Anthology of poems on Himachal’s deities and shrines launched

An anthology of poems exploring the captivating stories and myths surrounding the deities and gods of Himachal Pradesh’s hills was launched today by Prof Dr Roshan Lal Sharma, a distinguished academician and poet from the Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala. The event was attended by scholars from various colleges and universities, including the book’s authors, Dr Abhyudita Gautam Singha, Dr Shruti Sharma and Dr Kulbhushan Sharma.

Dr Abhyudita spoke on the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of these shrines, which has been overlooked in recent times but revisited in the book. Dr Shruti and Dr Kulbhushan shared their personal connection to the deities and rituals they captured in their poems.

The anthology is the first of its kind, featuring original poems in English that recount the fables of the mountains and valleys of Himachal Pradesh, also known as Devbhoomi. The poems are accompanied by historical context and images of the temples they depict.

Prof Sharma emphasised the significance of these poems, which bring to light oral traditions and ancient myths attached to the region’s sacred shrines. Praveen Kumar, a retired principal and noted scholar who wrote the book’s foreword, highlighted the forty poems contributed by sixteen writers. Dr Sangeeta Singh, Principal of Government College Shiv Nagar, also spoke on the anthology’s contents.

The editors expressed their gratitude to the attending guests and media for their support in celebrating this unique collection of poetry.