Prem Purana by Usha Narayanan is a beautiful take on some of the love stories from Hindu mythology. Though I always start my reviews with plot and story theme, but I want to start this one with the cover image. Yes, the cover is so attractive and vibrant that the reader automatically gets interested in the book. The beautiful colour combination and art style make the cover a visual treat.

The theme of the book is love stories of three characters picked from Hindu Mythology. As a lover of mythological stories and born in a Hindu family, I have grown reading and listening to such stories. I knew all the stories but it was nice to read the author’s take on them. The author has mixed some imagination with the original stories written in the scriptures, but it was refreshing to her version of the tales.

Though the story that I had read about Ganesha and his wives are different from the one presented in this book, but reading this one by the author gave me a different perspective.

Also, being born in a Bengali family, I listened to stories of Ganesha being married to a Kola-bou or banana bride. This story has a different background associated with a Bengali folklore how and why Lord Ganesha happened to marry a banana bride.

During Durga Puga, the Kola Bou is draped with a red-bordered white sari and vermilion is smeared on its leaves. She is then placed on a decorated pedestal and worshipped with flowers, sandalwood paste, and incense sticks. The Kola Bou is set on Ganesha’s right side, along with other deities.

The Hindu mythology has been one of the most interesting topics for everyone and it is always fascinating to read these stories because they change from one region to another in terms of folklore and tradition.

The narration and language are beautiful. Overall, Prem Purana by Usha Narayanan is an intriguing read and is recommended to all who love reading tales associated with Hindu mythology.