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Temple Tales: Secrets and Stories from India's Sacred Places
Which holy place in India has the mysteries of the universe hidden away in an icy cave?
Where would you find a shrine for a goddess of veggies?
At which deity’s temple is the daily offering a tonic, of all things?
This delightful and enchanting book opens the doors to the secrets and surprises hidden in temples across the country. These unique temples are not just places of worship, but living museums of architectural wonders, mind-boggling sculptures, graceful dances, colourful crafts and many other cultural activities. More than anything, they are treasure troves of lore and legend, teeming with tales of gods and goddesses, demons and devotees, plants and beasts, the magical and the mysterious – all just waiting to be discovered by you.
Join Sudha G. Tilak as she takes you on an unusual journey to the country’s most sacred places, where the lines between fact and faith are blurred and stories come alive!
Where would you find a shrine for a goddess of veggies?
At which deity’s temple is the daily offering a tonic, of all things?
This delightful and enchanting book opens the doors to the secrets and surprises hidden in temples across the country. These unique temples are not just places of worship, but living museums of architectural wonders, mind-boggling sculptures, graceful dances, colourful crafts and many other cultural activities. More than anything, they are treasure troves of lore and legend, teeming with tales of gods and goddesses, demons and devotees, plants and beasts, the magical and the mysterious – all just waiting to be discovered by you.
Join Sudha G. Tilak as she takes you on an unusual journey to the country’s most sacred places, where the lines between fact and faith are blurred and stories come alive!
170 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 15, 2019
41 people are currently reading
297 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
January 24, 2021
Read the detailed review here - https://www.bookscharming.com/2020/08...
The book is a gateway to our rich heritage, and a reminder of the majestic music, foods, dances, scriptures, and folklores that are slowly fading. There are so many temples I wanted to visit that includes in the novel. I also found some interesting places which I never heard of, and I put them on my list. If you're a parent who wants to help to understand their child why a particular temple was built or by who or the divine stories they share, give them this book to read. If you're someone like me who is intrigued and fascinated by India's vast history and architectural wonders, pick this book now. I recommend it to everyone.
The book is a gateway to our rich heritage, and a reminder of the majestic music, foods, dances, scriptures, and folklores that are slowly fading. There are so many temples I wanted to visit that includes in the novel. I also found some interesting places which I never heard of, and I put them on my list. If you're a parent who wants to help to understand their child why a particular temple was built or by who or the divine stories they share, give them this book to read. If you're someone like me who is intrigued and fascinated by India's vast history and architectural wonders, pick this book now. I recommend it to everyone.
November 10, 2019
Ever wondered what stories all these ancient temples in India have behind them? If yes, then this book is just for you. From myths to legends, from true stories to inspirations, this book has curated them all.
Temples speak a lot about the people who built them, so it's stunning to realise that we are part of such a cultural heritage and historical wealth. How many Gods, Goddesses and their wondrous powers are you aware of? This book probably mentions most of them, each of them having fascinating tales. For the curious Indian, this book is surely an absolute treat and to top it all off, it is aesthetic inside and out. As you can already see, the cover is gorgeous, but you are yet to discover what's inside. So hold your breath when you do!
Temple Tales is a glorious tribute to our rich culture, sworn with vivacious details and illustrations. Absolutely recommended!
Temples speak a lot about the people who built them, so it's stunning to realise that we are part of such a cultural heritage and historical wealth. How many Gods, Goddesses and their wondrous powers are you aware of? This book probably mentions most of them, each of them having fascinating tales. For the curious Indian, this book is surely an absolute treat and to top it all off, it is aesthetic inside and out. As you can already see, the cover is gorgeous, but you are yet to discover what's inside. So hold your breath when you do!
Temple Tales is a glorious tribute to our rich culture, sworn with vivacious details and illustrations. Absolutely recommended!
December 20, 2024
This book serves as an encyclopedia of temples in India.
While I was already familiar with many of the temples, what truly makes this book captivating are the micro-stories woven into the history of these sacred sites.
It’s an engaging read, but I wish it included illustrations or photographs to bring the content to life. The plain text feels a bit monotonous.
Nonetheless, it remains an informative and worthwhile read.
While I was already familiar with many of the temples, what truly makes this book captivating are the micro-stories woven into the history of these sacred sites.
It’s an engaging read, but I wish it included illustrations or photographs to bring the content to life. The plain text feels a bit monotonous.
Nonetheless, it remains an informative and worthwhile read.
July 10, 2021
Lovely book... I started reading this book few months ago and finally finished reading it today ... it’s a brilliant and an incisive book about the temples across our country .. the tales of gods, goddesses ,demons, the myths and history related to each temple well narrated .. but I feel reading it slowly adds to its charm and I narrated few stories of the famous temples to my kids and they too loved hearing it ..
