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Nala’s Damayanti
Brahma, the creator, wants to press the reset button and finish off the world. He is fed up with humans, the gravest mistake he made in his creation. Hemanga, the golden swan of Manasarovar loves humans and is horrified that Brahma is going to erase them. He pleads with Brahma to give him a chance to prove true love exists among humans. Narada, the celestial trouble maker, sends the little bird to the kingdom of Vidarbha. He says Hemanga should unite Nala, the king of Nishadas with Damayanti, the princess of Vidharbha. Damayanti is a feisty beauty who has a mind of her own. She is no damsel in distress and has no need for a prince to rescue her. Nor has Nala any interest in finding love, for he is building a city for his tribe. Besides, he is a tribal king and thinks Damayanti is too above his position. The little bird has its task cut out. To unite this unlikely pair.
Hemanga almost succeeds in making them fall in love with each other. Damayanti’s swayamvara is fixed. But the most powerful among Gods, Kali has an eye on Damayanti. He is no playful god like Indra or Agni, but the Kali himself. He is the creation of human fear and greed. Trapped on earth as he is not the creator of Brahma, he can’t be free unless humans cease to exist. When he learns about Hemanga’s mission to save humans, he seizes his chance. If he separates Nala and Damayanti and if Damayanti gives up Nala, he could prove that no true love exists in a woman’s heart. Brahma would erase the human race and Kali would be free.
Now all that stands between the future of humans and the mighty Kali is a little bird and the determination of Damayanti. The dice starts rolling and the future of humans hangs by a fine thread.
Hemanga almost succeeds in making them fall in love with each other. Damayanti’s swayamvara is fixed. But the most powerful among Gods, Kali has an eye on Damayanti. He is no playful god like Indra or Agni, but the Kali himself. He is the creation of human fear and greed. Trapped on earth as he is not the creator of Brahma, he can’t be free unless humans cease to exist. When he learns about Hemanga’s mission to save humans, he seizes his chance. If he separates Nala and Damayanti and if Damayanti gives up Nala, he could prove that no true love exists in a woman’s heart. Brahma would erase the human race and Kali would be free.
Now all that stands between the future of humans and the mighty Kali is a little bird and the determination of Damayanti. The dice starts rolling and the future of humans hangs by a fine thread.
5 pages, Audiobook
Published April 3, 2022
14 people are currently reading
230 people want to read
About the author
Anand Neelakantan
31 books1,761 followersAnand Neelakantan is an Indian author, columnist, screenwriter, and public speaker. He is known for writing mythological fictions and has authored ten books in English and one in Malayalam. He follows the style of telling stories based on the perspective of the antagonists or supporting characters of a larger work. His debut work Asura: Tale of the Vanquished (2012) was based on the Indian epic Ramayana, told from the perspective of Ravana—the first book in his Ramayana series. It was followed by series of books based on characters from Mahabharata and Baahubali. His books have been translated to different languages such as Tamil, Hindi, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada, Marathi, Bengali , Gujarati, Assamese, English and Indonesian Bahasa.
Anand's Asura is one of the 100 books to be read in a life time as per Amazon.[1] The book has sold more than half a million copies across the years. Three of his books have been shortlisted for Crossword Book Award during the respective years. He was listed as one among the "100 top celebrities in India" in 2015 and 2017 by Forbes India. Anand also writes a column for The New Indian Express on current affairs and his fortnightly column is called "Acute Angle".
Anand's Asura is one of the 100 books to be read in a life time as per Amazon.[1] The book has sold more than half a million copies across the years. Three of his books have been shortlisted for Crossword Book Award during the respective years. He was listed as one among the "100 top celebrities in India" in 2015 and 2017 by Forbes India. Anand also writes a column for The New Indian Express on current affairs and his fortnightly column is called "Acute Angle".
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
August 30, 2023
"Nala Damayanti" is an exciting book that tells the story of a determined swan, a brave princess, and a tribal king. They come together to prove that true love exists, even when gods are unhappy with humans. This story is full of surprises and important ideas about love and courage. It's a thrilling adventure that shows how working together can overcome big challenges.
November 10, 2022
A magical retelling of the tale of Nala and Damyanti. I listened to the audiobook and it was fantastic.
It was like watching the story and absolutely marvellous. I wasn't aware of this story but after reading it, it was worth the read.
I would highly recommend it because it was brilliant.
It was like watching the story and absolutely marvellous. I wasn't aware of this story but after reading it, it was worth the read.
I would highly recommend it because it was brilliant.
