Author: Dr. Shuddhananda Bharati

Art Temple is a rare book which acts as an inspiration to us all. It tells the story of Tamilmani (Ramanathan) and his struggles to establish an Art Temple dedicated to the Tamil language and to Lord Shiva. Ramanathan’s mother, the pious and chaste Visalakshi was inspired by the teachings of Swami Vivekanada. She and her husband, Sivanesam, educated their son so that he developed his talents fully.

Art Temple describes the struggles of Tamilmani as he sought funds and recruited supporters to fulfil Visalakski’s dying ambition to establish an Art Temple. Vivekanada’s vision was of a community of like-minded people working together to support themselves while focusing on a temple which celebrated Tamil art and culture.