'LIVE AND LET OTHERS LIVE' : LIFE LESSONS FROM MAHAVIRA

Edited by Nanditha Krishna
ISBN: 978-93-88292-42-9

Mahavira was a sixth-century reformer and philosopher, the twenty-fourth Tirthankara of the Jains, who established Jainism as a new faith. Born in to the royal family in Kundagrama (near Patna in present day Bihar), he renounced his family and all material possessions and became an ascetic at the age of thirty. Having attained omniscience (kevala jnana) after performing austerities for twelve years, Mahavira began travelling on foot. Preaching and gaining followers. A great believer in the equality of all, he ordained men and women from all classes and castes. He taught his followers how to overthrow the fetter of karma and liberate the soul from the cycle of birth and rebirth as well as lessons on how tolive a life of truthfulness, compassion, humility and non-attachment. The Upanishadic dictum-ahimsa paramo dharmah (non-violence is the greatest Truth)-saw its apogee in the teaching of Mahavira. His teaching on the symbiosis between all living beings and the five elements-earth, air, fire, water and vegetation-from the basis of environmental science today.

Edited by Nanditha Krishna, the aphorisms in ‘Live and Let Others Live’ contain the core teaching of Mahavira that show us how to lead a peaceful and fulfilling life.

The Book of Avatars and Divinities

ISBN: 978-0-143-44688-077


In the Hindu universe, gods and goddesses play freely among human beings to help them, nudge them towards right action and mete out justice. They may appear to us as avatars in superhuman form or manifest themselves as forces of nature. The many myths of Hinduism become colourful and entertaining when Shiva, Vishnu and Devi take different forms to enact their rivalries, destroy demons and teach devotees with superpowers a lesson in humility

This first-of-its-kind book brings together the major deities of the Hindu pantheon, describing the different manifestations by which they are recognized, celebrated and worshipped – from Durga to Sita to Kali, and from Narasimha to Parashurama to Krishna. The contributions by Bulbul Sharma, Namita Gokhale, Nanditha Krishna, Parvez Dewan, Royina Grewal and Seema Mohanty offer enchanting stories about our favourite divinities.

‘Mahabalipuram’ – The Ganga Comes to Tamil Nadu

(UNESCO World Heritage Sties of India Series)
ISBN: 978-93-85360-49-7

‘YOU ARE THE SUPREME LIGHT’: LIFE LESSONS FROM ADI SANKARA

Edited by Nanditha Krishna
ISBN: 978-93-87561-38-0

Adi Shankara was one of the greatest philosophers of India. Probably born in the eighth century CE in modern Kerala, he established the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta and unified the six main schools of Hinduism. He travelled across the Indian subcontinent ¬- from Kanyakumari in the south to Kashmir in the north and Dwarka in the west to Puri in the east-propagating his philosophy through debates and discourses, establishing monasteries and monastic orders. He participated in philosophical debates with orthodox schools of Hinduism and heterodox traditions. He established several mathas or monasteries, inspired by the ancient ashramas (hermitages), all over the country, which have ensured the continuity of his teachings. By the time he died at the age of thirty-two, he had produced a cornucopia of commentaries on ancient Indian texts as well as original philosophical works which contain some of the greatest gems of human thought on the concept of oneness with the Supreme Being, caste and equality, meditation, knowledge, self-realization, moksha, pride, attachment, maya and much more.

Edited by Nanditha Krishna, the aphorisms in ‘You Are the Supreme Light’ are culled from his greatest teachings and provide lessons on how to lead a fulfilling life. They are as relevant today as they were when Shankara first expounded his philosophy centuries ago.

Hinduism and Nature

In Hinduism and Nature, historian and environmentalist Nanditha Krishna delves into India’s rich natural landscape, which is suffused with mythical stories and religious significance.

The reverential tales she narrates from both the classical and the tribal traditions reveal a mesmerizing world of forests and trees, rivers and lakes, animals and mountains.

The basis of Hinduism is dharma, or righteousness, incorporating duty, cosmic law and justice. The Vedas, the Upanishads, the smritis and the great epics showed a clear appreciation of the natural world, its ecology and the need for managing natural resources.

In this fascinating book, Nanditha Krishna provides deep insights into the protection Hinduism offered to the environment, and convincingly argues that we can save the environment today only by turning to ancient wisdom.

