The temple town of Puri in Orissa, one of the four most sacred sites of Hindus, has been a major centre of Vaishnavism for almost a millennium. A deity of great antiquity, earlier known as Purushottama and Nilamadhava, Sri Jagannatha, the presiding deity of its main temple, considered as the creator of incarnations and a manifestation of the supreme divinity is identified with Krishna and Vishnu. His palatial temple, Srimandira, was built in the twelfth century and is one of the finest specimens of the Kalinga style of architecture. The elevated grounds on which the temple stands is known as Blue Hill, Blue Region and Blue Mountain, also used as popular appellations of Jagannatha. He represents a new consciousness, the essence of which is simple surrender and the triumph of intimate devotion. Numerous saint poets have poured out their most intimate personal communication to their Dark Darling of the Blue Hill in enchanting lyrical compositions. These songs, hymns to Jagannatha have been sung by devotees for ages and are part of a living tradition even today. Blue Hill, Hymns to Lord Jagannatha includes several of the most popular songs composed over twelve centuries. Subas Pani, who has specialised in translating lyrical compositions in Sanskrit and Oriya, captures the flavour of the original musical compositions in a simple, lyrical style in English verse, besides providing a deep insight into the cultural content with a rich tradition of myths, legends, history, rites, rituals and colourful festivals. A comprehensive introduction and detailed notes are included with the translations.

Few other Hindu gods guide a regional consciousness, pervade walks of everyday life and define a collective psyche the way Lord Jagannath does in Odisha and its contiguous areas. Jagannath is metonymic of Odisha and the Odia way of life, arguably much more than any other god for a particular geography or its peoples. While not derecognising the historical and the spiritual aspects of Jagannath, Bonding with the Lord attempts to look at the deployment of Jagannath in contemporary cultural practices involving the sensorium in the widest sense. The project of a cultural Jagannath not only materialises him in people's everyday practices but also democratises scholarship on him. The expansion of the scope of research on Jagannath to cultural expressions in a more encompassing way rather than confining to 'elitist' religious/literary sources makes him an everyday presence and significantly enhances his sphere of influence. Jagannath's 'tribal' origin, his association with Buddhism and Jainism and his avatari status make him an all-encompassing, multilayered symbol and a treasure trove for multiple interpretations.

Historical knowledge could be a guide to understand the present and shape our future also. An important aspect of this book is to critically analyze the culture of Odisha. This book is to outline the emergence of Islam and its role on various aspects of Odishan way of life, of course, Odisha has been home of different tradition and customs from generation. With the entry of Islam, there were noticeable changes occurred in Odishan society, religion, historiography, art, architecture, painting, language, maritime trade and commercial intercourse. The culture of Odisha is full of continuity and enrichments. The history of Odisha during the post-Islamic involvement is a portrayal of reconciliation between the Hindus and the Muslims on various field. ln this book eighteen chapters have been dealt which are culturally associate with odisha. The cultural fusion of Odisha has been critically emphasized here.

Consisting of plurality of religions and cultures, Orissa has been the home of different traditions. It presents reconciliation, mutual exchange and peaceful co-existence. The advent of Islam in Orissa led to further changes in the socio-cultural fabric of Orissan society. Tracing the advent and spread of Islam in Orissa, this book makes a comprehensive study of its impact on various aspects of Orissan society-religion, social set-up, literature, art and architecture, and economy. The role of Sufi saints and Bhakti poets towards creating harmonious relations between Hindus and Muslims has also been examined.

One number each year includes Annual bibliography of Commonwealth literature.

*A detailed exploration of a stunning festival, which is of great importance to Indian culture and heritage*A comprehensive and holistic view of this celebration Ratha Yatra, the ancient annual festival of the chariot and Jagannatha, the presiding deity of the great temple Srimandira at Puri, is one of the grandest spectacles on earth. Jagannatha (along with siblings Balabhadra and Subhadra) ride three colorful chariots in their annual sojourn to their garden house and birthplace Gundicha Temple, where they stay for seven days before returning back. Full of drama, vitality, and a panoply of rituals and ceremonies, Ratha Yatra is rooted in ancient traditions, myths and legends. It embodies the most colorful elements of the classical folk cultures of the Indian subcontinent and the Odisha region, and is the most succinct manifestation of India's heritage today. Celebrating the Hindu faith, this festival keeps Jagannatha alive and vibrant in the great pilgrim town of Puri, one of India's four most sacred cities.

Here is the story how the decadent Hindu society of pandits turned a loving man into a beast of revenge. The gallant Kala Chand who was ready to die for his faith but lived for love, was transformed into Kala Pahar, the perverse killer and destroyer of Hindu faith. Abandoned by this loving Muslim wife and affectionate Hindu relations, Kala Pahar though he won an empire, lost his soul......