The Lords beloved
Krishnapriya: An inner awakening to peace
Author: Dr Anuradha Iyer
Publisher: Bajaj Grafics
Pages: 142
₹ 500
In our run-of-the-mill lives, we are sometimes struck by a few moments of absolute stillness; moments which make us ponder about the purpose of our life in this massive universe. Dr Anuradha Iyer’s debut fiction novel, Krishnapriya: An inner awakening to peace, is an elaborate saga of finding that ultimate purpose—of merging with the Lord of the universe.
Dr Iyer is a professor of physiology, a trained classical singer, and an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna. She penned this book to acknowledge the role of the Bhagavad Gita and her beloved Lord Krishna, in putting her on the spiritual path. As its name suggests, Krishnapriya (beloved of Krishna) is the tale of one Radha’s intense desire to be united with the Lord. This Radha, who has surrendered herself to the Lord, wants the Lord to belong exclusively to her. “Why can’t you only be mine?” asks Radha. This one innocent question catapults her towards the world of maya. “She did not understand the immensity of what she sought. He is everyone and everywhere and cannot be contained in one space. How could the Lord of the Universe, the Master of Creation, belong to one person, however loving or surrendering that one entity was,” writes the author. And thus began Radha’s journey of birth and rebirth, and her spiritual evolution in this realm.
Krishnapriya comprises 17 chapters that trace Radha’s journey through various lifetimes. Each chapter opens with a quote by a spiritual master and elaborates upon it through Radha’s story, which starts with her as Sona and ends with her becoming the beloved of the Lord, Krishnapriya. Hers is a tale that asserts the fact that when we go through life’s many ups and downs, and emerge victorious, it is a triumph for us as well as for Him.
The first chapter illustrates the author’s journey. Being an inquisitive learner, she was introduced to spirituality and music by her grandmother. Leading a simple and happy life, her endless belief in Krishna kept growing, eventually inspiring her to share Krishnapriya’s glorious journey with the world. This book illustrates the purpose of life expounded in the Bhagavad Gita, which is to evolve into a purified soul. The ability to love is a remarkable sign of strength, and the person who has mastered it, is endowed with an efficient hand, a loving heart, and a clear head. The book leaves you feeling gratified, thanks to its depth and effective storytelling.
by Rashmi Rawat