Book Title: Dashavatar- Stories of Lord Vishnu
Author: Piyusha Vir
Publisher: Readomania
Genre: Indian Mythological Fiction
Rating: 5 Star
MRP: INR 250
Dashavatar- Stories of Lord Vishnu, as the name suggests is a book about the ten most famous avatars of Lord Vishnu. Now, I know all of us have read these tales as part of our “Growing up in Hindu family” curriculum but little do we remember how the various people/ characters that played a critical role in each avatar, are connected to each other.
I’m not a huge fan or follower of mythology and neither do I enjoy reading tales that I already know. But Dashavatar has a special place in my life as this being one mythological tale that when I read to my elder son (who’s a teenager now) when he was young (remember the “Growing up in Hindu family” curriculum that I referred to above), he thoroughly enjoyed listening to it. So when I bought this book by Piyusha Vir, this teenager grabbed it from me and to my surprise, he finished reading it in less than two days with comments, “Though I knew all the stories but these are written in a very interesting manner. I enjoyed reading this book.”
So, you can see how unfair it would have been as a mother and as a writer myself, to not pick up this book whose cover makes me bow every time I see it, with beautiful pieces of art reflecting ten avatars of Lord Vishnu!
Piyusha’s pen has always impressed me, especially her art of narrating stories. I’ve been awestruck by each and every piece of hers that I’ve come across over various online blogging platforms, not to forget her debut short stories collection, “Just Another Day.” (OMG, You haven’t read it! Download it right away! It’s ‘not to be missed’ kind of book.)
Dashavatar by Piyusha delivered more than I had expected. With every story, the author gently offers a small treasure box of knowledge, some nuggets of wisdom and their relevance in today’s world. This isn’t something that’s commonly found in similar books of the genre.
The way she sets the tone of each story, in an independent yet interlinked manner is praiseworthy.
The book is an ocean of information about various mythological names that get registered in our mind while reading other epics and yet it doesn’t come across as conflicting or contradicting in any manner.
Impeccable vocabulary and grammar has been used while describing the characters like Rishi Durvasa, Bali or Buddha. It was interesting to read the circumstances that led to rebirth of Jaya and Vijaya (Lord Vishnu’s bodyguards) or the relationship of Diti and Aditi to harp upon the connection between Devas and Asuras or the detailed account of Hiranyakshipu’s futile attempts to kill his own son Prahlad to prove his supremacy.
I found some stories, especially the Matasya and Kurma avatar, and of course the Kalki avatar, particularly relevant in current scenario. At a time, when we are questioning our deeds and actions to understand the wrath of God and nature, when the fear of pandemic has gripped us from every corner, and we fear the loss of humans and humanity to a great extent, these stories reiterate the impact of disavowing ethical and religious values.
I would like to quote some wisdom from the book, to reflect that it’s not just about mythology, but the book speaks volumes about ethics.
“Give the utmost importance to the work you do and the tools that provide you the ability to complete your tasks successfully.”
“That’s the thing with greed- it blinds you to your own flawed intentions.”
“There was no convincing those who had already set their minds to not listen to reason.”
“There is no greater loss than not knowing the value of what you already have.”
The stories in Dashavatar may be ages old but there is novelty, freshness and an appeasing aroma in the way this bouquet of ten flowers has been presented to us by Piyusha Vir.
Do order your copy soon here on Amazon.
