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The Panchatheertha Part 1
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Re: The Panchatheertha Part 1
Title- The Panchatheertha Part 1
Author- Rajiv Mittal
Genre- Fiction
Publication date- 21 Nov 2018
Language- English
Pages- 352
Format- Kindle Edition
Blurb-
Vishnu Sharma’s reincarnation Shiva Varma has, in this redraft, revived the ancient Indian tradition of parampara (continuation of knowledge from one guru to the next). In his excitement, he forgot the younger age group of his shishyas (students). His characters now try to explain the motives for their actions, also express their feelings; something The Panchatantra had cleverly avoided doing. Within its pages, animals are still made to think and behave like human beings but have not otherwise been harmed in any way.
The Panchatheertha was considered lost but the discovery of two altered strategies ‘The Loss of Friends’ and ‘Gaining Friends’ should create hope within the large and growing community that has had considerable success with the first and complete failure with the second. Those wanting to meet Shiva Varma are hereby informed he dislikes economists, preferring astrology. He is in samadhi (seclusion / deep meditation) and not in hiding.
There are many intriguing characters not known to Vishnu Sharma in this adaptation; from a sex consultant plying his trade in the locality Ajilundpenodhoka in district Makasam… to a devadasi (courtesan) wanting to conduct the temple prayers because she is bored… to Sage Narada Muni !!
Review-
"The Panchatheertha Part 1" by Rajiv Mittal is something 3rd book by the author but it was first read for me.
By reading the title I was excited to read the book because it even made me think of something story related to number five. God knows what I made assumptions *laughing* And title showed that it is a Part 1 so now I was relieved to continue reading more parts when author writes.
I do never judge a book by cover because at lasts matters is the content in the book and not cover but cover matters to be good because it makes readers to pick the book when the cover is adorable. So, in case of this book I didn't find it that good. I really suggest author that cover should be something different that suits the title.
The characters which are included in various stories are very well portrayed. Author have used simple grammar and unique language with some humour which helped me to grab my whole attention towards stories. The story is about losing of friends and gaining of new friends. Overall, it was a good read of this year with different stories.
Things I loved about book-
The way author presented the characters is good and I loved it
Things I didn't liked-
There were many characters which were very hard to remember while reading the whole story.
Ratings-
Title- 4/5 stars
Cover- 3.5/5 stars
Blurb- 3.8/5 stars
Plot- 4.2/5 stars
Writing and presentation- 4.5/5 stars
Overall rating- 4/5 stars
Reviewed By-
Sudarshan Jagtap
Re: The Panchatheertha Part 1
The Panchatheertha by Rajiv Mittal is one level above his previous book.
The title itself attracted me towards reading this book and also the length is an interesting prospect.
Talking about the stories the book has basically 5 stories based on different situations in life, since I have never read panchtantra but I just loved the plot of each and every story.
Along with the fictional characters we can relate to each and every thing being said to our real lives, the book is perfect combination of crisp and research together.
This isn't any mythological book but good things being put Infront in a joyful, understanding and humorous manner. Narration is free flowing with easy and proper language and characters are very carefully handled which is tough to find in lengthy books.
Rating and judging a cover shouldn't be ideal for every book especially if it is read in Kindle version, so I feel it's fine for the book. Some punch lines by author are just terrific so you won't feel the length as boring or unnecessary, though this book demands time but is equally a treat to read.
So overall, it is an entertaining and knowledgeable read which will teach you some lessons but with all the fun time. I am waiting for part 2 of Panchatheertha as the book has flavour and juice which is hardly found in recent novels so you shouldn't miss reading this one.
