If you are a mythology aficionado, then it will not be surprising that
you have read and enjoyed the unpleasant ones and got some delight! Because
there is always a kinder, gentler variation to them that we have missed or
forgotten. There was Asura earlier, which gave us the other perspective of Ravana, now Manini J Anandani is here, with an excellent perspective of his wife.
One such character is Mandodari : Queen of Lanka whom I have always wondered about. I mean,
these could have been the true heroes of the mythological tales, from their
angle.
Madhura, an apsara, who was so born, due to a curse from Paravati,
Shiva’s prime consort. Parvati had found Shiva’s ash on Madhura’s breasts, and
cursed her to turn into a frog. Shiva then calmed his wife and consoled Madhura
and blessed her to turn into a beautiful lady. Years later, she was found and
adopted by King Mayasura, an asura, in a well.
Mandodari was tomboyish and ready to go for a hunt with her brothers. She
had completed her education at 12, trained in Vedic texts, social sciences,
deva and asura history, and engineering, due to her inclination towards her
father’s profession. Also, she learnt culinary skills, ethical code, and theoretical
knowledge of politics.
Ravana was visiting the palace, where Mandodari was. It was his second
visit and created much excitement among the women at court. He had asked for
Mandodari’s hand in marriage. It was agreed to by her father, in spite of his
initial reluctance.
Mandodari soon became the Queen of Lanka. Her essence
is shown through the adoration, and love, which she has for Ravana. It is
always there, despite his liking for other women, his temper, conceit and
pride. She always manages to stand by him; advises him to follow the righteous
path. She always is the first one; he goes to despite all the troubles and
problems, he faces as king.
She travels through her first pregnancy; a trip, which she undertook
because she wanted to get away from her husband and his new wife, and from the
Muni, who was not liked by Ravana, and therefore killed. She keeps her
pregnancy secret, and manages to have a daughter, whose life was unfortunately
taken away, and Ravana does not find out about it, initially.
She comes back and gives birth to a son, and adapts to the life of a
queen. She remains a loyal wife, a loving mother and a strong queen. She can
also distinguish Ravana’s feelings and love
for his children and people.
She stands by him through the decisions, he makes about his troubled sister,
Meenakshi, due to which the war is caused. His kidnapping of Sita, and the way,
he brought her to his kingdom. The decisions, he made to send off his own
children, into the war. The war had to end, and we all know how it ended.
Mandodari gives us
a distinctive perspective on Ravana. The storytelling is simple, yet poignant.
From the start to finish, we are shown Mandodari's angle. Manini J Anandini gives us a totally
different side to Ravana, who gets ready for the war…
You can Buy the Book, right here...
This also appeared in the The Hans India, on Sunday...
http://epaper.thehansindia.com/1800465/SUNDAY-HANS/SUNDAY-HANS#page/5/2
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