Indian mythology is not only full of lessons that have the potential to change a person’s life and give them a new perspective to see the world, but they also have the appropriate mix of emotional appeal, which makes the texts relatable and real in every century they are read in. Jyoti Kiran’s latest book, “Devkinandan,” prominently marks Devki’s pain, who has sacrificed her motherly affection for her duty. The writer in this book has very poetically described Devki’s pain. Many times while reading, we can relate to a mother, Devki. Her pain of losing her children after birth is so deep, which the writer has beautifully expressed.
“There is no shadow, no shelter, no protector like a mother.
There is no life-giver in this world like a mother.”
The verse used by the author has depth, emotional appeal and the human element which suggests that the characters from our mythology were as human as any of us. After reading this beautiful poetic story by Jyoti Kiran, the pain of a mother who has given birth to a child but cannot be with him has touched my soul. Mother is a mother no matter whom she gives birth to, a God or human, her love for children remains pure. The author indulges in a retelling of an old tale that has the modern touch of emotions, examining the story from the perspective of a mother in the feminine light and showcasing the inner turmoil that she must have gone through. To some extent, it can also be considered a modern representation of the pains of the mothers of today when they are separated from their children for one reason or another.
Both Devki and her husband Vasudeva were imprisoned by Kamsa, her evil brother, as it was predicted that Kamsa would be killed by Devaki’s eighth child. By the curse of her previous birth, her seven sons were all killed by Kamsa. Devaki gave birth to her eighth child in secrecy to let him enlighten mankind. All this has been described in beautiful Hindi verse form by Jyoti Kiran. During her pregnancy, she has gone through the pain of losing her children before even giving birth described in a heartfelt verse form, Devki is the mouthpiece of the story of Jyoti Kiran.
Devki was Krishna’s natural mother. She did not get much attention from poets or composers as compared to Yashodha. Yashodha and Krishna are depicted in many stories and songs, and a lot of religious texts focus on Krishna’s adoptive life. Yashodha and Devaki had equally important roles as mothers to Krishna. Devaki is portrayed as the feminine power of being a mother, with her sorrows of losing her seven children and her joy at the birth of Krishna. Her fears and her character has been depicted from all aspects by writer Jyoti Kiran in her book “Devakinandan.” At the same time, she is also highlighted as the symbol of strength, determination, resilience and patience.
Fear of night, darkness and the waning of the moon symbolises the Thanatophobia of a mother. While hiding her 8th pregnancy, Devaki’s fear of giving birth and exceptional motherly instinct has been described marvelously. It also builds around the celestial relevance of this event and the potency it has to change the future of mankind forever. The author chooses words very wisely to describe the depth of the situation and does justice to her careful explanation.
After Devaki gave birth to Krishna, the writer expresses Devaki’s grief in being separated from her child. Devaki’s sadness has been described as an expression of heartfelt sorrow over her lost good fortune. Her harpoon of giving birth and her fear of losing have described both. After giving birth from her womb, not only did she miss singing the lullabies, but she did not get the joy of seeing him play in the cradle, missed his all childhood playing, drinking milk, and eating Makhan (butter). She shows her urge to see him grow, to live with him, just like any mother. But she also understands that what she is doing is for the betterment of her child, which becomes the underlying theme of the text.
In the story of Jyoti Kiran, Devki stands as a beacon of patience and resilience. From the excruciating pain of childbirth to the fear of losing her children. Devki is an indomitable spirit of motherhood. “DevkiNandan” by Jyoti Kiran takes her readers to the realm of the unyielding trials and unsung sorrows of Devki. She has painted a poignant portrait of Devki’s odyssey. The writer here in this book has very creatively shown her skill of storytelling narrative. She delves into Devki’s innermost commotion with profound insight, divine and maternal essence that explains the tale I would like to sum up by saying, “Devki Nandan -Bhoola nahin tha tumhein Maa” Resonates Divine love of mother and son in a mesmerising manner.
Author Name: Jyoti Kiran
Title: Devkinandan
Publisher: Evincepub Publishing
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.in/Bhula-Nhi-tha-Tumhein-Devkinandan/dp/9356733740/
