Bhubaneswar: A new book on the history and culture of famous Sarala Temple in Odisha’s Jagatsinghpur district and life of 15th century poet and author of Odia Mahabharat Adikabi Sarala Das was launched by noted researcher Dr Antarjyami Mishra.
The book – “Shri Chandi Sarala Madala” – has been written in Odia by the chief priest of Sarala Temple, Ranjan Kumar Panda.
Retired judge of Orissa High Court Justice Pramatha Pattnayak, noted writer Gaurahari Das, former Vice Chancellor of Fakir Mohan University Sukadeba Nanda were present on the occasion, a press release said on Tuesday.
The book, comprising 18 chapters and 343 pages, is said to be the first such comprehensive documentation of the temple and Adikabi, it said.
It covers a wide range of topics, including the shakti cult of Odisha, the iconography of the idol of goddess Sarala, its linkage to Buddhism, the life and lineage of poet Sarala Das, and his association with the temple.
Releasing the book, Dr Antarjyami Mishra said it is an important documentation of the history and culture of the Sarala Temple and poet Sarala Das.
He expressed the hope that the book would enlighten readers about many unknown facts regarding the temple and help settle many unsubstantiated theories associated with the temple and poet.
Noted writer Stakadi Hota, who wrote the preface of the book, highlighted that the author’s emotional connect with the subject as the chief priest of the temple is reflected in the carefully presented information about the temple’s eventful history and culture.
Author Ranjan Kumar Panda said the idea for the book originated from the absence of any authentic and research-based reference material on the temple and Adikabi Sarala Das required for a website of the temple.
The book tries to document the same in a scientific way by referring to many first-hand primary sources and more than 200 books on the subject. He hoped the book would inspire many others to take up further research on the subject.
The launch of “Shri Chandi Sarala Madala” is a significant milestone in the documentation of the history and culture of Shakti cult, Sarala Temple and Odia Mahabharat writer Sarala Das. The book will serve as a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and enthusiasts of the shakti cult of Odisha and Indian literature.
The detailed documentation, sequencing of events, and the use of primary sources make this book a unique and compelling read for anyone interested in the temple’s history and its association with the legendary poet Sarala Das.
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