Mahagatha: 100 Tales from the Puranas by Satyarth Nayak | HarperCollins India

 

Title: Mahagatha: 100 Tales from the Puranas
Author: Satyarth Nayak
Publisher: HarperCollins India (2022)
Genre: Mythology, Non-Fiction
Pages: 436
ISBN: 978-9356294493
Buy the Book: Amazon Link

In ‘Mahagatha: 100 Tales from the Puranas’ Nayak narrates the enthralling stories of devas and asuras with a fresh perspective and more personal touch. Basically, it is a compilation of 100 tales of our ancient lore. It begins with ‘Brahma begins creation’ and ends with ‘Janmejaya’s snake sacrifice. Author tried to chronicle these mythological stages of life in a very sequential order. The writing is simple yet captivating. The illustrated part is enticing and amplifies the storytelling.  

‘The Parabrahman now implanted its own seed in the water. Thus fertilised, the water nurtured the seed and, in due course, generated an egg. A golden egg that shone like an orb of light. Since this egg, or anda, had been spawned by the Parabrahman, it came to be known as Brahmanda. The cosmos.’

Author clearly stated that, creative liberties have been taken to enhance the bodies of some of these tales, but their souls remain untouched. He added, there is no simplified dichotomy of good and evil but a highly complex cosmos where even devas can act vile and ever asuras can act virtuous, where boons can often create chaos and curses can often lead to good.  

‘Something was emerging from Yamuna right behind him. Someone was looming so high that it was blocking the moon. Casting a shadow over father and son. Vasudeva turned and stared in awe. The mighty Vasuki had surfaced from the river. The serpent's ten hoods were spreading over them like a giant parasol. Gods and goddesses appeared now to see this divine spectacle. To see Vasudeva cradling the lord below and Vasuki shielding him from above. To see both man and animal celebrating the Preserver who had taken another avatar for their sake.’

This book provides an insightful ride of the lives of mortal and immortal gods. It touches the basis of various Vedic warfare. It is such an intriguing read. I’ll definitely go back to these pictorial alluring stories someday. Undoubtedly, an essential read for those, who feel inclined to Hindu mythology.

Some enlightening fragments:   

Shiva emerges
Vishnu gets the Sudarshana Chakra
Marisha takes ten husbands
Ganesha comes to life
The Vamana Avatar
Vishnu is beheaded
Sita lays four curses
Vishwamitra accepts meat.
Krishna Heals Kubja

"I have been working on it for five years and went through all the Puranas. 100 of the greatest mythological tales from these ancient texts have been handpicked and compiled into an epic illustrated edition," ¬ Satyarth Nayak on his book. 

Blurb

Do you know the story where Brahma and Vishnu race against each other or where Shiva battles Krishna? Where Indra attempts foeticide or where Rama punishes a Shudra? Do you know about Maya Sita or Narada's monkey face? Or why Surya falls from the sky or why Chandra commits adultery?

The Puranas of Hinduism are a universe of wisdom, embodying a fundamental quest for answers that makes them forever relevant. Now, for the first time, 100 of the greatest mythological tales from these ancient texts have been handpicked and compiled into an epic illustrated edition. Besides popular legends of devas, asuras, sages and kings, Satyarth Nayak has dug up lesser-known stories, like the one where Vishnu is beheaded or where Saraswati curses Lakshmi or where Harishchandra tricks Varuna. Nayak also recounts these 100 tales in a unique chronological format, beginning with Creation in Satya Yuga and ending with the advent of Kali Yuga. Using Puranic markers, he constructs a narrative that travels through the four yugas, offering continuous and organic action. In such a reading, it is revealed that these stories are not isolated events but linked to each other in the grand scheme of things. That every occurrence has a past and a future. A cause and effect. An interconnected cycle of karma and karma-phal.

Delving into the minds of gods, demons and humans alike, Mahagatha seeks a deeper understanding of their motivations. The timelessness of their impulses speaks across the aeons to readers of today. Written in lively prose with charming illustrations, these 100 tales will entertain and enlighten, and make you connect the dots of Hindu mythology like never before.

