Isvarasamhita: An Agamic Text of the Pancaratra School of Vaisnavism; 5 Volumes
Lakshmithathachar, M.A. (Ed. & Tr.)
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Set
PRODUCT DETAILS
Book ID : 34034
ISBN-10 : 81-208-3216-7 / 8120832167
ISBN-13 : 978-81-208-3216-9 / 9788120832169
Place
of Publication :
Delhi
Year
of Publication :
2009
Edition : (First Edition)
Language : English
Revised by V. Varadachari; xix, 1887p., 25 cm. (Kalamulasastra Series, Vol. 42-46)
CONTENTS
DESCRIPTION
Isvarasamhita is an important text of the Pancaratra school and is followed meticulously for conduction of daily Puja ceremony and performances of various religious festivals in the Narayanasvami temple of Melkote. It can safely be dated to 8th-9th century at least on the basis of its reference in the Agama Pramanya of Shri Yamunacarya. It is supposed to be a simpler and smaller version of the older Sattvatasamhita of this school which is the earliest available work of Pancaratra and is considered as one of three ratnas (jewels), along with Pauskaraand Jaya-samhitas. In 25 long Adhyayas the Isvarasamhita describes in great detail the rites, rituals and ceremonies taking place (or ought to take place) in a Vaisnava temple.
Palm leaf manuscripts of the Isvarasamhita were procured mainly from the Narayanasvami temple of Melkote for the sake of authenticity. The gloss of Alasimha Bhatta (early 19th century) has been appended to the text which shall be helpful in comprehending certain difficult or sectarian expressions. The English translation on the opposite (right) page has been provided for the facility of the modern scholars working on Philosophy, Ritual and Iconography of Vaisnavism.
A proper understanding of ritual is obviously indispensable for the study of Art.
