What do you think?
Rate this book
Krishnavatara #1
The Magic Flute
Who has not heard of Sri Krishna who delivered the message of the Bhagavadgita and whom Bhagavat calls "God himself"? K.M.Mushi,the author has done a splendid job in exploring and explaining the various "Avatars" the Lord had donned. Thus the book comes in seven parts and this part is part 1 and named The Magic Flute. The other parts of the Krishnavatara are also available with amazon and they are named Part 11 ..The Wrath Of the Emperor Part 111..The Five Brothers Part IV ..The Book Of Bhima Part V ..The Book Of Satyabhama Part VI..The Book Of Vedavyasa The Master Part VII..The Book Of Yudishtara.. Needless to say these books are a virtual treat to those who revere Lord Krishna.
250 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1966
89 people are currently reading
1092 people want to read
About the author
Kanaiyalal Maneklal Munshi
119 books224 followersK.M. Munshi is one of Gujarat's most well-known literary writers. His historical novels have contributed profoundly to the sense of past that Gujarat lives with. A multi-faceted personality, he was a prominent lawyer, freedom fighter and politician. He was also the founder of the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
September 7, 2018
Beautiful, well written.
Looking forward to read the remaining volumes.
Looking forward to read the remaining volumes.
August 1, 2013
Munshi has humanized Krishna as much as possible in these series but yet has maintained an aura of mystique that will make you adore his Godliness while it is juxtaposed with normal human-like behaviour.
The first part Magic Flute is where he gives you the wonderful background story of Krishna’s ancestors and we learn about Yadavas in general and their very many clans. Krishna and his elder brother Balarama are spirited away from Mathura right after their birth and the miraculous happenings that aid their escape are toned down.
Krishna grows up in Gokul and the so-called demons and asuras that Kamsa sends in to kill him turn out to be assassins. I was particularly touched by Putana’s death and her redemption and the guilt that she felt for killing scores of innocent children.
Krishna’s musings is a very cute chapter where you get a glimpse into a child’s world. His very many pranks and adorable behaviour will capture your imagination. The episode where he meets his soul-mate Radha is written beautifully and I was pleasantly surprised to see the cartoon version of 'Krishna in Vrindavan' adopting the same in their screenplay!
Many of the so-called miracles are toned down to give as much a human touch as possible. Miracles like taming of Kaliya and lifting of Govardhan Mountain are brought about by Krishna’s clever and quick thinking.
Krishna and Radha grow up to realize their love for each other and when the summons from Mathura, she instinctively knows that he won’t be her Kanha anymore. The lovely poignant love scene that K.M. Munshi has scripted is so beautiful that it takes your breath away.
Yashoda’s characterization is also beautifully done. A true mother, she never did doubt the fact that Krishna was not her son. And I was touched by the way she denies the whole thing yet helplessly realizing that it must be the truth.
At Mathura, Kamsa is at the edge of paranoia attack even while he plots to kill Vasudeva’s sons. The curing of Trivakara the crooked misshapen woman seems a bit miraculous though faith scores bigger marks over there. And it does serve to increase Kamsa’s unease and paranoia even more than ever.
Krishna also meets the fiery princess of Vidharbha and her foolish brother Rukmi, setting into motion the chain of events that would culminate in the next book.
The first part Magic Flute is where he gives you the wonderful background story of Krishna’s ancestors and we learn about Yadavas in general and their very many clans. Krishna and his elder brother Balarama are spirited away from Mathura right after their birth and the miraculous happenings that aid their escape are toned down.
Krishna grows up in Gokul and the so-called demons and asuras that Kamsa sends in to kill him turn out to be assassins. I was particularly touched by Putana’s death and her redemption and the guilt that she felt for killing scores of innocent children.
Krishna’s musings is a very cute chapter where you get a glimpse into a child’s world. His very many pranks and adorable behaviour will capture your imagination. The episode where he meets his soul-mate Radha is written beautifully and I was pleasantly surprised to see the cartoon version of 'Krishna in Vrindavan' adopting the same in their screenplay!
Many of the so-called miracles are toned down to give as much a human touch as possible. Miracles like taming of Kaliya and lifting of Govardhan Mountain are brought about by Krishna’s clever and quick thinking.
Krishna and Radha grow up to realize their love for each other and when the summons from Mathura, she instinctively knows that he won’t be her Kanha anymore. The lovely poignant love scene that K.M. Munshi has scripted is so beautiful that it takes your breath away.
Yashoda’s characterization is also beautifully done. A true mother, she never did doubt the fact that Krishna was not her son. And I was touched by the way she denies the whole thing yet helplessly realizing that it must be the truth.
