What do you think?
Rate this book
ADBHUT: Marvellous Creatures of Indian Myth and Folklore
In Marvellous Creatures of Indian Myth and Folklore, Meena Arora Nayak presents a selection of fifty-five magical and monstrous creatures from the myths and folklore of India’s various cultures. Divided into five sections, this book portrays familiar and unfamiliar beings that fly across stormy skies, swim in deep seas, burrow through the earth, tread softly on land, and live between these realms, sometimes even breathing fire.
Adbhut hides within its pages creatures that are mysterious, terrible, and terrifying, yet fascinating and irresistible. These fantastical beings include the Manipuri python guardian god, Pakhangpa; Garuda, the king of birds; the immortal Kurma, the tortoise; Mahisa, the Buffalo King; Leviathan, the gigantic sea monster; Shamir, the Judaic stone-cutting worm; the Zoroastrian cosmic dragon, Azhi Dahaka; Nachash, the crafty serpent in the Garden of Eden; the shining Islamic al-Buraq; and the Harappan chimera whose origins remain a mystery.
Adbhut hides within its pages creatures that are mysterious, terrible, and terrifying, yet fascinating and irresistible. These fantastical beings include the Manipuri python guardian god, Pakhangpa; Garuda, the king of birds; the immortal Kurma, the tortoise; Mahisa, the Buffalo King; Leviathan, the gigantic sea monster; Shamir, the Judaic stone-cutting worm; the Zoroastrian cosmic dragon, Azhi Dahaka; Nachash, the crafty serpent in the Garden of Eden; the shining Islamic al-Buraq; and the Harappan chimera whose origins remain a mystery.
Kindle Edition
Published May 5, 2022
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 6, 2022
I had loved Meena Arora Nayak’s previous, The Blue lotus which was a collection of folklore from India and was very excited to read Adbhut! I have always been enamoured by our Indian folk tales highlighting animals. I have LOVED reading about mythical creatures and their coexistence with humans. Adbhut by Meena Arora Nayak is one such incredible book on mythical creatures.
~
A beautiful anthology of 55 stories, each one will take you on a different ride and introduce you to different mythical creatures. Divided into five sections, Creatures of the sky, Creatures of the Earth, Creatures of Air, water and land worms, insects, reptiles and dragons, Creatures of Amalgam.
Each story is richly researched and beautifully written and it’ll certainly keep you glued to the book. This was a reader’s delight! It introduces us to mystical animals we know of and some lesser known ones from different cultures as well!
~
I really loved learning about tribal cultures of India and the animals they worship. In Indian art forms also, animals play a huge part, for eg Warli and Madhubani art have such lovely motifs of animals. Remember Panchatantra? Moral stories told through animals? How I loved them as a kid! There are so many idioms and phrases associated with animals in India’s languages as well!!
I was reminded of my summer vacations all the while I was reading this book. Kids and adults both will be able to enjoy this one!! Definitely recommended!!
4⭐️
~
A beautiful anthology of 55 stories, each one will take you on a different ride and introduce you to different mythical creatures. Divided into five sections, Creatures of the sky, Creatures of the Earth, Creatures of Air, water and land worms, insects, reptiles and dragons, Creatures of Amalgam.
Each story is richly researched and beautifully written and it’ll certainly keep you glued to the book. This was a reader’s delight! It introduces us to mystical animals we know of and some lesser known ones from different cultures as well!
~
I really loved learning about tribal cultures of India and the animals they worship. In Indian art forms also, animals play a huge part, for eg Warli and Madhubani art have such lovely motifs of animals. Remember Panchatantra? Moral stories told through animals? How I loved them as a kid! There are so many idioms and phrases associated with animals in India’s languages as well!!
I was reminded of my summer vacations all the while I was reading this book. Kids and adults both will be able to enjoy this one!! Definitely recommended!!
