The Hidden Hindu

Completely amazing story! Since Hindu mythology is so vast and has elements of rebirth and immortality, it gives creative minds amazing an opportunity to utilize the myths, the prophecies, the legends, for the sake of story telling. The hidden hindu is based on the concept of the seven immortals in Hinduism who are believed to be alive even after the end of the epoch (yug) they were born in. I have long been fascinated by the idea of the last avatar of Vishnu- Kalki who is prophesied to descend on the earth at the end of Kali yuga. So, when I read the blurb, I was intrigued. The story follows Prithvi, a 21 year old who can't shake this feeling of knowing events, remembering them even from a time before his birth. His ability to see the past makes him seek an ascetic who claims to be an immortal and have lived through all four yugas. Prithvi's journey is full of puzzling elements of the past and an unpredictable future where he tries to explore his real identity and where his present self lies in the midst of all this chaos. The book definitely has a unique concept of blending science fiction with mythology, of finding a balance between past and present, mortality and immortality and this is why I really appreciated this book for its originality and story telling. The narration is the key when it comes to books that deal with such complicated themes and this book lacked the gripping narration it deserved. It reads like diary entries or even a play where characters just keep saying their lines without any descriptions of their body language, their surroundings, that can give us an insight into their motivations and explain what drives them for the reader to be able to connect with them and the story. The plot, like I said, is engaging and the book ends on an exciting note where you can't help but ask for more. Therefore, a must read for all the mythology lovers.

Incredible book with great content. I would recommend it to everyone. Twenty-one-year-old Prithvi is looking for Om Shastri, a mystery middle-aged aghori (Shiva devotee), who was located more than 200 years ago and taken to a cutting-edge facility on a remote Indian island. The aghori claimed to have seen all four yugas (the Hindu epochs) and even taken part in the Ramayana and Mahabharata when he was drugged and hypnotised for questioning by a team of experts. Everyone was perplexed by Om's comments about his amazing background, which violated the laws of mortality. The group learns that Om had been looking for the other immortals from each yuga.

This is the first installment of a trilogy called "The Hidden Hindu" written by Akshat Gupta. The book seamlessly blends elements of mythology, thriller, and action, creating a captivating reading experience. The incorporation of Hindu mythology, including the Ramayana and Mahabharata, as well as the use of Sanskrit names and phrases, is skillfully integrated into the story with clear contextual explanations. Without giving away any spoilers, the plotline of the book is intricate and gains momentum after the initial few chapters. It gradually transforms into a fast-paced mythological fiction. The language used is simple, allowing for easy comprehension and smooth narration. The parallel plots in the story are well intertwined, enhancing the overall reading experience. While some characters are well-developed, there is room for improvement in terms of providing further description and depth to certain characters within the story. Additionally, the climax of the book felt a bit rushed and abrupt, leaving the reader curious about how the next part of the trilogy will unfold. Overall, the author has made a commendable effort in crafting this book. The seamless blending of mythology with elements of thriller and action, along with the author's accessible writing style, makes it an engaging read.

"The Hidden Hindu" by Akshat Gupta is a thought-provoking and enlightening exploration of the Hindu philosophy and its timeless wisdom. In this book, Gupta invites readers on a transformative journey as he unravels the depth and richness of Hinduism, delving into its core principles, rituals, mythology, and spiritual practices. Gupta's writing style is engaging and accessible, making the complex concepts of Hinduism accessible to both those new to the subject and those familiar with its teachings. He presents the material with clarity and a deep sense of reverence, creating a space for readers to explore the profound and multifaceted aspects of Hinduism. The book is divided into well-structured chapters that cover various aspects of Hindu philosophy, including its understanding of God, the concept of karma, the significance of rituals, and the exploration of divine beings and mythology. Gupta skillfully weaves together ancient wisdom and contemporary perspectives, providing readers with a holistic understanding of Hinduism's relevance in today's world. What sets "The Hidden Hindu" apart is Gupta's ability to connect the spiritual teachings of Hinduism with everyday life. He highlights the practical applications of Hindu philosophy, demonstrating how its principles can be embraced to enhance personal well-being, foster compassion, and navigate the complexities of the modern world. Furthermore, Gupta challenges some common misconceptions and stereotypes associated with Hinduism, offering nuanced insights and dispelling myths along the way. Through his research and personal experiences, he presents a balanced and inclusive view of Hinduism, promoting understanding and appreciation of its diverse aspects. While the book offers a comprehensive overview, it is important to note that "The Hidden Hindu" does not provide an exhaustive exploration of every aspect of Hinduism. Instead, Gupta offers a broad understanding, encouraging readers to further explore the subject through their own curiosity and study. In conclusion, "The Hidden Hindu" is a captivating and enlightening book that sheds light on the profound teachings and spiritual depth of Hinduism. Akshat Gupta's accessible writing style, coupled with his deep knowledge and passion for the subject, makes this book an excellent resource for both newcomers and those seeking to deepen their understanding of Hindu philosophy. Through its exploration of key principles and practices, "The Hidden Hindu" offers readers a valuable opportunity to embrace the wisdom and spiritual insights of one of the world's oldest religions.

Book one of the trilogy mainly revolves around the eccentric, baffling, but charismatic character of the Aghori Om Shastri, who claims to have lived for thousands of years and has witnessed all the four yugas, including the events of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. After tracking him for over 200 years, it is decided to capture and interrogate the mysterious man. And it is during the covert interrogations that these unbelievable truths are revealed. The fact that every modern tool and technique of lie-detection available to man fails to detect a single lie in Om’s story leaves everyone shocked and perplexed. Further, his extraordinary strengths and super sharp instincts add to the enigma, for Om has the uncanny habit of doing the most extraordinary of things that aren’t humanely possible. One of the major plus points of The Hidden Hindu comes from its ability to flawlessly intertwine mythological events from thousands of years ago to historical events and events in the recent past. Stories of puranic characters like Sushen, Lakshman, Vidur, etc are connected to modern historical figures like Subhash Chandra Bose. A major focus of the book is on the concept of the seven Chiranjeevis in the Hindu universe, which has been woven into the context of the modern world, thus creating an intriguing link between ancient, medieval, and present-day India. Even though a large part of the book is about Om’s interrogation, but the pace and ideas, are constantly thrown in and then stirred, to create the maximum impact. The writing makes use of a good amount of research. The way Itihaasa, history, mathematics, science, and ancient knowledge are correlated and then plugged into the story is bound to leave the reader intrigued. Character sketches and arcs are yet another strong points of the story. With every character, there is an additional layer of mystery. The pace is a little uneven. Fast, and then medium, and then fast again. But apart from that, every single aspect of the book calls for it to be labeled as a ‘must read’.