The great temples of the Indian subcontinent are uniquely fascinating spaces. Steeped in mythology and history, they are windows into a complex, often contrary culture. Where the Gods Dwell delves into the ‘(hi)stories’—history and mythology—of thirteen architectural marvels that have inspired awe, and not only in the hearts of the faithful.

Every essay in this book is an intriguing mix of historical detail, mythological narrative and architectural commentary, supplementing and complementing each other to tell a story that is more than the sum of its parts. From Pashupatinath in Nepal to the Nallur Kandaswamy in Sri Lanka, the Kamakhya in Assam to the Somnath in Gujarat, the anthology features temples from across the subcontinent, complete with beautifully evocative sketches by Mistunee Choudhury.

Writers like Manu S. Pillai, Siddhartha Sarma, Siddhartha Gigoo, Trisha Gupta and many others come together to evoke the sense of wonder that history and beauty will always call up in us. An essential addition to every serious library.

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