At Mathura, Kamsa is at the edge of paranoia attack even while he plots to kill Vasudeva’s sons. The curing of Trivakara the crooked misshapen woman seems a bit miraculous though faith scores bigger marks over there. And it does serve to increase Kamsa’s unease and paranoia even more than ever.
Krishna also meets the fiery princess of Vidharbha and her foolish brother Rukmi, setting into motion the chain of events that would culminate in the next book.
March 3, 2019
My parents got the the full set of Krishnavatara books when I was young, but I've never really felt the urge to read them until recently, when I've felt more interested in reading up on parts of my heritage. I knew some of what was in this volume from the stories that my parents told me as a child, and others from when the BBC showed a dramatisation of the Mahabharat back in the early '90s but I enjoyed refreshing my memory of those, and fitting them into a single narrative (even if it was difficult to keep the various relationships straight in my head).
One thing I liked quite a lot is that the young Krishna feels very human. He's frankly a bit of a git at times, when he steals butter and breaks jars, and the chapter that involved him killing a heron that seemed to just be protecting its children only made any sense when it was revealed that the bird was possessed (a couple of chapters from the end!).
It was also very interesting to read the note preceding the chapter on Radha which admits that she wasn't part of the ancient texts, the first mentions only appearing in the first few centuries CE and not becoming fixed in the consciousness until the 12th century CE.
On a similar note, but within the text itself is the festival of Gopotsava, in which Krishna persuades his village to abandon a festival of Indra based on fear and, instead, celebrate the herdsmen, cattle and mountain that give them life, effectively elevating the landscape to godhood. I thought that was a fascinating mindset with defiance and grace in one action.
As with all ancient writings, some things don't fit well to a modern mindset: polygamy is normal, and the idea of a childless wife lying with a man other than her husband (with appropriate rituals) to gain a child is a bit icky, as is the condemnation of women who don't want children. There's also a slightly uncomfortable connection between physical health and beauty on the one side and goodness and grace on the other. But all these have to be read in the context of their time.
The stories are full of action and memorable characters, for good or evil; it's an easy book to read. I'm not sure if it was written in English or if it's just a very good translation, but it's very readable (although I've never figured out the obsession with appending an unnecessary 'a' to the end of many transliterated names: Balarama instead of Balram etc). I'll definitely pick up the the rest of the series when I get the chance.
One thing I liked quite a lot is that the young Krishna feels very human. He's frankly a bit of a git at times, when he steals butter and breaks jars, and the chapter that involved him killing a heron that seemed to just be protecting its children only made any sense when it was revealed that the bird was possessed (a couple of chapters from the end!).
It was also very interesting to read the note preceding the chapter on Radha which admits that she wasn't part of the ancient texts, the first mentions only appearing in the first few centuries CE and not becoming fixed in the consciousness until the 12th century CE.
On a similar note, but within the text itself is the festival of Gopotsava, in which Krishna persuades his village to abandon a festival of Indra based on fear and, instead, celebrate the herdsmen, cattle and mountain that give them life, effectively elevating the landscape to godhood. I thought that was a fascinating mindset with defiance and grace in one action.
As with all ancient writings, some things don't fit well to a modern mindset: polygamy is normal, and the idea of a childless wife lying with a man other than her husband (with appropriate rituals) to gain a child is a bit icky, as is the condemnation of women who don't want children. There's also a slightly uncomfortable connection between physical health and beauty on the one side and goodness and grace on the other. But all these have to be read in the context of their time.
The stories are full of action and memorable characters, for good or evil; it's an easy book to read. I'm not sure if it was written in English or if it's just a very good translation, but it's very readable (although I've never figured out the obsession with appending an unnecessary 'a' to the end of many transliterated names: Balarama instead of Balram etc). I'll definitely pick up the the rest of the series when I get the chance.
March 10, 2023
The Magic Flute, the first book in Krishnavatara series written by K M Munshi is such a magical phenomenon. Kanaiyalal Maneklal Munshi was an eminent lawyer, one of the framers of India's Constitution and a seasoned statesman.
The book begins with the birth of Krishna and ends with the killing of Kamsa. Each and every incident has been narrated wonderfully. I would most definitely say that the author has caught a few glimpse of the divine. The author has described it so beautifully that I could literally witness every incident happening in front of my naked eyes.
Devaki's motherly feelings and the tremendous amount of love that she bears in her heart for her beloved Krishna brings tears of love to the readers.
The wrath of Kamsa and the ways in which he tried to destroy Krishna has been narrated in an incredible manner. The magic of Krishna who in turn destroys the one who tries to destroy him awes the three worlds.
The divine love that Krishna and Radha shared among each other strikes a heavenly chord in the hearts of the readers.
Although, the author has taken creative liberties, he has not deviated from Srimad Bhagavad Purana.
Highly recommended to everyone. You're sure to experience the magic of Krishna's flute.
The book begins with the birth of Krishna and ends with the killing of Kamsa. Each and every incident has been narrated wonderfully. I would most definitely say that the author has caught a few glimpse of the divine. The author has described it so beautifully that I could literally witness every incident happening in front of my naked eyes.
Devaki's motherly feelings and the tremendous amount of love that she bears in her heart for her beloved Krishna brings tears of love to the readers.
The wrath of Kamsa and the ways in which he tried to destroy Krishna has been narrated in an incredible manner. The magic of Krishna who in turn destroys the one who tries to destroy him awes the three worlds.
The divine love that Krishna and Radha shared among each other strikes a heavenly chord in the hearts of the readers.
Although, the author has taken creative liberties, he has not deviated from Srimad Bhagavad Purana.
Highly recommended to everyone. You're sure to experience the magic of Krishna's flute.
June 27, 2014
#Re-read - 1.
I cannot stop myself when I see a book by K. M. Munshi just lying on my desk. Brilliant writing throughout! By far, the first book deals with His naughty and eventful childhood, his mischievous ways around the milkmaids of Vrindavan, the 'rasa' which he was so famous for and of course fulfilling the prophecy of being the 'Deliverer'. One cannot help admiring how perfect He is - in every way possible.
The love between them( Radha & Krishna ) is so phenomenal, intense, pure and divine that even Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet seems trivial. I feel so lucky that I still have my great grandfather's books with me - with little notes scribbled in the margins. I've never met him, but my folks have told me that he loved the entire set of कृष्णअवतार. Glad that I am able to appreciate the writing too. I wish Munshi was able to complete Book - 8 as well. The series will always be incomplete because no one can portray Kahna better than Munshi. No one! Period.
I cannot stop myself when I see a book by K. M. Munshi just lying on my desk. Brilliant writing throughout! By far, the first book deals with His naughty and eventful childhood, his mischievous ways around the milkmaids of Vrindavan, the 'rasa' which he was so famous for and of course fulfilling the prophecy of being the 'Deliverer'. One cannot help admiring how perfect He is - in every way possible.
The love between them( Radha & Krishna ) is so phenomenal, intense, pure and divine that even Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet seems trivial. I feel so lucky that I still have my great grandfather's books with me - with little notes scribbled in the margins. I've never met him, but my folks have told me that he loved the entire set of कृष्णअवतार. Glad that I am able to appreciate the writing too. I wish Munshi was able to complete Book - 8 as well. The series will always be incomplete because no one can portray Kahna better than Munshi. No one! Period.
January 1, 2017
Awesome book, trying to bridge the gap between mythology and reality. Stellar work from one of the finest Indian author from colonial era. Unique style of Dr. K M Munshi, creates sheer magic; transporting the readers to a different age. I get reminded of lots of stories I heard as a kid, from my grandmother and grandfather. Looking forward to read the next one in the series.
February 9, 2024
This is the first novel series I ever read. An attempt to show how krishna was a human and his wits, wisdom and strength earned him the stature of lord. This part revolves around the birth,child hood and Krishna's love story with Raha. Some factual addition has been done which adds to the beauty.
October 17, 2011
Read all parts in original--Gujarati. Mind blowing.
July 19, 2016
Gives a insightful and informative glimpse of the life of Krishna, in his many guises this book deals with the early years. Immensely readable, goof storytelling.
December 30, 2019
कथा लेखन में कन्हैयालाल मानेकलाल मुंशी जी कुछ एक कथाकारों में से एक हैं, उनकी ७ खण्डों में विभाजित कृष्णावतार का पहला भाग पढ़ा, यहाँ कृष्ण की बाल लीलाओं का और कंस के अशुरों का किस प्रकार उन्होंने अंत किया उसकी कथा है।
February 5, 2017
An extraordinary tale of Krishna and the prophecy that he had to fulfill. I remember my grandparents telling me bits and pieces of Krishna's and Balaram's adventures but I had never got the full picture up until now when I got a chance to read this book.
This story is beautifully written offering a second, more realistic perspective to other more magical version of this same story. This book took me straight to that era where Krishna was born and I could easily imagine and experience their life, their surrounding, their difficulties with vividity. This is one of those books where you know that certain events would happen but it wouldn't change the excitement of getting to read those parts nonetheless.
The description of historical places like Gokul, Vrindavan, Mathura with their lush landscapes and palaces and the lives of people are breathtaking. I felt as if I was transported back in time to those places living with those people.
The book is written in a simplistic yet gripping style that I couldn't help but keep my hands off it. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to forget everything temporarily and go on an incredible adventure with Krishna and Balaram.
This story is beautifully written offering a second, more realistic perspective to other more magical version of this same story. This book took me straight to that era where Krishna was born and I could easily imagine and experience their life, their surrounding, their difficulties with vividity. This is one of those books where you know that certain events would happen but it wouldn't change the excitement of getting to read those parts nonetheless.
The description of historical places like Gokul, Vrindavan, Mathura with their lush landscapes and palaces and the lives of people are breathtaking. I felt as if I was transported back in time to those places living with those people.
The book is written in a simplistic yet gripping style that I couldn't help but keep my hands off it. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to forget everything temporarily and go on an incredible adventure with Krishna and Balaram.
Read
May 9, 2015It seems like people who worship krishna believes in charming nature, love, beauty, and power! krishna is a dark skinned boy who been chosen by the Indian gods to be the savor of his people, actually he has been chosen even before he was born! in another word he never been a human , he was born as forme of God to a human couple!
I think by reading this book you will get a some what clear image of this religion most wonderful values such as; devotion, honour, love, dignity, justice, wisdom, courage, the spirit of adventure, the spirit of youth, and motherhood ! i mean their god is not a wise mature man, he is a young charismatic boy who loves the simple life and to push limits! he critizises what been told to him as a givin truth and I think he enjoys being underestimate! he acts like there is nothing in his mind but having fun and serving justice; which as some one who you look up 2 can be difficult.
ps: I loved how the writer didn't stop at the original myth, it did mentions the "gita govinda" and it's origin in some point in the book .
I think by reading this book you will get a some what clear image of this religion most wonderful values such as; devotion, honour, love, dignity, justice, wisdom, courage, the spirit of adventure, the spirit of youth, and motherhood ! i mean their god is not a wise mature man, he is a young charismatic boy who loves the simple life and to push limits! he critizises what been told to him as a givin truth and I think he enjoys being underestimate! he acts like there is nothing in his mind but having fun and serving justice; which as some one who you look up 2 can be difficult.
ps: I loved how the writer didn't stop at the original myth, it did mentions the "gita govinda" and it's origin in some point in the book .
June 10, 2012
Its 1st book of a series of books on Shri Krishna Bhagwan.
The series is named as Krishnavatar.
I am eager to read all books of the series and keep them with me, for entire life.
The series is written nicely and is entertaining. You can't stop once you start reading it.
The book contains lots of inspirational and thought-provoking ideas/lines, whatever you say.
I have found myself more closer to Bhagwan Shri Krishna, while reading this book.
Thank you, K.M.Munshi Ji for writing this book.
Thank you, Bhagwan Ji for letting me know that this book exists.
The series is named as Krishnavatar.
I am eager to read all books of the series and keep them with me, for entire life.
The series is written nicely and is entertaining. You can't stop once you start reading it.
The book contains lots of inspirational and thought-provoking ideas/lines, whatever you say.
I have found myself more closer to Bhagwan Shri Krishna, while reading this book.
Thank you, K.M.Munshi Ji for writing this book.
Thank you, Bhagwan Ji for letting me know that this book exists.
December 24, 2023
Beauty!
'I felt wickedness ruling away from the earth. I saw men walking in dharma - their head raised high in God-like freedom. I felt Dharma enveloping the heavens, the earth and...,' said Krishna and paused.
'And then?' asked Akrura breathlessly.
'It was no longer a law; It was life itself. And....,' said Krishna.
'Yes and?' asked Akrura.
'I felt....Yes, I felt that as if all entered into me. I was not Vaasudeva the son of Vasudeva but VAASUDEVA That-is-All,' said Krishna.
'I felt wickedness ruling away from the earth. I saw men walking in dharma - their head raised high in God-like freedom. I felt Dharma enveloping the heavens, the earth and...,' said Krishna and paused.
'And then?' asked Akrura breathlessly.
'It was no longer a law; It was life itself. And....,' said Krishna.
'Yes and?' asked Akrura.
'I felt....Yes, I felt that as if all entered into me. I was not Vaasudeva the son of Vasudeva but VAASUDEVA That-is-All,' said Krishna.
March 4, 2016
Its 1st book of a series named as Krishnavatar.
Pretty Good I must say. The language is very very simple and sometimes seems like a children story book. One good thing about this book is that it doesn't show Lord Krishna as an Avatar but shows him as a Human being with immense spiritual power ,logic reasoning and faith in himself .May be these qualities lead him to be an Avatar in later lore.
Pretty Good I must say. The language is very very simple and sometimes seems like a children story book. One good thing about this book is that it doesn't show Lord Krishna as an Avatar but shows him as a Human being with immense spiritual power ,logic reasoning and faith in himself .May be these qualities lead him to be an Avatar in later lore.
June 6, 2014
Munshi has humanized Krishna as much as possible in these series but yet has maintained an aura of mystique that will make you adore his Godliness while it is juxtaposed with normal human-like behaviour.
April 19, 2015
The best part of this book is when the author explains how to morally enfeeble people under a tyrannical or corrupt author - open the purse strings of the state and the people will never except anything else from the ruler. This weakens Dharma and leads to total moral and material ruin.
February 4, 2016
Great book, looking forward to reading the remaining in the series.
Vol 2, is low in supply. had to buy in India, so took my sweet time to read the book.
This is a classic collection and a must for every reader who enjoys this genre.
Vol 2, is low in supply. had to buy in India, so took my sweet time to read the book.
This is a classic collection and a must for every reader who enjoys this genre.
October 23, 2012
Must read.
July 10, 2015
This is the first of the seven books on The Krishnavatara by K. M. Munshi. The volume one turned out to be good and informative. I look forward to reading the remaining six volumes.
February 3, 2016
super....
March 14, 2017
a well written account of the story with great details and a central narrative
October 5, 2017
Beautiful
December 26, 2018
كتاب عن أسطورة الإله كريشنا.
December 24, 2019
I still owe a large part of my knowledge about Krishna to the ACK comics I read as a kid. The ACK versions covered most of the legends of the son. However, KM Munshi's retelling of the story of Krishna was simply refreshing and mesmerizing.
With hardly any use of flowery language, Munshi literally brings alive the societies that existed in Gokul and Mathura during the reign of Kamsa. The childhood exploits of Krishna are for me the least interesting aspects of his life. So I'm waiting to devour the remaining volumes.
The only disappointment for me was the poorly designed cover of the book. Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan which holds the copyright to this classic should probably consider revamping this series and making it reach a larger pool of readers!
With hardly any use of flowery language, Munshi literally brings alive the societies that existed in Gokul and Mathura during the reign of Kamsa. The childhood exploits of Krishna are for me the least interesting aspects of his life. So I'm waiting to devour the remaining volumes.
The only disappointment for me was the poorly designed cover of the book. Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan which holds the copyright to this classic should probably consider revamping this series and making it reach a larger pool of readers!
January 20, 2024
I was looking for a novel based on Indian history, mythology, and epics. I saw this book on the reading recommendation list from a friend and bought it immediately. Beautifully written book.. depicting the story from the beginning of atrocities of Kamsa to his end by Krishna. The description of the bond between Radha and Krishna is done so well that you can feel it too. The pain, dilemmas, and ray of hope is shown well on both sides, including men-women serving Kamsa and people of Mathura. I enjoyed reading this book.
March 25, 2020
K.M. Munshi loves Krishna and his love lies bleeding on every page of this wonderful series of books. I first read all 7 volumes between the ages of 8 and 12. And since then, this series has stuck with me as one of the best-written works on the life and loves of Krishna. Highly recommended for all lovers of the blue flautist with the peacock feather in his crown.
September 10, 2025
വായിച്ച വിവർത്തനത്തിൻ്റെ പ്രശ്നമാണോ എന്നറിയില്ല, (ആണെന്ന് തോന്നുന്നില്ല) അത്രയൊന്നും മികവ് പുലർത്തിയ ഒരു വർക്ക് ആയി തോന്നിയില്ല. രണ്ടാമൂഴത്തോളം elaborate ആയി ഇല്ലെങ്കിലും ഇതിഹാസങ്ങളിലെ അതിമാനുഷിക അംശങ്ങൾ logically reinterpret ചെയ്യാനുള്ള ശ്രമം നോവലിലുണ്ട്. ഒരുപക്ഷെ ആദ്യമായി അത്തരമൊരു ശ്രമം നടന്ന വർക്ക് എന്നതാവാം നോവലിൻ്റെ പ്രശസ്തിക്ക് കാരണം.
May 2, 2022
Found it less impressive than “The wrath of an emperor”. Nevertheless, it is well written and gives a good background to the legend of Shri Krishna’s childhood. I was fascinated by the political intrigue of the time depicted in this book.
August 19, 2023
This book was one of the oldest ones in my bookshelf; bought 30 years ago when it cost Rs 20. I read it over and over again as a child, moved by the story of Krishna. He was my favourite God. I was heartbroken reading the chapter of Radha choosing to be left behind.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews