I have been reading the author’s works since her debut and have loved each and every work of hers till now. It is exciting to be a part of the author’s journey and witness how over a period of time they mature, in both, their thoughts and their words. Their understanding of life and its intricacies becomes perhaps a bit more better, making them more prolific than what they were before. Anuja Chandramouli brings forth such honesty to her writing that it is a treat to read her books.I picked up Ganga with a lot of expectations and as always the author does not let you down. She enthralls, captivates and mesmerizes you with her retellings. She is undoubtedly one of my favourite Indian authors of the recent times whose work I truly look forward to. Her research is impeccable and writing is truly captivating.

In her inimitable style, author Anuja this time tells us the story of Ganga through her latest book. Having grown up hearing various stories of Ganga and how one dip in the Ganges can cleanse your mind, body and soul – this book was an interesting read. The best thing about the author has to be her impeccable language that she uses to narrate her stories with. She does not overload the reader with too much information making it a slow process to read and enjoy the book. On the contrary she presents every aspect of the central character so beautifully, including their love stories that it makes for a heartwarming read where you thoroughly enjoy turning one page after another.

She is one author whose books can be read across age groups, loved and devoured feverishly. The other thing I like about her books are the characters. Mythological retellings always carry a risk of being repetitive or the story sounding redundant with not too much new information to be added to it. However, author Anuja carries off this genre with elan and grace. She is a master at it now, having mastered the trick of bringing characters alive in her books. She manages to bring forth certain unknown aspects about her characters which make them endearing and relatable for a reader. She leaves the reader thinking with her words.

What a way to end the year with such a wonderful read that I am sure to come back to soon to bask in the magic of its gripping story line and thoroughly enjoyable narration! Overall, a brilliant read and strongly recommended. She is one author I cannot stop recommending enough.

Ganga – The Goddess by Anuja Chandramouli is a retelling of the powerful mythological story of Ganga, one of the most significant and revered deities in Hindu mythology. The novel takes the reader on a journey through the complexities of Ganga’s divine and earthly existence, blending mythology with fiction to give a more humanized and relatable portrayal of the goddess.

Plot Summary

The story of Ganga is a multifaceted one, and Anuja Chandramouli weaves together the mythological narrative, Ganga’s divine origins, and her interactions with various prominent characters from Hindu mythology. The novel primarily focuses on Ganga’s role as a river goddess and her complex relationship with the gods, mortals, and the world around her.

Ganga’s Divine Origins

Ganga, the goddess, is originally from the heavens and is known for her immense purity and strength. She is often seen as a divine force that nourishes and cleanses all living beings. Her descent to Earth is one of the most famous myths in Hinduism. According to the myth, Ganga was brought to Earth by King Bhagirath, who performed rigorous penance to bring her down from the heavens to purify the souls of his ancestors. Ganga’s descent is so powerful that it would have devastated the Earth, but Lord Shiva intervenes to break her fall by trapping her in his hair.

The Complexities of Her Relationships

Anuja Chandramouli delves deep into Ganga’s complex relationships with several key characters from Hindu mythology. One of the central relationships is with King Shantanu, the father of her son Bhishma. Ganga’s marriage to Shantanu and her actions as a mother are crucial to the story, as her decision to sacrifice her children for a divine purpose leads to a series of tragic events.

Her story is filled with moments of sacrifice, moral dilemmas, and divine interventions. As a mother, Ganga faces the pain of her children’s fates, and as a goddess, she grapples with the expectations of her divine status. Chandramouli portrays Ganga’s struggles and her moments of vulnerability, adding layers of depth to the traditional mythological figure.

Another important aspect of Ganga’s story is her relationship with Lord Shiva. Ganga’s descent and her subsequent involvement in the lives of various figures in Hindu mythology are often linked to Shiva’s intervention and protection, emphasizing their divine connection.

Themes

1. Sacrifice and Duty: One of the central themes of Ganga – The Goddess is the idea of sacrifice. Ganga, as a mother, goddess, and divine being, constantly sacrifices her personal desires for the greater good, whether it is her decision to send her children to the afterlife or her role in purifying the world. The theme of selfless duty resonates throughout her story.

2. Divine and Mortal Realms: The novel explores the contrast between the divine and mortal realms. Ganga’s existence is at the intersection of these two worlds. As a goddess, she remains unattainable and beyond human comprehension, but as a mother and a lover, she experiences human emotions and struggles, making her a more relatable figure.

3. The Power of Water: Ganga, as the river goddess, embodies the power of water, which is symbolic of life and purity in Hinduism. The Ganga river is not only a physical entity but also a spiritual one, representing both the flow of life and the cleansing of sins. The novel beautifully intertwines the symbolism of water and the goddess’s journey with the literal and spiritual significance of the river.

4. Love, Tragedy, and Fate: The novel touches on love and tragedy, particularly in Ganga’s relationship with Shantanu. Her love for him is deep and genuine, but her divine nature and duties create tragic circumstances. Her story is one of fate, where her actions often lead to unforeseen consequences, forcing her to make difficult choices.

5. Feminine Strength and Empowerment: Ganga’s character also highlights feminine strength, resilience, and the power to transform. Despite her divine status, she is a woman who experiences the challenges of motherhood, love, and loss. Anuja Chandramouli portrays Ganga not just as a goddess, but as a woman with her own vulnerabilities and emotions.

Writing Style

Anuja Chandramouli’s writing is vivid and evocative, bringing the ancient myths to life in a way that feels contemporary and accessible. The prose is rich and lyrical, with detailed descriptions of the setting, characters, and emotions. Chandramouli excels at creating a strong emotional connection between the readers and the characters, particularly Ganga, by humanizing her divine traits.

The author’s blend of mythology and fiction allows for a fresh perspective on the classic stories, offering readers a deeper insight into the personal and emotional aspects of the goddess’s life. The pacing of the novel is steady, and the chapters are often structured to delve into different periods of Ganga’s life, alternating between divine realms and earthly realms.

Reception

Ganga – The Goddess has been appreciated for its ability to breathe new life into the ancient myth. Readers who are familiar with Hindu mythology find the novel engaging as it provides a deeper emotional layer to the well-known stories. The book’s portrayal of Ganga as both a divine being and a relatable woman has been praised for making the goddess more accessible to modern readers.

Some readers, however, might find that the novel takes liberties with certain aspects of the traditional myth, which could be a point of contention for those who prefer a more faithful retelling of the original stories. Nonetheless, the novel’s thematic depth and exploration of Ganga’s complex character make it a compelling read.

Conclusion

Ganga – The Goddess by Anuja Chandramouli is a beautifully crafted reimagining of the Ganga myth, one of the most famous and important stories in Hindu mythology. The novel offers readers an intimate, emotional portrayal of the goddess, exploring her role as a mother, lover, and divine figure. Through her struggles, sacrifices, and emotional journey, Ganga comes across as a multi-dimensional character, making her story more relatable and timeless.

For readers interested in mythology, especially those who appreciate a modern take on ancient stories, this novel is a must-read. It’s an exploration of love, sacrifice, fate, and the complexities of being both divine and human.

Would you like to discuss a particular part of Ganga’s myth or the novel’s themes in more detail?

GANGA – THE GODDESS BY ANUJA CHANDRAMOULI