EXPLORING THE SUBTERRANEAN LEVELS OF EXISTENCE

Ashtavakra and Janaka are two of the characters from the epic of Ramayana.

- PROF SHIV SETHI

The latter, we all are familiar with but the former is though rarely but formidably placed in our memory as a young sage with a deformed body who debates the kingdom’s sages in King Janaka’s court. Although he is initially ridiculed by the courtiers but he has the last laugh as the winner in this debate. This book “Janaka And Ashtavakra, A Journey Beyond”, which has been remarkably penned down by one of the most outstanding and illustrious authors, Asharaf Karayath and published by highly eminent publication house Rupa Publications, reignites the interest of literary critics in the genre of mythological writings packed with profound spiritual wisdom. What makes this book all the more appealing is its subtle spritual aspect that attempts to address the paramount existential questions with which a man keeps grappling horns throughout the course of his journey on the planet Earth.

Till now most of us have our familiarity with king Janaka as the father of Sita only. But the manner in which the author has thrown light on the persona of the king Janaka is indeed commendable.