This review is as much about the journey of the book, Śakti and Kṣātra, as the book itself. I always believe in a certain providence. Some books are found and some find you. This book was referred by a great friend (who is an accomplished author herself) and I couldn’t say no to the book. Once ordered, I waited patiently as the same took sometime to reach. Through some delays, it landed exactly on the day we celebrate Vishu (Solar New Year). The size of the book doesn’t justify the richness of the content embedded within.
Stories are a powerful medium to convey philosophies and thought schools. As the author also quoted about the stratagem of our ancestors in promulgating the wisdom of vedas through Puranas and Itihasas, this book adopts a similar path where the importance of Devi Sadhana is explained in a very simple and effective way through the story of 4 friends. I was reading this book during my drive to office and was moved at a certain stage when out of the blue Mahishasura Mardini started playing in my playlist. Was this a providence or happy coincidence or a different sign? I may never know.
Quite fittingly, the book opens up with the famous verse from Brhadarnyaka Upanishad ॐ पूर्णमदः पूर्णमिदं … One of the highlights of the book are the expertly placed monochrome pictures of certain places and events, completely in line with the flow of the story. As the reader travels along with the narratives of the 4 friends, they transform into a live audience through these beautiful illustrations. The story is the journey of 4 friends, 3 of whom are battling some of their own issues and the arrival of the 4th one i.e. Rama transforms their lives by bringing Devi into their lives.
I always wondered why the author decided on 4 friends, each of which with a different problems statement. As they transform through their personal evolution, I realised a hidden meaning with their stories. Murali signifies Artha i.e. a purpose in life. Sunil signifies Kama i.e. desire or goal in the form of a house and Balan ultimately transforms into a Devi Upasaka searching for Moksha or liberation. The common thread binding all these 3 and enabling them on their paths is Dharma, wonderfully signified by Rama.
One of the highlights of the book is the interspersed verses from various Puranas and Itihasas. There are many parallels between the Devi or Sakta worship and the principles taught in Srimad Bhagwad Gita. These variations enunciate the premise of Sanatana Dharma i.e. paths could be different, but the goal is always the same.
I really appreciate the simple, but beautiful storytelling by the author. The book is a timely reminder for the general population on why Spirituality is an integral and critical part of everyday life. I recommend this book very highly.
Gee Vee is an engineer and avid fan of itihasas, puranas and books.
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