LUCKNOW, INDIA, April 9, 2006: A visual encyclopaedia on Lord Hanuman, probably the world’s first, has been released in the Uttar Pradesh capital. The tome titled Samagra Hanumat Darshan (Visual Encyclopaedia of Lord Hanuman), released last night, is an impressive collection of about 500 rare depictions of Lord Hanuman interspersed with stories. Compiled by city-based publisher Sunil Gomber, who did extensive research on Lord Hanuman for several years, the book was released by Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) managing director Avnish Kumar Awasthi. The rare and enchanting images and literature on Lord Hanuman have been sourced from several channels including museums, temples, books and paintings. “Apart from India, several of the photographs pertain to ancient temples in Cambodia, Indonesia and Mauritius,” Mr. Gomber said. Priced at Rs. 695 (US$15.80), the 248-page bi-lingual (English and Hindi) book has been published on matte finish and is being touted as a collector’s item. “The tome details the story, Lord Hanuman, who is revered by millions around the world,” he said, adding that it took him almost two years to complete his work Meanwhile, a quarterly magazine Hanumat Kripa Sandesh devoted to Lord Hanuman was also launched at the function. “It is the only fourth magazine in the world exclusively on Lord Hanuman,” Mr. Gomber added.
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