Title: Shyam:
An Illustrated Retelling of the Bhagavata
Author: Devdutt
Pattanaik
Publisher: Penguin
Books
ISBN: 978-0670084463
Genre: Mythology
Pages: 304
Source:
Flipkart Review Program
Rating: 5/5
I was first
introduced to Devdutt Pattanaik by his work, Shikhandi and Other Tales; I was
totally amazed of it then. Reading mythology was not so much entertaining for
me, but that’s the beauty of Pattanaik’s writing, he has created his own readership.
With curiosity, readers started taking interest into this genre; even eagerly
wait for his next work.
Today I am
talking about his recently launched book, Shyam: An illustrated Retelling of
the Bhagavata. I must say, this book is pure beauty in a manner of writing plus
those beautiful illustrations. You would be surprised if I say, our author created
those doodles by himself. It makes
narration easier, also turns story in a more fathomable form.
In his
latest work, Shyam: retelling of Bhagavata—you would get a glimpse of krishna’s
life, from his birth to death. Author divided this book into 16 chapters, each
chapter contains heaps of stories, I loved how author explored Krishna’s life
step by step. Although it is not the first time, Devdutt Pattanaik has
presented illustrated histories of two mythological figures before as well;
maybe you have read Jaya and Sita. Yet I am sure, Shyam is the most awaited
work, I mean who would not want to read about Krishna, a Hindu Deity, who entered
into every kid’s life as a first superhero, his small nuisances giggles us, his
relationship with Yashoda, made more aware motherly expressions, his most
enigmatic love life with Radha along with thousands of Gopis, besides that his
angry face in front of kamsha. Author didn’t forget to mention his role in
Mahabharata. I liked two fragments the most, the one that unfolds the
friendship between Shyam and Arjuna and second one when Shyam rescues Draupdi
.
The thing I loved
about Pattanaik’s writing is he never try to show how much he knows about
mythology, In fact he creates his characters around humanity and nature, you can
easily connect with them. You read, you learn and become a better person
unknowingly, His words doesn’t sound preachy, yet you feel the transformation
bit by bit, for instance, as Shyam was raised as a cowherd, he had never
received the former education defeating his status as the son of Yadava
nobleman. So, he was sent to the hermitage old Rishi Sandipani along with his
elder brother to learn mannerism and Vedic ways.
Sandipani
revealed the central tenet of vedic world, what differentiated rishis from
rakshasas.
‘It is the
yajana, animals grab food. When people also grab what they want they are
rakshasas. But when they exchange resources, they follow the path of the rishi,
for it means they see each other’s needs, not just their own. When you first give
something in order to get something you are a generous yajaman. If you demand
something before you give something, you are a devata. As children you can be
devatas, but to grow up means to be a yajamans. When you are able to give
without expecting anything in return you are the greatest yajaman.
Sandipani
had taught Shyam about Karma, how every event is the fruit of past, and every action
is the seed of future. I forgot to mention the most amusing part, titled Dancing
on Kalia’s hood. You must read it.
In Chapter
Seven, Lover, Devdutt has woven the most delicate facet of Krishna’s life. esp The
Circular Dance on Moonlit Nights. In another fragment, titled Shyam Multiplies,
author states that Shyam appeared not as
one but as many, Each Gopi, embraces his presence and let their senses enjoy
his beauty and let him be nourished by their emotions. There was nothing to
hide, nothing to explain. Likewise under the chapter of Shyam and Radha, Author
unfolded the beauty of love and wisdom. In his words—What is love: I merely
desired to be the vessels who receives what she gives. I met some knowing
characters as Sudama, and short tale of Parijat’s flowers. Beyond all this, I got
to know his all avatars at one place.
Pattanaik
has written more than 30 books; still his writing seems refreshing and precise.
If you want to connect to your roots, just read it out; pick every thought
provoking book written by Devdutt Pattanaik, Our author who celebrates
Mythology. Highly Recommended.
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| The Circular Dance on Moonlit Nights |
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| Shyam Dancing on Kalia's Hood |
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| Radha and Shyam |
About the
Author
