Each poem is written in the voice of a bhakta, or devotee, performing devotion rituals during a year of journeys to sacred river sources. The first half follows the main festivals of the Hindu year, and the second half refers to holy places, tirthas, where gods crossed over to earth. Author Laurie Patton is Associate Professor of Early Indian Religions and Chair of the Department of Religion at Emory University in Atlanta. With 10 color illustrations. August.