ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Raja Deekshithar M.A. is Managing Trustee of the Shri Nataraja temple in Chidambaram. As an independent research scholar interested in all aspects of the various ancient traditions and sciences of the Indian civilization he is undertaking various research projects. Born as a member of the traditional priestly family that has been the guardians of the ancient temple of Shri Shiva Nataraja in Chidambaram it is his vision to combine the ancient heritage with the modern scientific approach. He therefore chose to follow the path of academic education and holds degrees in English Literature and Sociology. After completing his university education he followed in the footsteps of his father and ancestors and was initiated into the ritual traditions of his temple. He also learned various traditional sciences with masters and studied the traditions. This enables him to understand and present treasures of wisdom and beauty from his ancestors through a scientific perspective.

In the past 35 years he has been teaching and lecturing, sharing his knowledge with countless researchers, students and visitors, both in India and in the West.
 

I would like to express my thanks to the Digital South Asian Library for their kind permission to use the six photos from their collection for this website. I would like to commend the library and its staff for making so many photos and documents accessible. It is a great help for all those interested in the study of South Asia in all its aspects.