Penguin Books India, New Delhi, ISBN-10: 0143427830

Deva Pratima
A Compendium of Essays on Indian Iconography

This book is a collection of researched papers on iconography by Dr. Nanditha Krishna. After completing her Ph.D. on the Iconography of Vishnu Narayana in 1975, her thesis was published as a book on the ‘The Art and Iconography of Vishnu Narayana’ in 1980. Subsequently, she has written several books and papers on Indian culture, history, Indian iconography and in recent years, on the ecological heritage of India.

CPR Publications, 2016 (ISBN: 978-93-85459-01-6)

SACRED GROVES OF INDIA – a Compendium
Compiled and edited by Nanditha Krishna & M. Amirthalingam

We have taken a lot from the earth, We tried to give something back by restoring a few ancient forests, the sacred groves of India. We decided to celebrate the 25th anniversary of our existence by publishing this compendium of papers on THE SACRED GROVES OF INDIA, covering all states and union territories. The Knowledge of several eminent researchers has been included in this volume. However, many gaps still remain to be filled, But we hope that this production will inspire future researchers to take the task of documenting, preserving and restoring sacred groves to a new level.

ISBN – 978-81-86901-24-3

Sacred Plants of India
(Nanditha Krishna & M. Amirthalingam)

Plants personify the divine
The Rig Veda (X.97)

Trees and plants have long been held sacred to communities the world over. In India they feature in our myths, epics, rituals, worship, and daily life. There is the pipal, under which the Buddha meditated; the banyan, in whose branches hide spirits; the ashoka, in a grove of which Sita sheltered; and the tulsi, without which no Hindu house is considered complete. Before temples were constructed, trees were open-air shrines and many were symbolic of the Buddha himself.

Sacred Plants of India lays out the sociocultural roots of the plants found in the Indian subcontinent, while asserting their ecological importance. Informative, thought – provoking, and meticulously researched, this book draws on mythology, botany, and the ancient religious traditions of India to assemble a fascinating account of India's flora.

Penguin Books India, New Delhi, 2014 (ISBN: 9780143066262)

Paintings of the Varadaraja Perumal Temple, Kanchipuram

The VARADARAJA PERUMAL TEMPLE in Kanchipuram is an important Centre of South Indian Vaishnavism and has been praised by several Alvars.

During the Vijayanagar period, there was great patronage for this temple by the kings Krishnadevaraya and Achyutaraya. Apart from the 100 pillar mandapam and several exquisite pillars and structures, the walls were covered with exquisite paintings. Unfortunately little care has been bestowed on these paintings. They have either deteriorated or been vandalized or even whitewashed, leaving very little visible today.

The paintings of the temple cover a range of time from early to late Vijayanagar. They include beautiful representations of Krishna's lilas from the Bhagavata Purana, as well as the 108 divyadesams, which appear in paintings for the first time in this temple. The 108 divyadesam paintings were also the models for the later Tanjore paintings of the Maratha period.

CPR Publications, 2014 (ISBN: 978-81-908305-0-8)

MADRAS THEN - CHENNAI NOW is an extensively-researched collection of rare pictures showcasing the city as it once was. From images documenting the construction of the artificial Madras harbor, to the Great Famine of 1876-78, to the fateful day when the German cruiser, the Emden, attacked Chennai (making it the only Indian city to have sustained a direct attack during the Great War). The beginnings of modern 'Madras' culture have been well-documented with alluring pictures of some of India's earliest businessmen, industrialists, parliamentarians, actors, and actors-turned-politicians.

This book features images sourced from the private archives of the city's prominent families – with some of them being published for the first time. Be it politics, sport, movies, education, or even the independence struggle, Madras Then features captivating pictures and paintings of almost every event and socio-cultural phenomenon that has left an indelible mark on Indian history.

“Madras Then” by Nanditha Krishna
“Chennai Now” by Tishani Doshi
Photo Research & Editing – Pramod Kapoor

Roli Books, New Delhi, 2014 (ISBN: 978-81-7436-914-7)

Sacred Animals of India draws on the ancient religious traditions of India – Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism – to explore the customs and practices that engendered the veneration of animals in India. This book also examines the traditions that gave animals in India protection, and is a reminder of the role of animal species in the earth's biodiversity.

