The Book of Krishna

by Pavan K. Varma

Of all Vishnu's avatars, Krishna is regarded as the purna avatar, the complete incarnation, for he encapsulates in himself the entire gamut of emotions and attributes that constitute the ideal human personality. He is the most accessible of gods, and bridges the gap between the mortal and the immortal.

In this book, Pavan Varma, the best-selling author of The Playful Divine, succeeds brilliantly in communicating the exuberance, the charm and the complexity of this popular deity. Drawing upon the Puranas, classical literature, bhakti poetry and folklore, he has painted a rich and varied portrait of the blue god-as the delightfully mischievous child, the uninhibited lover, the formidable warrior, the wise and pragmatic philosopher, and the Supreme God.

Genres: Hinduism, India, Religion, Mythology, Spirituality

176 pages, Hardcover

First published February 5, 2001

About the author

Pavan K. Varma is a former Indian Foreign Service officer and was an adviser to the Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar, with cabinet rank. With effect from June, 2014 he was a Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) until July 2016. He is currently the National General Secretary and National Spokesman of the Janata Dal (United).

Varma is a graduate of St. Stephen’s College, New Delhi where he studied History (Honours) and received the first position. He was President of the St. Stephen’s College Debating Society as well as the star debater and elocutionist of the University of Delhi. He also won the Sir CP Ramaswamy Aiyar Memorial Essay Prize at St. Stephen’s. Subsequently, he acquired a degree in Law from the University of Delhi.

He joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1976. His career as a diplomat has seen him serve in several locations, including New York and Moscow. In New York, he was with India’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations. His assignments in India include that of Press Secretary to the President of India, Spokesman in the Ministry of External Affairs, Joint Secretary for Africa and Director General of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, New Delhi.

Reviews

[Aishwarya · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book starts out in a similar vein to other mythological books however it's beautifully rendered in the final two chapters, which is where i felt it comes into it's own. In particular, Krishna's take on the human condition and his moral support during the Mahabharata has been interpreted in a thoughtful way by the author. Let's face it, that's one of the, if not the most important part of any Krishna narrative. However, because it did drag on a bit at the start, 3 stars from me.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Provides an overview of Krishna by reviewing the stages of his life: Child - Lover - Warrior - Savior God.

[Udit Srivastava · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book is an okayish read which touches upon Krishna's life as a cowherd, Lover, Politician/Strategist, King and God himself.

[Charu Uppal · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you live in this world, you have heard about Krishna. The God with an international appeal. The most loved by Hindus and possibly most misunderstood by the world. Krishna is complete in his abilities and it is reflected in his leela (divine play, when he descended onto this earth)-he also gave the most profound message of Karma Yoga to the world.

Karma yoga, focussing on your action rather than the result of your work-- is possibly the best advice for our outcome driven world that brings unnecessary stress.

The book is divided into different 'times' of Krishna's life, and is rich with references and direct quotes including Jayadeva's Gita Govinda. It is however in the last chapter that the book weaves all aspects of Krishna into the completion that he is. The Purna avtaar.

The book is not an intro and may not be enjoyed by those who know little about Krishna. Some bhakti and devotion adds another level of enjoyment to this book. Definitely for Krishna lovers and devotees.