Book Review - Asura The Tale of the Vanquished

[Manhar_Sahai]

Hello Friends,
I am here to write about this beautifully written book Asura- The Tale of the Vanquished, written by Anand Niketanam.

A very popular Ancient Hindu Epic "Ramayana" has been re-potrayed, but for the first time ever an author has narrated the story from the other side. Ravana has been an all time Villian so far while Shri Rama has been an undisputed Hero.

The story begins with Ravana at his death bed awaiting his soul to depart from the world while all his memories flood back to him in a flash. He begins with his early childhood, how he, his siblings and their mother suffered at the hands of their own father and their cousin Kuber. What prompted the extreme hatred in his very heart for the likes of Brahmins. He then goes on to explain his intense worships to gain control of Everything at Lanka, about his 10 heads, and his various conquests.

Parallel to this, a story of another man, a commoner Badra is also narrated, as to how he grew fond of Ravana, his devotion for Ravana's cause, his participation in His various conquests and a few hidden secrets that turned the course of time and lead to the compilation of Modern day Ramayana and Ram Charitra Manas, etc.

The author has brought to light the true facts behind some of the most confusing and ambiguous events that are mentioned in RCM and its similar varients. Ravana's growth of strength, his legendary tale of 10 heads, his true relation with and his interest in Sita, the Swayambar, the Pushpak vimaan, Role of Maarich, etc are true attractions of this very book.

Its a must read for everyone who wants to know the correct timeline and cause of events in one Hinduism's Most Fundamental and Most Lovable Epic Hymn of Ramayana & RCM.