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Dashavatar #1

MATSYA: The First Avatar

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Lord Brahma is highly disturbed when the four vedas are stolen from him the moment he goes to sleep at the end of the kalpa. It’s Asura Hayagriva who’s gotten away with the sacred scriptures.

Lord Vishnu offers to go to the creator’s rescue and takes the guise of Matsya, the fish.

King Satyavrath lands up with a tiny gold fish when he’s offering prayers to the Sun God one morning. Is the fish all that it appears to be?

How can Satyavrath help the fish?

Read more to find out the reason for Lord Vishnu taking the avatar on earth as Matsya.

*This is a straightforward story of the first avatar of Mahavishnu, retold in simple English just the way it’s written over the ages. The target audience is the youngsters, children, who don’t know all that much about Indian mythology. It’s also for those parents who are keen to read aloud stories to their children and are looking for suitable books on mythology.

38 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 11, 2018

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About the author

Sundari Venkatraman

101 books232 followers
Sundari Venkatraman is an Indie Author who has 76 self-published books to her credit. These books have consistently featured in the Top 100 Bestseller Lists on Amazon India, Amazon USA, Amazon UK, Amazon Canada and Amazon Australia in both romance as well as Asian Drama categories. Her latest hot romances have all been on #1 Bestseller slot in Amazon India for over a month.
These days, the author is independently publishing her novels in paperback format under her banner Flaming Sun, printed and distributed by Notion Press.
Even as a child, Sundari absolutely loved the ‘lived happily ever after’ syndrome and she grew up on a steady diet of fairy tales, Phantom comics and Mandrake comics. It was always about good triumphing over evil and a happy ending after the protagonists surmounted all unexpected obstacles.
Once she entered her teens, Sundari switched her loyalties from fairy tales to Mills & Boon. While she loved reading both of these, she kept visualising what would have happened if there were similar situations happening in India; to local heroes and heroines. And of course, the joy of vanquishing the ubiquitous evil villains! Her imagination soared and she happily ensconced herself in a rosy romantic cocoon for many years.
Then came the writing—a true bolt from the blue! And Sundari Venkatraman has never looked back.
Use hashtag #60at60
You can connect with the author here: https://linktr.ee/sundarivenkatraman

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5 stars
81 (60%)
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35 (26%)
3 stars
11 (8%)
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5 (3%)
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Ashish Iyer.
888 reviews640 followers
November 23, 2018
It was fun reading this book. My father used to tell me this story when i was a kid.
Ahh.. those memories. Those were the days.
The story is short and written in very simple language. The book is for kids. Even adults can read it. Waiting for the remaining nine books in the series.
Profile Image for Preethi Venugopala.
Author 35 books156 followers
April 18, 2018
I read this one together with my son.
Both of us enjoyed it to the fullest.
It is crisp and becomes memorable because of the clever narration.
Looking forward to the rest of the stories in the Dashavatar series.
Profile Image for Rubina.
Author 18 books87 followers
September 7, 2018
This series of short reads are not just stories, and they are what we need to pass on to our next generation. I even went to the extent of asking my son on what he learned from this book. He said, 'stealing is wrong,'. Frankly while reading this small book, I was thinking more intellectually. I would have loved to get a complicated answer like - when the good and evil fight, good always wins. Or how god will always descend when there is a lot of evil people in this society. But when a child killed an inner demon with the words, stealing is bad, I think as a mom, I am okay with that.

Whether it was Vishnu's character to Brahma's character, those who study mythology will understand how true to the characterizations Ms. Venkatraman has been.

Read the full review on my blog rubinaramesh[dot]com
Profile Image for Kavita.
344 reviews21 followers
April 5, 2018
Mythology has been my favourite read from childhood and when I saw that an author whom I adore and respect has penned a mythology, I had to read it.
The author has really kept the story very tight and crisp. This is one story that can beenjoyed by both children and adults.
In this day when mythological fiction has become common it was refreshing to read a mythological story that has not been fictionalised and one backed by good research.
I would recommend this for all those who enjoy mythology. If you feel you need a book that's simple short and informative on the first of the dashavtars then this one is for you. Waiting to read about all the other avatars too.
Profile Image for Inderpreet Uppal.
Author 3 books77 followers
May 12, 2018
Gods and wise men

A simple story of the various God's and their different appearances. The Hindu mythology is multi facted and Sundari is doing a great service by writing these short stories about the God's and their life.
Kids and adults alike can learn and understand about the different Avatars of God.
I plan to read all the books in this series.
Easy to read, fluid language and interesting incidents make this a charged up book.

Learn and teach to your kids with ease about mythology and gods with this book series.
Profile Image for Angela Peixoto.
918 reviews22 followers
May 9, 2018
Although the book is aimed at children for me was a great way to learn about the Indian mythology. It was almost like a text book in itself and I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to reading the next books in the series.
Profile Image for T.F..
Author 7 books59 followers
May 5, 2018
While I have always known the ten avatars of Vishnu, I have not been so well acquainted with Matsya and Kurma. The stories of Rama, Krishna, Balarama (or Budha if you are so inclined to believe), Varaha, Parashurama, Narasimha and Vamana are much better known. So I found it interesting to read the story of the Matsya Avatar by Sundari. The story flows smoothly and written in simple language appropriate for the young audience it is written for. Overall a gripping read that can be finished in a single sitting. I was glad to learn about how the Matsya avatar came about and look forward to her next book on the Kurma Avatar.
Profile Image for Shantala.
345 reviews78 followers
June 21, 2018
The blurb promises that this is a straightforward story of the first avatar of Lord Vishnu, retold in simple English, just the way it’s been written and shared over the ages, and the book delivers exactly that.

However, don't dismiss it because of its simplicity, especially because I know that a lot of us are used to creative, imaginative takes on Indian mythology and historical fiction. The power of this book/story lies in its simple, straightforward and crisp narration.

Now of-course I knew the story of Matsya even before I read this. Because let's face it, if you grow up in India, you pick up most of Indian historical and mythological stories from sheer osmosis, if nothing else. However over the years, I had kinda forgotten the details, so it was a great way to refresh my memory.

But to be honest what was even better was to be able to read out this story to my 6 year old, who was new to it. And I feel like in there lies the true power of such simple, straightforward narrations. They help preserve the authentic stories from our rich cultural heritage and enable us to pass it on to the next generation.

Which is why I'd highly recommend these books to parents and kids alike, whether you want to refresh your memory or give your next generation the gift of these stories - this book is a MUST READ.

I now look forward to reading all the other 9 avatars along with my son, who eagerly awaits it too.

- Shantala @ Shanaya Tales

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange of an honest review. The opinions, as always, are only mine.
Profile Image for Nikita Jhanglani.
136 reviews23 followers
April 15, 2018
Sundari writes in a way that feels like she is reading out the story to you.

The short story that is Matsya is also written in her impeccable writing style. The simplicity of the narration adds to make it an enjoyable read.

Because it is a short read, this is a perfect story to fill in time during commute or while you wait for people at meetings. If you have children who love bedtime stories, I'll also recommend that you have this book on your Kindle (the device or the app). 

From writing steamy romances to mythology now, I am in awe of Sundari's writing prowess. Read this book for just that, if nothing else. 
Profile Image for Shalini (readingwithmuffy).
151 reviews83 followers
April 17, 2018
I have always been a fan of Sundari's impeccable writing. This book is no different. Matsya is a short story written in a simple yet addictive writing style. It is about the first avatar of Lord Vishnu and I was glad to find additional information. A great amount of research has gone into writing this rich, crisp tale. The book is meant for children, I guess. But I assure you it is suited for all age groups. I will definitely be getting the book for my niece who is in the U.S. Can't wait for the rest of the books in the series.
Profile Image for Ruchi Singh.
Author 49 books125 followers
April 6, 2018
Growing up with Amar Chitra Katha, Indian mythology will always be my favourite genre. It has such rich, vibrant tales and author has done full justice to the story of the first Vishnu avatar, Matsya.

Language is simple and suited for all age groups. The narration is fluent and smooth. I look forward to all the avatars in the series. Also I would recommend the book to everyone, and especially the kids.
Profile Image for A..
Author 1 book29 followers
March 19, 2018
Romance Queen Sundari Venkatraman pens a mythology...

And it's absolutely awesome just like her romantic novels...

The details, her writing style is really so simple and addictive that a reader is left wanting for more.

Matsya is a short read and I really can't wait for the other nine parts of the book to release.

Loved reading it and its a must read not only by adults but its also a good read for young generation for whom mythology is like an alien language.
Profile Image for Preeti.
Author 1 book6 followers
June 19, 2018
GENERAL OVERVIEW
A culture without mythology is not a civilization. – VS Ramachandran

Such true words. This is no hidden truth that since time immemorial, mythology has been deeply entwined with the cultures of various regions of the world. I believe that these mythological tales provide such beautiful panorama of the culture of that region. These mythical stories are as old as the early civilizations.

With the passage of time, these tales traveled all around the world. They were passed down, orally or in writing. Their forms changed but their core remained intact keeping the faith of the people within.

These tales have acted as the connection between an adult and the child; strengthening the roots of our beliefs towards the almighty and being the cradle of life’s most important lessons. However, at present times, these tales are being forgotten by the younger generations.
Through these retellings of Indian Mythology, the author aims to revive the interest of the young readers towards these tales.

PLOT
The book is about the first of the Dashavatars of Vishnu. As per the Indian Mythology, the Trinity controls the cycle of life in this whole universe. Brahma- the Creator, Vishnu- the Preserver and Shiva- the Destroyer. The book tells the story about the event when Lord Vishnu incarnated on earth in the form of fish, to save the Vedas and humankind.

MY TAKE ON MATSYA
This is a very famous Indian mythological tale. I had heard and read about this story during my childhood. Reading this book made me feel nostalgic. As told earlier, the author has focused on the younger age group readers. She has retold the story in simplest of ways with easy vocabulary. Although the target readers are kids, it is definitely enjoyable by every age.

The language is crisp and precise. If seen with the point of view of a child, the adequate length of sentences, with minimum usage of commas and semicolons, ease their understanding of the story. The pace of the story is smooth and steady. There is a consistent turn of events within the story at regular intervals which helps in gripping the reader’s attention.

The story is well balanced. As the author provides information about - how the days for humans and gods are different; how the ‘kalpa’ ends and begins again; the time period of various ‘yugas’ and their traits, she makes sure to not go overboard and make it confusing.

CONCLUSION
The short read about the first incarnation of Lord Vishnu is bound to make a connection with the readers of every age. A mythological tale retelling which is refreshing and leaves you spellbound.
Profile Image for Nilima.
126 reviews9 followers
June 26, 2018
New book series by Author @Sundari Venkatraman has captured reader's attention. This time its not a Romance genre instead its a Mythology based retelling of the Dashavatar in Sundari's words. My 5yr old kid is loving the entire series. Matsya is the Book 1 of the series. Sundari is already writing the 5th Book, so lets hurry up.

When Sundari published Book 1 I was hesitant to read it myself forget reading aloud to my kid. But once I started reading it, we both were immersed in the story. It is a 38 pages book and however small time slots I tried to give for reading the book, we always exceeded it.

The cover is so rich and gets the reader to visualise the story more easily.

The language is simple. Emotions are Sundari's forte and here too she makes the reader quiver, laugh, get anxious, feel the dread so much that my kid cowered when it came to destroying the Asura.

The retelling is smooth and easy. Perfect for kids and adults keen to know more about the story.

I loved how small small stories are interwoven without stepping away from the main story and that too in the shortest possible way.

Hats off to the research Sundari must have put in this to make it so simple to read and understand for us. It brought about a hosts of questions from my kid and I tried my best to answer them.
Thank you for making me & my kids a team in reading this series.

Full review: Book Review: Matsya: The First Avatar by Sundari Venkatraman
237 reviews17 followers
June 16, 2018
Retold in simple, crisp language, this one on the first avatar of Mahavishnu, has all the elements required to make a read enjoyable, engaging and informative. Apart from putting across the reason for the birth of the Matsyavtar, the book also delves into the intricacies associated with the various yugas, the cycle of birth; apocalypse and extinction of life on earth every thousands of years and the emergence of a new dawn. It offers hope of destruction of evil forces and sends out a strong message that eventually good prevails.

The pace is perfect and the style does justice to the story. I loved the way the author has portrayed the growth of a small fish into one of monstrous proportion, and the final revelation of its true form towards the end. It’s sure to awe and garner interest among the little ones. And before I give my verdict I must add that the opening scene of Brahma being dead tired and yearning for a ‘short’ nap as well as Asura Hayagriva waiting to pounce on that unknown something that could possibly fall off from Devaloka ( Read ‘Brahma’) made me truly curious. I could not but help live Hayagriva’s anxiety. The Author does have a way of riveting you to your seat till you finish her book.

This one though a short read of just 38 pages, speaks volumes of the research that has gone into its creation.


VERDICT

A riveting one narrating a mythological story in a language and style that’s sure to hook readers both young and old alike, I’m giving this one a 👌 5.
Profile Image for Sunita Saldhana.
Author 8 books10 followers
June 19, 2018
After I read Matsya myself, I read it out to the kids in my Creative Writing class. They were as fascinated as I was. They knew about Narasimha, Ram and Krishna but not much about the other avatars of Vishnu.

Matsya gave them not only a new story but also led to a discussion on evolution and how all religions have similarities. The Noah of Christianity, Judaism and Islam had his counterpart in Manu; both being entrusted with the same job of saving all living species from the flood that destroyed mankind.

The story is short and well written; using language that today’s kids are familiar with. A must read for parents and children. 

I am definitely looking forward to reading the rest of the series with my students.

 
Profile Image for Arti.
663 reviews107 followers
July 16, 2018
The author can write mythology with the same prowess as she can write romance. I loved the way she has narrated the whole story and I could actually visualize the scenes. The language is simple and can be easily understood. I am sure children would love this one.
Waiting for the other nine books in the series.
Profile Image for Reshma Ranjan.
Author 13 books37 followers
July 29, 2018
Nostalgic!
When it comes from Sundari Venkatraman, the books have a unique charm. After having read all her romances this book has been tickling the reader in me for quite a long time. And finally, when I read it I am wondering why I didn't read it before.
This book was a trip to the mythological stories my grandmother had told me when a kid. A beautiful nostalgic read. I got a more detailed version which I had not heard before. And it didn’t take long for me to make my kids read the story and they loved it equally if not more.
Sundari Venkatraman has an amazing bibliography. Going to grab the next in Dashavatara. 
3 reviews
August 21, 2018
Good Book

It is short and very well written. Essential for all Hindus who really want to be better Hindus. I think this book will deeply surprise many Christians and explain God much better to them too. God Bless.
Profile Image for Sneha Mohanty.
5 reviews
February 6, 2024
Short, sweet and to the point. The one thing I love about Sundari's writing, is that she never beats around the bush. She makes a point, and allows the reader to grasp it, in the most engaging manner. The book is absolutely not a fact-book, it contains dialogues, but ones you can easily understand. Everything is in English, for a reader, with English as their first language to grasp, and sets out the story perfectly. The book starts off with Brahma's (the Creator, in Hindu Mythology) deep slumber and the advent of the four Vedas, and the journey of the four veda's into the earthly realm. Happy Reading - S.
1 review
June 6, 2023
Awesome read

For those who are interested in reading puranas, this series (6books till Parshurama Avatar) of Dashavatar books provides for an engaged reading. Even though pictures/illustrations are not part of the book, the author, through her vivid writing skills, provides detailed explanations that help us to see scenes unfolding while going through the book.
I wish she would delve into remaining avatars and also to other puranas and publish equally good books soon.
Profile Image for Saket saurav.
1 review
Read
August 15, 2020
This book helps in understanding our almighty God in very simple and elegant way. This helps us to understand no matter what God always helps anybody in need.

I recommend this product to everyone who is interested in mythologies and helps to understand our Indian religion root which is very deep and unknown.
Profile Image for Vindya.
5 reviews1 follower
November 18, 2019
Loved the book!

Lucid language and nicely told story. I had heard these stories as a child and it was very good to read it. I will be reading this to my son very soon. Thank you Ms Sundari Venkatraman and I wish you would publish printed version with illustrations soon.
Profile Image for Aanandika.
57 reviews5 followers
August 16, 2020
Enlightening

I really liked this book for being short and informative. We have all heard about the avtars of Lord Vishnu but maybe do not know the entire tale. This book was enlightening and entertaining.
Profile Image for Savita Ramsumair.
662 reviews5 followers
June 5, 2019
Excellent

I love the idea of each avatar being wealth with in separate books. Whilst it is a story I know, I still enjoyed your version of it.
4 reviews
April 3, 2020
Good read

It was great to refresh my memory on these stories. Great read for kids and adults alike. Will check out her other works too !
Profile Image for Ankita .
100 reviews8 followers
February 20, 2019
Aimed at kids, this is Indian mythological fiction at its best. Neither does the author over simplify it or nor does she keep it overly verbose. It is just right to give your kids a dose of Indian mythology!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews