Swikirti, a young Brahmin girl, considers Ashwatthama from the Dwapara Yuga as her Baba. When she discovers a mysterious realm where life and death converge, she learns that her 'Baba' resides there. Determined to reunite with her Ashwatthama Baba, Swikirti embarks on a perilous journey. Encountering Aghoris, tantrics, and malevolent spirits who seek to thwart her quest, Swikirti faces each obstacle with unwavering resolve. Along the way, she uncovers secrets about her Baba's past. After overcoming many challenges, Swikirti finally reunites with her Ashwatthama Baba and finds a way to liberate him.
Based on true events, this story reflects the author's personal experiences. Every incident recounted here has been lived by the author, including her poignant encounter with her Ashwatthama Baba.
Book Name : Life of Liberation A Boon of a Vish Purush- Ashwatthama
Rating - 5/5
Review -
A soul fulfilling and spiritually enriching book, Life of Liberation narrates about the author's quest for learning and connecting deeply with Ashwatthama, the son of Dronacharya who was cursed by Lord Krishna for unleashing the Brahmashira weapon on the womb of Uttara to kill her unborn son Parikshit in the hope of ending the Pandava lineage. As the story goes, Ashwatthama is deep in meditation in this Kaliyuga in the Asthamba village so that he finally gets liberation in the hands of Kalki avatar of Lord Vishnu.
The author narrates beautifully some lesser known ancient tales and secrets of Ashwatthama that she has learnt on her spiritual journey along the banks of holy river Narmada. As a Parikrama wasi undertaking the rigorous Narmada Parikrama at a very young age, the author, no doubt, finds it very challenging but undergoes such miraculous encounters which aren't found by many.
The author who describes in detail why she choose to take the Narmada Parikrama also precisely and greatly describes each phase of the journey. While the difficult challenges are worth knowing, the author's miraculous encounters during the sacred journey of quite a long period has amazed me and let me feel the presence of divinity.
Ashwatthama Baba's greatness and goodness can be felt deeply while reading this book. The end pages where she describes how the spiritual journey has moulded her is sure to blow you away.
Besides the spiritual enrichment, the readers can find delight by reading about the beauty of the places along the Narmada river, the warm hospitality of the locales residing there, the wonderful ashrams or rest houses, the scenic hiking trails, the grandeur and architecture of the temples and palaces along the banks of Narmada river.
Written in a wonderful manner, I can find myself literally journeying along with the author while reading the book
Sometimes while searching for the better things in life we lose the good things too. Always trying t get the best and better things is not possible sometimes its better to stay happy with the good things happening everyday. Living hopefully and trying the best to stay calm and happy should be the ultimate motive of anyone’s life at any point. We do try to achieve things that are mostly out of our reach but we try our hardest as we have been taught are whole life to try harder for everything. This story is about the spiritual journey of Swikriti who was going to get married but at the last moment her fiancé’s father refused for their marriage which broke her to the core into tiny pieces. She went into depression and left everything in the hands of god. She used to be a very faithful person but due to her marriage she was a bit distracted but now that it was done and over she decides to again go in her search for her Baba to seek advice for her upcoming life. She tries to go back to the person who helped her before but he refuses because before he tried reaching her with different proposals but she ignored him due to her love. But after much pleadings he agrees and tells her how to again reach her Baba. She with her friend Dev decides to go through the journey again. This book teaches us that no matter the situation we are in there always will be a way to reach the destination. It also makes us believe in the power of spirituality again which helps us to be a better person in our life. It attracts the reader and binds us to the story as much as possible which makes us sit down and read the book for hours and completing it fills us with so much positive energy that no one is able to compete with that.
“A journey of faith, forged in love, destined for liberation.”
Some books don’t just tell a story—they pull you into the very soul of someone’s lived experience. This is one such book. Blending mythology, spirituality, and raw personal truth, this story follows Swikirti, a young girl, on a perilous journey that feels both intimate and epic.
Swikirti’s devotion to Ashwatthama—whom she lovingly calls her “Baba”—forms the emotional core of this narrative. What starts as an act of love quickly becomes a quest of unimaginable depth. As she steps into a realm where the veil between life and death blurs, we witness a daughter’s courage tested against powerful forces—Aghoris, tantrics, dark spirits—each determined to shake her faith and resolve.
Yet Swikirti’s strength is not the loud kind. It’s quiet, determined, and rooted in love. As she uncovers truths about her Baba’s painful past and the burdens he carries from the Dwapara Yuga, her journey becomes not just about reunion, but about redemption—for him and perhaps for herself too.
Knowing that the author has actually lived through these moments adds another layer of depth. Every chapter, every experience feels imbued with an authenticity that fiction alone can’t capture. There’s a tenderness here, a reverence for the mystical, and a deep trust in the unseen.
If you're someone who believe in the unseen threads that tie souls across lifetimes—or if you simply want a story that moves beyond the ordinary and touches the spirituality—you might find something special in this book. It’s not just a story about liberation; it’s a story about love that transcends time, form, and logic.
'Life of Liberation: A boon of a Vish Purush - Ashwatthama' is a deeply spiritual read narrating the author's journey in the search of spiritual enlightenment. Based on true events, the book narrates the author's personal experiences of finding answers to her life.
Based on true events, this story revolves around Swikirti, a young girl who has been left heartbroken after a broken marriage. Soon after discovering a hidden realm, she is determined to meet Ashwatthama Baba, her source of guidance. After visiting different places to find clues and undertaking a difficult 'Narmada Yatra', will Swikriti able to find Ashwatthama Baba?
The book is based on the author's personal experiences, as she undertakes a difficult pilgrimage to discover her Ashwatthama Baba. Her journey includes several fascinating events and meeting intresting people along with the way. From devotees to Aghoris and through the different locations on the Narmada Yatra, the book narrates some experiences. The ending is delightful leaving you satisfied, as if you have completed the tough journey yourself.
The story is one from despair to enlightenment. It was incredible how the author driven by a single goal kept pushing and overcame several adversities. Ultimately, this is a story of human spirit over adversity to discover true enlightenment. The engrossing travel narration accompanied by the breathtaking pictures of the different places add to the experience of spirituality.
Overall, 'Life of Liberation: A boon of a Vish Purush - Ashwatthama' is a soulful read, blending spirituality and travel. A great read of everyone.
A deeply spiritual read, "Life of Liberation: A boon of a Vish Purush - Ashwatthama" recounts the author's quest for spiritual enlightenment. The book is based on actual events and tells the story of the author's journey to finding meaning in her life.
This story is about Swikirti, a young girl who has been heartbroken by a failed marriage. It is based on real-life events. She is determined to meet Ashwatthama Baba, her guide, as soon as she discovers a hidden realm. Will Swikriti be able to locate Ashwatthama Baba after undertaking a difficult "Narmada Yatra" and visiting various locations in search of clues?
The heart of this story is Swikirti's love for Ashwatthama, whom she affectionately refers to as her "Baba". What began as a love gesture quickly evolved into an unfathomable quest. We witness a daughter's bravery tested against powerful forces—Aghoris, tantrics, and dark spirits—each determined to shake her faith and resolve as she enters a realm where the line between life and death blurs.
However, Swikirti's strength is not loud. It is quiet, resolute, and based on love. Her journey becomes not only about reunion but also about redemption—for him and perhaps for herself—as she uncovers truths about her Baba's traumatic past and the burdens he carries from the Dwapara Yuga.
Overall, it's not just mythology; it's also heartbreak, redemption, and incredibly, incredibly human. I will recommend this book to all book lovers.
Reading Life of Liberation was like sitting still along the Narmada and hearing the soul speak.
Mini Bharadwaj's odyssey is not a travel book—it's a soulful unfolding. A person who, like myself, so often seeks roots in a world that never does, this book provided me with pause and purpose. Her Narmada Parikrama, completed after private heartbreak, spoke very directly to my own experiences of healing and rediscovery.
What impressed me most was the honesty of her writing. Her experiences—particularly the spiritual bond with Ashwatthama Baba—were not legends but lived facts. The spiritual undertones did not preach; they just existed, like the river—flowing, purifying, unshakeable.
Yes, parts did feel heavy, particularly when delving deep into rituals and philosophies. But even in that, there was authenticity. It reminded me that the spiritual journey is seldom easy—but always worthwhile to tread.
Swikriti's journey made me remember that broken starts often end in divine detours. It's not a matter of getting to a destination speedily—it's about getting lost and discovering yourself on the journey. This book gave me quiet courage, reminding me to have faith in what I cannot always see.
If your heart is weary, Life of Liberation can be the whisper it needs.
I have read somewhere that "Every work of fiction tells a story that is partly autobiographical, partly his, and partly hers." Though the book "Life of Liberation : A Boon of a Vish Purush - Ashwatthama" by Mini Bhardwaj is claimed to be a mythological fiction, it is actually based on a true story.
Swikriti, one of the protagonists of the book, embarks on a journey to meet Ashwatthama, the Mahabharata character whom she always considers as her "Baba" and eager to meet him. She meets several tantrics, aghoris and dark spirits in the perilous journey towards the world where the curtain dangles between life and demise. Her love and dedication towards her "Baba" remains intact amidst all the storm and after knowing Ashwatthama's struggle from Dwapara Yuga, she becomes determined that she will work for his redemption along with herself. What has the destiny for them in its bucket?
The book is not only a saga of purity, wait and patience but also an ode of love and calmness. I have felt that Ma Narmada and Swikriti are the two sides of the same coin. Readers, who like to read the genre, can dive into the book.
This book by Mini Bharadwaj has truly awed me. I was immediately drawn in by its emotional depth and the hauntingly beautiful bond between Swikirti and her Ashwatthama Baba. The idea of a young girl forming such a deep connection with a mythological figure, and then risking everything to find him in a realm that blurs the lines between life and death—it’s both mystical and deeply personal. The atmosphere of the book was intense and immersive, filled with spiritual tension, ancient beliefs, and a fierce devotion that felt almost tangible.
What moved me even more was knowing that every experience narrated in the story is rooted in the author’s real life. That element of truth adds a weight to the narrative that fiction rarely achieves. From the encounters with aghoris and tantrics to the emotional reunion with her Baba, the journey felt sacred and raw. It’s not just a story—it’s a lived spiritual odyssey. I finished the book feeling moved, stirred, and filled with respect for the strength it must have taken to not only live these moments but also to share them with such vulnerability and power.
Life of Liberation is a deeply introspective and spiritually charged narrative chronicling Mini Bharadwaj’s extraordinary journey to find Ashwatthama Baba—a mythical and mysterious figure said to have been cursed with immortality in the Indian epic, the Mahabharata. This is not merely a quest for a legend, but a profound inner voyage, blending myth, faith, and personal transformation.
Bharadwaj’s writing is vivid and sincere, drawing readers into her unwavering determination and encounters along the way. She skillfully weaves historical context with modern spiritual practice, making the tale both informative and emotionally engaging. Through interviews, experiences with sadhus, and encounters with mystics, the author offers readers a rare glimpse into India’s rich spiritual traditions and the elusive presence of Ashwatthama in contemporary belief.
The book succeeds not only as a travelogue or spiritual memoir but also as a reflection on faith, persistence, and the human longing for truth beyond the visible world. Whether or not one believes in the literal existence of Ashwatthama, Bharadwaj’s journey is captivating, honest, and thought-provoking.
Life of Liberation is one of those books that just touchs a deep part of your soul. It takes you on a deeply personal and spiritual journey, as the author recounts her Narmada Parikrama, a sacred and grueling pilgrimage undertaken at a remarkably young age.
What moved me the most was how real and grounded her writing felt!! I could really sense her faith, her vulnerability, and her unshakable curiosity, especially in the way she connects with Ashwatthama Baba, believed to still be meditating in the present age, awaiting his liberation through Lord Kalki. The book blends devotion, myth, and mystery beautifully. I loved how she weaves in the lesser known tales of Ashwatthama more like truth then just myths that she encountered along her path.
If I am to offer one critique, it would be that certain parts felt a little drawn out for readers unfamiliar with spiritual practices, a little more complicated than I would like but that’s also what makes the book sincere and immersive.
More than anything, it’s the author’s transformation that stays with you from this book. The spiritual reflections in the final chapters are both humbling and powerful.
This book took me by surprise. I expected a mythological tale, but instead, I found a deeply personal story about pain, purpose, and the heavy weight of past actions. Swikirti's journey to reunite with Ashwatthama, whom she calls Baba, is filled with challenges and unveils his long-held suffering.
The author's own experiences shine through, making Swikirti's quest feel incredibly real and moving. The book beautifully portrays loneliness and how one moment can define a person in the eyes of others. It doesn't demand forgiveness, but it gently asks for understanding.
Beyond the mythological elements, this is a human story about the longing for peace and the search for meaning. Swikirti's quiet strength and unwavering love for her Baba drive a narrative that feels both intimate and grand. If you appreciate stories that blend spirituality with raw emotion and explore the unseen connections between souls, this book might deeply resonate with you. It's a touching exploration of love, redemption, and the enduring power of connection across lifetimes.
When I picked up this story, I was expecting gods and legends, maybe a few epic battles. What I didn’t expect was how quietly it would peel back the layers of grief, memory, and the ache of being defined by your worst mistake. It reads like a meditation on the echo of choices—how they ripple across time, shaping not just the present, but the soul.
What really stayed with me was the portrayal of isolation—not as emptiness, but as a presence. Almost like a shadow that becomes a part of you. It made me pause and think about how easily we reduce people to a single act, a single moment. This book doesn’t excuse, and it doesn’t ask you to. It just invites you to look deeper.
Somewhere along the way, I saw myself in these pages—in the quiet yearning for something more, in the weight of regret, in the hope for release. It’s not just a retelling of myth. It’s sorrow. It’s searching. It’s profoundly, painfully human.
This book takes you on a powerful journey of faith, curiosity, and deep spiritual calling. The author’s personal experiences make it all feel very real—from her strong determination to the emotional moments she faces along the way. Her journey isn’t just physical but deeply personal, filled with encounters that challenge and inspire her. The writing is simple yet heartfelt, which makes the story easy to connect with. The real-life pictures of the places she visits add so much depth and make the experience more authentic. There’s a certain chill you feel while reading, especially toward the end. It’s not a typical story—it’s a mix of devotion, courage, and mystery. Anyone interested in spirituality or untold truths will find this truly eye-opening. It stays with you even after you finish it. Definitely one of those books that leaves a mark.
If you are the one who belives in religious belief, then with no doubt just go for the book. The story begins with the character named swristika and her dream for her destiny with the saint ashwatthama. It continues with the parikrama in the narmada river which portrays about the river very beautifully and the characters that passed by will have the special place in your heart.
Will her finding meets her destiny and is she find the answers for her unanswered questions?
Such a fabulous book for a person like me who always belive in the saints and their presence and the miracles that happens through them.
Grab this and have a magnetic power towards ashwattama and ma narmada river.
This book is a disaster — the writing is atrocious. Every sentence feels like it was dragged through a thesaurus and still came out confused. Clunky, awkward, and borderline unreadable, the prose made me want to scream. Grammar? Inconsistent. Flow? Nonexistent. I kept reading hoping it would improve — it never did. I can't believe this made it to print. Deeply frustrating and honestly kind of insulting to readers.
And the story? A chaotic, confusing jumble of nonsense dressed up as something profound. I genuinely feel dumber for having finished it.
This book is a laughable attempt at spirituality, wrapped in a web of delusional fantasies. The author's obsession with Ashwatthama is borderline disturbing
Swikirti is getting ready for her big day, an engagement with her loved one, Arya. But Arya's father had a sudden heart attack, so they cancelled the wedding. She completely did not expect this and was shocked. She took 6 months to recover from this, and meanwhile, she had weird dreams about searching for her baba Ashwathama.
How she did it is in the upcoming chapters. This story is portrayed as Swakirti finding meaning behind her existence. The book was good as the author incorporated her own experience into this story. But somehow it felt slow and would have been better if it were a little engaging.
When I started reading, I expected mythology. What I didn’t expect was a quiet unraveling of pain, purpose, and the weight of being remembered for the worst moment of your life. It felt like an exploration of what it means to live with consequences that stretch far beyond one lifetime.
What struck me was how loneliness was portrayed—not as dramatic isolation, but as a slow erosion of self. It made me think—how often we judge people based on one moment in their life. One wrong decision. This story doesn't ask you to forgive or forget, it simply asks you to understand.
And somewhere, I found a part of myself in his journey—the longing for peace, the search for meaning when everything feels heavy. It’s not just mythology—it’s heartbreak, it’s redemption, it’s deeply, deeply human.