March 22, 2022
ഒരൊറ്റ വിരൽ ഞാെടി കൊണ്ട്, ഒരു നിമിഷാർദ്ധത്തിൽ ഈ ലോകത്തെ മുഴുവനായും ഇല്ലായ്മ ചെയ്യാനാണ് സർവ്വ സൃഷ്ടാവായ ബ്രഹ്മാവിന് തോന്നിയത്. മനുഷ്യ കുലത്തെക്കൊണ്ട് അദ്ദേഹം അത്രമേൽ പൊറുതി മുട്ടിയിരുന്നു. തൻ്റെ തന്നെ സൃഷ്ടികളിൽ ഒന്നാണവർ; ഒരുപക്ഷേ, തനിയ്ക്കു സംഭവിച്ച ഏറ്റവും കഠിനമായ പിഴവ് എന്നു പറയാം. പക്ഷേ, ഹേമാംഗനാണെങ്കിലോ മനുഷ്യരോട് വല്ലാത്തൊരു ഇഷ്ടമാണുള്ളത്. മാനസസരോവരത്തിലെ സ്വർണ്ണ ഹംസമാണവൻ. ബ്രഹ്മാവ് മനുഷ്യ കുലത്തെ ഇല്ലായ്മ ചെയ്യാൻ ആലോചിയ്ക്കുന്നു എന്നത് അവനെ ഭയചകിതനാക്കുന്നുണ്ട്. അതു കൊണ്ടു തന്നെ, മനുഷ്യർക്കിടയിലും യഥാർത്ഥ സ്നേഹം നിലനിൽക്കുന്നുണ്ട് എന്നു തെളിയിയ്ക്കുവാൻ തനിയ്ക്ക് ഒരു അവസരം തരണം എന്ന് അവൻ ബ്രഹ്മാവിനോട് അപേക്ഷിയ്ക്കുന്നു. തുടർന്ന് ദേവലോകത്തെ ഏഷണിക്കാരൻ എന്നു പേർ കേട്ട നാരദൻ ഈ പക്ഷിയെ വിദർഭ രാജ്യത്തിലേയ്ക്ക് അയയ്ക്കുകയാണ്. അവിടെ ചെന്ന് ആ രാജ്യത്തെ രാജകുമാരിയായ ദമയന്തിയേയും നളനെന്ന രാജനേയും തമ്മിൽ ഒന്നു ചേർക്കുക എന്ന ദൗത്യമാണ് അദ്ദേഹം അവന് കൊടുക്കുന്നത്. പക്ഷേ, ദേവഗണങ്ങളിലെ തന്നെ ഏറ്റവും ശക്തനായ കലിയ്ക്ക് ദമയന്തിയുടെ മേൽ നേരത്തേ തന്നെ ഒരു നോട്ടമുണ്ട്. നളനേയും ദമയന്തിയേയും വേർപിരിയ്ക്കാൻ കഴിഞ്ഞാൽ, അതായത് ദമയന്തി നളനെ ഉപേക്ഷിയ്ക്കാൻ തയ്യാറായാൽ സ്ത്രീയുടെ ഹൃദയത്തിൽ യഥാർത്ഥ പ്രണയത്തിന് സ്ഥാനമില്ല എന്ന് ഉറപ്പിയ്ക്കാൻ കഴിയും. അങ്ങിനെയെങ്കിൽ ബ്രഹ്മാവ് മനുഷ്യകുലത്തെ തുടച്ചു നീക്കും. അതോടെ കലിയ്ക്ക് സ്വതന്ത്രനും ആവാം
ഹിന്ദു പുരാണത്തിലെ തന്നെ ഏറ്റവും ആഘോഷിക്കപ്പെട്ട പ്രണയമാണ് നളദമയന്തിമാരുടേത്. നിഷാദ രാജാവായ നളനും വിരാടരാജകുമാരിയായ ദമയന്തിയും കടമ്പകൾ പലതും മറികടന്നാണ് വിവാഹിതരായത്. കലി തകർക്കാൻ ശ്രമിച്ച ആ ബന്ധം സമുദ്രത്തോളം ആഴമുള്ളതായിരുന്നു . കലിക്കുമേലുള്ള ഓരോ വിജയവും മനുഷ്യ രാശിക്കുള്ള പുത്തൻ പ്രതീക്ഷയായിരുന്നു. ലളിതമായ ഭാഷയിൽ അതീവ രസകരമായ അവതരണത്തിലൂടെ,ആനന്ദ് നീലകണ്ഠൻ കാലതീതമായ ഒരു അനശ്വരപ്രണയത്തെ വീണ്ടും മുഖ്യധാരയിലേക്ക് എത്തിച്ചിരിക്കുകയാണ്.
വളരെ നാളുകൾക് ശേഷമാണു ഞാൻ ആനന്ദ് നീലകണ്ഠന്റെ ഒരു പുസ്തകം വായിക്കാനിടയാകുന്നത്. മലയാളത്തിൽ ഇതാദ്യവും, ഓഡിയോബുക് ആയി storytel ഇൽ കേട്ട ഈ പുസ്തകത്തിന്റെ അവതരണം ഞാൻ കേട്ടതിൽ വച്ചു ഏറ്റവും മികച്ചതിൽ ഒന്നാണ്. ഒട്ടും കാടുകയറാതെ, നളദമയന്തി കഥയിൽ തന്നെ ചേർന്ന് നിന്ന കൃതി കൊച്ചുകുട്ടികൾക്കു പോലും മനസിലാകുന്ന ഭാഷയിൽ ആണുള്ളത്. പലപ്പോഴും നാം മറന്നു പോകുന്ന നമ്മുടെ പുരാണങ്ങളെ ഒരു ഗുളിക രൂപത്തിൽ അല്ല നല്ല മധുരമാർന്ന മിട്ടായി രൂപത്തിൽ എഴുത്തുകാരൻ അവതരിപ്പിച്ചിരിക്കുന്നു.
ഹിന്ദു പുരാണത്തിലെ തന്നെ ഏറ്റവും ആഘോഷിക്കപ്പെട്ട പ്രണയമാണ് നളദമയന്തിമാരുടേത്. നിഷാദ രാജാവായ നളനും വിരാടരാജകുമാരിയായ ദമയന്തിയും കടമ്പകൾ പലതും മറികടന്നാണ് വിവാഹിതരായത്. കലി തകർക്കാൻ ശ്രമിച്ച ആ ബന്ധം സമുദ്രത്തോളം ആഴമുള്ളതായിരുന്നു . കലിക്കുമേലുള്ള ഓരോ വിജയവും മനുഷ്യ രാശിക്കുള്ള പുത്തൻ പ്രതീക്ഷയായിരുന്നു. ലളിതമായ ഭാഷയിൽ അതീവ രസകരമായ അവതരണത്തിലൂടെ,ആനന്ദ് നീലകണ്ഠൻ കാലതീതമായ ഒരു അനശ്വരപ്രണയത്തെ വീണ്ടും മുഖ്യധാരയിലേക്ക് എത്തിച്ചിരിക്കുകയാണ്.
വളരെ നാളുകൾക് ശേഷമാണു ഞാൻ ആനന്ദ് നീലകണ്ഠന്റെ ഒരു പുസ്തകം വായിക്കാനിടയാകുന്നത്. മലയാളത്തിൽ ഇതാദ്യവും, ഓഡിയോബുക് ആയി storytel ഇൽ കേട്ട ഈ പുസ്തകത്തിന്റെ അവതരണം ഞാൻ കേട്ടതിൽ വച്ചു ഏറ്റവും മികച്ചതിൽ ഒന്നാണ്. ഒട്ടും കാടുകയറാതെ, നളദമയന്തി കഥയിൽ തന്നെ ചേർന്ന് നിന്ന കൃതി കൊച്ചുകുട്ടികൾക്കു പോലും മനസിലാകുന്ന ഭാഷയിൽ ആണുള്ളത്. പലപ്പോഴും നാം മറന്നു പോകുന്ന നമ്മുടെ പുരാണങ്ങളെ ഒരു ഗുളിക രൂപത്തിൽ അല്ല നല്ല മധുരമാർന്ന മിട്ടായി രൂപത്തിൽ എഴുത്തുകാരൻ അവതരിപ്പിച്ചിരിക്കുന്നു.
November 3, 2023
I have had my fill of mythological retellings. But the story of Nala Damayanti is new to me and when it is written by one of my favourites Anand Neelakantan, I had to read it. And I am glad I did.
I had heard about Nala Damayanti and the Swan but never knew the whole story. Now thanks to this book, I am aware of the story and I enjoyed it.
It is short and fast paced book. The author's amazing story telling will keep you turning pages till you get to the end. I loved the fact that though this is a story of love and heartbreak but Anand Neelakantan managed to make me laugh with some very funny jokes here and there.
I had heard about Nala Damayanti and the Swan but never knew the whole story. Now thanks to this book, I am aware of the story and I enjoyed it.
It is short and fast paced book. The author's amazing story telling will keep you turning pages till you get to the end. I loved the fact that though this is a story of love and heartbreak but Anand Neelakantan managed to make me laugh with some very funny jokes here and there.
February 2, 2024
Beautiful
A beautiful retelling of this eternal live story. We also learnt some morals from this story. Love will always triumph over all else.
A beautiful retelling of this eternal live story. We also learnt some morals from this story. Love will always triumph over all else.
June 17, 2023
A very entertaining, fast paced book.. It was really unputdownable. Once more Anand Neelakantan has proved that he can write mythological fiction in a really engaging way... I don't read many romance books, but I felt the romance between Nala and Damayanti was really cute💕💕. I really loved the way he executed the story... I also found some really good quotes from the book..
Really great book and a quick and easy read...
I would like to end with one of my favourite quotes from the book,:
"In the theatre of life, there were endless plays. What was the fortune or the misfortune of a puny man in the grand order of its things? The day would give way to night, and sun to the moon and stars. Leaves would fall and sprout again. The breeze would blow through the trees, clouds would sail through the skies, and the tide would come and go. Rain and mist, drought and flood, spring and autumn, winter and summer-all would appear and return backstage, again and again. Life would follow death and death would shadow life. Why care for a man-giant or dwarf, noble or evil, high or low?
The concert of life goes on and on."
Really great book and a quick and easy read...
