researched and well-written expositions of Indian and Hindu history I've read. Everything Meenakshi Jain states is based on accredited research and primary sources and the book is organized to tell the stories of a complicated history fairly simply, such that the reader can easily understand her arguments.
June 6, 2022
Meenakshi Jain has brought bones from the closet in this epic read, which accurately captures the Islamic invasion across centuries on Indian soil, which resulted in India breaking into many pieces, loosing its eternal glory and flight of deities and search for them through bhakti movement.
October 23, 2023
Its a must read for everyone to understand how our ancestors protected our heritage over a turbulent millennia for the posterity, at the cost of their life & wealth.
December 11, 2022
A must read for every Indian
Ever wondered why there are so few ancient grand temples in India except a few in Southern India? What happened to them? Surely, with religion and history going back thousands of years, grand temples can’t be limited to Southern India only? There must have been great architects and rich kings in other parts of India too, right? Well, this book will give a very good answer to those questions.
The history of India is inseparable from story and evolution of Santana Dharma. And Dharma and temples are inseparable. This book documents the destroyed temples/god-idols and what pains and distance people went to protect and reinstate them. The description of ruins and plight of people to somehow save them itself is enough to describe the grandeur and importance of these temples. Dr. Jain has done immaculate research in documenting the destruction of major grand temples across India covering every region from east to west, north to south and central India. At the very start, she tackles the narrative of “Hindu kings also destroyed temples of their enemies” by explaining the difference between destruction and appropriation. With that set aside, she starts from Multan, then from Kashmir to Northern region and then to Southern region to document the destruction of temples. The story of destruction of temples and struggles of our ancestors to save the images of Gods was heart-wrenching and inspiring at the same time. The description of temple destruction by religious bigots (you know who) especially in Northern regions like Braj, Varanasi, Rajasthan and Gujarat bought tears to my eyes. You can’t help but wonder if this is what happened of major temples, how many other temples must have been destroyed of which the records didn’t survived or wasn’t documented. Although, Mr. Sitaram Goel has also written a book documenting the temples which were destroyed and that list goes in thousands.
About the book itself, although the chapters are small and it’s not a lengthy book either, the language is a bit, for lack of better word, scholarly. Sometimes, it feels like a documentary in words. Images of the ruins and god-images should have been provided when they were described in the book instead of at the very start. But, given the importance of the topic, these is forgivable nitpickings.
Even if you are not a religious person, you can’t help but ruse the destruction of heritage. What is more bothersome is how this destruction of temples and heritage is still going on even in democratic and secular government. The last chapter of dedicated to smuggling of god-images and corruption of present governments doing further destruction to the cause rather than mending it. I sincerely hope that after reading this book, Indians would wake up to greater picture of challenges to their culture.
I would end this review with last line of the book which resonated with me and summarized the past and present situation of topic in hand:
“Weep beloved, sacred land. Your worshippers weep with you.”
Ever wondered why there are so few ancient grand temples in India except a few in Southern India? What happened to them? Surely, with religion and history going back thousands of years, grand temples can’t be limited to Southern India only? There must have been great architects and rich kings in other parts of India too, right? Well, this book will give a very good answer to those questions.
The history of India is inseparable from story and evolution of Santana Dharma. And Dharma and temples are inseparable. This book documents the destroyed temples/god-idols and what pains and distance people went to protect and reinstate them. The description of ruins and plight of people to somehow save them itself is enough to describe the grandeur and importance of these temples. Dr. Jain has done immaculate research in documenting the destruction of major grand temples across India covering every region from east to west, north to south and central India. At the very start, she tackles the narrative of “Hindu kings also destroyed temples of their enemies” by explaining the difference between destruction and appropriation. With that set aside, she starts from Multan, then from Kashmir to Northern region and then to Southern region to document the destruction of temples. The story of destruction of temples and struggles of our ancestors to save the images of Gods was heart-wrenching and inspiring at the same time. The description of temple destruction by religious bigots (you know who) especially in Northern regions like Braj, Varanasi, Rajasthan and Gujarat bought tears to my eyes. You can’t help but wonder if this is what happened of major temples, how many other temples must have been destroyed of which the records didn’t survived or wasn’t documented. Although, Mr. Sitaram Goel has also written a book documenting the temples which were destroyed and that list goes in thousands.
About the book itself, although the chapters are small and it’s not a lengthy book either, the language is a bit, for lack of better word, scholarly. Sometimes, it feels like a documentary in words. Images of the ruins and god-images should have been provided when they were described in the book instead of at the very start. But, given the importance of the topic, these is forgivable nitpickings.
Even if you are not a religious person, you can’t help but ruse the destruction of heritage. What is more bothersome is how this destruction of temples and heritage is still going on even in democratic and secular government. The last chapter of dedicated to smuggling of god-images and corruption of present governments doing further destruction to the cause rather than mending it. I sincerely hope that after reading this book, Indians would wake up to greater picture of challenges to their culture.
I would end this review with last line of the book which resonated with me and summarized the past and present situation of topic in hand:
“Weep beloved, sacred land. Your worshippers weep with you.”
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