Book Review: 7 Secrets Of Shiva

7 Secrets Of Shiva
by Devdutt Pattanaik


* * * * * / 5


The Greatest God Made Accessible

Shiva is a God that has truly transcended time and space. He is Mahadeva - greatest of Gods. His legends exist and have survived since eons ago. This book is a treat for all who find mythologies and ancient legends fascinating. In the must-read introduction, the author Devdutt explains his approach. A reconcilliation between East and West. He mentions how Western scholars look at Hindu mythology through the lens of western thought and philosophy, often referring to Western stream of understanding and analysis. And Indians are shy of the explicit exploits of their Gods, a result of Victorian colonial propriety. In this book Devdutt explores the myth through research of Vedas, Puranas, legends and temples. He goes to the basic philosophy of Hinduism to explain and interpret the mythology in its more accurate meaning.

For example, there are many Gods in Hindu mythology and many demons and a heaven and hell, but there is no equivalent of Satan. Lord Shiva is an ascetic and he also is a householder. He is worshiped in these 2 forms as well as a host of other forms - angry Rudra, united Ardhanareshwara, simpleton Bholenath, vengeful Kaal Bhairava, etc. So not only do we have more than one God, the God's themselves have myriad versions and avatars.

Shiva is eternal with no beginning and no end, he is infinite, no before no after, he grants boons and blessings to all who worship him. So even demons pray to him for benefiting from his benevolence. This is a unique thought process of a God who differentiates between no one and nothing. He has angry form, he has a compassionate form, he is a lover and husband, he is a father too, and he is formless divine. He can revive the dead, he can take away all fear of death. He provides for all his devotees and protects them from predation.

This book is insightful and at the same time simplified text of the vast pantheon and rich ancient culture of India. I was hooked from page one and read it within 2 days. It pulls you in with indepth interpretation of symbols, stories and rituals. It is a must have for any beginner or professional who wishes to unravel the mysteries of Shiva and understand Hindu thought process. Apart from all this there are many images from paintings and temples and excavations and sculptures that illustrate the book along with the image's descriptions.

Other books by Devdutt I look forward to reading are "7 Secrets of Vishnu" and "Myth = Mithya". Hope these books entertain and educate you all and brings understanding and order out of chaos.

Book Review: Red Sun

Red Sun
Travels In Naxalite Country
By Sudeep Chakravarti

* * * * */ 5

India Unleashed!

This is a must-read book. Actually it should be compulsory reading in all high schools and colleges in India. A real eye-opener as well as a page-turner. If you believed for a moment that now is India's moment in the sun, believed the "India Shining" campaigns, thought India is soon to be a global superpower - well you are wrong, misinformed and unrealistic. India, most of it, is in absolute misery. Great pain and destitution is the common factor for half the population of the nation we are so proud of.

Firstly let's clarify about Naxalites - they like to be called "Maoists" And no they are in no way interested in Chinese occupation of India. Maoists of India are patriots by default - they love their nation of India more than anything else, hence they have taken up desperate measures to bring India's citizens their birthrights, their constitutional rights, their right to be free from oppression, right to justice and equality, right to be a human.

This book is an easy read in terms of language but a really thought-provoking, insightful and many times painful read in terms of content. If it doesn't make your blood boil at the inequities in this "modern India" then you are not even alive. Any sane educated citizen would be depressed and agitated at the wrongs of our civil society, our industrialised nation, our global pacts - because these things are not what we believed them to be - they are means of repression and exploitation.

The book takes us to the remotest parts of rural India. The author has travelled and contacted people at great risks. He has explored the grounds were revolt takes hold. The people who have suffered at the hands of either the Government, the police, the administration, the landlords or the moneylenders. These are real people and the book chronicles real conversations of real lives. These are people who have known nothing but struggle and obstructions in their life and finally turned to Maoism as a final solution to their problems. No man, woman or child takes up armed struggle out of choice, they have been pushed and they have been beaten and they have had no option left but to fight back against a corrupt administration and cruel society.

The book takes us through the known strongholds of the Maoists and has views and opinions of not just Maoist leaders but also bureaucrats, senior police officers (including KPS Gill), politicians and local villagers. This is a book of the common man for the common man. It is a book that will keep you awake long after you have turned the last page. The injustices of corporate India, the desperation of rural India, the corruption of every single one in power, these are bitter truths that we as Indians need to face. It is high time we face these harsh realities instead of ignoring their proximity and growth. This is a revolution for the common man. A book that mirrors the true face of 21st century India.

If there is only one book you would bother reading on the subject of Maoist Revolutionaries (not the lay terminology of Naxalites) make it this one. It will show you and prove to you that these revolutionaries are fighting for you and me and not for any petty cause.

Jai Hind!!!