The book is a study of Hindu iconography from the Vedic times to the present day. It argues that Vedic roots can be traced for the Hindu iconography that has evolved over time and is to be found today. The articles in the volume deal with Vedic studies, tracing the Vedic roots of well-known images of Hindu iconography like those of Shiva, Shakti, Murugan, Shanmugha, Krishna and other gods and goddesses. They examine Vedic rituals, and the form of Agni and fire offerings popularised by the Vedas. Referring to ancient religious texts and other works, they take up the origin of the Rama cult, linga worship, the origin of Kartikeya, Varaha and others, discussing them as having developed from Vedic ideas. The author, Dr. R. Nagaswamy, undertakes an in-depth scrutiny to deny the accepted view tht these gods and goddesses have evolved from non-Vedic sources. He argues that, in fact, the Tamil society was as much Vedic from historic times as any other society in other regions of India. For the purpose, he delves into the nature of worship of Indra in ancient Tamil Nadu. The work involves quoting extensively important sutras from the Vedas.

Dr. R. Nagaswamy is an expert in Indian art and aesthetics, architecture, iconography, numismatics and epigraphy. A versatile scholar, he has penned numerous articles. He served as the first Director of Archaeology, Tamil Nadu (1966-88) and as the first Vice-chancellor of Kanchipuram University.