Three characters from three realms, diverse in nature yet what makes them a part of this book titled ‘Prem Purana’ is that their heart beats with love that is neither frivolous nor soaked in lust. In fact it is pure love that drives their thoughts and actions. Split into three sections ‘Prem Purana’ deals with Ganesha’s love life, Mandodari’s love and Damayanti’s riddle. While Ganesha’s attempts at wooing Brahma’s daughters brought a smile to the face, Ravana’s attitude towards Mandodari and his extra-marital affairs in the latter part of the story had me virtually gritting my teeth. Nala Damyanti’s story though short when compared to the other two was like a dessert served at the end of a sumptuous meal, sweet and satisfying.

What took me by surprise?

1) Ganesha’s love life! I’ve always looked upon as the cute little God, the ‘vignahartha’ as a bachelor. So the story of his attempts to woo not one but three damsels came as a surprise. But then Indian Mythology is open to vast interpretation. So if you look at this story from another angle, you may not feel surprised. Isn’t Ganesha after all Buddhi, Riddhi and Siddhi all packaged into one? Yes, he is. So I guess he is wedded to these three virtues that make him the most popular of all Gods sacred to the Hindus.

2) The Secret of Mandodari’s daughter. I’ve never come across this one. But then I guess I’ve never given Mandodari much thought. It’s always been Ram, Sita, Lakshman, Ravan, Kumbhakaran and Meghnath.

Endowed with the gift for making the even the mundane witty and interesting, Usha Narayan weaves a magic of sorts with the characters especially in the first two sections of the book. One feels the events unfolding before one’s eyes, making one feel a part of the times and the venue the stories are set in. There are places where one can’t help but try to suppress a good laugh and there are others where one feels bitter, wishing to knock some sense in the character.

The language, the style and the stories make the book a truly enjoyable read.