REVIEWS
The Acharya: By I.
This is a picturesque presentation of the
life of the great Acharya Sankara.
There are a number of Sankara Vijayams already extant in traditional chronicling of
the master-genius of Sankaracharya. The Anandagiri Sankara Vijayam the Madhaviya Sankara-vijayam and the
Rajachoodmani Sankara Vijayam, to mention a few, have given the story of the
philosopher’s unusual brilliance as a debater in establishing Advaita. Of course a number of miracles that happened to
show him off as a special
messenger of the Lord have become part of this country’s age-old beliefs. The
“Lives” not only deal with the intellectual adventures of the Master but also
the programme of his victorious conquests over rival philosophical systems and
their originators.
The present author has deviated first in the
very start, by making Padmapada, one of the four
eminent disciples of Sankara, give us the story as a personal account of how he met the
Master and how from stage to stage the great one achieved world-wide
recognition for his unrivalled capacity to prove Advaita
as the only way for self-realisation. No doubt he has not drawn much on his own
imagination in the facts, though delightfully in his way of presentation he has
chosen to be more attractive than all by the sheer imaginative colour invested
in every detail as well as the intimacy of understanding of the philosopher’s
mind and work.
Versions are there which also tell us of not
merely four Mutts established by him but also that of the Kanchi
Kamakoti Mutt as where the final resort of the Master
concluded with establishing a Yantra near the idol of
Sri Kamakshi, the presiding deity of the Mutt. Also
the early stories mention of his ascending the Sarvajna
Peetam at Kanchi and of his
Niryana in the same place.
But so far as the author here is concerned he
has had his main objective, evidently to make his readers get into the life and
philosophy of Sankara with a natural attraction of
it. Free from printing mistakes, it is a book to sustain its merit with any
type of reader.
–K. CHANDRASEKHARAN
Rabindranath Tagore: By
Sisirkumar Ghose. Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi-110 001. Price: Rs. 25
Among the many studies of the poet
Rabindranath Tagore’s mind and art, few of them could
be counted as usefully analytical and critically appreciative as this volume
written by Sisirkumar Ghose.
Having been closely associated with the Visvabharati
University founded by Tagore and also having already to his credit more than
three books upon the poet, his claim to be considered a valuable contribution
to the Tagorean literature is really justified. In
his Preface here, he opines how merely putting the poet on a pedestal would not
be doing him justice but a revaluation of his mind and works after all the incense burnt,
has to be seriously pursued, though any criticism should be done with a sense
of responsibility and humility.
Within about a hundred and thirty pages, the
author gives under nine significant titles a most satisfying study of the
subject. In the chapter “Life”, there is a rapid narration of details which
rarely omits the salient aspects of the poet’s earthly journey. To find a
reference to a sad self-analysis in the poet’s words as: “I know I have failed
and my poems have failed to reach the All” strikes one how ultimately his mind
craved for the great end. Such a passage brings to our minds that the utter
spiritual soul of the poet never got satisfied with earthly rewards.
“Poetry”, the next chapter, is full of
eminent penetrations insights into the pourings of
the poet’s heart in unimpeded flow for more than seventy years from childhood.
A thorough classification of the poems, big and small, are brought under the scrutiny for
precise examination and explanation. The earlier romantic moods yielded to the
later profundity of heart-searching, and the author very pertinently remarks
that the un-Rabindrean Rabindranath must be recognised, though the later thought in poetry as no
“dalliance but a disclosure, a self-disclosure,” gains in merit. Tagore’s plays undergo a skillful critical appreciation
with the result that the author’s preference of three plays: Chitrangada, Chandalika
and Syama are representative of his
most Tagorean creation. The author takes us to
novels, and short stories and next to the poet’s understanding of life around
and society in the birth-pangs of a new revivalism, not sparing the poet for
some of his ill-construed novels. No doubt the short stories, according to the author, in a field
of much competition, convince us of the claim for Tagore as a still first to
stand on merit.
“A Poet’s Religion” is a difficult matter for treatment owing to the fact of the constant mystical experiences which enshroud some of the utterances. Often the Tagore in English may lead to a less clear understanding of his mind’s workings, which in the Bengali originals of his may serve to clear up the cobwebs that need removing to realise the full import of the thought inlaid. The Religion of Man is the quest which takes the poet to feel. “An infinite passion, an eternal pain, the nostalgic cry of the still small voice ....”
