History of the Cult of Narasimha (Andhra Pradesh) : From Ancient to the Modern Period (An Old and Rare Book)

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About the Book

There are numerous centres of Narasimha Worship in Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh. The space devoted to this cult in general religious histories of India and Andhra Pradesh is very meagre. As such, there is a need for a detailed work on the cult of Narasimha in Telangana. The author has earlier published a comprehensive work on the cult of Narasimha in Andhra Pradesh. This book, therefore, supplies a long felt need,

The author deals comprehensively with the general history of the centres of Narasimha worship from ancient to the modern period, taped from archaeology and literature, including the Stalapuranas, traditions, oral and recorded and interviews held with the experts in the field to elicit information about this cult. A general survey is made about the spread of the culf of god Narasimha throughout the country. The book gives an analysis of different types of images and sculptures of god Narasimha, found at various places. The history of the select centres of Narasimha Worship is useful not only to the scholars in the field, but also to the devotees and to the general public. These centres of worship have been the centres of our culture, Thus, this study of culture paves the way for integration among the three regions i.e. Rayalasima, Coastal Andhra and Telangana of Andhra Pradesh.

About the Author

Dr. Madabhushini Narasimhacharya obtained his Post Graduate degree in 1964, M.Phil. degree in 1982 and Ph.D. degree in 1987 from Osmania University, Hyderabad. He is the author of “History of the Cult of Narasimha in Telangana” and “History of the Cult of Narasimha in Andhra Pradesh”. He published a number of articles on History and Culture. At present he is working at Kakatiya Govt. College, Hanmakonda, Warangal, Andhra Pradesh.

Foreword

The present publication “History of the Cult of Narasimha in Telangaua” is originally the thesis of Dr. M. Narasimhacharya, for which he was awarded the degree of M.Phil. in Ancient Indian History, Culture and Arehaeology by the Osmania University. The topic was suggested by me and he worked under my supervision. My choice of the topic and the candidate turned out to be happy, since Sri M. Narasimhacharya carried on the research work under the Faculty Improvement Programme with the utmost sincerity and devotion. While this work in itself is a good contribution to the studies in Religious History of Telingana, the scholar continued his studies on History of the Cult of Narasimha in Andhra Pradesh (From 11 t h century A. D. to 17th century A.D.) for the Ph.D. degree and the Ph D. thesis has been published by Sri Malola Grantha Mala, Sri Ahobila Math , Hyderabad , The Telugu University has also given for the publication financial assistance, just as for the present publication T.T.D. Tirupati is financially assisting.

If the Cult of Jagannatha reigns supreme in Orissa, the Cult of Narasimha tremendously in fluences Telangana. The M.phil. thesis of Dr. M. Narasimhacharya contains all the source material collected by him on the topic and will be helpful to scholars, who wish to pursue deeply aspects relating to this subject Chronological limits have not been set, since the idea was to investigate into a live cult and gather the relevant source material for it.

At a time when the uniqueness of Indian Culture is thoroughly being probed. Dr. M. Narasimhacharya's work, with the source material will be highly valuable.

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