The Mahotsavavidhi, a twelfth-century Sanskrit text, provides detailed guidelines for a Saiva temple priest in performing a nine-day “great festival” for the god Siva. The author, Aghorasiva, is one of the most esteemed and influential authors in the Saiva Siddhanta school, and his lengthy work on ritual procedures, Kriyakramadyotika, (of which the Mahotsavavidhi is a part), is by all accounts the Agama work most employed by modern temple priests and pious Saivas in their practice of worship. Richard Davis’s translation of this important text is the first translation into a European language of any medieval work on temple festivals. Because the text was intended for an expert audience of working twelfth-century priests, Aghorasiva employs a highly technical idiom. For that reason, Davis annotates his translation extensively with explanations and expansions drawn from other Agama works. There have been numerous studies of temple festivals and processions based on ethnographic observations and on recent historical data, but the historical study of this dramatic religious practice during earlier periods has relied on speculation. Davis’s groundbreaking volume will provide a new foundation for the study of the history of South Indian temple festivals as a cultural practice.
Embark on a journey into the heart of South Indian temple traditions with Richard H. Davis's groundbreaking translation, *A Priest's Guide for the Great Festival: Aghorasiva's Mahotsavavidhi (South Asia Research)*. This meticulously researched and annotated volume offers an unprecedented glimpse into the intricate rituals and ceremonies of a nine-day Saiva temple festival as prescribed by the revered twelfth-century Saiva Siddhanta author, Aghorasiva. Until now, this vital text, the *Mahotsavavidhi*, part of Aghorasiva's larger *Kriyakramadyotika*, has remained largely inaccessible to Western scholars and practitioners. Davis's translation is the first into any European language, making it a landmark contribution to the fields of religious studies, South Asian history, and Hindu ritual practices. Aghorasiva, a towering figure within the Saiva Siddhanta tradition, provides detailed instructions for the temple priest (the *acharya*) tasked with conducting the "great festival" (*mahotsava*) dedicated to Lord Shiva. The *Mahotsavavidhi* outlines every aspect of the festival, from the initial preparations and consecrations to the daily rites, processions, offerings, and concluding ceremonies. It's not merely a list of instructions, but a window into the vibrant cosmological and theological world of medieval South Indian Saivism. The text reveals the complex interplay of sound, movement, imagery, and devotion that characterized these sacred performances. What sets this translation apart is Davis's extensive annotation. Recognizing the highly technical and specialized language employed by Aghorasiva, writing for an audience of trained priests, Davis provides crucial context and explanations drawn from a wide range of other Agama works and secondary sources. He elucidates obscure passages, clarifies technical terminology, and connects the rituals described in the *Mahotsavavidhi* to broader themes within Saiva Siddhanta philosophy and practice. These annotations unlock the text's secrets, making it accessible to a wider audience of scholars, students, and anyone interested in Hindu temple culture. Prior to Davis's work, the historical study of South Indian temple festivals relied heavily on ethnographic observations of contemporary practices and on recent historical accounts. This meant that our understanding of these dramatic religious performances in earlier periods was often based on conjecture and extrapolation. Davis's translation provides a solid textual foundation for future research, allowing scholars to analyze the *Mahotsavavidhi* alongside inscriptional evidence, art historical data, and other sources to reconstruct the history of temple festivals with greater accuracy and depth. He unveils the rich historical layers embedded within the living traditions of South Indian temples. This illustrated edition, published by Oxford University Press, includes helpful visuals that bring the ancient rituals to life, enhancing the reader's understanding of the described procedures. With 208 pages, this hardcover book weighs 421 grams and is a valuable addition to any academic library or personal collection focused on Asian history, Indian religions, Hinduism, or South Asian studies. *A Priest's Guide for the Great Festival* is more than just a translation; it's a key that unlocks a treasure trove of knowledge about a vibrant and enduring religious tradition. Richard H. Davis's masterful scholarship makes this essential text accessible to a new generation of readers, paving the way for a deeper and more nuanced understanding of South Indian temple culture. Discover the intricate details of ancient Saiva worship and gain unparalleled insight into the spiritual heart of South India. This book is essential for scholars, students, and anyone interested in the history, religion, and cultural practices of South Asia.
