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Presents moment-by-moment record of the fading of love, with all of its agony and false-dawn respites. This book follows the disintegration of the author's love affair with a woman who is ten years her senior, a veteran of several marriages, and the mother of grown children.
India, 3400 BCE. India is beset with divisions, resentment and poverty. The people hate their rulers. They despise their corrupt and selfish elite. Chaos is just one spark away. Outsiders exploit these divisions. Raavan, the demon king of Lanka, grows increasingly powerful, sinking his fangs deeper into the hapless Sapt Sindhu. Two powerful tribes, the protectors of the divine land of India, decide that enough is enough. A saviour is needed. They begin their search. An abandoned baby is found in a field. Protected by a vulture from a pack of murderous wolves. She is adopted by the ruler of Mithila, a powerless kingdom, ignored by all. Nobody believes this child will amount to much. But they are wrong. For she is no ordinary girl. She is Sita. Continue the epic journey with Amish's latest: A thrilling adventure that chronicles the rise of an orphan, who became the prime minister. And then, a Goddess. This is the second book in the Ram Chandra Series. A sequel that takes you back. Back before the beginning.
Differences are gorgeously illustrated in a heartwarming picture book about a colorless peacock who learns to love himself in a jungle full of color. Mo has always felt a little different. While all the other peacocks grew bright, bold, beautiful feathers in rich greens and vibrant blues, Mo's feathers grew in a snowy white. And even though Mo's friends try to include him in their playtime, Mo doesn't like to be reminded that he's different from his friends. But when a storm threatens to ruin the group's annual celebration, Mo must learn to stand tall, strut his stuff, and shake his brilliantly glowing tail feathers--in a way only he can--to help his friends and set things right. From debut author Sita Singh, and brought to life by Stephanie Fizer Coleman, comes a story about finding strength in the things that make us different, and beauty in all its forms.
Sita is one of the defining figures of Indian womanhood, yet there is no single version of her story. Different accounts coexist in myth, literature and folktale. Canonical texts deify Sita while regional variations humanize her. Folk songs and ballads connect her timeless predicament to the daily lives of rural women. Modern-day women continue to see themselves reflected in films, serials and soap operas based on Sita’s narrative. Sacrifice, self denial and unquestioning loyalty are some of the ideals associated with popular perceptions of Sita. But the Janaki who symbolized strength, who could lift Shiva’s mighty bow, who courageously chose to accompany Rama into exile and who refused to follow him back after a second trial, is often forgotten. However she is remembered, revered or written about, Sita continues to exert a powerful influence on the collective Indian psyche. In Search of Sita presents essays, conversations and commentaries that explore different aspects of her life. It revisits mythology, reopening the debate on her birth, her days in exile, her abduction, the test by fire, the birth of her sons and, finally, her return to the earth—offering fresh interpretations of this enigmatic figure and her indelible impact on our everyday lives.
It is significant that the only character in Hindu mythology, a king at that, to be given the title of ekam-patni-vrata, devoted to a single wife, is associated with the most unjust act of abandoning her in the forest to protect family reputation. This seems a deliberate souring of the narrative, made even more complex by Ram’s refusal to remarry despite the pressure on royalty to produce an heir. The intention seems to be to provoke thought on notions of fidelity, property and self-image. And so mythologist and illustrator Devdutt Pattanaik narrates the Ramayan, drawing attention to the many oral, visual and written retellings composed in different times by different poets, each one trying to solve the puzzle in their own unique way. This book approaches Ram by speculating on Sita—her childhood with her father, Janak, who hosted sages mentioned in the Upanishads; her stay in the forest with her husband who had to be a celibate ascetic while she was in the prime of her youth; her interactions with the women of Lanka, recipes she exchanged, emotions they shared; her connection with the earth, her mother; her role as the Goddess, the untamed Kali as well as the demure Gauri, in transforming the stoic prince of Ayodhya into God.
Valmiki's Ramayana is the story of Rama's exile and return to Ayodhya, of a triumphant king who will always do right by his subjects. In Volga's retelling, it is Sita who, after being abandoned by Purushottam Rama, embarks on an arduous journey towards self-realization. Along the way, she meets extraordinary women who have broken free from all that held them back: husbands, sons, and their notions of desire, beauty and chastity. The minor women characters of the epic as we know it -- Surpanakha, Renuka, Urmila and Ahalya -- steer Sita towards an unexpected resolution. Meanwhile, Rama too must reconsider and weigh his roles as the king of Ayodhya and as a man deeply in love with his wife. A powerful subversion of India's most popular tale of morality, choice and sacrifice, The Liberation of Sita opens up new spaces within the old discourse, enabling women to review their lives and experiences afresh. This is Volga at her feminist best.
