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Odes to a Temple is a docu-series that explores the rich heritage of India's deep South, a land of emerald rice fields and palm forests, dotted every few miles with magnificent temple towers. These temples, crafted by visionary rulers driven by faith, stand as some of the world's most remarkable stone treasures. Throughout history, revered seers and composers have dedicated songs and poems to the deities within, serving as a comprehensive encyclopedia of culture and spirituality. From ancient Saivite and Vaishnavite saints to the Carnatic Trinity of the 18th century, to modern-day composers, temple-inspired music remains central to Carnatic music.

Each episode takes you through a temple, with a selection of songs rendered by ace Carnatic vocalist Ramakrishnan Murthy within the temple premises. The narration traces a Carnatic trail through the temple and highlights the harmonious interlacing of temple iconography, history, literature and music.

Reviews

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India needs more of such culturally and religiously centred productions. Presenting the temple and its background and tying it closely to the evolution of arts and compositions around the time is a very refreshing perspective to capture. Kudos to the entire team, Ramakrishnan's vocals are unparalleled in clarity and devotion!

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Superb production! Cannot expect any less when people like Savita Narsimhan and Ramakrishnan Murthy are involved!

Your altogether new video, Odes to a temple, Episode 1 - Tirumayilai is a well thought out, brilliantly conceptualized, excellently scripted, outstandingly rendered event in the premises of the temple after making in depth research for the details. Savita's narration and Ramakrishnan Murthy's singing complement each other. Several incidences narrated were unknown to many hitherto which highlight the greatness of this temple . Congrats to the entire team for bringing out this wonderful video.

Such a beautiful production. To see the beloved Kapali temple captured so artfully, with some timeless music and succinct, insightful narration.

Such a fantastic episode - lovely composition selection, of course brilliant rendition by RKM, informative commentary and excellent overall great production.