November 2, 2020
This is one of the best books I have read so far. It is so informative about Indian culture, beliefs and history. The book is fragmented into 6 categories,
1. Folktales & legends
2. Heavenly feasts
3. Green Dieties
4. Stories in stone
5. Sacred skills
6. Divine dances and songs
Among all of the above categories I enjoyed reading stories related to temple tales( folktales and legends) and heavenly feasts ( It mentions about why particular prasad( food) is being made at a particular temple , or what stories are present behind famous temple recipes.)
I have bookmarked few temple names where I definitely want to visit and wondering why I never heard about them.
This book taught me a temple is something where you can not only find inner peace but great stories, art, food and culture.
1. Folktales & legends
2. Heavenly feasts
3. Green Dieties
4. Stories in stone
5. Sacred skills
6. Divine dances and songs
Among all of the above categories I enjoyed reading stories related to temple tales( folktales and legends) and heavenly feasts ( It mentions about why particular prasad( food) is being made at a particular temple , or what stories are present behind famous temple recipes.)
I have bookmarked few temple names where I definitely want to visit and wondering why I never heard about them.
This book taught me a temple is something where you can not only find inner peace but great stories, art, food and culture.
June 16, 2021
I picked this book because I liked its decorative cover. And as someone who has visited a lot of Indian temples in my childhood, this book seemed interesting!
And it was, in many ways. Well-researched but written in a simple manner, this is a book for anyone who is keen to get a glimpse into India's rich temple traditions (although probably primarily aimed at children). The book has stories, legends and little-known facts of various temples in India, organized into six chapters - 1) Folktales and Legends, 2) Heavenly Feasts, 3) Green Deities, 4) Stories in Stone, 5) Sacred Skills and 6) Divine Dances and Songs. I liked the last section the most, probably because I knew most about it, and could relate a lot to the stories and legends listed.
However, it's a lot of information stated in page after page of boring text, with little or no illustrations. As a result, you forget about one temple, as soon as you've read about the next two. Oh, what was that about Shiva dancing as Nataraja? What's special about the temple about Durga in Bengal? If someone asks you, or you actually visited that temple someday in real life, you wouldn't know. Also, I felt that some of the stories seem to have been "fit into" the temple or the chapter, which was off-putting.
Overall, it's an interesting book to have at home, to refer to if you visit any Indian temples; or as a gift to "to-be-grandparents', to dig into for bedtime stories for their grandkids. ;)
If only this had instead been published as a fancy coffee table book, resplendent with pictures and illustrations, it would have been a treasure - from cover to cover.
And it was, in many ways. Well-researched but written in a simple manner, this is a book for anyone who is keen to get a glimpse into India's rich temple traditions (although probably primarily aimed at children). The book has stories, legends and little-known facts of various temples in India, organized into six chapters - 1) Folktales and Legends, 2) Heavenly Feasts, 3) Green Deities, 4) Stories in Stone, 5) Sacred Skills and 6) Divine Dances and Songs. I liked the last section the most, probably because I knew most about it, and could relate a lot to the stories and legends listed.
However, it's a lot of information stated in page after page of boring text, with little or no illustrations. As a result, you forget about one temple, as soon as you've read about the next two. Oh, what was that about Shiva dancing as Nataraja? What's special about the temple about Durga in Bengal? If someone asks you, or you actually visited that temple someday in real life, you wouldn't know. Also, I felt that some of the stories seem to have been "fit into" the temple or the chapter, which was off-putting.
Overall, it's an interesting book to have at home, to refer to if you visit any Indian temples; or as a gift to "to-be-grandparents', to dig into for bedtime stories for their grandkids. ;)
If only this had instead been published as a fancy coffee table book, resplendent with pictures and illustrations, it would have been a treasure - from cover to cover.
December 28, 2022
One of the most satisfying reads of the year!
It just took off starting at the banks of River Tamirabharani in my hometown Tirunelveli (a few kilometers from Kanyakumari) and concluded with Ganga Aarti at the revered Dashashwamedha Ghat, while coiling numerous times around the Indian Subcontinent, stopping at each sacred place of worship.
It was so well-written that I felt it was a kids' version of Praveen Mohan's Channel, introducing various ancient elements of the glorious past of our Bharat, with ease. It acquaints the reader with sages, stories, fables, dance, drama, music, kirtans, rituals, and most importantly, the architectural marvel of ancient Bharat.
The meticulous research done by the author Sudha G. Tilak deems a great appreciation. I really loved the simplistic language maintained by the author, which reminded me of listening to similar stories from grandparents, giving anecdotes & examples for understanding complex stuff.
In spite of having tagged as a children's book, it indeed nourished my soul with the flow. Concluding the year with a pleasing effect..!
Must-read for all those who love their lands and the ancient lords of those lands!
It just took off starting at the banks of River Tamirabharani in my hometown Tirunelveli (a few kilometers from Kanyakumari) and concluded with Ganga Aarti at the revered Dashashwamedha Ghat, while coiling numerous times around the Indian Subcontinent, stopping at each sacred place of worship.