 

About The Author

 

Satyarth Nayak is an author and screenwriter based in Mumbai. A former SAARC Award winning Correspondent with CNN-IBN, Delhi, he holds a Masters in English Literature from St. Stephen's. Sridevi – The Eternal Screen Goddess (Penguin, 2019) is Satyarth's best-selling biography. His debut novel, The Emperor's Riddles, was released in 2014. He followed it up with his second thriller titled Venom in 2020. Satyarth has also scripted Sony's epic historical show, Porus, touted as India's most expensive television series that aired from 2017 to 2019. His short stories have won the British Council award and appeared in Sudha Murty's Penguin anthology, Something Happened On The Way To Heaven. 

Connect to author:  Twitter 

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Kala Krishnan's Mahasena: Part one of The Murugan Trilogy

 

Title: Mahasena: Part one of Murugan Trilogy
Author: Kala Krishnan
Publisher: Context India (Westland Books)
Genre: Mythological Fiction
ISBN: 978-9390679133
Pages: 264
Ratings: 4/5
 

‘Ganesha was happy. He was finally going to have a sibling, have the company of someone other than parents, relatives, collaborators, friends and devotees, his own baby brother.’

Mahasena by Kala Krishnan, begins with a scene where lord Ganesha waiting for the birth of his younger brother. This book maps the life journey of south Indian deity, Lord Murugan. Here, in the north we knew him as Karthikeya. Although, I have heard many stories about Ganesha but Karthikeya remained puzzle to me, until I found this mesmerizing book.

Before, stepping into details, I eagerly want to talk about the lyrical language of the book. I got immersed into its visual writing immediately. It transports me into that very era.

Kala Krishnan is truly a poetic writer. The detailing of characters is so expressive; you would not want to put down the book. Narration is simply powerful, touches your deep most senses. Frankly, it evoked love for more mythological fiction out there. I have not picked one since ‘Shivaji Sawant’s Mrityunjay’ that was masterpiece.

‘Mahasena, the first part of Lord Murugan trilogy’ is centered on compelling and moving theme that ‘explores the difficult path that the boy-god must walk before he can grow from a pampered and much-loved child to the battle-ready warrior.’

Kala says ‘Focusing on all the stories in one book was not possible, so I decided to divide it into a trilogy.’ She also added ‘They are mostly made-up stories. And, they may not be the same as they are in mainstream myths of Murugan.’

Entire book goes in a chronological order, and amount of short stories embedded into it as if beads on some rich fabric. In the beginning, reader gets to know the reason behind this name ‘Karthikeya, there was an interesting back story, how Ganesha promised six mothers, Krittikas that, in the future, they would be given charge of the child born of Parvathy and Shambhu. The boon Krittika sisters own, they could read Kartikeya’s stars, draw a chart of his life events, and read his fate as well just by touching him. And after a year why Krittikas would have to return the Kumaras to their parents?  

I fell in love with the magnanimous yet smooth writing, and deeply moved by this very incident ‘They were ready, the six Krittika women and six Kumaras, the six pairs of little boy eyes were bright, sometimes their gaze turned towards the sky, at other times they rested on the faces of the women or on the creatures crowding around. Each of the Krittikas held their Kumara tight and hugged him. They knew that they would not see him again for a very long time.’

Mahasena, is not only Karthikeya’s story, it is lot more than that, enriched with amalgamation of human emotions we live by. For instance, when Parvathy looked at the six boys, her six boys, their hands clasped in the hands of six women and a thought runs deep inside her, It should have been her hands the boys held on to when they stood up and tried to walk. And once he is back to her, she pronounced his new name ‘you are gathered from Shambhu’s and my strength and thus too you are Skanda.’

On the other note, Shambhu blessed the Krittika sisters, ‘Kumaras wil be known as Karthikeya, acknowledging that you are the foundation where his roots are held firm. Kumara will remember all his lessons, he had practiced and perfected them all, except one – how to control his impatience.’

Once Karthikeya returns to his parents’ home, all gods had gathered up in the sky to watch the miracle boy, he is the one who would go into the battle and stand against the Asura King, Surapadman.

In the next few chapters, reader gets an insight of his basic habits, that’s how author developed a character arc. His affection was effusive but if he didn’t like someone he would ignore them, one of these was sage Narada, a mind-born son of the creator Bramha.

There is a chapter called Kandhan’s language. Along with that, reader get to know about the twelve matris led by Dhumi, who had been Murugan’s mentors and bodyguards from the day he arrived in Kailasa, arrived soon after, followed by Veerabahu, who came with his eight siblings, warriors who were together known across the worlds as the Nine Brave Ones.

