Literary
The Author Behind the Lens:
Astro Mohan’s Literary Contributions
While Astro Mohan is best known for his mastery with the camera, his legacy would be incomplete without acknowledging his parallel journey as a thoughtful and accomplished author. His books are not just visual collections — they are cultural documents, artistic testaments, and historical archives that capture the essence of a region, its people, its traditions, and its spiritual pulse.
For Mohan, each book is the result of years of observation, research, and emotional investment. His writing complements his photography, offering readers not just what the eye sees but also what the heart feels and what the mind remembers.
Udupi Then and Now
One of his most celebrated works, Udupi Then and Now, is a mini coffee table book that traces the visual and cultural evolution of the historic temple town of Udupi over three decades. Through carefully curated images – many captured by Mohan himself – and thoughtfully written text, the book compares past and present landscapes, rituals, architecture, and social life.
This work is more than a photographic album; it’s a historical time capsule, preserving the essence of Udupi’s transformation while honoring its deep-rooted spiritual heritage. The book has been praised by historians, art lovers, and devotees alike, and it has found a proud place in libraries, academic institutions, and collectors’ shelves across Karnataka.
Pictorial Journey to Udupi-Manipal
This visually stunning book takes readers on a photographic pilgrimage through two of Karnataka’s most iconic locations: Udupi, the temple town steeped in Krishna bhakti, and Manipal, the modern educational hub bustling with student life.
Through this work, Mohan bridges the gap between the ancient and the contemporary, the spiritual and the academic, offering a layered portrait of two places that hold deep meaning for the people of Karnataka.
A Day with a Saint
A deeply intimate and spiritual project, A Day with a Saint invites readers into the world of Pejavara Sri Vishwesha Teertha Swamiji, one of Udupi’s most revered spiritual leaders. Mohan documents a full day in the Swamiji’s life – from morning rituals to evening discourses – capturing not just the visual moments but also the quiet wisdom, humility, and humanity that defined the saint’s journey.
This book is cherished by spiritual seekers, devotees, and anyone interested in understanding the living tradition of the Udupi Pejavara Matha.
Astral Colleges Resembling the Stars
In this unique conceptual work, Mohan explores the astrological symbolism of Karnataka’s premier educational institutions. He draws intriguing parallels between the celestial and the terrestrial, blending his passion for astrology with his deep appreciation for architecture, culture, and academic excellence.
This book stands out as an original contribution that combines photography, astrology, and cultural narrative in a way rarely seen in contemporary Indian publishing.
Chāyā Chitra Patrikodyama: A Landmark Kannada Work on Photojournalism
Among Astro Mohan’s distinguished publications, one title holds a particularly special place in Karnataka’s media and photography circles – ಚಾಯಾಚಿತ್ರ ಪತ್ರಿಕೋದ್ಯಮ (Chāyā Chitra Patrikodyama). Commissioned by the Karnataka Media Academy, this pioneering Kannada-language book stands as one of the very few authoritative works on photojournalism written specifically for Kannada-speaking readers.
In this landmark work, Mohan draws upon his decades of frontline experience as a senior news photographer to provide both aspiring and seasoned photojournalists with a comprehensive guide to the craft. The book covers a wide range of topics, including:
✔ The history and evolution of photojournalism in India and Karnataka,
✔ The ethical responsibilities of a photojournalist,
✔ Technical mastery of camera equipment and composition,
✔ Challenges of field reporting in breaking news, politics, culture, and sports,
✔ The shifting landscape of visual media in the digital age.