Dwelling on “Aesthetics” of one whose sense
of an inner regulation for its relation to literature was always on its vigils,
the complexity of ideas and a robust philosophy could never conform to an
utilitarian view. His outlook of the whole man must not be made devoid of the
emotions and a wholesome consciousness of beauty. Of course the chapter is
pregnant with Tagore’s philosophy of art which,
according to him, defies definition.
Education comes naturally attracting our
attention and it was the field where the poet made his experiments with
success. In his conception children loom more important than the grown ups and
their beginnings of awareness of life require greater husbanding of their
powers of imagination and involvement on nature’s affinity. The author’s
comment is very provocative in regard to what Santiniketan
stands for. He propounds a sound theory which needs consideration. He says: “Santiniketan, the poet’s school, is never built, because it
is being built, in a corner of the world’s unborn soul, on the shores of vast
humanity.”
“No Last Word” is a fit ending to this
illuminating study. The poet had more literature gone into him than what he
produced. His experiences are the ever-greens which preserve our eyes and a
pure vision of man’s destiny.
With excerpts from the poet’s utterances
under “Thus Spake Tagore” the volume concludes,
leaving our minds not concluding our rich impressions of what the poet did and
what a real critic of his can give us.
- K. CHANDRASEKHARAN
The Vedic and the Christian Concept of Sacrifice: By J. Thachil. Pontifical Institute of Theology and Philosophy. Alwaye-3. Price: Not
mentioned.
Though sacrifice has been an inherent feature
of most ancient religions and occult traditions, it has developed on certain
unique lines in India. It has undergone many transformations, true, but its
essential character has remained unchanged, all through the ages. Whether in
the hymns of the Veda or in the Gita, the true import
of sacrifice, Yajaa, as a spiritual interchange
between man and the higher Powers is never lost sight of. The author of this
treatise recognises this original character of the
Vedic sacrifice before he proceeds to view the external changes the institution
of sacrifice underwent during the period of the Upanishads, Mimamsa,
Vedanta. He discusses how far the human sacrifice is a concept and to what
extent it came to be practised literally and in what
age. Comparing the Vedic and the Christian institutions of sacrifice, it is
pointed out the Christian sacrament “is founded on Jesus Christ whose total sacrifice
is sought to be relived in the sacramental performance. An ancient historical
event has been endowed with an undying spiritual significance.”
In the course of his analysis, the author points to the similarities
between the two: Supratemporal dimension of
sacrifice; gift aspect; aim and efficacy. The differences are on the basis
of–the consignee of sacrifice; motivation; modes and number of sacrifices; the
personality of the priest performing the sacrifice. He rightly concludes, “The
greatest sacrifice is the sacrifice of one’s own self whereby he enters the supra-temporal sphere and
enjoys communion with the divine.”
An earnest study carried on with objectivity
and scholarship.
–M. P. PANDIT
The Dedicated: A Biography of Nivedita: By Lizelle Reymond. Samata Books, 10 Kamaraj Bhavan, 573, Mount Rd.,
Madras-6. Price: Rs. 60.
An authentic biography of Sister Nivedita had to wait for a woman-writer and that too a
European one who alone could identify herself with her subject and speak from
inside. And Mme. Reymond is eminently successful in
giving not only the life-history of this remarkable lady but also a portrait of
the psychological vicissitudes through which she passed in her crowded life.
Margaret Noble–for that was her original
name–was a fiery Irish nationalist with a lively curiosity in matters of the
soul and some of the best passages of this book are devoted to an engaging
analysis of her reactions, responses and rebellions when she was exposed to the
influence and the personality of Swami Vivekananda. The way he conquered her
indomitable, individualist spirit and harnessed her energies to the cause of
the women of India is a saga by itself. She underwent a severe spiritual
discipline even before she came to India and it took quite some effort on her
part to get used to Indian conditions. How she joined the Ramakrishna Order,
how deeply she was devoted to the Holy Mother, and how she chose ultimately to
work for the freedom of India sacrificing her interests in the Ramakrishna
Movement, are some of the topics dealt with in this elevating book.
It is interesting to come across an
observation of Swami Vivekananda some forty years before the advent of Freedom
for India. “I see that the independence of India will come in some unthinkable
way but if you cannot make yourself worthy of it, it will not live .. India
cannot be Japan or Russia. She must stand on her own ideal.”
