Prem Purana is mythology and love, spiced with romance and royalty. A lot of love and lot of valour. The gods in heaven sure know how to woo their love and Usha has ensured that we understand it was not easy even for them either. “Stories of love and extraordinary devotion” is the description of the book and it is absolutely true.

I am not overly fond of reading mythology but when Usha came out with the book of gods in love I had to pick it. After reading Pradyumna, I knew this would be a treat and I was not disappointed at all. The book, Prem Purana has three love stories. The first one was of Lord Ganesh and his three wives, Riddhi, Siddhi, and Buddhi. I had always heard about them and was fascinated to know how and why the benevolent god had not one but three wives. The justification and details are so deftly explained that I forgot to be upset that he had three wives J each beautiful, talented, identical yet so different. The way he wooed these amazing women was a pleasure to read. Ganesha sure is a multitalented god; no wonder in these uncertain times he is worshipped foremost.

It is a fast-paced book, filled with interesting anecdotes and twists in the path of love. Gods become human and even animals to win their love in face of adversities. Each story by itself is a treat but more so with the way the stories unfold. For someone like me who has very rudimentary knowledge of mythology, it was a delight. I was astounded by the various forms Ganesha took, the manifold powers Ravana had and the treacherous challenges Nala faced.

The bond of love that transcends lives and times between Ravana and Mandodari. The love they shared faced unimaginable challenges yet finally love only won. A different and genteel side of Ravana, his love and his quest for victory and the change into the demon god we fear are highlighted in this story. How Mandodari tries her level best, yet her love is just not enough. How she cannot win from the fates or change the prophecies kept me turning the pages. Even the wise gods could not fathom the ways of love, so mysterious and challenging they are.

Nala and Damayanti were the ones whose story was filled with challenges akin to what humans may face. Of course, the magical, mythical twists were there. In spite of his love and wisdom, he fell prey to the treachery around him. Even though Damayanti faced a lot following the path of true love I felt Nala had the most difficult journey in love. I was rooting for him; he just melted my heart as well as Damayanti’s.

Ah! Love – it does make the world go round, even heavens, as Usha will have us believe. I hope you have a Prem Purana 2 for us, Usha since I just loved reading this one. A fresh, light read for lovers of love and lovers of Mythology.

Prem Purana: Mythological Love Stories

by

Usha Narayanan

No one is untouched by love, not even devas and asuras, kings and nymphs. And when they face life’s unexpected tribulations, their love also undergoes trials. Read how Ganesha took myriad forms to please Riddhi, Siddhi and Buddhi, how Ravana shared an unbreakable bond with his true love, Mandodari and how Nala and Damayanti’s relationship was tested till almost nothing remained.

Tormented by passion, wracked by betrayal, torn by the agony of separation, love in its many splendored forms is the origin of these incredibly endearing stories of Prem Purana.