Penguin Books India, New Delhi, 2010 (ISBN : 9780143066194)

http://www.penguinbooksindia.com/category/
Philosophy_and_Religion/Sacred_Animals_of_India_9780143066194.aspx

The Book of Demons presents a perceptive overview of the various types of demonic beings and concepts that exist in Hindu literature, supplemented with a dictionary of individual demons for ready reference. Besides the well-known rakshasas and asuras, the author also reveals a densely populated world of lesser-known, but equally fascinating demonic creatures.

Penguin Books India, New Delhi, 2007 (ISBN : 9780143102021)
http://www.penguinbooksindia.com/category/Mythology/The_Book_of_Demons_Including_a_Dictionary_of_Demons_in_Sanskrit_ Literature_9780143102021.aspx

The Book of Vishnu describes the various forms, aspects and attributes of Vishnu and his avatars or incarnations, combining the skill of a storyteller with the insight of a scholar, bringing to glorious life the most powerful and revered god in the Hindu pantheon.

Penguin Books India, New Delhi, first published in 2001 (ISBN : 9780670049073)

http://www.penguinbooksindia.com/category/Philosophy_and_Religion/Book_Of_Vishnu_9780670049073.aspx

Balaji – Venkateshwara – Lord of Tirumala-Tirupati is a collection of the legends about Venkateshwara, the sacred Tirumala hill and its many lakes and waterfalls, his miracles, and the beautiful rituals and festivals associated with him. He is a manifestation of Vishnu the Preserver, and his association with the other incarnations is well documented.

Vakils, Feffer & Simons, Mumbai (first published in 2000) (ISBN : 81-87111-46-1)

http://www.vakilspublications.com/I002.asp

Ganesha – The Auspicious … The Beginning , by Smt. Shakunthala Jagannathan and Dr. Nanditha Krishna, mother and daughter, has brought out the relevance and importance of Ganesha from ancient times to the present day, the historical and archaeological evidence, legends and parables, and Ganesha imagery in India and abroad to make a multi-dimensional study of this deity through the ages.

Vakils, Feffer & Simons, Mumbai, (first published in 1992) (ISBN : 978-81-8462-004-7)

http://www.vakilspublications.com/I003.asp

Painted Manuscripts of the Sarasvati Mahal Library informs the reading public about the invaluable manuscripts and other materials available in the Sarasvati Mahal Library was a long felt need.

Thanjavur Maharaja Serfoji's Sarasvati Mahal Library, Thanjavur, 1994

http://www.cprfoundation.org/

Arts and Crafts of Tamilnadu explores the world of the artisan and craftsperson of Tamilnadu who fashions each article with love and care, always with a working knowledge of the age-old Shastras or canons of art. His creations are a tribute to an ancient culture – and to his own understanding and pride in it.

Mapin Publishing Pvt. Ltd., Ahmedabad, 1992

http://www.cprfoundation.org/

The Art and Iconography of Vishnu Narayana , Dr. Nanditha Krishna's Ph.D. thesis, traces the concepts associated with the deity from the earliest literary sources in India, the Vedic, Epic and Puranic texts, from Tamil and allied literature and from folk literature with its own peculiar regional variations. The major and minor attributes of the deity, the serpent-couch and bird-vehicle, have been described at length, to aid in the dating and placing of the original mileu in which the deity developed.

D. B. Taraporewala Sons, Mumbai, 1980

http://www.cprfoundation.org/

Madras – Chennai is short and concise, to attract young people and those who are not aware of the city's hoary past. It is profusely illustrated with some unique and never-before-seen paintings of the city.

New Horizon Media Pvt. Ltd., Chennai, 2009 (ISBN : 978-81-8493-229-4)

https://www.nhm.in/shop/home.php

Folk Toys of South India The various toys and puppets of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamilnadu and Pondicherry are introduced in this book. The history of each, the mode of production, decoration and utilization suggest a fantastic range. At the end of each chapter, there is a story of single toy maker to illustrate the life of the simple craftspeople who bring so much pleasure to rural children.

CPR Publications, Chennai, 2006 (ISBN 81-901484-9-4)

http://www.cprfoundation.org/

Varahishwarar Temple includes a history of Damal, the mythology of the Lingam, and the art and architecture and inscriptions of the temple from Pallava to Vijayanagara times. This temple was badly damaged and was renovated by the author with the help of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department of the Government of Tamilnadu and the C. P. Ramaswami Aiyar Foundation, making it a personal odyssey.