This is both a political history and a
spiritual epic of a heroic soul.
–M. P. PANDIT
The Temple Rituals: By
S. K. Ramachandra Rao. IBH Prakashana,
Gandhinagar, Bangalore-9. Price: Rs.
25.
The temple has been the most prominent part
of the Hindu’s spiritual and cultural traditions, and yet today the rituals
followed there are little understood. Professor Ramachandra
Rao has done a valuable service in explaining them in this book.
The rituals to be followed in temples have
been prescribed by the aagama texts
which, along with the silpa sastras, also lay down the principles of architecture
and sculpture. But variations have developed in course of time in the different
regions of India. The big distinction lies in the rituals followed in the
temples of the north from those in the south. In the south itself there are
variations, based on the sub-cult that is followed.
Temple rituals are based on the concept that
the Divinity should be worshipped like the king. Obviously, this is a
reflection of the old Indian ethos, when the monarch led society in every way.
The Sanksrit expression, “praasaada”,
signified both temple and palace.
The author explains the rituals in
considerable detail. As performed daily, these are quite elaborate. It is
believed that their efficacy depends on the strict accuracy as to detail with
which they are performed. Therefore, the priests who perform them should be
well-trained and taught.
A chapter is devoted to the temple festivals.
Contrary to what might be a general notion, these too are governed by the
prescriptions of the aagamaas. But
locally some variations have developed. Broadly speaking, however, the rituals
are nearly the same all over South India. The variations are pronounced in Kerala.
The author does not perhaps emphasise these regional variations adequately enough. He
seems to be thinking of the Karnataka temples in the main. Still, since the
fundamental rituals are the same, or nearly the same his book remains valuable
to every Hindu. In particular, his exposition of the symbolism of the rituals
is quite noteworthy. This is a book which needed to be written and to be read
by those who cherish Hindu spirituality and culture.
–N. S. RAMASWAMI
Love of God and Social Duty in the Ramacarita-maanasa:
By Edmour J. Babinean Motilal Banarsidass, Jawahar Nagar, Delhi-7. Price: Rs.
50.
According to the author of this work there are
three distinct types of approach to God-realisation in Hinduism, viz., Vedic
orthodoxy wherein Vedic rituals dominate, Antinonian
theism that discards all else in favour of love of
God as in the case of Gopis in the Bhagavatam, and orthodox theism that gives equal importance to both love of God and
social duty which means the duties enjoined by Sastras
also. Of these three Tulasidas in his monumental work
Ramacarita-maanasa adopts the third path. This in short is the main thesis of the book
under review.
What political and social conditions prompted Tulasidas to write this book? Why did he select Ramayana alone in preference to
Bhagavata and Bharata? How far is he influenced by Surdas and others? Where does he differ from Valmiki’s Ramayana,
Adhyaatma Ramayana? Why did he write in vernacular language? What
place does he give to Bhakti and complete surrender
to God in his work? Has this work any message to the modern world? These and
other similar questions are found answered herein. The above thesis and other
points are substantiated with textual quotations. Of course a brief account of life and works
of Tulasidas is there. The statement of the author
that “Bhramarageetas” Bee-songs, are absent in the Bhagavata Purana
is not
correct.
–“SANDILYA”
Studies in Russian Literature: Edited by J. V. Paul. Central Institute of English & Foreign
Languages, Hyderabad-500 007. Price: Rs. 20.
It is good we have progressed further than
mere centenary platitudes (Tolstoy, Lenin, Gorky) about Russian writing. CIEFL
deserves our congratulations for this significant publication that gives one a
fair idea of Russian studies by Indians. Our major interest in Russia began
with the October Revolution of 1917 as demonstrated by Moin
Shakir and Pavanan in
connection with Urdu and
Malayalam literatures respectively. Indeed, the Russian Revolution was to
influence intellectuals all over India. Subramania Bharati, for instance, wrote a poem in Tamil, “Puthia Russia” (A New Russia) which acted as a bugle-call
to his contemporaries involved in the struggle for independence. And yet,
Russian studies have made no remarkable strides in India mainly because of the
problem of language. Indians continue to depend upon English translations of
Russian classics even for the purposes of translations which lead to many queer
versions as ably pointed out by R. M Bakaya in his
essay. As yet, most of the translations in regional languages come only from
publishing houses in Moscow and Tashkent.