4⭐️
June 10, 2022
This gorgeous book talks about mythical and magical Creatures from all of Indian myths and cultures. The book is divided into five parts, Sky, Earth, Air, Water and others. These 55 stories are marvellous and they also introduce the unversed to the huge and myriad culture of India as a whole. I especially liked the diversity in this book, where stories from different states of India have been put together.
This book is also extremely informative and fun to read. It's almost like an encyclopedia of mythical creatures, which I believe is a first.
Also, there are a five illustrations of creatures depicting the 5 types which are really lifelike and make this a more enriching experience!
This book is also extremely informative and fun to read. It's almost like an encyclopedia of mythical creatures, which I believe is a first.
Also, there are a five illustrations of creatures depicting the 5 types which are really lifelike and make this a more enriching experience!
July 26, 2022
Every place has a history and in every history you’ll read about the people, the flora and the fauna of that place. We often hear different versions of a same mythical story and sometimes it gives birth to new characters too.
In this book you’ll get to read about some amazing mythical characters which are all animals. Ranging from creatures living in the air, the land and the water. Every creature has it’s own story which was interesting to read.
I liked reading about the mythical creatures. Some were amusing and some were boring but overall it was a good read.
In this book you’ll get to read about some amazing mythical characters which are all animals. Ranging from creatures living in the air, the land and the water. Every creature has it’s own story which was interesting to read.
I liked reading about the mythical creatures. Some were amusing and some were boring but overall it was a good read.
June 20, 2022
Some books are good but they just aren't for you. Adbhut was one such book for me. Meena has done incredible research for this book and it shows because bringing forth mythological and folklore creatures spanning across thousands of years isn't an easy task. Indian mythology especially has an array of mystical characters that took form of bizzare and interesting animals to fight off evil or to save the world from the asuras. So you can imagine how tough it is to collate them all into a single book. Although it was an incredible feat, this was exactly the thing that didn't work for me.
Meena has divided the book into the creatures of sea, land and air where she speaks about creatures that are very fascinating to learn about. Although I did know about a few of them, a huge chunk of this book was completely new to me. My mind oscillated between awe and confusion as I learnt more about them. Confused, because after a point it got exhausting for me to keep track of them all. Also, there weren't enough illustrations.
Adbhut is no doubt an interesting book but it can end up being too much at times. If you enjoy mythology and are interested in learning about all these fascinating characters, then there's no doubt about you loving this book. Albeit it didn't work for me, I do recommend it to others who are interested in this genre.
Thanks for the copy @alephbookco ✨
Meena has divided the book into the creatures of sea, land and air where she speaks about creatures that are very fascinating to learn about. Although I did know about a few of them, a huge chunk of this book was completely new to me. My mind oscillated between awe and confusion as I learnt more about them. Confused, because after a point it got exhausting for me to keep track of them all. Also, there weren't enough illustrations.
Adbhut is no doubt an interesting book but it can end up being too much at times. If you enjoy mythology and are interested in learning about all these fascinating characters, then there's no doubt about you loving this book. Albeit it didn't work for me, I do recommend it to others who are interested in this genre.
Thanks for the copy @alephbookco ✨
August 11, 2022
Adbhut: Marvellous Creatures of Indian Myth and Folklore by Meena Arora Nayak is one of a kind book! It is published by @alephbookco
It is a collection of stories of mysterious creatures that our mythological books present to us.
She has presented 55 such magical creatures that will blow your mind.
The book is primarily divided into 5 sections.
Creatures of the sky
Creatures of the Sea
Creatures of the Earth
Other creatures of Air, Water and Land
Worms , Insects , Reptiles , Dragons.
Creatures of Amalgam
It has references about fantastic and magestic creatures from ancient texts like Navagunjara, the nine animal chimera of sarala Mahabharata, Behemoth and leviathan , the immense beast from Bible, Sharabha and Gandabherunda from Siva and Vishnu and creatures like Phoenix Jatayu, Makara, Yali , The Dog that guards the Judgement Bridge and even in Amalgamation section - Kinnara.
It's a very interesting book if you are into myths and such. Go for it. You will have an entertaining read.
