Anand Neelakantan

In his first nonfiction work, Anand Neelakantan, the national best-selling author of Asura: Tale of the Vanquished, explores a contrarian way of living that makes more sense in this Kali Yuga.

The story of Ravana and his people has been told innumerable times. This is the Hindi translation of the number one national best seller. This saga is of victory and defeat - a story that has been tainted by India's oppressed and exploited caste for 3,000 years....

The Mahabharata endures as the great epic of India. But while Jaya is the story of the Pandavas, told from the perspective of the victors of Kurukshetra, Ajaya is the narrative of the ‘unconquerable’ Kauravas, who were decimated to the last man....

The second book in the Ajaya series, Kali ka Uday tells the story of the vanquished in the epic war Mahabharata. The book narrates the story from the point of view of the Kauravas. The story starts with the Kaurava prince Duryodhana challenging Krishna.....

Sage Valmiki is moved by a bird's death in the act of love, killed by a heedless hunter. Angered, Valmiki curses the hunter. But Sage Narada counsels him not to be judgemental about anyone, saying there is a cause for everything….

Rama conducts the funeral of Jatayu, the vulture/eagle that was killed while trying to stop Ravana abducting Sita. Can human morality be applied to birds and beasts? Folk versions say Rama went against nature by conducting a funeral for a bird, thus denying food to other creatures….

Ravana tries various methods to entice Sita. He even appears as her father, Janaka, to persuade her, but she sees through his disguise….

This is the story of Dasaratha's firstborn, a daughter, briefly retold here. Dasaratha yearned for a son, ignoring his daughter; even giving her away to be adopted. He eats the fruits of his choice and actions at the end of his life….

Sage Viswamitra takes Rama and Lakshmana into the forest to teach them about life. He gives them two mantras to control hunger and thirst….

The circle of karma is almost complete for Dasaratha. All the choices he has made and his actions, based on those choices, are bearing fruit. Jabaali, Dasaratha's atheist minister, advises Rama to bow to the people's will; who do not want him to leave….

The story of Tadaka and Mareecha is told here to illustrate how rage can consume and transform one into becoming a menace to society….

Different stories about the origin of Hanuman, the superhero of India, are discussed. The Ramayana is also a tale about orphans, and how each of them is linked to form a beautiful tapestry….

Bharata, the son for whom Kaikeyi sought Rama's exile, goes to Rama to beg him to take back the kingdom. Rama refuses, and Bharata returns, carrying Rama's paadukas on his head. These he places on the throne and prays to while ruling Ayodhya on Rama's behalf….

Ravana sorrows over the loss of those he has loved, including his brother and two sons. Indrajit is sent in for the final battle….

There are various versions of Rama marrying Sita. The Upanishadic concept of the union of prakruti and purusha is discussed here, as are the Shakteya, Jain and South Indian versions of Rama and Sita's marriage….

Broken-hearted, Dasaratha lies on his deathbed. He finally understands that he is paying for his karmas – for giving away his daughter for a son; killing the only son of an old couple; and giving Kaikeyi his word from a false sense of ego and pride….

There are many Ramayanas across Asia. This book is an attempt to introduce different versions of this great epic and draw enduring lessons from this vast tradition. The story is told in chronological order, with interesting detours to introduce the various versions of this epic that exist across Asia….

Rama promises the scavengers of the forest that in his next life he will compensate them for cremating Jatayu and thus denying them sustenance. The cycle of life is discussed….

Why did Rama have to take the help of the monkeys? A prank Vishnu once played on Narada, making him into a monkey, and Narada’s curse, is retold here….

A leader's dharma is to take responsibility. Janaka, through his selfless leadership and wisdom is hailed as Rajarishi or 'a saint among Kings and a King among saints'. Viswamitra tells Rama about Janaka's virtues….