Hanuman

The Story of Hanuman is a part of the Great Indian Mythology Ramayana. Vayu Putra (Son of Wind) Hanuman is the legendary god of Strength and Valour with steadfast love and affection for Lord Rama.

Hanuman meets Rama and Laxmana searching for Sita and the rest is history. Hanuman makes a giant leap to Lanka in search of Sita and when Ravanas Cohorts try capturing him , he escapes and burns lanka. Later when Rama and Lakshmana with the help of the monkey army invade lanka , Hanuman plays a valiant role inthe War. When lakshmana becomes injured Hanuman flies back to lift a mountain in search of sanjeevani leaves. When Rama kills Ravana and takes back Sita to Ayodhya Hanuman accompanies them and stays with them forever!!

Script: Anant Pai Illustrations: Ram Waeerkar Cover:Ram Waeerkar

Rating: **1/2

The Pandavas in Hiding

This is the story of Pandavas during the last year of their vanavasam(Virata Parva of Mahabharatha). After losing the dice game to Kauravas Pandavas are asked to go into exile for 13 years with the last year incognito. Pandavas evade the spies of Duryodhana and enter the City of Virata. Yudhistra becomes Kanka a learned Scholar, Arjuna becomes Brihanala a dancer , Bheema beomes Valala a cook , Nakula and Shadeva Arishtanemi and Granthika Keepers of Cows and Horses and Draupadi becomes Sairandhri the Queens maid.

Arjuna charioteers for Uttara to go for battle against Kauravas who suspect Pandavas living in Virata. When Kauravas finally learn about the identity of Arjuna the Dancer and Charioteer the 13 year completes. The Pandavas reveal themselves to the Matsya King Virata.

Script:Subba Rao Illustrations:Ram Waeerkar Cover: Ram Waeerkar

Rating: ****

Tales of Shiva

Tales of Shiva contains 3 stories. The first one is Shiva and Arjuna. This story is about how Shiva tests Arjuna before giving him his Pashupatha Astra which is one of the most powerful astras. (on a side note this is the astra Arjuna uses to finish off Karna). Shiva tests Arjuna by taking the form of a Kirata and challenging Arjuna for a duel. Of course Shiva kicks Arjuna before revleaing his true self and granting Arjuna the Astra. The second story is Shiva as a Fisherman. This story also was a part of the Famous tamil movie Thiruvilayadal where Sivaji Ganesan enacted the role of Shiva stylishly. This story was originally told in the tamil literary classic tiruvasagam. The final story is of Baktha Markandeya from Skanda Purana. Markandeya through his deep devotion for Lord Shiva manages to escape the clutches of Yama.

Script: Subba Rao Illustration: C.M.Vitankar Cover:C.M.Vitankar

Rating: ***1/2

Krishna

As the cover indiates this books is about the birth of Krishna and the Krisha Leelas that happened during his child hood. The book starts of with Prince Kamsa improsining Vasudeva and Devaki and the subsequent Birth of Krishna in the prison. Story moves to Krishna's childhood in gokula and his adventures with ppotna the demon , his stealing of butter from his neighbours , kalinga nardhana and the lifting of Govardhana Mountain with a single finger. The book ends with Krishna and Balarama confronting Kamsa and his cohorts and kicking the butt of Kamsa before finishing him off.


Script: Anant Pai Illustrations: Ram Waeerkar Cover: Yusuf Bangalorewala

Rating: ***1/2