Jan 072025
Review: Scholastic Book of Boons and Curses in Hindu Mythology
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Title: Scholastic Book of Boons and Curses in Hindu Mythology
Author: Sunita Pant Bansal
Publisher: Scholastic India
Illustrations : Boski Jain
Genre : Mythology
Length : 104 pages
Recommended Age Group : 9 years and above
Type: Paperback
Rating : ★★★★★


The “Scholastic Book of Boons and Curses in Hindu Mythology” by Sunita Pant Bansal is a fascinating book that dives deep into the intricately carved tapestry of Hindu mythology where the smallest of Karmas have its impact on the life. It explores the powerful blessings (boons) and curses that shape the lives of gods, demons, and humans. Here is a brief review by my 11 year old daughter Ayesha Khator.

The Ramayana & Mahabharata screened during Covid lockdown inculcated a deep interest in mythology in me. Ever since I have wondered why Karna from Mahabharata was cursed by Goddess Earth or Why Ravana couldn’t touch Goddess Sita despite having her in his captivity? But I never got a satisfying answer to it till I got a review copy of this book.

Boons:
Boons are special gifts or blessings given by gods, sages, or other powerful beings. These gifts can make someone very strong, live a long life, or have other amazing abilities. The book talks about many important boons. For example, King Dasharatha received a boon from the sage Vishwamitra, which led to the birth of Lord Rama, a key figure in the Ramayana. Another example is the boon of invincibility given to the demon king Hiranyakashipu by Lord Brahma, which plays a big role in his story.

Curses:
Curses are the opposite of boons. They are often given out of anger or because someone did something wrong. Curses can bring bad luck or misfortune. The book describes many famous curses, like the curse on Karna by his teacher Parashurama, which caused Karna’s downfall in the Mahabharata. Another well-known curse is the one Gandhari placed on Lord Krishna, predicting the end of his family.

Storytelling:
Sunita Pant Bansal tells these stories in a way that is easy to understand and very engaging. She makes the complex ideas of Hindu mythology simple and interesting. Her storytelling brings the characters and their adventures to life, making readers feel like they are part of the ancient world.
Illustrations:
The book is filled with beautiful pictures that go along with the stories. These illustrations help readers imagine the scenes and understand the context better. The design of the book is also very user-friendly, with clear text and a nice layout, making it enjoyable for both kids and adults.

Educational Value:
This book is not just entertaining but also educational. It is a great resource for anyone who wants to learn about Hindu mythology. Small Snippets of “Did you Know” facts make reading interesting & Fun.

Here are some of my favourite parts from The Scholastic Book of Boons and Curses in Hindu Mythology:

  1. Boon of Invincibility: The story of Hiranyakashipu, who received a boon that made him nearly invincible, only to be outwitted by Lord Vishnu in his Narasimha avatar.
  2. The Curse of Karna: Karna’s life is marked by several curses, including the one from his guru Parashurama, which plays a crucial role in his fate during the Kurukshetra war.
  3. The Boon of Immortality: The tale of Amrit, the nectar of immortality, and the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan) is a fascinating story of cooperation and conflict between gods and demons.
  4. The Curse of Shakuntala: The poignant story of Shakuntala, who was cursed by Sage Durvasa, leading to a series of misunderstandings and eventual reunion with her husband, King Dushyanta.
    These stories are not only captivating but also offer deep moral and philosophical insights.

Conclusion:
Overall, the “Scholastic Book of Boons and Curses in Hindu Mythology” is a wonderful book for anyone interested in Hindu mythology. The author has done an excellent job of making these ancient stories accessible and enjoyable for modern readers. Whether you are a fan of mythology or just looking for a good read, this book offers a fascinating look into the world of divine blessings and fateful curses.

And if you want to know why a woman is known for not being able to keep secrets, let me tell you it’s not their fault. It’s due to a curse! So go grab this book to know more of it and get lost in the magical maze of boons & curses.

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Disclaimer: Ayesha is part of the #kbcReviewerSquad and received this book as a review copy from the publisher via kbc.


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