It is a collection of stories of mysterious creatures that our mythological books present to us.
She has presented 55 such magical creatures that will blow your mind.
The book is primarily divided into 5 sections.
Creatures of the sky
Creatures of the Sea
Creatures of the Earth
Other creatures of Air, Water and Land
Worms , Insects , Reptiles , Dragons.
Creatures of Amalgam
It has references about fantastic and magestic creatures from ancient texts like Navagunjara, the nine animal chimera of sarala Mahabharata, Behemoth and leviathan , the immense beast from Bible, Sharabha and Gandabherunda from Siva and Vishnu and creatures like Phoenix Jatayu, Makara, Yali , The Dog that guards the Judgement Bridge and even in Amalgamation section - Kinnara.
It's a very interesting book if you are into myths and such. Go for it. You will have an entertaining read.
May 29, 2022
India has a thriving mythological and folklore tradition. The stories are widely shared and preserved for posterity. These stories are extolled in "Adbhut." The story begins with Simurgh, a Persian mythical character, and ends with the Harappan Chimera.
The collection of fifty-five stories about various creatures from various traditions of Indian mythology is divided into five categories: Creatures of the Sky, Creatures of the Sea, Creatures of the Earth, Other Creatures of Air, Water, and Land, Worms, Insects, Reptiles, and Dragons, and Creations of Amalgam. Almost all of them are from Indian mythology, but some, like the Phoenix, are from other cultures across the world.
The book is jam-packed with detailed, well-researched physical descriptions of the creatures. We can also estimate the depth of the research by noting that the author provided multiple versions of the same myth from various sources.
The book, however, is not solely about stories. The author examines numerous stories and produces intriguing results. Personally, I like the Navagunjara story, in which she tells us how this amalgam creature could be Sarala Das' imagination, with deeper meaning demonstrating caste facade or bemoaning ecosystem destruction.
The book also bears historical imprints. According to the author, Kautilya's Arthashastra mentions an almost impregnable battle formation known as the Makara vhuya. We see religious animosity between Shaivites and Vaishnavites in the story of Sharabha and Gandaberunda. The stories of Chitta Baaz, Guru Govind Singh's white falcon, and Harappan Chimera, a composite being found on the Harappan seals, have been extensively discussed in it.
Meena Arora Nayak should be commended for her choice of stories. They are one-of-a-kind, and the majority are unknown to the general public. The book should be remembered as an attempt to facilitate the fabrication of the mythical world. I would not like to conclude without praising the book cover and the sketches. The sketches are lovely, justifying the effort of the author.
The collection of fifty-five stories about various creatures from various traditions of Indian mythology is divided into five categories: Creatures of the Sky, Creatures of the Sea, Creatures of the Earth, Other Creatures of Air, Water, and Land, Worms, Insects, Reptiles, and Dragons, and Creations of Amalgam. Almost all of them are from Indian mythology, but some, like the Phoenix, are from other cultures across the world.
The book is jam-packed with detailed, well-researched physical descriptions of the creatures. We can also estimate the depth of the research by noting that the author provided multiple versions of the same myth from various sources.
The book, however, is not solely about stories. The author examines numerous stories and produces intriguing results. Personally, I like the Navagunjara story, in which she tells us how this amalgam creature could be Sarala Das' imagination, with deeper meaning demonstrating caste facade or bemoaning ecosystem destruction.
The book also bears historical imprints. According to the author, Kautilya's Arthashastra mentions an almost impregnable battle formation known as the Makara vhuya. We see religious animosity between Shaivites and Vaishnavites in the story of Sharabha and Gandaberunda. The stories of Chitta Baaz, Guru Govind Singh's white falcon, and Harappan Chimera, a composite being found on the Harappan seals, have been extensively discussed in it.
Meena Arora Nayak should be commended for her choice of stories. They are one-of-a-kind, and the majority are unknown to the general public. The book should be remembered as an attempt to facilitate the fabrication of the mythical world. I would not like to conclude without praising the book cover and the sketches. The sketches are lovely, justifying the effort of the author.
