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Book Review : Ayodhya Mahatmya (Translation from Skanda Purana) - Anuradha Goyal

 

 

(Pic Courtesy: Amazon)

 

Sri Rama and Ayodhya have maximum appeal in the times we live in due to the civilisational event we are about to witness. It’s not a surprise that a renewed interest of sorts is rejuvenated in wider populace to know more about Sri Rama and specifically Ayodhya. What is it about the city that is stroking the interest of an entire nation? Is it due to the political ramifications or Sri Ram Janmabhoomi? Or is there something much more ancient about this place which has an inherent pull towards it. This book tries to address this point through a portion of Skanda Purana where the greatness (mahatmya) of Ayodhya is narrated by Rsi Agastya to Krishna Dwaipayana (Vyasa), which is further narrated by Vyasa’s sishya.

The description of Ayodhya is on familiar lines based on the description in Valmiki Ramayana, Bala Kanda, sargas 5 and 6. However, some interesting nuggets are embedded in the narrative. For example, Ayodhya is considered to be a compound word of Aa (Brahma) + Ya (Vishnu) + Dha (Rudra). In other words, it’s a city where the Trimurti’s reside and where sinners find it difficult to enter. In other words, Ayodhya is the one that can’t be won over.

When a book is written in prose form with only the meanings without necessarily delving into the deeper details, it is possible that certain facts could get either missed or misrepresented. However, to the author’s credit, the book though written in simple English form, is quite comprehensive in terms of the details. For example, when Indra speaks to Lakshmana and invites Sesha back to Devaloka, there is a mention of Vaishnava aspect. It is quite possible to dismiss this as a sampradhaya view, but in reality this shloka actually exists in the Purana. I have personally verified the same in the Kannada version published by H. H. Mysore Maharaja. 

 

As with any Purana and sthala-mahatmya, there are numerous kunds, vrats and stotras with various stories behind their origins and detailed benefits thereof for each of them. The portion on Lakshmana and Sesha is quite illuminating. Similarly, there is an interesting anecdote of a Rakshasi called Sursa, who is a great Vishnu Bhakte and bestower of Siddhis. Sri Ram had brought her from Lanka and installed her for defence of Ayodhya.

In the page no. 57, there is a mistake in the book. The author has quoted “Parashuram, your father, the treasurer of tapa,…”. This should be Parashara and not Parashuram. The verse is as below

tatpūrvaṁ cyavanasyarṣēḥ parāśaramunēridaṁ




One key feature of the book are the illustrations which are beautiful and imparts a wonderful visual impression on the reader. However, in page 58, there is an illustration of Rama-Anjaneya where Janeu is not shown for Anjaneya swamy.

In the appendix, Tirtha wise and Month wise calendars is an excellent summary of the various descriptions. This can definitely work as a ready reckoner for the interested bhaktas. However, the ancient map of Ayodhya towards the end of the book is absolutely fabulous.

Overall, this is an excellent book describing one specific portion of Skanda Purana. Though there are couple of typographical / graphical errors, overall the content is very good. Definitely recommended read.




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