I would like to end with one of my favourite quotes from the book,:
"In the theatre of life, there were endless plays. What was the fortune or the misfortune of a puny man in the grand order of its things? The day would give way to night, and sun to the moon and stars. Leaves would fall and sprout again. The breeze would blow through the trees, clouds would sail through the skies, and the tide would come and go. Rain and mist, drought and flood, spring and autumn, winter and summer-all would appear and return backstage, again and again. Life would follow death and death would shadow life. Why care for a man-giant or dwarf, noble or evil, high or low?
The concert of life goes on and on."
May 26, 2022
This story is proof that true love exists among humans. I read this book coz I was fascinated by the title. One of my best friends Nala, always finds it hard to explain the meaning of his name. The summary of the book stated that it's a love story of King Nala and Queen Damayanti. What else do I need to get excited about? This is not just a love story but an inspiring one too. King Nala loses everything and the writer sensibly walks us through how Nala regains everything, especially his love.
May 6, 2025
Simple writing and a fast read. Story is heart-warming and it teaches us never to give up and believe in ourselves.
November 22, 2024
A very fast paced and entertaining one!
Being someone who considers to know about most mythological stories I must say I only knew that Nala and Damayanti were lovers and that their story is a page from the Mahabharata but honestly, I didn’t know the real story and after reading this book, I don’t know if want to believe the real story anymore- cause this one is so nice!
The book begins with Hemanga, a talking golden swan in Bhramaloka trying to convince Lord Bhrama from eliminating human beings from the Earth. Lord Bhrama thinks humans are selfish and are his worst creation. Hemanga tries to persuade Bhrama by saying that there is love amongst humans and that he will visit Earth and prove this.
Hemanga is now on a mission to Earth to find the one man and woman who can love each other despite everything else but he doesn’t know whom or where to start. The great Sage Naradha guides Hemanga by informing him of Nala, the Nishada king (Nishada’s being of low caste) whose skills in training horses and cooking is unmatched & Damayanti, princess of Vidharbha (daughter of King Bhimsena and of upper caste) who is not only beautiful but also talented. The match is fixed and now its Hemanga’s duty to get them to fall in love with each other. And he just does that- Hemanga makes them fall in love despite all the divine interventions and reality- Nala and Damayanti get married at Damayanti’s Swayamvara.
But this marriage and love is not liked by Lord Kali – the God of Misfortune – who has to wait for all humans to be eliminated from Earth in order to be God. The next few chapters are Kali’s game of dice and the cruel fate which takes a dark turn in the lives of Nala and Damayanti.
Enter King Rituparna of Ayodhya! Makes us think if real men like him could actually exist! No fear of fate or anything and only mantra in life is “live and be happy always”! That’s what King Rituparna is! (my favourite)
Why did I like this book? Although the story is of mythical characters and is a leaf from the great Mahabharata, Anand Neelakantan’s way of showing each character is absolutely splendid. For example – he shows Damayanti to be so beautiful and talented, he makes Hemanga wonder “why does the woman even have to get married”? Likewise, the wise words uttered by Rituparna would certainly make us all think of the reality about love, destiny, free will etc.
Elements of humour and the most modern way of sketching each character always makes one want to like Anand Neelakantan’s writing.
Being someone who considers to know about most mythological stories I must say I only knew that Nala and Damayanti were lovers and that their story is a page from the Mahabharata but honestly, I didn’t know the real story and after reading this book, I don’t know if want to believe the real story anymore- cause this one is so nice!
The book begins with Hemanga, a talking golden swan in Bhramaloka trying to convince Lord Bhrama from eliminating human beings from the Earth. Lord Bhrama thinks humans are selfish and are his worst creation. Hemanga tries to persuade Bhrama by saying that there is love amongst humans and that he will visit Earth and prove this.
Hemanga is now on a mission to Earth to find the one man and woman who can love each other despite everything else but he doesn’t know whom or where to start. The great Sage Naradha guides Hemanga by informing him of Nala, the Nishada king (Nishada’s being of low caste) whose skills in training horses and cooking is unmatched & Damayanti, princess of Vidharbha (daughter of King Bhimsena and of upper caste) who is not only beautiful but also talented. The match is fixed and now its Hemanga’s duty to get them to fall in love with each other. And he just does that- Hemanga makes them fall in love despite all the divine interventions and reality- Nala and Damayanti get married at Damayanti’s Swayamvara.
But this marriage and love is not liked by Lord Kali – the God of Misfortune – who has to wait for all humans to be eliminated from Earth in order to be God. The next few chapters are Kali’s game of dice and the cruel fate which takes a dark turn in the lives of Nala and Damayanti.
Enter King Rituparna of Ayodhya! Makes us think if real men like him could actually exist! No fear of fate or anything and only mantra in life is “live and be happy always”! That’s what King Rituparna is! (my favourite)
Why did I like this book? Although the story is of mythical characters and is a leaf from the great Mahabharata, Anand Neelakantan’s way of showing each character is absolutely splendid. For example – he shows Damayanti to be so beautiful and talented, he makes Hemanga wonder “why does the woman even have to get married”? Likewise, the wise words uttered by Rituparna would certainly make us all think of the reality about love, destiny, free will etc.
Elements of humour and the most modern way of sketching each character always makes one want to like Anand Neelakantan’s writing.
August 31, 2023
When a master storyteller tells us a story you must know it will become an unforgettable experience, a story becomes an exquisite kind of read.
I started with fainting memories of reading this book in my childhood. All I can remember is a romantic relationship story that gradually developed, but, by that time I forgot what was the story.
I saw Nala Damyanti in the painting by Raja Ravi Varma paintings while studying in fine arts classes and witnessed an immense beautiful tale that needs to be unfurled; I wished to read it.
Nala Damyanti is a partial story that is told in Vana Parva, a book of the Mahabharata. Nala was the king of the Nishadha Kingdom and the son of Veerasena and how he goes to marry Vidarbha princess Damyanti, is the story unfurled by a golden swan named Hemanga who came from Brahmaloka to Earth to save it from its end.
Nala was known for his unmatched skill in training horses and his exclusive culinary expertise. And Damyanti was famous for such beauty, Intelligence, and grace that even the gods held their breath to admire her. Kalyug was angered by this love between a princess and a lower caste, Nishad prince, it's a very well-known clash of classes that is followed to uncover a thought-provoking story.
When author explained the theme of the book It appeared with enough amount of material that would make us baffled.
This is not just a love story it has another message hidden that resonates with us even today, it is not just Damyanti's love story but believing in oneself and having an unbending attitude that leads the winner to the podium.
Author masterfully uncovers the veil of the story in an engrossing way that kept me engaged in exploring the diversity of the story and the hidden features of this well-known saga.
While exploring the layers of this book, at a certain stage of the book I came across the fact that it's not only a love story rather it's a story of fighting for what our heart desires, it's a story of hope and fighting spirit. The plot largely revolves around Damyanti rather than Nala and exposes a woman's fiery attitude, I was wondered as same as Hemanga, Why the story named Nala Damyanti and why not Damyanti Nala?
Verdict: must read, not as it's a famous mythology story but to know the hidden explanation.
I started with fainting memories of reading this book in my childhood. All I can remember is a romantic relationship story that gradually developed, but, by that time I forgot what was the story.
I saw Nala Damyanti in the painting by Raja Ravi Varma paintings while studying in fine arts classes and witnessed an immense beautiful tale that needs to be unfurled; I wished to read it.
Nala Damyanti is a partial story that is told in Vana Parva, a book of the Mahabharata. Nala was the king of the Nishadha Kingdom and the son of Veerasena and how he goes to marry Vidarbha princess Damyanti, is the story unfurled by a golden swan named Hemanga who came from Brahmaloka to Earth to save it from its end.
Nala was known for his unmatched skill in training horses and his exclusive culinary expertise. And Damyanti was famous for such beauty, Intelligence, and grace that even the gods held their breath to admire her. Kalyug was angered by this love between a princess and a lower caste, Nishad prince, it's a very well-known clash of classes that is followed to uncover a thought-provoking story.
When author explained the theme of the book It appeared with enough amount of material that would make us baffled.
This is not just a love story it has another message hidden that resonates with us even today, it is not just Damyanti's love story but believing in oneself and having an unbending attitude that leads the winner to the podium.
Author masterfully uncovers the veil of the story in an engrossing way that kept me engaged in exploring the diversity of the story and the hidden features of this well-known saga.
While exploring the layers of this book, at a certain stage of the book I came across the fact that it's not only a love story rather it's a story of fighting for what our heart desires, it's a story of hope and fighting spirit. The plot largely revolves around Damyanti rather than Nala and exposes a woman's fiery attitude, I was wondered as same as Hemanga, Why the story named Nala Damyanti and why not Damyanti Nala?
Verdict: must read, not as it's a famous mythology story but to know the hidden explanation.
October 10, 2023
🤩 Finally finished
Rating 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🙂📑 "Nala Damayanti" by Anand Neelakantan is a captivating retelling of an age-old Indian myth that delves deep into the complexities of love, fate, and human nature. This novel takes the timeless story of Nala and Damayanti from the Mahabharata and breathes new life into it, offering readers a fresh perspective on this classic tale.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the book is Neelakantan's ability to humanize and modernize the characters from ancient mythology. Nala and Damayanti are not merely archetypal figures but fully fleshed-out individuals with their flaws and virtues. Neelakantan's character development is exceptional, making it easy for readers to empathize with their joys and sorrows.
The storytelling in "Nala Damayanti" is both compelling and thought-provoking. Neelakantan skillfully weaves together elements of fantasy and reality, taking readers on a roller-coaster ride of emotions. The narrative explores themes of love, betrayal, ambition, and the inexorable hand of destiny, all while retaining the essence of the original epic.
The dialogues are sharp, adding depth to the characters' interactions and emotions.
Overall, "Nala Damayanti" is a masterful retelling that pays homage to the rich tapestry of Indian mythology while offering a fresh and contemporary take on a timeless love story. Anand Neelakantan's talent for reimagining classic tales shines brightly in this novel, making it a must-read for anyone who appreciates mythological fiction with a modern twist. It's a journey that will leave you pondering the complexities of love and destiny long after you've turned the final page.
Rating 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🙂📑 "Nala Damayanti" by Anand Neelakantan is a captivating retelling of an age-old Indian myth that delves deep into the complexities of love, fate, and human nature. This novel takes the timeless story of Nala and Damayanti from the Mahabharata and breathes new life into it, offering readers a fresh perspective on this classic tale.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the book is Neelakantan's ability to humanize and modernize the characters from ancient mythology. Nala and Damayanti are not merely archetypal figures but fully fleshed-out individuals with their flaws and virtues. Neelakantan's character development is exceptional, making it easy for readers to empathize with their joys and sorrows.
The storytelling in "Nala Damayanti" is both compelling and thought-provoking. Neelakantan skillfully weaves together elements of fantasy and reality, taking readers on a roller-coaster ride of emotions. The narrative explores themes of love, betrayal, ambition, and the inexorable hand of destiny, all while retaining the essence of the original epic.
The dialogues are sharp, adding depth to the characters' interactions and emotions.
Overall, "Nala Damayanti" is a masterful retelling that pays homage to the rich tapestry of Indian mythology while offering a fresh and contemporary take on a timeless love story. Anand Neelakantan's talent for reimagining classic tales shines brightly in this novel, making it a must-read for anyone who appreciates mythological fiction with a modern twist. It's a journey that will leave you pondering the complexities of love and destiny long after you've turned the final page.
August 7, 2023
Nala Damayanti by Anand Neelkantan
.
Told in a new, Neelkantan brings to us an age old tale from the Mahabharata. Although having love as its central theme, I will say this is again a story of sticking to Dharma.
.
We have here Brahma's mansarover swan Hemanga, pursuing Brahma ji to not give up on the human race, He as the almighty created. Hemanga asks for one chance and lands up on eternal love between Nala and Damayanti as proof.
.
The talking birds way is paved with troubles, although he successfully instills love in both individuals, the class distinction between Nala, as the King of Nishida and Damayanti as a most beautiful princess is looked critically by all.
The God's envy the match and although the pair marry after a successful swayamvara, the actual tests start there after.
.
Kali is after them, especially Nala, and under such an influence, Nala loses in the game of dice his everything and as Damayanti pursues him into the forest, he leaves her in trance. The fight to be together starts again from there.
.
As a dwarf, Nala finds home in King Rituparna' s kingdom while Damayanti searches for him. Nala never loses his dharma and Damayanti sticks to love!
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The story is simply told with a beautiful cover. Loved revising this eternal story, especially Hemanga's role here. Definitely must keep this if a mythology fan, if not, then too for the nice way its told.
.
.
Told in a new, Neelkantan brings to us an age old tale from the Mahabharata. Although having love as its central theme, I will say this is again a story of sticking to Dharma.
.
We have here Brahma's mansarover swan Hemanga, pursuing Brahma ji to not give up on the human race, He as the almighty created. Hemanga asks for one chance and lands up on eternal love between Nala and Damayanti as proof.
.
The talking birds way is paved with troubles, although he successfully instills love in both individuals, the class distinction between Nala, as the King of Nishida and Damayanti as a most beautiful princess is looked critically by all.
The God's envy the match and although the pair marry after a successful swayamvara, the actual tests start there after.
.
Kali is after them, especially Nala, and under such an influence, Nala loses in the game of dice his everything and as Damayanti pursues him into the forest, he leaves her in trance. The fight to be together starts again from there.
.
As a dwarf, Nala finds home in King Rituparna' s kingdom while Damayanti searches for him. Nala never loses his dharma and Damayanti sticks to love!
.
The story is simply told with a beautiful cover. Loved revising this eternal story, especially Hemanga's role here. Definitely must keep this if a mythology fan, if not, then too for the nice way its told.
.
June 4, 2024
In the love story of Nala and Damayanti, Anand Neelkanthan weaves a tale replete with challenges, twists, and turns, mirroring the complexities of life itself. Set against the backdrop of the Mahabharata, the narrative skillfully explores themes of casteism, superstition, and discrimination, painting a vivid picture of societal struggles. Moreover, Neelakantan fearlessly confronts the notion of divine mockery, offering a thought-provoking commentary on faith and belief which I personally didn't appreciate.
However, amidst these profound themes, the true essence of the story lies in its empowering message: the power to shape one's destiny. Through the characters' journey of determination, hard work, and wit, Neelkanthan delivers a compelling reminder that individuals possess the agency to script their own fate. Indeed, Nala and Damayanti's saga transcends the pages of mythology to impart a timeless lesson on the potential for transformation and self-determination.
However, amidst these profound themes, the true essence of the story lies in its empowering message: the power to shape one's destiny. Through the characters' journey of determination, hard work, and wit, Neelkanthan delivers a compelling reminder that individuals possess the agency to script their own fate. Indeed, Nala and Damayanti's saga transcends the pages of mythology to impart a timeless lesson on the potential for transformation and self-determination.
September 10, 2024
I absolutely loved this book! After reading the brief mention of Nala and Damyanti in ‘The Palace of Illusions’ by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, I was inspired to read their story. This book taught me a lot about sacrifice and its importance. Damyanti’s character, with her grit, determination, and passion, was truly inspiring; she would fight for Nala against anyone, even the gods. My favourite character was Rituparna. His nature offered a fresh perspective, his belief about there being no tomorrow, yesterday or today but only ‘now’ was powerful. The humor throughout the book set it apart from others. Lastly, Hemanga, despite his terrible singing voice, showed a brave attitude and a strong will to make everything work out for the human race.
My favourite line from the book was - ‘No God, no demon, no tomorrow, no yesterday. There is now and now is true. Eat, drink, and enjoy. Heaven is here and now!’
My favourite line from the book was - ‘No God, no demon, no tomorrow, no yesterday. There is now and now is true. Eat, drink, and enjoy. Heaven is here and now!’
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2023
I've wanted to know the story of Nala Damayanti for a long time. But when i saw the Nala Damayanti version of Anand Neelkanth, i knew it was time to give it a try.
Just like his other book, Nala Damayanti was very successful in holding the reader to the end. It is basically a story extracted from the Mahabharata era. Nala is a forest dweller and Damayanti is a princess or a great kingdom. Hemanga is a bird who is bound to prove that love still exists in humanity, before lord Brahma erases the human race from existence.
It is a gripping tale of love, where the kali who is created by fear seeks for freedom by letting the destruction of the human race.
It's a wonderful book with great morals and the way it is written is just mesmerizing. As it's a book by Anand Neelkanth, this itself makes it my recommendation.
My Rating :- 4.6/5
Just like his other book, Nala Damayanti was very successful in holding the reader to the end. It is basically a story extracted from the Mahabharata era. Nala is a forest dweller and Damayanti is a princess or a great kingdom. Hemanga is a bird who is bound to prove that love still exists in humanity, before lord Brahma erases the human race from existence.
It is a gripping tale of love, where the kali who is created by fear seeks for freedom by letting the destruction of the human race.
It's a wonderful book with great morals and the way it is written is just mesmerizing. As it's a book by Anand Neelkanth, this itself makes it my recommendation.
My Rating :- 4.6/5
September 3, 2025
I had always known the story of Nala and Damayanti as a tale that celebrated the power of love, usually ending with their marriage after they overcame divine challenges from Indra, Agni, Yama, and others. But this book brought out so much more—introducing us to the pivotal role of the swan Hemanga and adding new layers that enriched the narrative. The character development was beautifully woven into the progression of the story, making it a seamless and captivating read.
Anand Neelakantan once again proves his mastery in storytelling and reimagining epics. His writing kept me hooked from start to finish—I completed the book in just two days. Every page reaffirmed why his works are always worth investing time in. I sincerely hope he continues to create more such retellings in the future, as his stories never fail to leave a lasting impression.
Anand Neelakantan once again proves his mastery in storytelling and reimagining epics. His writing kept me hooked from start to finish—I completed the book in just two days. Every page reaffirmed why his works are always worth investing time in. I sincerely hope he continues to create more such retellings in the future, as his stories never fail to leave a lasting impression.
October 31, 2023
Damayanti, the Princess of Vidharbha is a celestial beauty with a mind of her own. Nala, the King of Nishadas is a brave and handsome man. They two are made to fall in love with one another. This match making is done by Hemanga who has his own missions. But will this love story last? Or is it just a trap?
This story is a re-telling of an interesting love tale from Mahabharat. Full of life, enjoyment, and engaging dialogues, this story is a rollercoaster ride for the readers who enjoy reading love stories.
It reasons why the life on earth still exists and why human beings fall in love. The narration is remarkable and I would like to congratulate the author @itsanandneel for this story from the ancient times.
This story is a re-telling of an interesting love tale from Mahabharat. Full of life, enjoyment, and engaging dialogues, this story is a rollercoaster ride for the readers who enjoy reading love stories.
It reasons why the life on earth still exists and why human beings fall in love. The narration is remarkable and I would like to congratulate the author @itsanandneel for this story from the ancient times.
July 11, 2024
Nala Damayanti is a fascinating and engrossing tale of Nala- the king of the Nishada tribe and Damayanti- the princess of Vidharbha. When Brahma- the creator, decides to destroy humankind for their deeds, Hemanga, the swan from Brahmaloka, plans to unite the two pure hearts to prove that love still exists on earth. The golden swan labours hard to bring Nala- Damayanti together.
The brave, kind and generous king of the Nishadas and the beautiful, caring and intelligent princess of Vidharbha, though divided by caste in society make it through odds that test their love for each other.
Anand Neelakantan has presented this fascinating and immortal tale of love, courage, morality and hope in lucid, fast paced and short chapters making this book a real treat.
The brave, kind and generous king of the Nishadas and the beautiful, caring and intelligent princess of Vidharbha, though divided by caste in society make it through odds that test their love for each other.
Anand Neelakantan has presented this fascinating and immortal tale of love, courage, morality and hope in lucid, fast paced and short chapters making this book a real treat.
September 1, 2023
Hemanga the swan is horrified and pleads with Brahma to give him a chance to prove true love exists among mankind. The little bird, however, is sent to the kingdom of Vidarbha by Narada. That celestial troublemaker says Hemanga should unite Nala, the king of Nishadas, with Damayanti, the princess of Vidharbha. Damayanti is a feisty beauty who has a mind of her own. She is no damsel in distress and has no need for a prince to rescue her. Nor has Nala any interest in finding love, for he is building a city for his tribe. Besides, he is a tribal king and thinks Damayanti is too above his position. This story line slightly different from what we heard in childhood.
July 12, 2022
अपेक्षेपेक्षा जास्त आवडलं. नीलकांत न�� लिहलेली आधीची २ पुस्तकं घरी पडून आहेत, पण हे storytel ने केलंय म्हणून ऐकण्यात आलं. adaptation, सादरीकरण वगैरे मस्त आहे. संदीप आणि मृण्मयीचे आवाज ओळखीचे असल्यामुळे जरा बरं वाटलं. love story अशी नाही म्हणता येणार, mythology आणि fantastical elements आहेत. hero's journey trope सुद्धा आहेच. आनंद नीलकांतने मध्ये मध्ये पेरलेल्या commentary मुळे अजूनच चांगलं झालंय.
Recommended to everyone.
Recommended to everyone.
July 15, 2023
•Even after reading so many books ok the epic, trust
me this book really hits differently! It just something
that's not just captivating but also very addictive,
knew Damyanti but never ever got to know such a
detail tale of love that ever existed.
It just blew my mind and it's also a very entertaining yet
an engaging, quick read! I loved Anand's writing it's
fantastic as usual. Definitely recommended. Go for it.
me this book really hits differently! It just something
that's not just captivating but also very addictive,
knew Damyanti but never ever got to know such a
detail tale of love that ever existed.
It just blew my mind and it's also a very entertaining yet
an engaging, quick read! I loved Anand's writing it's
fantastic as usual. Definitely recommended. Go for it.
January 2, 2024
Started reading this book after seeing a lot of good reviews. But I wasn't able to enjoy the book much. Probably my 12 year old self would have enjoyed. Expected something well detailed and a prose with more serious tone but felt like the narration had more of fiction and less of history. Felt like I learnt less about Nala-Damayanti duo.
I would not recommend to go for this book if you are expecting to know about Nala & Damayanti. Will suggest it for school kids though.
I would not recommend to go for this book if you are expecting to know about Nala & Damayanti. Will suggest it for school kids though.
December 17, 2023
An engaging read for a very short story. Finished the book in just 3 hours because out-of 216 pages, 75 pages are blank (3 pages blank before start of each chapter) The book could have a lot less pages if the print size was something different. That is the reason, I gave the book one 🌟 star less. I purchased it for reading in a week, not in 3 hours.
August 20, 2024
Great story, but as usual Anand Neelakantan's writing leaves something to be desired. The starting was very off-kilter so I really wanted to put the book down but it gets better by the end and I remember why I pick up his books in the first place.
A beautiful love story told in the perspective of Hemanga, serene and memorable.
A beautiful love story told in the perspective of Hemanga, serene and memorable.
November 18, 2024
A good read. It carries you into the story of Nala and Damyanti - there are other elements like the caste system , destiny etc which are depicted throughout the story by the author.
The king Rituparna who does not believe in destiny but only in hardwork is the one whom I most remember from the book. His motto of try and try again - without any hurt is what remains with me as a reader.
The king Rituparna who does not believe in destiny but only in hardwork is the one whom I most remember from the book. His motto of try and try again - without any hurt is what remains with me as a reader.
April 28, 2023
The book is full of exciting twists and turns as each character attempts to manipulate the situation to their own advantage. It is an enthralling read with great characters and a captivating plot. Highly recommended!
May 14, 2023
smoothly narration of this story by author. Anand neelaknthan has a amazing storytelling skills. Character of Nala , Damayanti, Kali, Bramha, Hemanga, Rituparna well narated. story bound us up to end.
December 19, 2023
One of the best books I've read till date. The audiobook version (Malayalam) on storytel is fabulously executed making us long for an animated version of the play. Kuddos to everyone behind the masterpiece especially the author Anand Neelakantan for his brilliant narrative.
November 3, 2024
A simple take on the story of Nala and Damayanti. I liked the author's witty remarks about humans making up rules to complicate life, when love and living should be all that matters. The love story itself remained true to the myth, beautiful!
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