August 9, 2022
Review Headline
Indian Jurassic world of animals and creatures
My Thoughts
Mythology helps us how to express to the human race the thought process of an ancient civilization. Myths are the instruments to transport one back to the delightful state of imagination, after which it touches the real and the unreal. Myths are glimpses of the strange and beautiful world through stories which deal with numerous aspects of natural surroundings, social life and environs, such as creation, natural resources, and the superhuman actions of gods and humans. Whereas Folklore comprises the unrecorded traditions of a people—the collection of traditional customs and stories passed through the generations by word of mouth.
Indian mythology is an interesting combination of both, more prominently. Be it about Lord Ganesha, the golden deer in Ramayana, or the Pushpaka Viman; there are numerous stories where birds, animals, trees, flowers and other creatures are blended into the mythology.
This book by author Meena Arora Nayak explores various creatures from various traditions of Indian mythology. The book is divided into five categories: Creatures of the Sky, Creatures of the Sea, Creatures on the Earth, Creatures of Air, Water, and Land, and then the Worms, Insects, Reptiles, and Dragons, and Creations of Amalgam. Most of these stories are from Indian mythology; some stories are from other cultures. Overall, this book is a good collection of 55 stories, and each story has its flavour and fragrance. Physical descriptions of the creatures mentioned in the stories reflect the author’s in-depth research and analysis.
The book also lists creatures across religions, customs and geographies. Books like this will validate the Indian contribution to world literature where Harry Potter, Twilight and Jurassic Park books and movies are accepted widely.
Pick it if
- you wish to explore the other side of Indian Mythology and stories.
- you like to read about fantasy creatures in folklore stories.
Indian Jurassic world of animals and creatures
My Thoughts
Mythology helps us how to express to the human race the thought process of an ancient civilization. Myths are the instruments to transport one back to the delightful state of imagination, after which it touches the real and the unreal. Myths are glimpses of the strange and beautiful world through stories which deal with numerous aspects of natural surroundings, social life and environs, such as creation, natural resources, and the superhuman actions of gods and humans. Whereas Folklore comprises the unrecorded traditions of a people—the collection of traditional customs and stories passed through the generations by word of mouth.
Indian mythology is an interesting combination of both, more prominently. Be it about Lord Ganesha, the golden deer in Ramayana, or the Pushpaka Viman; there are numerous stories where birds, animals, trees, flowers and other creatures are blended into the mythology.
This book by author Meena Arora Nayak explores various creatures from various traditions of Indian mythology. The book is divided into five categories: Creatures of the Sky, Creatures of the Sea, Creatures on the Earth, Creatures of Air, Water, and Land, and then the Worms, Insects, Reptiles, and Dragons, and Creations of Amalgam. Most of these stories are from Indian mythology; some stories are from other cultures. Overall, this book is a good collection of 55 stories, and each story has its flavour and fragrance. Physical descriptions of the creatures mentioned in the stories reflect the author’s in-depth research and analysis.
The book also lists creatures across religions, customs and geographies. Books like this will validate the Indian contribution to world literature where Harry Potter, Twilight and Jurassic Park books and movies are accepted widely.
Pick it if
- you wish to explore the other side of Indian Mythology and stories.
- you like to read about fantasy creatures in folklore stories.
June 24, 2022
Alongside making us spiritually sound, Indian mythology and folklores present variety of elements. Infact, there are number of fantastic beasts discussed in the Indian culture that are yet unexplored. Author Meena Arora Nayak in her book Adbhut discusses such marvellous creatures.
The book presents fifty-five marvellous creatures and it is divided into five sections. Each section bifurcates the creatures as per their territory. So we have creatures of sky, water, earth, that form the first three sections of the book. These sections are followed by Other creatures of air, water, and land which include variety of worms, insects, reptiles, and dragons, and the last section consists of creations of amalgam.
The author looks at the fantastic beasts given in the Indian mythology quite objectively, analysing them without bias and paralleling them with similar creatures from same or different religions. This book fuses the creatures from Indian myths and folklores and shows us just how important and all embracing the Indian culture is. Alongside you see the deeper meaning and the significance attached to every creature. ©
Read the entire book review - https://ofbookbabiesandmore.wordpress...
The book presents fifty-five marvellous creatures and it is divided into five sections. Each section bifurcates the creatures as per their territory. So we have creatures of sky, water, earth, that form the first three sections of the book. These sections are followed by Other creatures of air, water, and land which include variety of worms, insects, reptiles, and dragons, and the last section consists of creations of amalgam.
The author looks at the fantastic beasts given in the Indian mythology quite objectively, analysing them without bias and paralleling them with similar creatures from same or different religions. This book fuses the creatures from Indian myths and folklores and shows us just how important and all embracing the Indian culture is. Alongside you see the deeper meaning and the significance attached to every creature. ©
Read the entire book review - https://ofbookbabiesandmore.wordpress...
May 10, 2022
“I liked myths. They weren't adult stories and they weren't children's stories. They were better than that. They just were”.
The book at hand mainly concerns the aspect of Indian Mythology as a whole and features 55 creatures whose splendor encompassed everything as it pertained to destructive forces as well. Delving further, the book has been divided into several sections and features 55 Chapters in totality. The first chapter of the book features a creature whose dominion and strength belong to the sky at large. As the chapters progress further, each of them tends to show the strengths and splendor relating to a specific area such as Sky, Water, Land, etc.
The writing style of the book has been kept simple and easy to understand and the author cuts to the chase from the first chapter itself and much stress is laid upon ensuring that the readers are acquainted with the truer precepts of mythology and take a taste of its origins as well and a simplistic approach hints towards a rather inclusive approach of the author. The whole of the same makes this book a must-read for anyone willing to explore the real side of Indian Mythology.
The book at hand mainly concerns the aspect of Indian Mythology as a whole and features 55 creatures whose splendor encompassed everything as it pertained to destructive forces as well. Delving further, the book has been divided into several sections and features 55 Chapters in totality. The first chapter of the book features a creature whose dominion and strength belong to the sky at large. As the chapters progress further, each of them tends to show the strengths and splendor relating to a specific area such as Sky, Water, Land, etc.
The writing style of the book has been kept simple and easy to understand and the author cuts to the chase from the first chapter itself and much stress is laid upon ensuring that the readers are acquainted with the truer precepts of mythology and take a taste of its origins as well and a simplistic approach hints towards a rather inclusive approach of the author. The whole of the same makes this book a must-read for anyone willing to explore the real side of Indian Mythology.
May 28, 2022
A book that can be read in a sole afternoon, where the reader might feel the requirement to not, for once, keep the imagination at leash and the other-worldliness at bay. This book is an epitome of all kinds of wildness, and quite literally. Indian folklore has never been deficit of characters from other species--and Indian mythology is not particularly anthropocentric. So out comes a plethora of unique entities from the mammal kingdom, fish kingdom, bird kingdom and eagle-winged, lion-headed exotic kingdoms to name a few. 'Adbhut' means bizarre, so can a title be more appropriate?
This edition is catalogue like, the classification and arrangement of the creatures seem to be the key, but of course the curation must be lauded too. There is inclusion of creatures across religions, customs and geographies that sustain them--so lack of representation is out of the question. I, however, wished that the lore behind the creatures was elaborated a little more. Maybe some grander descriptions, few touches of artistic liberty and fantasization would have done a lot for the book.
But all's well that has animals within it, so why not!
Copy Courtesy: Aleph Book Company.
This edition is catalogue like, the classification and arrangement of the creatures seem to be the key, but of course the curation must be lauded too. There is inclusion of creatures across religions, customs and geographies that sustain them--so lack of representation is out of the question. I, however, wished that the lore behind the creatures was elaborated a little more. Maybe some grander descriptions, few touches of artistic liberty and fantasization would have done a lot for the book.