The story of their birth is both sad and amazing. How mother Parthvathy took nine gems from her anklet and created nine women as lovely as the gems, and Shambu turned nine tulsi leaves into nine men. How Veerbahu and her eight siblings were born and become companion of Karthikeya.

The story of ‘Mahasena’ echoed with motherhood, reverence, serenity of landscapes and nature, devotion, desire, faith and mythology.

All in all, I have said enough of its story. I don’t want to give you any more spoilers. It is an experience; it may lose the charm after more description. Read the book. If you are a reader of mythological fiction, this would be kind of treat.

 

 

About the Author

Kala Krishnan works in Bengaluru. She is the author of two books of poetry, He Is Honey, Salt and the Most Perfect Grammar and Offer Him All Things Charred, Burned and Cindered, in which the god Murugan appears in surprising versions.

P.S. Thank You Vivek Tejuja and Westland books for sending the review copy in exchange of an honest review.

Trisha Das’s Misters Kuru: A Return to Mahabharata

‘I don’t need a man, I really don’t, not now that I am not trying to manage all five of you at the same time, I feel like I might want one. Is that so wrong?

To want someone to share my life with? To be in a loving, monogamous  relationship?  Other people do it. Everyone, except me! Don’t I deserve to have a chance at true love, just like everyone else?’ 

‘Misters Kuru’ is a fascinating and delectable read. Trisha Das really depicts what the form of retelling and imagination can do. The book pondered over the very idea of vulnerability. Trisha Das travels through time and space with her characters and resets Mahabharata in the contemporary setting, Kalyug in Delhi.

Basically, the story of this Mythological Fiction begins with searching of Draupadi and her friends, who come down to Delhi from heaven and leading an independent life here only. After getting aware about lives of ‘their’ women, Pandava brothers follow them to delhi. This book is all about a journey to convince ladies to come back to heaven. It is an outer motive though, while practicing this, Pandavas come to know about many misjudgments, suffering, and injustices, these women had faced in routine life.  

 

In an Interview, Trisha Das shared her motivation to write ‘Misters Kuru’, ‘I wanted to give these characters another shot at their lives, at reshaping their destinies. So many of them were forced into living lives they didn’t want to – being stripped of their kingdom, exiled, et cetera. I thought it would be fun to see what kind of lives they would choose, given the choice.’

My attraction to Trisha Das’s reimagining Mahabharata is rooted to her potential to examine anxieties of woman life without dulling its energy.

There comes a moment where Kunti, now running an orphanage in Delhi, confessed to Draupadi, “My dear, the injustices you suffered from being the common wife of the Pandavas are because of my words. Words that I refused to take back. For that, I am deeply sorry. Let me do better now. From this moment forth, the Pandavas will have no more claim over you. You are free, Draupadi. To belong to yourself or another.”

Amidst such chaos, I liked the comic timing in prose. Each character has soul that occupies various emotions, as love, jealousy, romance, curiosity, wit and the power of human nature.

‘The three brothers walked stoically down the road towards the building that housed Draupadi’s place of work. The road itself was a grim canal of stone, metal, flesh, fumes and assorted debris. A mass of both human and animal bodies weaved around on its sides while a mass of vehicles, emitting a mind – numbing cacophony of sound, weaved precariously around each other at its centre. Heat and dust completed the setting to present a potent picture of the Kalyug in action.

At one point even Arjuna, almost convinced and forgot about his purpose to come to Delhi, He resolved the discussion without questioning Draupadi’s choices. He decided to be supportive and give her all the space she needed.

I want to make sure, this is not The Mahabharata, if you have been expecting one, it is more like a world with flawed people. Trisha Das takes creative freedom and fabric of an epic tale, while representing it as an entertaining read. The writing is flawless and absorbing.

Adding to this, there is a moment where you found Yudhishthira being questioned for his life choices; I loved that part, where Trisha Das explored a fresh perspective and unfolded the truth of society.  

‘Why did you insist on marrying Draupadi when she was won by Arjuna?

Why did you agree to the dice game?

Why did you stake your kingdom, brothers and Draupadi?

Why did you allowed Draupadi to be disrobed in court?

Why did you love a dog more than your own brothers and wife at the end of your life?’

‘Misters Kuru’ is an invitation to all who really want to understand lives without judging people for their life choices. This book is bold and delightful read with devouring humor. It can be your weekend read. It is published by Harper Collins India.

Reader’s Moment

He focused on her eyes. His own wary and a little wounded. ‘Why didn’t you come back to heaven?’

The question threw her off, but she recovered quickly. After a pensive moment, she replied, ‘I could sit here all evening and give you reason after reason. Because I wanted to be my own person, because I wanted to help other women, because the world has become infinitely more interesting, because I finally found a purpose to my life that didn’t involve the men I was married to. But I think the real reason I didn’t come back to heaven was that I was having fun too. She tilted her head coquettishly ‘why? did you miss me?’

About Author

Trisha Das is the author of The Mahabharata Re-imagined, The Art of the Television Interview and the internationally acclaimed How to Write a Documentary Script. She has written and directed over forty documentaries in her filmmaking career. Trisha has also won an Indian National Film Award (2005) and was UGA's 'International Artist of the year' (2003).

 

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Book Review - Shyam: An Illustrated Retelling of the Bhagavata by Devdutt Pattanaik

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. 

The Circular Dance on Moonlit Nights

Shyam Dancing on Kalia's Hood

Radha and Shyam

About the Author

Devdutt Pattanaik writes, illustrates and lectures on the relevance of mythology in modern times. He has, since 1996, written over 30 books and 600 columns on how stories, symbols and rituals construct the subjective truth (myths) of ancient and modern cultures around the world. His books with Penguin Random House India include The Book of Ram, Jaya: An Illustrated Retelling of the Mahabharata, Sita: An Illustrated Retelling of the Ramayana, The Girl Who Chose and the Devlok with Devdutt Pattanaik series, among others. He consults with corporations on leadership and governance, and TV channels on mythological serials. His TV shows include Business Sutra on CNBC-TV18 and Devlok on Epic TV. To know more, visit devdutt.com.

Connect:  Twitter | Web 

Book Review: The Girl who Chose by Devdutt Pattanaik

Title: The Girl who Chose

Author: Devdutt Pattanaik

Publisher: Puffin

ISBN:  9780143334637

Genre: Mythology, children’s book

Pages: 112

Source: Flipkart Review Program

Rating:  4/5

INTRO

When it comes to mythology, Devdutt Pattanaik is a well known face for his superlative work. Although I have introduced with him two years back, through his fascinating book “Shikhandi” As he seems interested into retelling of mythological figures but with a fresh perspective of his own.

There are things going on, we generally accept them without even questioning, here Devdutt Pattanaik does a tremendous job by unfolding many truths into most comprehended manner.

This time he tried to narrate a Ramayana in an easiest frame so that every kid of our generation would know a bit about our roots and values. When I started this book I thought I am going to read a Ramayana with beautiful illustrations and from the perspective of Sita. But believe me, it is more than that, no matter what title says, it’s a whole Ramayana written into a most sophisticated way.

And when I came to know, those illustrated figures created by author himself, then I was left with awe, they are so beautiful that don’t require even text to understand the next phase of the story. I literally hope every kid who is interested into reading could make a connection with it and more kids would take interest into this genre, after all they were our real superheroes.   

NARRATION  

Simple narration of this book makes it catchier, it doesn’t seem like we are reading an old story with clichés. The way author tells the story, curiosity would never diminish a bit. His work reveals much more than we expect. Displaying of characters into majestic form that’s where readers hooked with book.  

CORE  

Basically story is about the five choices Sita had made. And the book completes its journey with the pros and cons of these choices. Most importantly author wants to convey the message through Sita that — when rules do not help people, we have the choice to challenge and change them. 

When Ram decided to leave the Ayodhya she told him clearly “You are bound by rules, Not I. I am free to choose."

And at the end of the book when she was with her kids, love and kush when they raged about the decision of her father lord Rama, she tried to make them understand “some people have the freedom to choose. Others don’t and they have to follow the rules, the world is full of all kind of people”  

One more thing I got to know while reading this book that, hanuman was strong enough of killing all the rakshasas by himself that was Sita who wanted ram to liberate her from Ravana’s clutches and hanuman just respected her choice. 

In short it would be the best thing you can convey to your kid making their lives healthier.  

