The Kendra Sahitya Academy Award-winning novel Theru by Raghavendra Patil was first published in 2003. One of Patil's earlier works, Desagathi, vividly portrays the adventures and fortunes of a man in medieval India.

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In Theru, Patil revisits themes from Desagathi, crafting another "teleport" novel that spans five generations. The story intricately weaves the evolution of societal norms and how they have shaped contemporary celebrations over time. Central to the narrative are the temple's construction, the raising of a tower, and the creation of massive chariots, all of which symbolize the temple's spirit. According to the Shastra, a human sacrifice is required when the chariot fails to move. In the story, Dyavappa's low-caste son is sacrificed, and in return, Dyavappa is granted a piece of clay land. From that point on, Dyavappa's descendants carry on the tradition of serving as a symbolic blood tilak within the temple's rituals. The novel explores how this practice is passed down through generations and the pivotal moment when circumstances demand a break from tradition.

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Theru delves into the complexities of religious rituals, examining their origins and how they develop over time. The novel raises profound questions about the growth and entrenchment of these traditions, providing answers through its rich and compelling narrative.