It was so well-written that I felt it was a kids' version of Praveen Mohan's Channel, introducing various ancient elements of the glorious past of our Bharat, with ease. It acquaints the reader with sages, stories, fables, dance, drama, music, kirtans, rituals, and most importantly, the architectural marvel of ancient Bharat.
The meticulous research done by the author Sudha G. Tilak deems a great appreciation. I really loved the simplistic language maintained by the author, which reminded me of listening to similar stories from grandparents, giving anecdotes & examples for understanding complex stuff.
In spite of having tagged as a children's book, it indeed nourished my soul with the flow. Concluding the year with a pleasing effect..!
Must-read for all those who love their lands and the ancient lords of those lands!
December 18, 2020
Temple Tales by author, Sudha G. Tilak was a refreshment brought to me of my childhood stories on mystic tales on Gods and Goddesses of the Hindu Mythology.
I am not a complete devotee of any God or Goddess in particular but that does not stop me from reading stories on them that are utterly fascinating not only for the believers but also for the common and avid readers.
Temple Tales is a compilation of stories on Gods and Goddesses of the Hindu Mythology, and adding to that there are also stories majoring in how temples on them came into existence and trust me that is something on which after reading I was amused about.
Apart from the glorious details and simple yet scrutinized storytelling there were also facts and myths made understandable with touches of beautiful illustrations making the whole book top-notch.
I would very much like to see more such profound works from the author and also would say that this project did excel as a whole. A special note of thanks to the author and Hachette India for sending me a gifted copy of the same.
I am not a complete devotee of any God or Goddess in particular but that does not stop me from reading stories on them that are utterly fascinating not only for the believers but also for the common and avid readers.
Temple Tales is a compilation of stories on Gods and Goddesses of the Hindu Mythology, and adding to that there are also stories majoring in how temples on them came into existence and trust me that is something on which after reading I was amused about.
Apart from the glorious details and simple yet scrutinized storytelling there were also facts and myths made understandable with touches of beautiful illustrations making the whole book top-notch.
I would very much like to see more such profound works from the author and also would say that this project did excel as a whole. A special note of thanks to the author and Hachette India for sending me a gifted copy of the same.
December 30, 2019
Temple Tales : Secrets and Stories from India’s Sacred Places is a beautiful and well researched book by Sudha G Tilak on the temples of India. The author has covered the folktales associated with many famous temples, stories on music, dance and crafts that originated in the temples, backstories on the specific food offered to the dieties, stories on the sacred groves and stones that are worshipped in many regions of India, temples renowned for their famous stone sculptures and architectural excellence. The lucid narration and immaculate storytelling has ensured that the book did not turn into a dull nonfiction prose. Though I have not visited most of the temples covered in this book, the prose is so vibrant that I could almost visualize the places. This book can be enjoyed by readers across ages. Read it to rediscover the glory of our ancient land and its rich cultural heritage.
Full review available in blog HTTPS://bongbooksandcoffee.com
Full review available in blog HTTPS://bongbooksandcoffee.com
January 10, 2021
A very insightful book about the famous temples of India. This book contains some fascinating facts and stories about the architecture, music, dance, idols, festivals etc. This book is a guide to our forgotten heritage and culture.
I knew about a few temples mentioned in this book and I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of new information I was able to glean from this book. There are so many temples which I have never heard of which have a rich history behind them.
This is a well researched book which also covers the folktales behind many of these temples. The writing style is so good and this book can be enjoyed by people of all age groups. This book was such an eye opener for me and my next temple visit is going to feel totally different.
I knew about a few temples mentioned in this book and I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of new information I was able to glean from this book. There are so many temples which I have never heard of which have a rich history behind them.
This is a well researched book which also covers the folktales behind many of these temples. The writing style is so good and this book can be enjoyed by people of all age groups. This book was such an eye opener for me and my next temple visit is going to feel totally different.
April 20, 2021
Completed.
Highly recommended book ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
After reading this book, the list of temples to visit has grown longer. I have found some interesting temples which I have never heard of. The author has written interesting facts and stories about music, food, dance, architecture, festivals of each temples in india. There are some temples I have visited before not knowing the actual history behind it. I would definitely recommend to those who wants to know the history of the Indian temples or young parents who wants to share divine stories to their kids.
On the side note, I was quiet surprised that Mannarasala temple in Haripad, Kerala was not mentioned in this book other than that, the book is just so good!
Highly recommended book ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
After reading this book, the list of temples to visit has grown longer. I have found some interesting temples which I have never heard of. The author has written interesting facts and stories about music, food, dance, architecture, festivals of each temples in india. There are some temples I have visited before not knowing the actual history behind it. I would definitely recommend to those who wants to know the history of the Indian temples or young parents who wants to share divine stories to their kids.