Re: The Panchatheertha Part 1
The Panchatheertha Part -1 by Rajiv Mittal is a work of fiction. The word Panchatheertha where 'Pancha' means five and 'theertha' means pilgrim sites. Don't confuse with the title thinking it is a mythology book about the pilgrim sites and god. The book is completely different. The word theertha carries a different meaning to it. Talking about the cover, it doesn't suits the title. It could be better and more attractive by having more colours in it. The book talks about the loss of friends and gaining friends. So the story is about king Amarasakti who was searching for a teacher for his three sons. Shiva Varma was called by the king and appointed him as the teacher for his sons. The princes have to leave the palace and be in the ashram for learning. Shiv Varma use to taught them the lessons from panchatheertha having moral stories like Panchatantra by Rishi Vishnu Sharma.
The language used is simple and easy to understand. The book not only entertains but also teaches a lot about life. We can become pilgrim having no home and following the path that heart says. Try not to hold on things, let set them free and live the life that your soul desires.
Re: The Panchatheertha Part 1
The Panchatheertha Part 1 by Rajiv Mittal is my third read by the author. I had immensely enjoyed Brahmahatya and so when I was asked to review his new release, I obviously was curious to find out what the author had in store and gladly accepted.
So, let me start by giving you all a short summary of the book and then we will get down to my opinion.
Summary
The book begins with King Amarasakti finding a proper teacher for his sons. Shiva Varma is asked to coach the three princes and begins by reciting the morally rich stories of Panchatheertha (inspired by the Panchatantra).
The book takes us on a journey through almost all adjectives that describe a human. It is a collection of stories that might jog your memory from when you absolutely had to study them as part of school syllabus. Frankly, I didn’t like them much then but now, many of them appear to be fun and invigorating.
What I Liked
The tales and the satire twist to them is the highlight of the book. The book is basically an amalgamation of stories from the Panchantantra but told in a very light and humorous manner.
I loved how the author carried the narration with many present day analogies, some are truly very funny! And since these tales didn’t have a heavy, serious tone, I guess that made them all the more enjoyable.
What I Did Not Like
You could keep the book with you and read a story or two a day. But since the book had many stories in it, it sometimes got confusing due to the vast number of characters introduced . Also, I really did not find the cover appealing, it could have been much much better.
Oops, I just judged a book by its cover, yikes!
Other Details
The Panchatheertha Part 1 is a funny interpretation of stories from The Panchatantra. Panchatheertha literally means Five Pilgrimages. I assume that means the series would include five parts, not sure though.
Would I Recommend It?
Yes! If you want to relive the Panchatantra days, then have a go, you’ll enjoy it! For the umpteenth time, the book has an interesting satirical twist to it that simply elevates it to another level.
Re: The Panchatheertha Part 1
THE TITLE-
The Panchatheertha or five pilgrimages is a book which tries to venture in seeking after what the soul desires we become pilgrims with no home but the path the soul would have us follow. The purpose of a pilgrimage is about setting aside a long period of time in which the only focus is to be the matters of the soul. Many believe a pilgrimage is about going away but it isn’t; it is about coming home. Those who choose to go on pilgrimage have already ventured away from themselves; and now set out in a longing to journey back to who they are.
Many a time we believe we must go away from all that is familiar if we are to focus on our inner well-being because we feel it is the only way to escape all that drains and distracts us, allowing us to turn inward and tend to what ails us. Yet we do not need to go to the edges of the earth to learn who we are, only the edges of ourselves. Being inspired from Vishnu Sharma’s The Panchatantra, the book revisits the morals coupled with emotions and the messages that were left behind the book
REVIEW OF THE BOOK-
The book revisits the first couple of sections from Panchatantra dealing with the ‘The Loss of Friends’ and ‘Gaining Friends’. Morality does play a pivotal role in shaping up the entre plot of the story. Certainly the most destructive vice if you like, that a person can have. More than pride, which is supposedly the number one of the cardinal sins - is self pity. Self pity is the worst possible emotion anyone can have. And the most destructive. It is, to slightly paraphrase what Wilde said about hatred, and I think actually hatred's a subset of self pity and not the other way around - ' It destroys everything around it, except itself '. Self pity will destroy relationships, it'll destroy anything that's good, it will fulfill all the prophecies it makes and leave only itself. And it's so simple to imagine that one is hard done by, and that things are unfair, and that one is underappreciated, and that if only one had had a chance at this, only one had had a chance at that, things would have gone better, you would be happier if only this, that one is unlucky. All those things. And some of them may well even be true. But, to pity oneself as a result of them is to do oneself an enormous disservice.
The author had critically analysed both the perspective of Loss and Gain from a very different perspective keeping Panchatantra in the backdrop. A lot of things are inherent in life -change, birth, death, aging, illness, accidents, calamities, and losses of all kinds- but these events don't have to be the cause of ongoing suffering. Yes, these events cause grief and sadness, but grief and sadness pass, like everything else, and are replaced with other experiences. The ego, however, clings to negative thoughts and feelings and, as a result, magnifies, intensifies, and sustains those emotions while the ego overlooks the subtle feelings of joy, gratitude, excitement, adventure, love, and peace that come from Essence. If we dwelt on these positive states as much as we generally dwell on our negative thoughts and painful emotions, our lives would be transformed. On the contrast, speaking about gain, A true friend does not make you win by making you the winner to the detriment of the true winner. He makes sure that you become a loser, not because he likes the way you fail, but to enlighten you on how it feels to be treated that way and to demonstrate that love and respect are not exclusive.
The use of lucid English makes the book more lucrative. Not only does the bok entertains the reader, it also reflects certain traits of morality deciphered from the original Panchatantra texts. f history shows anything, it is that there's no better way to justify relations founded on violence, to make such relations seem moral, than by reframing them in the language of debt—above all, because it immediately makes it seem that it's the victim who's doing something wrong.
A true pilgrimage requires letting go of the very things most people try to hold onto. In seeking after what the soul desires, we become pilgrims with no home but the path the soul would have us follow.
YOU SHOULD READ THIS BECAUSE-
1. THE BEAUTIFUL PORTRAYAL OF ALL THE CHARACTERS.
2. THE SWEET AND SOUR VIEWS OF THE HISTORICAL TEXTS
3. THE REVISITING OF PANCHATANTRA
RATINGS-
Overall I would like to rate the book 41 on a scale of 50.
4 stars out of 5
1. Originality of the plot and sub plots- 8/10
2. Net emotions in the story- 8/10
3. Usage of words and phrases-8/10
4. The title, cover and the illustration-8/10
5. The net impact on the readers- 9/10
Reviewed by-
Sayan Basak
Re: The Panchatheertha Part 1
Review:
Tittle:
The title of the book "Panchateertha" derived from sanskrit word. Its refer to "five pilgrimages ", which helps the soul for Nirvana or Mokshya . The title is interesting. It's comes from the classic and popular book from " Panchatantra" by Vishnu sharma.
Cover: the cover is designed very poorly. There are two jackals and a tiger , animated. I think the cover could have been much better according to the storyline.
Language: The language is good and simple. Its easy to understand while reading. The author uses some local words and abusive words too , that's i didn't like at all.
Plot :
The story started with the king Amarasakti who ruled the city state of Mahiloropyam in the south india. He has 3sons and one daughter. He is worried for his 3sons . So he appointed a saint Shiva Sharma as a teacher of his fool sons. Shiva sharma teaches them with the "panchteertha" of maral ethics .
Review :
Shiva sharma commenced teaching the princes the panchateertha. The stories are basically categories in two strategies. There are " Loss of friends " and " Gaining friends " with having 24 short stories. All the characters of the stories are the animals and birds are speaking on behalf of human being. Which is very interesting. The book is for all age groups with old moral values and epic wisdom.
Its a fast paced and yet engaging. The author's imaginations to explain all the characters in each short stories is really amazing . A well amount of humour and all mixed emotions one can find in the book.
Overall it's a epic read for me. Highly recommended to all for a read.
Reincarnation of the ever green PanchaTantra
The cover shows and animated or so called modernized art form which has animals such as tigers and fox within in .. If you ask if its beautiful on first view I would say no. But its a different approach towards design and credit goes to the creativity of the designer.Coming to the title "Panchatheertha" which has a meaning of Pancha- five Theerta- Which means pilgrimage site. So combing both it does mean 5 pilgrimage sites.
The plots used in the story-line are those which explicitly brings out moral thoughts within the minds of readers. The book is mainly divided into 2 main concepts: The loss of friends and Gaining Friends. Both the concepts or strategies are elaborated beautifully by the author with the help of dividing it again to different story-lines within the strategies. The main advantage of this is , we can pause our reading as its not a book which can be read in a single sitting. Most of the stories are involving animals which gave the resembles of reading the evergreen Panchatantra as mentioned in the blurb of the book
The languages used in the book is so simple that even school children can have a read on it. The narration and the names of the characters used in the book is highly appreciable.
Animals Taking :) - It gave me nostalgia of hearing my grandma telling me stories when I was a kid
The Panchatheertha Part 1
The Gist of Story:
The Panchatheertha Part 1 is based on the original Panchatantra Series by Vishnu Sharma. The stories presented in Panchatheertha are a resemblance to the five pilgrims and are the depiction of human emotions or feelings through various facades of life. It revises and modifies the original stories and gives it a fresh outlook.
Book Evaluation:
To start with the title, it does instantly take you back to “Panchatantra” The cover design could have been better. As a reader, I cannot really connect with the cover page. The language used is easy to understand and steady flowing. The characters portrayed through various stories have retained their uniqueness. The author has managed to grab and hold readers attention throughout the story. The essence of the plot is maintained till the end. All in all, it makes a great, entertaining read. One of the books which will make your imagination flies with a varied bunch of stories. Grab a copy to make turn your boring days into adventures.
Re: The Panchatheertha Part 1
Panchatheertha
As the name describes, Panchateertha is an onomatopoeia which derives from the process of onomastics based on a linguistic language called 'sanskrit.' It refers to the five pilgrimages which enables & helps the soul seek salvation, freedom from all the shackles of materialistic life. It also helps it to reach the destination of enlightenment where all the living beings long for eternal peace.
Cover is okay. I feel it could have been better designed. It doesn't integrate much with the theme of the book.
Title is catchy, sounds interesting.
I won't discuss the plot neither the story as it may lead to spoilers. It's best if readers grab the book, read & explore on their own accord.
The book has a stark resemblances with the classic 'Panchatantra' by great Rishi Vishnu Sharma, later came to be known as the book with moral stories. It basically aims to teach mankind what it truly means to be honest, moral, ethical & walking in the path of dharma (righteousness). The philosophical analysis enhanced with sanskrit texts, words, anecdotes, prescribed with historical & mythological references makes it possible to discuss & make the readers aware of the complex topics.
Language is simple, good, easy to use & understand. Narration is good, gives an epic touch to it. Also, characterisation with plot & story is well justified.
Though the book is fictional, it seems almost realistic in every way.
The book has been written in a way which targets all the age groups & simply not restricted to the mere audience.
What I didn't like is the use of profane abusive words (slangs) at certain places in colloquial form which is often used in local languages. Also, the cover is poorly fragmented & designed. Needs much work.
Re: The Panchatheertha Part 1
Book Title: The Panchateertha: Part -1
Author: Rajiv Mittal
Format: Kindle Book
Book Title:
The title of the book ‘ The Panchateertha: Part-1 ‘ resembles the name of the book by the great hermit Vishnu Sharma, the ever classic – ‘ The Panchatantra ‘. The word ‘ Panchateertha ‘ as it means five pilgrim places, the title suggests the book is about a pilgrimage. Whether it’s an outside or inward journey the story has to explain it.
Book Cover:
The cover image of the book is a very poorly designed animated image of a tiger and two jackal\fox looking creatures. The image does not go well with the title.
Plot:
The story starts with the woes and worries of the King Amarasakti, though a winner in military battles but a worried father of three dumb sons. He then makes arrangements to summon Shiva Varma who is later appointed as a teacher to the sons. The princes without the queen’s intervention are taken to the ashram for grooming. Shiva Varma teaches the princes with the panchateertha or the five pilgrimages ( comprising of moral stories where the characters are played by birds and animals ) which can also be called a newer version of old panchatantra.
Ample amount of humor and the new age habits are very interestingly placed between the stories. This makes a reader entertained definitely. Some scenes like the king eating pakoras or some wise lines by Damanaka suddenly etc are definitely attention seeking. Explanation of some feelings that hinder the growth of a person or affects of interpersonal conflicts with other human emotions are explained well.
This book definitely grasps a reader’s attention with old morals in a new format.
What I like:
1. An interesting narration of every aspect of life from the other side of the coin.
2. Portraying human relationships and characteristics in various kinds of creatures
3. A new approach of the old and soft n sugar coated fictional stories with new age addictions and provocative intentions are truly appreciated.
4. The unlimited thought process of the author’s imagination while explaining the many aspects around the characters introduced in each short story.
5. The names of the characters are very novel.
What I didn’t like:
1. I personally feel the book’s cover gives a heads-up before reading the book and here the image is quite disappointing.
2. At places, usage of slang words was surprising and questioning their presence. They could have been avoided maybe.
Characters:
Each and every character in all the stories are very well crafted and scripted. The characters Shiva Varma and Shaitaanaka are my favorites!
Narration:
A fast-paced yet engaging narration is observed in the book. Some stories have really grabbed the attention with laudable narrative skills.
Language & Grammar:
Simple language, regional language words, and good grammar are used.
My Final Verdict:
Important lessons in life explained by Vishnu Sharma Version 2.0 aka the author, Rajiv Mittal
Book Title: 3/5
Book Cover: 1/5
Plot: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Narration: 4/5
Language & Grammar: 4/5
Re: The Panchatheertha Part 1
Though I have read Panchatantra when I was a kid, I hardly could remember the stories now as I had read them more than 30 years ago. Now you might be roughly knowing my age :-) Having said that, though I felt the actual story was more focused and written for the kids but the new version I felt is apt for all ages.
What did I like about this book?
The stories talks in detail about various life events by stressing on morals but in an ironic way. This is a lengthy write-up and if you need to grasp all the contents, you may have to spend at least 4-5 days. The collection of 24 stories(I guess I have got that right) has a hidden gem and revolves around characters portrayed by various animals.
I was also pleasantly surprised with the usage of Tamil words(in English of course)in few words. Though they were bad words, I am not complaining it here since most of us including the kids are aware of them these days. I can very well say that the usage of these words are totally justified.
If you have evergreen memories of the actual Panchatantra stories, you would like these stories doubly as you can very well relate it to the original version and as I have mentioned earlier that I hardly remember the actual stories, I felt like as if I am reading them all, totally new/afresh.
Author has used simple language and the formation of sequences were real good which wouldn't make reader feel bored. Most importantly you also have a take away(moral) with each story which you can share it with the kids in your home because it is high time that they are brought up with morals which is becoming a rarity these days...
Re: The Panchatheertha Part 1
Panchatheertha has been loosely inspired from the classic panchatantra stories we used to read as kids, though this collection has a much more developed, modern form of those stories.
Though the narration reminded me of lores and classic writing style, the dialogues sometime reflected a modern time. Also, the mention of modern gadgets with kings and queens kinda confused me. The timeline of the stories was never clear.
I liked the stories, but it wasn't something I enjoyed thoroughly. The stories were intriguing enough, but I guess they just weren't for me.
Even so, it was a good enough read to make me want to finish it. If you enjoy folk/classic takes like the Panchatantra, you might enjoy this book!