The Ramayana is an epic poem by the Hindu sage Valmiki, written in ancient Sanskrit sometime after 300 BC. It is an allegorical story that contains important Hindu teachings, and it has had great influence on Indian life and culture over the centuries. Children are often encouraged to emulate the virtues of the two main characters -- Rama and Sita. The Ramayana is frequently performed as theater or dance, and two Indian festivals -- Dussehra and Divali -- celebrate events in the story. This version of The Ramayana is told from the perspective of Sita, the queen. After she, her husband Rama and his brother are exiled from their kingdom, Sita is captured by the proud and arrogant king Ravana and imprisoned in a garden across the ocean. Ravana never stops trying to convince Sita to be his wife, but she steadfastly refuses his advances. Eventually Rama comes to her rescue with the help of the monkey Hanuman and his army. But Rama feels he can't trust Sita again. He forces Sita to undergo an ordeal by fire to prove herself to be true and pure. She is shocked and in grief and anger does so. She emerges unscathed and they return home to their kingdom as king and queen. However, suspicion haunts their relationship, and Sita once more finds herself in the forest, but this time she is pregnant. She has twins and continues to live in the forest with them. The story is exciting and dramatic, with many turns of plot. Magic animals, snakes, divine gods, demons, sorcerers and a vast cast of characters all play a part in the fierce battles fought to win Sita back. And in the process the story explores ideas of right vs. wrong, compassion, loyalty, trust, honor and the terrible price of war.
Immerse yourself in the timeless tale of devotion and strength with Rajendra Arun's captivating exploration, "Sita: The Divine Mother." Journey into the heart of Hindu mythology as Arun delves deep into the life and legacy of Sita, the revered consort of Lord Rama, whose unwavering love and resilience continue to inspire generations. Embark on a spiritual odyssey as Arun unveils the plot points of Sita's life, from her noble birth to her selfless sacrifice and ultimate redemption. Through vivid storytelling and profound insights, Arun paints a rich portrait of Sita's journey, illuminating her divine qualities and eternal significance in Hindu tradition. Identify the recurring themes and motifs that define Sita's role as the Divine Mother, from her unwavering devotion to Lord Rama to her steadfast commitment to truth, virtue, and righteousness. Explore how these timeless themes resonate with readers of all backgrounds, offering profound lessons in love, devotion, and spiritual resilience. Through character analysis, gain insight into the multifaceted persona of Sita, whose strength, wisdom, and grace continue to inspire millions around the world. From her unwavering loyalty as a wife to her role as a loving mother and compassionate leader, Sita embodies the virtues of devotion, sacrifice, and inner strength. Experience the overall tone and mood of "Sita: The Divine Mother," characterized by a blend of reverence, devotion, and spiritual insight. Arun's prose is both lyrical and evocative, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the timeless wisdom and divine grace of Sita's story. Explore the critical reception of Arun's exploration, praised by scholars and devotees alike for its depth of research, cultural sensitivity, and spiritual resonance. Discover how "Sita: The Divine Mother" has deepened the understanding and appreciation of Sita's timeless legacy and significance in Hindu mythology. Consider the audience for Arun's exploration, ranging from devotees of Hinduism and scholars of mythology to readers seeking spiritual inspiration and guidance. Whether you're a lifelong devotee or simply curious about the enduring appeal of Sita's story, Arun's exploration offers a profound and illuminating journey into the heart of Hindu mythology. Compare and contrast "Sita: The Divine Mother" with other retellings and interpretations of Sita's story, highlighting its unique insights and perspectives. Explore how Arun's exploration sheds new light on familiar themes and characters, offering a fresh perspective on this beloved mythological figure. Personal reflection: As a reader, I was deeply moved by the profound insights and spiritual wisdom found in Rajendra Arun's "Sita: The Divine Mother." His exploration not only deepened my understanding of Sita's story but also inspired me to reflect on the timeless virtues of devotion, sacrifice, and inner strength. Arun's exploration is a testament to the enduring power of mythology to illuminate the human experience and awaken the divine within. In conclusion, "Sita: The Divine Mother" is more than just a retelling—it's a spiritual odyssey that invites readers to rediscover the timeless wisdom and eternal significance of Sita's story. Whether you're seeking spiritual inspiration, cultural insight, or simply a captivating tale, Arun's exploration offers a profound and illuminating journey into the heart of Hindu mythology. Don't miss your chance to embark on a transformative journey with Sita: The Divine Mother. Dive into Rajendra Arun's exploration today and discover the timeless wisdom and eternal grace of one of Hinduism's most revered figures.