On the side note, I was quiet surprised that Mannarasala temple in Haripad, Kerala was not mentioned in this book other than that, the book is just so good!
September 27, 2020
Highly recommended reading. This is a masterpiece to know the story behind the scenes. All these years these questions kept popping up without any effort on my part to find the answers to why it is done. Finally we have a book that answers all these questions with ease. Simple explanations not just for the young readers but also for the not so young. This book must find a place in your collection. Sudha effortlessly weaves the ancient stories to the modern world.
I am sure the next time I visit one of the temples, I would know of the sthala purana, I completed a marathon one day reading.
I am sure the next time I visit one of the temples, I would know of the sthala purana, I completed a marathon one day reading.
January 21, 2021
As the name indicates, the book gives you a quick and concise peek into Indian temples. Be it their origin stories or the prasadams served or the cultural, architectural and historical significance...everything is covered here it short, engaging snippets.
December 28, 2019
Fascinating little compendium of stories, art, music, and dance around temples. Spent many hours looking up videos of the things described in the book.
January 18, 2020
Beautifully written about the temples in India. So many new information !
December 2, 2021
Was always sceptical about my religious identity... Nevertheless this book reminded me of the rich, vibrant, heritage Hinduism stands for! Also you might find a lot of places to add to your bucketlist. Consists of really short paragraphs and works well for people with broken attention span (like me) .
December 11, 2025
I think this book was a missed opportunity. The various mythologies were recounted as trivia which robbed them of all mysteries. There should have been more illustrations for the mythologies and where real places or cultures were referenced there should have been some photographs.
March 2, 2021
Book: Temple Tales: Secrets and Stories from India's Sacred Places
Author: Sudha G. Tilak
Publisher: Hachette India Children's Books (15 October 2019)
Language: English
File size: 4334 KB
Print length: 170 pages
Price: 195/-
Temples are some of the most primitive forms of museums in the world, for in these consecrated spaces we can see and appreciate the past of a region, its people, culture and traditions. They have survived for over thousands of years, holding their power over weather and war.
A temple is a space to realize the beauty that humans can create and the devotion that can live in the human heart.
Temples are treasure troves of tales from the Indian epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, the Puranas, regional folklore and moral fables.
Since the bulk of the stories were narrated and spread through oral traditions, each region and its temples have their own versions of a number of familiar tales, weaved with local folklore and traditions.
This 171 page book by Sudha G Tilak packs a punch. In anecdotal style the author relates the myths and legends hidden under the history of several chief temples of India.
Tilak has divided the book into six sections:
1. Folktales and Legends
2. Heavenly Feasts
3. Green Deities
4. Stories in Stone
5. Sacred Skills
6. Divine Dances and Songs
The stories around temples are populated by a joyous combine of gods and goddesses, mythical creatures, humans and animals. Histories of kings and queens, geography, including seashores and riverbanks, hilltops and caves, jungles and deserts are also all part of this universe.
Temple tales span a range of themes, from families and friendships, to love and hate, good and bad and devotion and doubt. Since temples are meant for prayer and worship there are also stories of piety that are moving and soulful.
Temples are so mighty important that they have left an indelible mark on our history, culture, art and food – like the Jagannath Temple in Odisha, the Palani Murugan temple and the Brihadeshwara Temple in Tamil Nadu, the Guruyavurappan Temple in Kerala, the Shree Govindajee Temple in Manipur and many others.
It’s not wrong to say that these temples have shaped the customs and ethnicity of the regions where they are located.
In India, when it comes to temples and the stories surrounding them, you can’t always tell where history ends and where myth begins. You can argue for hours and hours about what’s true and what’s not. The easiest way to filter fact from fable is to look for proof.
This proof can be in any form – sculpture, architecture, written records in literature, songs, historical documents, and so on.
But where do fables come from? Now that’s a more difficult question to answer. According to some, fables come from the particular ability of humans to share stories and to embellish facts with fiction.
Most famous temples have a history behind them. There are records that tell us when they were constructed, the names of the kings who built them (who else but kings could afford to build such huge temples?), and how much it all cost.
The actual builders of these marvellous structures were skilled masons, stone craftsmen and, at times, soldiers of defeated armies – enslaved and taken as prisoners by the victorious kings. These soldiers were employed to carry large rocks, break stones and assist in the construction of the temples.
However, despite the records available, we know little to nothing about these invisible people, forgotten by time, whose hands built the temples.
But what we do have are the stories that speak about the origins of these structures.
These stories are called Sthala Puranas. The Sthala Purana of each temple is a fable or folktale that is unique to it. And these tales have existed for centuries, kept alive by the faith of the believers who visit these temples.
As you read these stories, you will notice how Shiva, Vishnu, Durga and other gods or goddesses are referred to by different names in different temples.
