Sunday, November 24, 2019

Book Review - The Warrior God: Ayyappa of Sabarimalai

I have read 3 books by Preetha Rajah Kanan. Her words remind you of those religious stories told to you by your grandparents. Stories that are short but full of spiritually and divinity with a touch of asura / danava / rakshasa / bad people. The stories of victory of good over bad. Same way Preetha delivers a collection of short stories dedicated to deity(s). These stories are usually connected with famous places or incidents related to Hindu mythology or history.


Book Blurb
Suddenly, the silence of the jungle was shattered by the crash of branches. The prince froze. Some large animal threshed through the thick undergrowth. Manikanthan silently followed the trail of destruction. He emerged from the jungle onto the banks of the Azhutha.

There before him stood a huge she-buffalo, muscles rippling as she lapped the water. It was none other than the wicked Mahishi.
Sensing the intruder in her domain, Mahishi raised her head. A young boy stood by the forest edge. He held a bow in his hand; a sword hung in the scabbard by his side.
The asura and the boy stood motionless, locking eyes.
The Warrior God: Ayyappa of Sabarimalai depicts the epic confrontation between good and evil. Mahishi, the buffalo-headed asura princess, wreaks vengeance on the devas for killing her brother, the mighty Mahishasura. She subjugates the gods and unleashes a reign of terror on the three worlds.
A series of divine events culminate in the birth of Mahishi’s nemesis, Hariharaputra – the son of Shiva and Vishnu, later known as Ayyappa. The baby, raised on earth as a prince of the Pandalam dynasty, awaits his tryst with destiny.
Here is the story of Sabarimalai, where legend and history meld into one tidal wave of devotion. Discover why five crore pilgrims annually ford rivers and trek through forests and hills to pay homage to Ayyappa.
This time she is back with Ayyappa Swami that is what we call in our place. This book is dedicated to "The Warrior God: Ayyappa of Sabarimalai", a god born out of love locks of Shiva & Mohini (female incarnation of Lord Vishnu). If the parents' duo is so strong then what else you expect from their kid. After the death of the mighty Mahisashura demon, her sister Mahisha had spread havoc. Devas & Manavas were praying God to release them from clutches of that cruel demoness. One of the major reasons behind Lord Ayyappa's birth was to bring down Mahisha and bring back peace. The stories in the book cover how god was born to how he defeated mighty Demoness along with other great deeds by Ayyappa swami. 

Good points
  1. Easy to read the language
  2. Simple & straight narration style
  3. You can give it to your kids to know our religious root
  4. The richness of mythological & historical values book covers
A nice read for any age. Talking about ratings
  1. Cover - 4/5
  2. Content - 3.5/5
  3. Overall - 4/5
Book Links - Amazon, Goodreads

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