Under these circumstances, Studies in Russian Literature goes a long way in enlarging our perspectives
beyond the familiar names. The writings of Tolstoy, Chekhov,
Gorky and Mayakovsky are, of course, discussed in
depth by scholars. At the same time there is welcome information about obscure
names. Tusharkant Mahapatra
tells us of Gerasim Lebedov’s
significant contributions to the Bengali theatre during 1787-1797; the rural
background in Valentin Rasputin’s
Farewell to Matyora and
Fyodor Abramov’s The House is aoalysed by K. S. Dhingra.
Sabiruddin has plenty to say about the Dagestani poet Rasul Gamzatov; the use of myths to great effect by recent Soviet
novelists is dealt with by Kalpana Sahni. One hopes that this publication is but a precursor
to more comprehensive approaches to Russian literature by the CIEFL.
–DR. PREMA NANDAKUMAR
Warmth of Love: Edited
by Dr. Leo Rebello. Bharatiya
Vidya Bhavan, Bombay-7.
Price: Rs. 20.
The Editor of this miscellany, Dr. Leo Rebello, deserves our grateful thanks for having introduced
a “great small man”, an inspiring personality through these selected writings
of late Dr. Digarnbar Vithal
Nadkarni (1903-1980) who retired from public life as
Director of Medical Services in 1963: During his tenure of office, he was
popular among the students as well as the public. A self-made man, a friend to
the poor, a hard-boiled scientist who performed the first self vasectomy in our
country, a man of anecdote, wit and humour, he had a
flair for writing, too. Besides authoring a text-book for medicos called
“Surgical Epitome” in two volumes, he wrote more than 2,000 editorial letters,
about 100 poems, several articles and short stories and innumerable anecdotes.”
The present miscellany contains specimens of
all kinds of his writings arranged neatly under five sections as follows: (i) In Lighter Vein (short stories, articles, middles) (ii)
Poetry (iii) Editorial Letters (iv) Stray Pearls (v) Addendum (how to write
letters to the editor, sample letters). The writings in the first section are
mostly based on his own experiences as a doctor written in engaging style, they
are thoroughly enjoyable, though some of them contain tragic or serious stuff.
The poetry section proves that the author can turn a rhyme elegantly, saying
things neatly at the same time. The editorial letters bring the public-spirited
man of the world to the fore Letter-writing formed an important activity in his
life. It is interesting to observe that in recognition of his zeal and
sustained interest in public affairs, an award was instituted to perpetuate his
memory.
–DR. G. SRIRAMA MURTHY
(1) Yogavaasishtha- Vols. I and
II. English translation (2) Lives of Ancient Indian Saints: 5 Vols Both by Bulusu Venkateswarlu, Gandhi Nagar, Kakinada-533 004. Price: (1) Rs. 25 each (2)
First Four Vols. Rs. 10 each; Fifth Volume: Rs.
15.
(1) There are books and books on Advaita philosophy, but none like “Yogavaasishtha”
in Sanskrit written by Valmiki. It is in the form of
a dialogue between Rama who felt sick of the mundane world, and Vasishtha the enlightened sage and Guru. Questions asked
and doubts raised by Rama were answered and cleared by Vasishtha.
The distinction of this work lies in its presentation of the subject matter in
the forms of stories and parables, full of similies
and metaphors, that are poetic and illustrative in their nature. An authentic
English translation is a long-felt desideratum. Sri Venkateswarlu,
author of more than hundred books in Telugu, has successfully rendered this
work into lucid English and he richly deserves encomiums from the
non-Sanskrit-knowing seekers.
The first volume contains two chapters named
“Vairagya” and “Mumukshuvyavahaara”
and the second volume is a translation of “Upattiprakarana”
the third chapter. This translation is not only true to the original but here and there
contains elucidations also given in the Sanskrit commentary on the original
text. Dangers of attachment to the worldly objects are clearly described.
Importance of self-effort is stressed upon. Disregard for fate is advised.
Meaning of Daiva or fate is clearly explained. Modern
critics of Indian philosophy are answered. Creation and its illusory nature is
the subject matter of the Utpattiprakarana in the
second volume. The famous story of Leela is found
herein. The other volumes of this book of all times will be eagerly awaited.