That is so because they were named following the miracles they performed in that particular holy spot and the unique forms they took. The Sthala Purana of each temple details how and why these names were bestowed on them.
To listen to these temple tales is to know the richness of human imagination and the place that the art of storytelling holds in human life.
This book is in no way an inclusive list of all the temples of India. It’s a personal and subjective assemblage of the sacred spaces that the author has visited, marvelled at and read about, and wanted to share with readers, both young and old.
This book is about some of the stories, sculptures, music, dance, arts and crafts that have emerged from these places. It is homage to those devoted men and women of another time who built and birthed wonderful art forms in these charming spaces.
This is India for you ladies and gentlemen – a race whose perception is shaped by religion.
Author: Sudha G. Tilak
Publisher: Hachette India Children's Books (15 October 2019)
Language: English
File size: 4334 KB
Print length: 170 pages
Price: 195/-
Temples are some of the most primitive forms of museums in the world, for in these consecrated spaces we can see and appreciate the past of a region, its people, culture and traditions. They have survived for over thousands of years, holding their power over weather and war.
A temple is a space to realize the beauty that humans can create and the devotion that can live in the human heart.
Temples are treasure troves of tales from the Indian epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, the Puranas, regional folklore and moral fables.
Since the bulk of the stories were narrated and spread through oral traditions, each region and its temples have their own versions of a number of familiar tales, weaved with local folklore and traditions.
This 171 page book by Sudha G Tilak packs a punch. In anecdotal style the author relates the myths and legends hidden under the history of several chief temples of India.
Tilak has divided the book into six sections:
1. Folktales and Legends
2. Heavenly Feasts
3. Green Deities
4. Stories in Stone
5. Sacred Skills
6. Divine Dances and Songs
The stories around temples are populated by a joyous combine of gods and goddesses, mythical creatures, humans and animals. Histories of kings and queens, geography, including seashores and riverbanks, hilltops and caves, jungles and deserts are also all part of this universe.
Temple tales span a range of themes, from families and friendships, to love and hate, good and bad and devotion and doubt. Since temples are meant for prayer and worship there are also stories of piety that are moving and soulful.
Temples are so mighty important that they have left an indelible mark on our history, culture, art and food – like the Jagannath Temple in Odisha, the Palani Murugan temple and the Brihadeshwara Temple in Tamil Nadu, the Guruyavurappan Temple in Kerala, the Shree Govindajee Temple in Manipur and many others.
It’s not wrong to say that these temples have shaped the customs and ethnicity of the regions where they are located.
In India, when it comes to temples and the stories surrounding them, you can’t always tell where history ends and where myth begins. You can argue for hours and hours about what’s true and what’s not. The easiest way to filter fact from fable is to look for proof.
This proof can be in any form – sculpture, architecture, written records in literature, songs, historical documents, and so on.
But where do fables come from? Now that’s a more difficult question to answer. According to some, fables come from the particular ability of humans to share stories and to embellish facts with fiction.
Most famous temples have a history behind them. There are records that tell us when they were constructed, the names of the kings who built them (who else but kings could afford to build such huge temples?), and how much it all cost.
The actual builders of these marvellous structures were skilled masons, stone craftsmen and, at times, soldiers of defeated armies – enslaved and taken as prisoners by the victorious kings. These soldiers were employed to carry large rocks, break stones and assist in the construction of the temples.
However, despite the records available, we know little to nothing about these invisible people, forgotten by time, whose hands built the temples.
But what we do have are the stories that speak about the origins of these structures.
These stories are called Sthala Puranas. The Sthala Purana of each temple is a fable or folktale that is unique to it. And these tales have existed for centuries, kept alive by the faith of the believers who visit these temples.
As you read these stories, you will notice how Shiva, Vishnu, Durga and other gods or goddesses are referred to by different names in different temples.
That is so because they were named following the miracles they performed in that particular holy spot and the unique forms they took. The Sthala Purana of each temple details how and why these names were bestowed on them.
To listen to these temple tales is to know the richness of human imagination and the place that the art of storytelling holds in human life.
This book is in no way an inclusive list of all the temples of India. It’s a personal and subjective assemblage of the sacred spaces that the author has visited, marvelled at and read about, and wanted to share with readers, both young and old.
This book is about some of the stories, sculptures, music, dance, arts and crafts that have emerged from these places. It is homage to those devoted men and women of another time who built and birthed wonderful art forms in these charming spaces.
This is India for you ladies and gentlemen – a race whose perception is shaped by religion.
September 14, 2022
It's a nice book capturing multiple temples across India and the stories behind them.
The book covers the history, legends, food and dances associated with them spanning across geographies.
The book could have been better with lesser places being covered with more details.
Overall- 3/5
The book covers the history, legends, food and dances associated with them spanning across geographies.
The book could have been better with lesser places being covered with more details.