But all's well that has animals within it, so why not!
Copy Courtesy: Aleph Book Company.
July 13, 2024
Meena Arora Nayak’s Adbhut, stays true to its title; by being a fantastic collection of fifty five marvellous creatures from various folks and myths of India’s various cultures. (Not necessarily originated in India but part of the Indian cultural ecosystem with evolving times).
The collection is divided into five sections that portray different creatures of the sky, sea, earth, various creatures of air, water, land, reptiles, worms, insects and dragons along with creatures of amalgam.
Reading myths have always been a comforting and enriching experience for me, I’ve always loved the relationship between symbolic and spiritual while encountering mythical creatures in tales of learning. The sheer semblance is as imperative as the context and narrative of a mythical tale. These stories highlight a fascinating history, belief system, ideals and culture that flourished into a way of life by signifying morality and living through the passage of time.
I highly recommend this book for its uniqueness and sheer simplicity which can fascinate a reminiscing reader or intrigue a novice into the world of marvellous folklore.
The collection is divided into five sections that portray different creatures of the sky, sea, earth, various creatures of air, water, land, reptiles, worms, insects and dragons along with creatures of amalgam.
Reading myths have always been a comforting and enriching experience for me, I’ve always loved the relationship between symbolic and spiritual while encountering mythical creatures in tales of learning. The sheer semblance is as imperative as the context and narrative of a mythical tale. These stories highlight a fascinating history, belief system, ideals and culture that flourished into a way of life by signifying morality and living through the passage of time.
I highly recommend this book for its uniqueness and sheer simplicity which can fascinate a reminiscing reader or intrigue a novice into the world of marvellous folklore.
June 10, 2022
Adbhut by Meena Arora Nayak
@alephbookco
I have always been fascinated by marvellous creatures like Jatayu in Ramayana, Garuda bird, Matsya or Kurma avatars and other avatars of Lord Visnu as animals in various stories. There are so many enchanting creatures who always shows the relationship between human and animals.
In this beautifully book, Meena tried to cover these 55 unbelievable creatures of Indian mythology.
These stories will leave you awestruck and take you into the world of Hindu gods, demons, and demonesses who took magical avatars as birds, animals with superpowers.
A wonderful book for all ages.
@alephbookco
I have always been fascinated by marvellous creatures like Jatayu in Ramayana, Garuda bird, Matsya or Kurma avatars and other avatars of Lord Visnu as animals in various stories. There are so many enchanting creatures who always shows the relationship between human and animals.
In this beautifully book, Meena tried to cover these 55 unbelievable creatures of Indian mythology.
These stories will leave you awestruck and take you into the world of Hindu gods, demons, and demonesses who took magical avatars as birds, animals with superpowers.
A wonderful book for all ages.
Read
June 10, 2022🍷 A mind blowing and wonderful collection of stories about the creatures mentioned and known in Indian Myth, this is truly one of those books that will keep you entertained and will make you want for more and more as you continue reading it.
.
.
The book is divided into different categories of creatures based on their habitat and forms! It's such a great and informative read that really shocked me by the number of creatures I got to know through it.
.
.
The language is intriguing and easy to understand. Overall, I feel it's something new and unique that shouldn't be missed.
.
Rating: 4.5⭐️
.
.
The book is divided into different categories of creatures based on their habitat and forms! It's such a great and informative read that really shocked me by the number of creatures I got to know through it.
.
.
The language is intriguing and easy to understand. Overall, I feel it's something new and unique that shouldn't be missed.
.
Rating: 4.5⭐️
June 5, 2022
Indian folklore and mythology comprise a lot of marvelous creatures, who, by their wit and selfless nature, have helped the world (then) run smoothly. Whether it is Jatayu from the Ramayana or Hiraman, the talking parrot from the 12th century, each creature has a story of its own and plays an imperative role.
Read the complete review here: https://www.aliveshadow.com/category-...
Read the complete review here: https://www.aliveshadow.com/category-...
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews