Kavita Rajesh

Prem Purana is a collection of three mythological love stories. The concept or the premise of the book itself piqued my curiosity. To read the romantic stories of the divine beings that we worship and adore and are always kept on a pedestal was a premise that really sparked interest. Personally I have grown up reading and listening to a lot of mythological stories but always these stories are narrated with an attitude of prayer and respect but the romantic angle is never as such explored. As the blurb says it is the narration of three tales of Ganesha and his wives, Ravana and Mandodari and Nala Damayanti.

Ganesha’s love story with Riddhi Siddhi and Buddhi: This was one story I had never heard of. Reading this story was very magical and insightful too. The way the author has woven so many concepts from the puranas is amazing. It not only talks about the romance but it gives a very holistic pictre of why and what of their relationship. There were so many small small parables within the story that were seamlessly narrated that they automatically answered the many questions that arose in my mind. The description of the places, the war and the meeting of the characters all very vivid.

Ravana and Mandodari’s story gave me a totally different perspective. Ravana is the eternally negative character but the way the author has narrated the story it never gave scope for me to become judgemental. It very well highlighted as to why Mandodari persisted to love Ravana despite his aggressive behaviour.

Nala and Damayanti’s love story is very beautifully narrated. The love, loss and the regain of love was very tastefully described.

I look forward to read the earlier works by this author and would also eagerly wait for the nextwork.

I highly recommend this read to all those who love mythology and romance as this is one tastefully written mythological romance.