Overall- 3/5
December 7, 2021
3.5 rounded down to 3
It is a wonderful book with a lot of interesting information about temples, their origin tales, and their traditions, but what it lacks is a more coherent structure. Currently, it reads as an encyclopedic assortment - which is totally fine, but I feel the book had a greater potential.
The other misgiving I had, even though I understand it is a book for general public, is to have a more nuanced perspective on the origins of various temples. For example, in many places in the book where tribal gods were coadapted as deities, the tribal side is added as a single line afterthought or not mentioned at all.
It is a wonderful book with a lot of interesting information about temples, their origin tales, and their traditions, but what it lacks is a more coherent structure. Currently, it reads as an encyclopedic assortment - which is totally fine, but I feel the book had a greater potential.
The other misgiving I had, even though I understand it is a book for general public, is to have a more nuanced perspective on the origins of various temples. For example, in many places in the book where tribal gods were coadapted as deities, the tribal side is added as a single line afterthought or not mentioned at all.
April 4, 2020
Interesting read. Very useful insights from temples across the country. Enjoyed reading and learning about various temples thoroughly.
January 12, 2025
I started reading this book when a friend suggested. This book is like a collection of small stories about some of the famous temples in India.
I personally found lot of gaps in this ( I am not saying that the folklore narrated are false, but I personally visited to most of these temples and got to a very different version/ atleast with minor differences of the stories that are narrated here.)
Few of the differences are:
1. Rameshwaram temple - It is believed that Rama performed penance here to get rid of Brahma Hatya dosha as he killed Ravana Brahma and not please Shiva as mentioned in the book.
2. Ardhanareeshwara Temple: It is believed that the all creatures are made from Shiva (Purush) and Shakti (Prakruti). Despite their attempts to convey that together they formed two integral parts of a whole being, Rishi Bringi resisted comprehending this idea. Devi Parvati curses him to release the components of his body that have their source in his mother (Prakruthi).
3. Shaneeswaram: I do not agree with what was written about Shani in this tale. Shani do not just go around and give hardships or people just because Shani visited a person's astrological space as mentioned in the book.
Shani is known to give Karma phala. Whatever deeds we have done, good or bad, we get it accordingly.
4. Tirupati: Goddess Padmavathi is Lakshmi. It is believed the that Lord Venkateshwara alsoarries Godha Devi (Bhu devi). Lord here is seen with two consorts Sridevi (Lakshmi) and Bhu devi.
5. Simhachalam: This temple was built by Prahalada but it's is not here that Lord Narasimha killed Hiranyakashyapu. The Ugra stambam from which lord emerged is located in the forest of Ahobilam.
6. Puri: Though Puri is mentioned multiple times in the book, most of the fascinating stories were not narrated like how the flag is always seen flying in the opposite direction of wind, how when prasad is cooked while placing multiple pots one over the other, the food on the top pot is cooked first. And the kitchen has a wooping 757 stoves.
7. Kopeshwar Mahdev: Daksha yagna took place in Daksha vatika also known as Draksharamam in Andhrapradesh. It is at Draksharamam, Lord Shiva in all anger called Veerbhadra.
One more issue with this book was neither in Chronological order not geographical. One story I read from Rajasthan and the next one is from Tamil Nadu. I didn't understood why the sequence was in this manner.
Nice read but could have been better.
I personally found lot of gaps in this ( I am not saying that the folklore narrated are false, but I personally visited to most of these temples and got to a very different version/ atleast with minor differences of the stories that are narrated here.)
Few of the differences are:
1. Rameshwaram temple - It is believed that Rama performed penance here to get rid of Brahma Hatya dosha as he killed Ravana Brahma and not please Shiva as mentioned in the book.
2. Ardhanareeshwara Temple: It is believed that the all creatures are made from Shiva (Purush) and Shakti (Prakruti). Despite their attempts to convey that together they formed two integral parts of a whole being, Rishi Bringi resisted comprehending this idea. Devi Parvati curses him to release the components of his body that have their source in his mother (Prakruthi).
3. Shaneeswaram: I do not agree with what was written about Shani in this tale. Shani do not just go around and give hardships or people just because Shani visited a person's astrological space as mentioned in the book.
Shani is known to give Karma phala. Whatever deeds we have done, good or bad, we get it accordingly.
4. Tirupati: Goddess Padmavathi is Lakshmi. It is believed the that Lord Venkateshwara alsoarries Godha Devi (Bhu devi). Lord here is seen with two consorts Sridevi (Lakshmi) and Bhu devi.
5. Simhachalam: This temple was built by Prahalada but it's is not here that Lord Narasimha killed Hiranyakashyapu. The Ugra stambam from which lord emerged is located in the forest of Ahobilam.
6. Puri: Though Puri is mentioned multiple times in the book, most of the fascinating stories were not narrated like how the flag is always seen flying in the opposite direction of wind, how when prasad is cooked while placing multiple pots one over the other, the food on the top pot is cooked first. And the kitchen has a wooping 757 stoves.
7. Kopeshwar Mahdev: Daksha yagna took place in Daksha vatika also known as Draksharamam in Andhrapradesh. It is at Draksharamam, Lord Shiva in all anger called Veerbhadra.
One more issue with this book was neither in Chronological order not geographical. One story I read from Rajasthan and the next one is from Tamil Nadu. I didn't understood why the sequence was in this manner.
Nice read but could have been better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2024
Very bad job of narrating factually incorrect stories, along with the lack of references for each narrated story. A “Selected Bibliography” at the end of the book is a lazy attempt to reference every story picked up to describe a temple in this book.
Some of the factually incorrect narrations are:
1. The story of Ekalavya: If the author had taken the time and effort to read the Mahabharata critical editions, she would have learnt that the reason Dronacharya asked Ekalavya’s thumb was not due to some favoritism or due to the caste of Ekalavya. It was because Ekalavya stole the knowledge from Dronacharya. It’s like stealing an MBA course content from Harvard University without paying for it. Back in those days, all students had to give guru dakshina for the knowledge provided by the Guru. But Ekalavya stole the knowledge and had no Guru Dakshina to offer to Dronacharya, and he had to pay the price of stealing with his thumb. Moreover, Ekalavya was the king of tribals and cousin of Lord Krishna by blood.
2. Ranganathaswamy temple story: The narrated story that Allauddin Khilji’s daughter fell in love with the idols stolen by Khilji’s men. This is so outrageously historically incorrect. If the author still has a modicum of self respect, I request her to quote this from a verified original source. This story is just another attempt to whitewash our painful history at the hands of Mughal rulers.
3. Yoginis: The definition of Yogini narrated in this book is again a secular non-Hindu’s attempt to define using the lens of the West. I’m sorry but to use the word “witches” to Yoginis is downright disrespectful to our Hindu & Buddhist texts. Please at least look up Wikipedia which doesn’t use the word Witches to Yoginis. Also pick up a Tantra 101 or Buddhism 101 original text and read up on who Yoginis are.
I can quote more such inaccuracies, but having done more harm than good, this book is unfit to be read by both children and adults. You don’t want your kids to read incorrect history of India, neither do you want them to read the incorrect Hindu Itihasa (Mahabharata and Ramayana).
Some of the factually incorrect narrations are:
1. The story of Ekalavya: If the author had taken the time and effort to read the Mahabharata critical editions, she would have learnt that the reason Dronacharya asked Ekalavya’s thumb was not due to some favoritism or due to the caste of Ekalavya. It was because Ekalavya stole the knowledge from Dronacharya. It’s like stealing an MBA course content from Harvard University without paying for it. Back in those days, all students had to give guru dakshina for the knowledge provided by the Guru. But Ekalavya stole the knowledge and had no Guru Dakshina to offer to Dronacharya, and he had to pay the price of stealing with his thumb. Moreover, Ekalavya was the king of tribals and cousin of Lord Krishna by blood.
2. Ranganathaswamy temple story: The narrated story that Allauddin Khilji’s daughter fell in love with the idols stolen by Khilji’s men. This is so outrageously historically incorrect. If the author still has a modicum of self respect, I request her to quote this from a verified original source. This story is just another attempt to whitewash our painful history at the hands of Mughal rulers.
3. Yoginis: The definition of Yogini narrated in this book is again a secular non-Hindu’s attempt to define using the lens of the West. I’m sorry but to use the word “witches” to Yoginis is downright disrespectful to our Hindu & Buddhist texts. Please at least look up Wikipedia which doesn’t use the word Witches to Yoginis. Also pick up a Tantra 101 or Buddhism 101 original text and read up on who Yoginis are.
I can quote more such inaccuracies, but having done more harm than good, this book is unfit to be read by both children and adults. You don’t want your kids to read incorrect history of India, neither do you want them to read the incorrect Hindu Itihasa (Mahabharata and Ramayana).
October 20, 2021
📚 Temple Tales: Secrets and Stories from India's Sacred Places
📖 𝐛𝐲 Sudha G. Tilak
#CelebratingIndianAuthors Readathon continues with this book📚📖
Also participating in the #tbrpilereadathon. Hosted by @letstalkbooksandmore
And @theoldbookbarn for the prompt: Book in my TBR for more than six months!💜📚
🔖 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: History Mythology| Indian literature
🔖 𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬: This delightful and enchanting book opens the doors to the secrets and surprises hidden in temples across the country. These unique temples are not just places of worship, but living museums of architectural wonders, mind-boggling sculptures, graceful dances, colourful crafts and many other cultural activities. More than anything, they are treasure troves of lore and legend, teeming with tales of gods and goddesses, demons and devotees, plants and beasts, the magical and the mysterious – all just waiting to be discovered by you.