CPR Publications, 2001

http://www.cprfoundation.org/otherpages/11-pub.htm

Folk Arts of Tamilnadu is an introduction to the folk dance, music, theatre and puppetry traditions of Tamilnadu through millennia. Kummi, kolattam, kaavadi, karagam and impersonation dances; villupattu, harikatha, laavani, occupational songs, ballads, folklore and lullabies; therukoothu, bhagavatha mela, kuravanji and bommalattam or puppetry are covered under dance, music, theatre.

CPR Publications, Chennai, first published in 1994 (ISBN : 81-901484-7-8)

http://www.cprfoundation.org/

Hug a Tree is a play spans five hundred years and three major environmental movements in India. Whenever a group of young people perform this play, they, and their audience, will be reminded that the environmental movement began, long ago, in India.

New Horizon Media Pvt. Ltd., Chennai, 2010 (ISBN : 978-81-8493-437-3)

https://www.nhm.in/shop/home.php

Animals – It's Their World Too - An Activity Book is a workbook for primary level children to make them aware of the cruelties faced by domestic animals and wildlife and to search for solutions.

CPR Publications, Chennai, 1990 (ISBN : 81-86901-07-8)

http://www.cpreec.org/pubbooks-children.htm

The Tree - A Book of Facts and Activities is for primary level children to interest them in trees and to teach them to identify different species.

CPR Publications, Chennai, 1989 (ISBN : 81-86901-08-6)

http://www.cpreec.org/pubbooks-children.htm

RELIGION and ECOLOGY

Edited by Dr.Nanditha Krishna

ISBN: 978-81-86901-32-8

The earth, consisting of nature and its many resources, is a manifestation of the divine. Over millennia, people preserved the natural environment as a part of their faith and duty. Every religion advises people to protect precious resources, including animals, forests and water.

In the last 100 years, mankind has been on a roller-coaster ride to destroy nature for the sake of developmental activities, such as mining, construction, industrialization, intensive farming, etc., leading to problems like global warming and climate change. It reflects a loss of the value systems which were respected in ancient times.

To combat the climate emergency that we are now suffering, it is time to re-examine those values with which the earth's resources were protected and which were emphasized and celebrated in every religion. This may be the last hope to control the climate crisis and ensure a better earth for future generations.

THE ENVIRONMENT AND INDIAN HISTORY

edited by Nanditha Krishna

This book is an effort to document some of the environmental events that shaped Indian history.

Year of Publication : 2016

ISBN : 978-93-85459-02-3

KANCHIPURAM – A HERITAGE OF ART AND RELIGION

edited by Nanditha Krishna

Papers presented at the seminar organized by the C.P. Ramaswami Aiyar Institute of Indological Research
C.P. Ramaswami Aiyar Foundation, Chennai, 1992

Revised Edition : 2006

ISBN : 81-901484-1-9

ECOLOGICAL HERITAGE OF INDIA series

edited by Nanditha Krishna

Ecological Traditions of Andhra Pradesh
Ecological Traditions of Goa
Ecological Traditions of Gujarat
Ecological Traditions of Karnataka
Ecological Traditions of Kerala
Ecological Traditions of Maharashtra
Ecological Traditions of Odisha
Ecological Traditions of Tamilnadu
Ecological Traditions of Madhya Pradesh & Chhattisgarh
Ecological Traditions of Punjab
Ecological Traditions of Rajasthan
Ecological Traditions of West Bengal

SACRED TANKS OF SOUTH INDIA

edited by Nanditha Krishna

The CPREEC conducted a survey of 125 Temple tanks in South India. The book gives various details of location, current status, associated mythology and water quality - of the tanks surveyed. Papers presented by eminent scholars at a seminar on Sacred Tanks, organized by the CPREEC also feature in this book.

Year of Publication : 2009

TEMPLE TANKS OF CHENNAI

edited by Nanditha Krishna

The book describes 50 temple tanks in the city of Chennai. It includes details such as location, current status, associated mythology and the water quality of the tanks.

Year of Publication : 2004

SHAKTI IN ART AND RELIGION

edited by Nanditha Krishna

Papers presented at the seminar organized by the C.P. Ramaswami Aiyar Institute of Indological Research.

C.P. Ramaswami Aiyar Foundation, Chennai, 1991.

BOOK REVIEW

Dr. Nanditha Krishna reviewed the book titled ‘COROMANDEL - A Personal History of South India” by Charles Allen, which appeared in Open Magazine dated January 12, 2018.