I received the book, "The Krishna Key" by Ashwin Sanghi, as
part of the Blogadda Book Reviews Program and this book simply mesmerized me
from the first line.
I am feeling really lucky to have this one. I have not read any of Sanghi’s
previous creations and the first I have in mind after reading this is to have them.
The gripping plot with superb interactions
of mythology made this novel unique. The Indian history and mythology is so
well blended in this book that it is impossible to distinguish the truth and
fiction. One cannot read this creation in hest. To enjoy the magical spell you
have to go slow by giving importance to every intricate details and placing
yourself in the same situation.
Some may find it difficult but I am
a great fan of this kind. I feel a thriller with some detective genre is more
thrilling than an always fast pace roller coaster ride.
The book starts with the murder
of a famous archaeologist Dr Varshney,
who was working in Kalibangan (an ancient civilization) and chanced to find
some important historical evidence (4 pieces of seals and a base plate) of existence
of Lord Krishna. Fearing the consequence he separated the components and
distributed them to four of his academic friends for safe keeping. One of is Dr
Ravi Mohan Saini, the central character of this book. Along with him the other
notable characters involve a lady cop, a mafia don, a leading criminal lawyer,
and his powerful daughter. Last but not the least is the existence of the
murderer who believes that he is none other than the 10th avatar of
Lord Krishna (The Kalki Avatar).
Except Saini the other three friends of Dr Varshney are killed in
identical fashion with three signs of Krishna and Vedic slokas left in the
murder place. The search for Krishna key begins and the gripping plot continues
from Kalibangan to Kailash.
The author took great care in research to pin point every minute details
be it historical evidence or modern day event. All the places like Somnath,
Mount Kailash, Kalibangan, Dwarka, Vrindaban, Taj Mahal are so well and interestingly
described in this book.
The book contains 108 chapters keeping in mind the importance of the number. Each chapter starts with a paragraph describing the life of Krishna
from Mahabharata. It contains hint of link between past and present. Today’s science
and engineering are blended so well with ancient civilization and God gifted
powers of mythology, bringing the possibility of nuclear powers in ancient
society and Lord Shiva depicted as nuclear reactor (the source of atomic
energy).
The total thought process seemed so unique to me and undoubtedly the author
took a lot of pain, imagination and dedication to create this book. At some
points the plot seems a bit too confusing and descriptive and difficult to
follow. That is why I mentioned in the beginning of this review that one needs
to go really slow to enjoy the book.
I congratulate the author for this wonderful heart stopping creation and
highly recommend it to the readers.