🔖𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬:⭐⭐⭐⭐
🔖𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞:✨ Visiting any temple in India, one often prays, offers flowers and naivedya, perceives for blessings. Ever wondered what stories inspired the establishment of the temple? How's the particular flower or food (naivedya) became favourite for the God? Different forms of sculptures and rich heritage of vivid forms of art be it folk dances or the special theatrical performance?
Answers to these intriguing questions lies in this highly recommended encyclopaedia yet story-telling form of book! ✨
Apart from the glorious details and simple yet scrutinized storytelling there were also facts and myths made understandable with touches of beautiful illustrations making the whole book top-notch. 🌸🦋 So many of the temples mentioned specially in South India are added to my bucket list! ✨🦋
.
📖 𝐛𝐲 Sudha G. Tilak
#CelebratingIndianAuthors Readathon continues with this book📚📖
Also participating in the #tbrpilereadathon. Hosted by @letstalkbooksandmore
And @theoldbookbarn for the prompt: Book in my TBR for more than six months!💜📚
🔖 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐫𝐞: History Mythology| Indian literature
🔖 𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬: This delightful and enchanting book opens the doors to the secrets and surprises hidden in temples across the country. These unique temples are not just places of worship, but living museums of architectural wonders, mind-boggling sculptures, graceful dances, colourful crafts and many other cultural activities. More than anything, they are treasure troves of lore and legend, teeming with tales of gods and goddesses, demons and devotees, plants and beasts, the magical and the mysterious – all just waiting to be discovered by you.
🔖𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬:⭐⭐⭐⭐
🔖𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞:✨ Visiting any temple in India, one often prays, offers flowers and naivedya, perceives for blessings. Ever wondered what stories inspired the establishment of the temple? How's the particular flower or food (naivedya) became favourite for the God? Different forms of sculptures and rich heritage of vivid forms of art be it folk dances or the special theatrical performance?
Answers to these intriguing questions lies in this highly recommended encyclopaedia yet story-telling form of book! ✨
Apart from the glorious details and simple yet scrutinized storytelling there were also facts and myths made understandable with touches of beautiful illustrations making the whole book top-notch. 🌸🦋 So many of the temples mentioned specially in South India are added to my bucket list! ✨🦋
.
March 10, 2024
First of all the cover of the book stood out the most and I would like to say the book is about Indian historical non- fiction rather than Indian Mythology because their are no myths in our culture just enough facts to prove its existence.
The author has talked about the background and wonderful tales regarding various religious, worship places pan-India. The book is filled with amazing arts and iconography supporting the fabulous themes of the chapter.
It is a well researched book in all its aspects covering all the bases from why and who's of the Temples, panning from north to south she includes all the renowned temples and the various facts clouding them, she has also provided justified reasons behind various religious practices.
I felt really proud and grateful while reading it because I am from a country who's culture and traditions are so celebrated and intricately woven that It would take years even for a native Indians to know its roots by heart.
The author has talked about the background and wonderful tales regarding various religious, worship places pan-India. The book is filled with amazing arts and iconography supporting the fabulous themes of the chapter.
It is a well researched book in all its aspects covering all the bases from why and who's of the Temples, panning from north to south she includes all the renowned temples and the various facts clouding them, she has also provided justified reasons behind various religious practices.
I felt really proud and grateful while reading it because I am from a country who's culture and traditions are so celebrated and intricately woven that It would take years even for a native Indians to know its roots by heart.
November 19, 2025
I saw the cover of this book on Pinterest and instantly knew it had to be on my TBR. As a Hindu, temple stories have always been a part of growing up, so reading this felt like a small reader’s pilgrimage through different Indian temples.
The stories are short, simple, and easy to follow—even though many temples are covered. By the end, you genuinely feel like you’ve learned something new about our temple heritage.
For new readers, this is a great pick. It’s under 200 pages and you can read it at your own pace.
Note: If you ever watched the Epic channel, this book has the same vibe!
The stories are short, simple, and easy to follow—even though many temples are covered. By the end, you genuinely feel like you’ve learned something new about our temple heritage.
For new readers, this is a great pick. It’s under 200 pages and you can read it at your own pace.
Note: If you ever watched the Epic channel, this book has the same vibe!
November 26, 2025
This book would have been a more enjoyable read, had the author not tried to squeeze in details about as many temples as she possibly could. Some chapters which are just 1 or 2 pages long could have been removed, as they don't provide any interesting details - most of them have the same storyline: God defeated a demon at the spot where a temple has been built now. I could have done better justice to some of the stories in this book, which I had listened to in my childhood, by making them more colorful and attractive to children, who are the primary audience of this book.
April 14, 2021
A collection of short snippets that were interesting in places, surprising in others. The compilation and the structure of the book was not to my liking as I felt disconnected at many points in the book. It could have been way better if properly structured.
The illustrations by Sharanya Kunnath were really good.
The illustrations by Sharanya Kunnath were really good.
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