ABOUT AUTHOR

Devdutt Pattanaik is the author of over 25 books and over 500 articles on the relevance of mythology in modern times. He worked in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries for 15 years before devoting all his time to his passion for decoding beliefs of all cultures, modern and ancient, located beneath the veneer of rationality. Extremely knowledgeable and exceptionally insightful, Pattanaik also boasts of the added skill of simplifying his mythological accounts into delightful reads that engage young readers. He is the master storyteller of the very popular Fun in Devlok series and Pashu

CONNECT:   Facebook | Twitter | Web

Book Review: Stolen Hope - Ramayana (The Game of Life - Book 3)

Title: Stolen Hope - Ramayana (The Game of Life)   

Author: Shubha Vilas

Publisher: Jaico Publishing House

ISBN:  9788184958249

Genre: Mythology

Pages:  312

Rating:  4/5

The word “Ramayana” brings me back to my childhood. The old time when I would pick my father’s finger and we toured in our city during Navratras. There were colourful jhankis’ into various grounds and I didn’t know then actors, just playing respective roles, they were normal human being like me. Although I am not a hard core believer of Idolatry but I loved to dwell into mythological stories since childhood.

While I was putting my hands on this third book of Ramayana Series: The Game of Life by Shubha Vilas, I knew very moment, it would definitely be a gentle read. There was personal note by author that was heart warmer for a reader like me.

Intro

As comes to book, It starts from the brief chapter of previous books of Shubha Vilas. Though I know a bit about Ramayana but those short descriptions helped me to connect further.

Before diving into the plot, here I want to mention, you are going to get not only the story but the author’s perspective about incidents happened in that era, you would have found footnotes, interpretations that was so enlightening and should apply in our daily lives for sure. Thank You to Shubha Vilas.

On the Jacket

In the evil labyrinths of Dandakaranya forest, human values are put to test. Rama’s righteousness, Lakshmana’s loyalty and Sita’s endurance reflect our own sense of values and judgment in difficult times. The story unfolds the facets of human life – the conflict and the trickery, the praise and the slander and, above all, the hope and the despair in the eventful forest life of the Exiled Royals.

Stolen Hope is about extreme deception and extreme love. It is about arrogant power and deep devotion. With every twist and turn, Rama, Sita and Lakshmana find themselves robbed of whatever and whoever they value most. 

Exploring the dynamics of human relations – between father and son, husband and wife, teacher and disciple – and the complex game of power and greed, Stolen Hope mirrors our own dilemmas in the modern world and teaches us how we must overcome them. 

Seek courage when everything, including hope, is stolen.

Plot

The beginning of the chapters based on the history of Dandkaranya forest, Where Lord Rama had spent few time of his exile with Sita and his brother Lakshamana. There was an incident— Araja, daughter of Shukracharya had been severely devastated by King Danda. And whole jungle was being cursed by Shukracharya because of Danda’s misdeed.

After years, Rama arrived here to change the fate of jungle. This book covered many encounters with rakshashas and sensible meetings of Rama with sages for instance— the part of Agastya description enthralled us to read more. Involvement of Surpanakha and abduction of Sita, and How Shabri treated their guest portrayed beautifully.    

Narration

When it comes to writing style, Must say author transformed a hard read into an easy going story. You can connect easily with characters, I sensed that the picture while reading it, somewhat like a play at the theater.

Book contains physical more than that emotional journey of Rama and Sita. Author didn’t forget to explore the character of Lakshamana with such a sensible view. There were few different incidents I have not aware about them before. I didn’t know a bit about Eighteen Curses of Ravana,earlier. With upright narration author wins the heart.

Core

We can adapt that’s the only way we evolved. Here Author raised a many questions while approaching the epic tale. As under the section of “Science of Giving Feedback”

1. Does one have the right authority to give the feedback?
2. Even if one has the right authority, does one have the right motive to give a feedback?
3. Even if one has the right authority and motive, is it the right time, place and circumstance to give the feedback?

Third Chapter of “Stolen Hope” — Still Water Runs Deep, tells us about the Panchvati where Rama spend last few years of his exile. And that was most enigmatic part of the book.

Plus In “a wounded witness” I could explore the fierce battle between Rama and Jatayu, The story behind the river Kaveri, the short view about the marriage of Ravana and Mandodari, Khara and Their Fourteen Thousand soldiers. Why snakes have bi-bifurcated tongue.  There is so much to tell about the book but Reading would be more fun. Go for It, If you are interested to read a refreshing tale of Ramayana.

Reader’s Moment

Here, I am presenting, keen observation of human behavior in author’s words, truly reservoir of serene thoughts —

• Difficulties are nature’s speed-breakers that prevent us from driving too fast in life to be able to gratefully appreciate the beauty it has to offer.
• By acceptance, pain transforms into will power to fly and by non-acceptance into a helpless cocoon to die.
• In expecting big chunks of happiness at one shot, we forgot to relish little packets of opportunities that come in regularly.
• Words cause mental wounds that don’t heal with time, heal with timely love.

About The Author

A spiritual seeker and a motivational speaker, he believes "A good teacher sees learning and teaching as integral twin aspects of personal and spiritual growth." He has been  involved in many Leadership seminars: Focus on relevant and vital themes: "secrets of Lasting Relationship" "Soul Curry to Stop Worry" and "work-Life-Balance" This is his third book of Ramayana Series.  

Connect with him : Twitter | Facebook | Blog 

Affiliate Link (Amazon) :Ramayana: The Game of Life - Book 3 - Stolen Hope  

Book Review : Rise of Kali - (Ajaya II) by Anand Neelakantan

Title: Rise of Kali - Duryodhana’s Mahabharat (Ajaya Book II)

Author: Anand Neelakantan

Publisher: Leadstart

Genre: Historical Fiction, Hinduism, Religious studies

Pages: 530

Rating: 3.5/5

Intro:

I first introduced with Mahabharata when I was in fourth standard, my parents bought a pocket book which enveloped all the mythological characters, I was dazzled to read the tales of Dhoti-worn superheroes, Chakra-in-fingers, Arjuna’s Concentration was heroic world for me.

And after almost 2 decades I got the opportunity to read Anand Neelakantan’s Creation ‘Ajaya –epic of kaurava clan, Roll of Dice (Book I). And I was stunned to know that stories reside in narrator’s eyes, every perspective matters. It was not just a retelling of Mahabharata but more than that it was a genuine effort to throw the light on the other part where grass was not green but worth watching.

I must say when everyone writes for earn money here, it’s a bold step taken by Mr. Anand Neelakantan to live the experience of writing a epic from a different point of view. Applauses!

Structure:

And after a huge success of Ajaya I, here we blessed with the second part ‘Rise of Kali - Duryodhana’s Mahabharat (Ajaya Book II) by Anand Neelakantan’.

‘Rise of Kali’ begins with quivering scene of ‘Cheer-Haran’ where Draupadi is commanded to be dragged to Sabha on the day when her ‘Dharma-Rakshak’ husbands had lost her in a dice-game play.

“Draupadi forgot to breathe when she heard heavy footsteps hurrying up the stairs.  They were coming for her, her heart thudding in her chest as fear crept insidiously up her body from her toes.” 

Crisp Narration:

As story unfolds with a gripping chapter, you almost forget when to stop. Author’s narration was crisp and upright. I loved the way Author captured scene and makes it alive. The characters converse to each other with clarity, you don’t have indulged in said-asked theory, conversation flows at ease, and that’s great achievement for a quality writer.

Core:

 At some point Mr. Anand raised questions at hypocrisy of society. He simplified the fact ‘we all are human. We are allowed to make mistakes.’ A radical part is — Author created a great corner for Shakuni’s course of story and It will make you wreak when you read Karna’s part how did he got mistreated, here author strikes hard utterance at caste system. The disagreement between Krishna and Samba was catchy. Without being biased, author gave a fair chance and brilliant voice to the myriads of characters.

How could you imagine Mahabharata- The Epic Tale ruled by just victors, it is tale of Kaurava’s clan too as much as Pandava’s.  Author considered each and every character as king/ prince, even Krishna. God? Let it be. If you usually read book with open mind then you would love it to the core. Must hide the back up of Mahabharata from the mind, for a while and give it a chance.

Reader’s Moment:

It is just impossible task to consolidate whole Mahabharata into a single post so here I’m sharing with you, the remarkable parts I loved the most, the impressive lines stirred my soul. 

“Ashwathama touched his father’s feet “Bless me father, I m going to Gandhara“  he said in his mind. Surely his father say something to him bless him and wish him success? Would he have behaved this way if he was Arjuna?”

“The world went on, not caring a damn about, who died and who lived, who was shamed and who was honoured?”