It is most unfortunate that we know nothing
about our ancient Indian sages whose great achievements and teachings
contributed to our ancient culture. Collection of information regarding these
sages found scattered throughout the Samskrit
classics ranging from the Vedas and the Upanishads to the Kavyas,
is really a painstaking job and the author who unearthed this information
deserves our praise. This is a real research work that should be given due
recognition.
(2) These five volumes contain biographies of 52 sages arranged in
alphabetical order. An important feature of these books is, they contain a few
extracts from “Dakshasmriti”, “Dattatreya
Jivanmukti Gita”,
“Dattatreya Avadhuta Upanishat”, “Devalasmriti”, “Gautama Nyaya Darsana,”
etc, in Samskrit with their English translations. It
may be noted here that these biographies were already published in Telugu long long ago and were received well by the public. These
volumes are sure to enlighten all English knowing Indians and others also who
want to know about these Sages. We await the publication of the other volumes.
–B. KUTUMBA RAO
An Indian Response to Samuel Beckett: Edited by I. K. Mashi.
Writers’ Workshop, Calcutta-45. Price: Rs. 30.
This is a collection of critical essays and
poems by the Indian scholars presented to the Nobel Laureate, Samuel Beckett,
on the occasion of his seventy-seventh birthday. Samuel Beckett’s fame rests
primarily on his absurd play Waiting for Godot, though
he had written plays, poems and novels besides. Notwithstanding his literary
eminence, he is a closed book for many because his style and technique are
unfamiliar. A sort of initiation is necessary for proper appreciation of his
work. The present volume just fulfils this very purpose.
I. K. Mashi in his
biographical essay “Is Beckett Irish”? shows how he had outgrown his Irishness in the course of time and became universal.
“Waiting for Godot: Less is more” is a fine analysis
of the famous play, which means many things to many people, from the pen of
Prof. S. K Ghose. A typical Indian response, however,
comes from Pradeep Banerjee.
P. Lal dismisses the poetry of Beckett as poor, but concedes it has a message
for mankind. “Endgame and its Biblical, Parallel” by J. P. Singh, “Waiting for Godot” by D. D.
Chatterjee, “A Christian Relevance of Samuel Beckett”
by I. K. Mashi read well. The editor deserves thanks
for having made a thorough job of it.
–DR. G. SRIRAMA MURTY
Anjaneya Ramayana –Telugu original by D. S.
R. Anjaneyulu and translated by R. M. Challa. Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam. Tirupati Price: Rs. 20.
The Ramayana of Valmiki
has been a perennial source of pleasure and inspiration to many readers.
Further, translations of the epic have been rendered in world’s many languages.
Others have written the episodes in their own language. Still others have
presented the story either in verse or in the form of a play. Because of the
appeal of not only the story but of the sentiments, ideas and human feelings
portrayed by the characters, they have all combined to ensnare hearts for
generations in this country.
Sri Anjaneyulu, a
student of the epic, felt the need of a version of his own in Telugu, where he
has followed the story as told in the original with only in places adding to
the interest created in the contexts by some of his own words that do not in
any way change the spirit but often explains the intention.
The translator too, in adequate language, has
done justice to the original in Telugu. The reading throughout goes smooth and
the story gains in enjoyment by the reduction of elaboration of events and statements
found in the epic.
“SAHRIDAYA”
Ramalinga–Poet and Prophet: By Purasu Balakrishnan. National Book Trust, India. Green Park, New
Delhi-16. Price: Rs. 8.25.
In this tiny volume of nearly ninety pages,
Dr. Purasu Balakrishnan,
the well known writer in English and Tamil, has sketched briefly the life and
teachings of the saint Ramalinga Swami or Vallalar as he was familiarly called by his devotees.
Within 22 chapters under proper titles, the narrative runs giving a complete
account of the saint’s early life, his development into a wandering Paradesi, his spiritual awakening, his rapid rise in fame
in a wider group of people initiated into the religious lore of the day, his
founding of a society for propagating his Sanmarga
tenets among the lay and educated and his final disappearance bodily from
sight. No doubt miracles had already got round his abilities as a spiritual
seer, though the author has referred only to a few of them.
