Isänsivaguru-The Author 25 belongs to Tantra and Agama fields of study. But his attention is not confined to the ritualistic aspect of the temple. He has dealt with the architectural aspects too like a master architect referring to various styles like Nägara, Dravida and Vesara. In dealing with medicines, sorcery etc: his scope is rather limited. But then his treatment of classical metres is wonderful. He has introduced a good number of metres not met with in standard work on prosody. His source in this connection is not revealed, though he must have had some text before him. He is not just a compiler. His poetic talent is obvious. The stanzas describing the various aspects of deities are remarkable for their poetic qualities and aesthetic sensibility. He is often influenced by poets like Kalidasa and others in dealing with various portions. An encyclopaedic work The work is of an encyclopaedic nature giving short but reliable accounts of a wide range of topics. The author has collected his materials from authoritative sources. In dealing with the ritualistic aspects his practical experience has stood him in good stead. He is at home in dealing with the temple rituals of Kerala. His first hand knowledge of the daily rituals of Kerala temples and acqunintance with the modes of festivals have enhanced the value of the work considerably. The fact that he is quoted as an authority in later times by the authors of Tantric treatises shows the merit of his treatment of the subject which is of special interest to the lovers of Kerala culture. A detailed study of the work would yield much hitherto un- known information on the Tantric and ritualistic aspects of Kerala temples. An attempt is made in the following pages to give a brief account of the contents of the work spread over 119 Patalas, so as to serve as an introduction.