“Balarama did not want to stand there and listen to his brother (Krishna) and his commander argued over the rights and wrongs of the war. All war was wrong. For a child who had lost his father, what did it matter whether they had won or lost?”

“Shakuni began to laugh “Spare your breathe Aswathama. The dice has just started to roll. The game is not over. Not yet, not so quickly, no so easily.”

“The Gandharans lived in a moment, without bothering about the afterlife or the eternal soul.  For them there was no Moksha, Sanyas or Brahmacharya. There were no seekers or philosophers in their midst, life was now.”

“Karna, the path you have chosen is the wrong one “ Parashurama whispered

‘He was the only one who supported me when the whole world was making fun of Suta who dared to dream of being a warrior.’ Karna wanted to say but words were trapped in her throat.”

‘You can earn respects in two ways by force or by deeds. The choice is yours. Either way, you will be remembered.’

‘Was a handful of earth worth fighting a war over? Was the throne worth it? All that grand talk about Dharma, all the speculation about soul, karma, hell, heaven and rebirth— it all sounded hollow.’

‘Nevertheless, Shakuni folded his hands in seeming gratitude as Suyodhana came up to him” forgive your uncle Suyodhana. I have always had your welfare in mind. I want you to sit on the throne of Hastinapura. I won the kingdom for you in the dice game and you repay me by sending your armies to ravish my land. Is that fair?’

“Divisions are natural. The duties prescribed for Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras are all different.

Krishna, there lies a problem. Who decides what one’s duty?

The scriptures are authority to determine what one should do.

The scriptures are for man not the other way around. Krishna you speak of arbitrary division, unnatural ones.”

"Brother, a man’s concern should be about his karma, not the fruits of his action.

Where can you find such a person, Krishna? How will I recognize someone with such a steady mind how does such an unusual person sit, speak, and move? Balarama asked.

Just as tortoise withdraws its limbs and becomes strong. A man also gains strength when he withdraws from desire and steadies his mind in contemplation.

Krishna if you have reached that much desired state, why does it matter to you whether Yudhishtra wins the war or Duryodhana?  Why not keep you mind steady in contemplation instead?”

—     Conversation between Balarama and Krishna.

“CASTE CASTE CASTE‘   Karna kicked a stone into the water. His toe hurt but it was nothing compared to what he felt inside.

He had everything— caste, lineage, and fame he even had the woman Karna had once loved deeply. Draupadi , why do I still yearn for you ? He thought in agony. Could a Suta even lift his eyes to such a woman? 

Do not tell me that caste is based only on character and not on birth. I am tired of that excuse. All the high-castes parrot it but I can no longer accept their smug smiles and platitudes, as though their high status was the result of their exalted character and not a mere accident of birth. To them it is just a philosophy but to us at the bottom, it is life.”

Was Draupadi perhaps the greatest victim in the Mahabharata? Draupadi, like many other women and children, was also a victim of the war. All the women of Mahabharata are victims, trampled by a masculine world. Gandhari who lost all her sons, Kunti who lost all her grandsons and a son, Draupadi who lost all her sons, the Nishada woman who lost her life and all her sons, Hidumbi who lost her son, Uthara who lost her husband, Bhanumathi who lost both her husband and son- the list is endless. There is no justification in singling out Draupadi. 

- A part Taken from Anand Neelakantan's Interview (Souce)

Overall, It is an Insightful Read, Highly Recommended. Go for it!

Cover Page by Kunal Kundu would provoke you to get your copy at once.

And Great Thanks to Platinum Press and Leadstart Publishing for the quality of book, large fonts make it easy to read.   

About the Author:

A dexterous writer and a cartoonist, Anand Neelkanthan started his career in writing with Asura: Tale of The Vanquished. His books have had big hits in the market and he has been named as one of the most popular writers in India. Ajaya: Book 1: Roll of The Dice (Epic of The Kaurava Clan) has not been an exception. Being brought up in a place full of temples and classical artists, Neelkanthan was interested in epics and myths from his childhood. Instead of blindly following the myths, he has created a new genre, of remaking and retelling, questioning and arguing. That is why he has become favourite to modern readers.

Follow Mr. Anand On Twitter –  @anand_neel

Follow Mr. Anand On Facebook – Anand.Neelakantan

Mr. Anand can be reached at: mail@asura.co.in

Affiliate Link (Buy Online) – Rise-Kali-Duryodhanas-Mahabharat

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