The saint was born in Marudur,
a village near Chidambaram; he was later living with
his brother in Madras where his feet trod almost all the places in that part of
North Madras of those times. Temples were visited by him and from the age of
twelve he started giving discourses on topics of religion and philosophy, while
at the same time enunciating an Universal Religion of compassion towards all
Jiving creatures and providing relief to the poor. In the chapter “A Miracle, A
Parable, A Debate”, the author has concisely portrayed the kernel of his
personality in believing a path of approach towards godhead not by the
traditional way but through his own philosophy born of his frequent intimations
from his God. The establishment of the Sanmarga
Sabha, as his Mission Centre was named, spread as long as he lived und later
also carried by his disciples, the great truth that irrespective of caste,
creed, birth, country, etc., all human beings are one and the same and the need
for securing their salvation lay in the belief if the Flame (Arut Jyoti) installed by him at Vadalur which would be sufficient for the devotees to gain
their spiritual peace.
His voluminous poetry,
couched in simple, appealing Tamil, found a ready response throughout the
entire literary world of both savants and the uninitiated, because of their
easy absorption and understandability.
The author has done this writing with a chaste
and meaningful choice of diction that attracts and inspires at once.
–K. CHANDRASEKHARAN
SAMSKRIT-TELUGU
Shankara Grandha Ratnavali–Vol. 9: Translated by Tadepalli Raghavanarayana
Sastry.
Jagadguru Bodhalu–Vol 10: Translated by “Visakha.”
Sadhana Grandha Mandali, Tenali. Price: Rs. 12 each.
The first book under review contains 30 Stotras written by Shankara. All
the Stotras are in praise of different deities like Laxminrisimha, Bhavani, Ganga, Yamuna, Narmada, Srikrishna and Panduranga, etc.
All textual Slokas are translated into Telugu by Sri Rahavanarayana Sastry, a renowned
scholar and a poet, and, above all, a great householder-saint gifted with
mystic powers. Of all the Stotras 26, 27, 29 and 30
are most important. Two of these relate to mental worship (madnasika puja) of
Vishnu and Devi. Another Stotra
describes Shiva from feet to head. The last one is the Dakshinaamurty
Stotra that sums up the quintessence of Advaita Vedanta in ten capsule-like verses. An introduction
by the translator is also a brilliant exposition of Advaita
Vedanta. We commend this to all devotees.
The second volume is a valuable collection of
22 speeches originally delivered in Tamil by His Holiness Chandrasekharendraswami of Kanchi Math, a living
“Jivanmukta”, and translated into Telugu by “Visakha”, an ardent devotee. Every speech is a treat by itself and opens our eyes to
new angles of our religion and philosophy. Some Stotras
of Sri Shankara, “Karmamarga”,
“Ten Upanishads” “What is ‘I’ ”, “Gita Sandesa” and “Saamba”, etc., are
included. In addition to these there are two articles on Sri Chandrasekharendraswami and one on “Upasti”
by three devotee-scholars. Texts of three Stotras of
Sri Shankara are prefixed to the text. Meanings of Samskrit quotations in the speeches are written by Sri S. Ramakoti Sastry, an erudite
scholar. A long introduction in Telugu by “Visakha”,
who already translated all the speeches of His Holiness into beautiful Telugu
which were published in 9 volumes by Saadhana Grandhamandali, describes his rich experiences with His
Holiness in a soul-stirring way. Readers cannot but admire him for bringing to
our home in Telugu the ambrosial messages of Swamiji.
–“SASTRI”
TELUGU
Veyipadagalu-Adhunika Itihasamu: Dr. Anumandla Bhumaiah,
Kulapathi Samithi, Warangal Price: Rs. 15.
Viswanadha Satyanarayana, a colossus of modern Telugu
literature and a Jnanpith awardee,
is a poet, novelist, critic and orator par excellence. Veyipadagalu
is the magnum opus among his novels. It has a rare classical
grandeur and it is this aspect that Dr. Bhumaiah
seeks to interpret in this mini critique.
The great cultural edifice that was India
crumbled down with the advent of western civilization which made inroads into
every conceivable plane of our existence. Around this theme Viswanadha
wove a great fabric of episodes, characters and delectable array of incidents
giving them a classical dimension. The characters in the novel are both symbols
and humans at once. Four cardinal forces namely Ganachari,
Dharma Rao, Pasirika and Girika
guide the destinies of men and institutions, while Lord Subrahmanya
the fifth force, signifies the Eternal Time. In this deep study of the human
and symbolic forces of the novel Dr. Bhumaiah
successfully brings out the classical element in the novel with a sense of
commitment and scholastic flare.
–DR. DHARA RAMANADHA
SASTRY