Sacred Stones (Unveiling the Artistic Splendor of Deo-Barunark)

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Sun worship is very deeply rooted in the Indian cultural fabric since the beginning when the forces of nature became the objects of reverence and worship giving rise to the elementary form of religion in common human life. Situated in the eastern part of India, the direction of sunrise, Bihar seems to have developed a special connection with the Sun-god to whom possibly the most important and pious festival of Bihar, the Chatha Mahaparva, is exclusively dedicated and which uniquely celebrates the god even in his setting or departing stage. This festival has now almost become the cultural identity of the state. Known for its purity in observation, this festival enlivens the socio-religious life, equally encompassing the urban as well as rural areas of the state and its diaspora abroad. It is very much natural to expect a proportionately matching tangible manifestation of this intangible facet of culture in Bihar through a good number of sun temples. But the temples dedicated to Surya are comparatively lesser known here, definitely not because they did not exist in ample numbers over the period but rather because they got grounded due to ageing or vandalism and then either lost forever or, in a few cases, their traces remained lying uncared thereafter. Probably an important reason for their speedy natural deterioration and subsequent fall was that most of these temples were made of bricks, while the climate here is hot and humid, with exposure to intense rainfall that is hostile to the life span of bricks. Archaeological investigations have now revealed that sun temples were once very preponderant in Bihar, but most of them are now in ruins with their architectural and sculptural members lying uncared, due to ignorance or apathy, at their respective locations, very much vulnerable to vandalism or smuggling. Deo-Barunark is undoubtedly the most important and, by all indications, the most ancient among the Bihar examples, which are mainly dedicated to the Sun-god. I congratulate the authors for taking up the arduous task of meticulously documenting the cultural vestiges in a scientific way and bringing out the book thereupon, which is the first archaeology-based work on the remains of a Sun temple of Bihar.

The background of this book's writing is rooted in a series of visits and observations made by the authors to the Deo-Barunark archaeological site. In 2012, the first author, accompanied by ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) Patna Circle staff, documented the sculptures at the site during a one-day visit. Subsequently, in 2014, the first author revisited the site with friends, focusing mainly on the Kali temple at Bakhorapur and observing the surrounding pond. The decision to write this book was catalysed in 2023 to utilise the free time, during which the authors intended to publish a paper on the religious landscape of Deo-Barunark. However, upon retrieving extensive data and recognising the lack of comprehensive research in previous studies, particularly regarding the site's sculptures, the second author was prompted to delve deeper into the subject matter. This realisation led the authors to embark on the ambitious project of creating a small book dedicated to unravelling the artistic splendour and religious significance of Deo-Barunark.

The book "Sacred Stones: Unveiling the Artistic Splendor of Deo-Barunark" significantly contributes to understanding and preserving cultural heritage. By meticulously documenting the historical, architectural, and artistic aspects of Deo-Barunark, it sheds light on a lesser-known religious site in Bihar. The book's exploration of mythological narratives, architectural marvels, and intricate sculptures deepens our understanding of Vaidik-pauranic iconography and religious practices. The book serves as a call to action to preserve Deo-Barunark's heritage. Through detailed analysis and documentation, the book provides valuable insights for scholars, historians, archaeologists, and conservationists. It emphasises the importance of cultural heritage preservation and raises awareness about the significance of Deo-Barunark within the broader landscape of Indian history and spirituality. The book has five chapters, one appendix and a bibliography. The brief about all the chapters is as follows:

Chapter 1, titled "Origins and Mythology of Deo-Barunark, delves deep into the rich tapestry of history, mythology, and geography surrounding the enigmatic village of Deo Barunark. Through meticulous research and analysis, we embark on a journey to uncover the origins of its name, explore its mythological significance, and elucidate its geographical location within the vibrant landscape of Bihar's Bhojpur district. As we unravel the mysteries shrouding Deo-Barunark, we set the stage for an immersive exploration of its architectural wonders and sculptural marvels. This chapter is the cornerstone of our exploration, laying the groundwork for a comprehensive understanding of Deo-Barunark's cultural and spiritual heritage. By elucidating the origins of its name and delving into the mythological narratives surrounding its founding, we provide readers with invaluable insights into the village's historical significance. Furthermore, our meticulous examination of its geographical location and strategic importance offers a deeper appreciation of the village's role within the broader context of the region. In this chapter, readers gain a profound understanding of the factors that shaped Deo-Barunark's identity, paving the way for a deeper exploration of its architectural and sculptural treasures in subsequent chapters. By contextualising the village within the intricate tapestry of history, mythology, and geography, we invite readers to embark on a captivating journey of discovery, unlocking the secrets of Deo-Barunark's artistic splendour.

Chapter 2, titled "Chronicles of Exploration: Unveiling Deo-Barunark through Scholarly Eyes", delves into the extensive exploration and scholarly observations of the Deo-Barunark site by researchers across different periods. As documented in historical records, scholars ranging from Francis Buchanan Hamilton to Frederick M. Asher have meticulously studied the temples, pillars, inscriptions, and sculptures of Deo-Barunark, offering valuable insights into its architectural splendour and cultural significance. This chapter presents the significant contributions of scholars who have visited Deo-Barunark over the years, each offering unique perspectives and findings. From Francis Buchanan Hamilton's pioneering observations in the early 19th century to Frederick M. Asher's insightful analysis in the late aoth century, these scholars have played a crucial role in unravelling the mysteries of Deo-Barunark's past. Their detailed accounts provide valuable information on the site's architecture, inscriptions, sculptures, and historical context, enriching our understanding of its artistic heritage and cultural legacy. We believe that the scattered sculptures on this site must have been used once over the inner or outer wall of the temple architecture.