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Ravana's Sister
At birth, she was named Meenakshi, the girl with beautiful eyes. But the world knew her as an evil, ugly and immoral seductress called Soorpanakha who had dared to fall in love with Lord Rama’s brother, Lakshmana. In this fascinating story, Ravana’s Sister (Meenakshi), best selling author of The Rise of Sivagami, Anand Neelakantan, tells the poignant tale of a woman whose ears, nose and breasts are chopped off by a man as punishment for seeking love from a superior being. Overturning what popular myths and legends may have endorsed about Meenakshi aka Soorpanakha, this story is about every woman who may have lost in love, but gained much more from life in general.
18 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 18, 2018
About the author
Anand Neelakantan
27 books1,707 followersAnand Neelakantan is an Indian author, columnist, screenwriter, and public speaker. He is known for writing mythological fictions and has authored ten books in English and one in Malayalam. He follows the style of telling stories based on the perspective of the antagonists or supporting characters of a larger work. His debut work Asura: Tale of the Vanquished (2012) was based on the Indian epic Ramayana, told from the perspective of Ravana—the first book in his Ramayana series. It was followed by series of books based on characters from Mahabharata and Baahubali. His books have been translated to different languages such as Tamil, Hindi, Malayalam, Telugu, Kannada, Marathi, Bengali , Gujarati, Assamese, English and Indonesian Bahasa.
Anand's Asura is one of the 100 books to be read in a life time as per Amazon.[1] The book has sold more than half a million copies across the years. Three of his books have been shortlisted for Crossword Book Award during the respective years. He was listed as one among the "100 top celebrities in India" in 2015 and 2017 by Forbes India. Anand also writes a column for The New Indian Express on current affairs and his fortnightly column is called "Acute Angle".
Anand's Asura is one of the 100 books to be read in a life time as per Amazon.[1] The book has sold more than half a million copies across the years. Three of his books have been shortlisted for Crossword Book Award during the respective years. He was listed as one among the "100 top celebrities in India" in 2015 and 2017 by Forbes India. Anand also writes a column for The New Indian Express on current affairs and his fortnightly column is called "Acute Angle".
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
January 4, 2021
Introductory
This is quite a character based short story. It's more of the philosophical touch to one of the character of and Epic mythology, in a very brief manner. One thing quite keep me in thought that how come Surpanakha stayed in Ayodhya after all that war between Gods and Demons? What's she doing there? But still this book has some sense about the aftermath of the Great war happened then. Enjoyed it.
This is quite a character based short story. It's more of the philosophical touch to one of the character of and Epic mythology, in a very brief manner. One thing quite keep me in thought that how come Surpanakha stayed in Ayodhya after all that war between Gods and Demons? What's she doing there? But still this book has some sense about the aftermath of the Great war happened then. Enjoyed it.
October 26, 2018
*
Even 18 page short story may tell 100+ philosophy
Things learnt from the book
1. Never Judge the book by it's cover!;
2. Till now beauty is defined as a fair looking, well build physique & structure and such other irrelevant parameters; Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder!
3. Neither "Sita" nor "Meenakshi" had intention to create a war or to destroy the entire well developed kingdom for their own sake!; it's all started by the Lakshmana who cut the nose, ears and breasts of the Meenakshi just for the proposing him with a dark faces yet beautiful eyes!
Things learnt from the book
1. Never Judge the book by it's cover!;
2. Till now beauty is defined as a fair looking, well build physique & structure and such other irrelevant parameters; Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder!
3. Neither "Sita" nor "Meenakshi" had intention to create a war or to destroy the entire well developed kingdom for their own sake!; it's all started by the Lakshmana who cut the nose, ears and breasts of the Meenakshi just for the proposing him with a dark faces yet beautiful eyes!
August 14, 2018
Neelakantan packs a punch even in this short presentation. While narrating a brief encounter between Surpnanakha and Sita as the latter is being escorted by Lakshaman to exile, the author makes certain seminal observations like "all wars are without reason" and that " men fight to satisfy their egos". And finally as Sita departs she, influenced by Meenakshi (Surpnakha) confesses to her that she will teach her unborn child " to reciprocate love with at least compassion". One of the finest story told by a master story teller.
April 11, 2018
[Detailed review is available at: http://thinkerviews.com/books/english...]
Ravana had a sister and she played an important role in Ramayana. A very little about her is written though. What she was doing before she met the warrior duo in the Jungle? And, what happened to her after the deadly battle between Rama (or Ram) and Ravana (or Raavan)? Answers to these questions are mostly unknown or unanswered for many of us.
On behalf of our team, I tried to explore this book if it has the answers. And what I found is? Well, no the book doesn't have all the answers but hint about a lot of incidents.
It is a short EBook and talking about majority of incidents explored in this book will definitely affect the reader's experience while reading it, so I will try to not to discuss about the incident which could have been spoilers.
The book tells us that no kingdom can be ideal and you cannot satisfy all the people all the time. It is not possible for the God also to do that. Because, possibly, everyone follows his/her part based on his/her karma and the consequences which are result of the same.
A war doesn't end when one party wins over the other. It ends there of course, formally. The aftershocks of the war disorients the lives of the people who are affected with and carries forward even through generations. So, we can say, only love trumps all!
You can share happiness with anyone, but, sorrow and grief can only be understood by those who experienced similar things.
There are many more lessons or conclusions you can reach to by reading the book.
In terms of writing the book has gems of sentences and phrases found almost throughout. While the tale is not taking us anywhere in linear direction, it is associated fictionally with an important incident after the war between Ram and Ravan as said earlier. The lives of poor people is explored with conviction by the author.
If you would like to read something short yet heavy, full of sorrows yet leading to happiness, talking about sad incidents but showing the hope, good at literary attributes, then this book is a good choice.
Currently there are book promotion offers are running and this book is available for just Rs. 5 at: https://amzn.to/2qn6ZX5
At this rate it is definitely a good choice.
We would give it 3.5 stars out of 5.
Ravana had a sister and she played an important role in Ramayana. A very little about her is written though. What she was doing before she met the warrior duo in the Jungle? And, what happened to her after the deadly battle between Rama (or Ram) and Ravana (or Raavan)? Answers to these questions are mostly unknown or unanswered for many of us.
On behalf of our team, I tried to explore this book if it has the answers. And what I found is? Well, no the book doesn't have all the answers but hint about a lot of incidents.
It is a short EBook and talking about majority of incidents explored in this book will definitely affect the reader's experience while reading it, so I will try to not to discuss about the incident which could have been spoilers.
The book tells us that no kingdom can be ideal and you cannot satisfy all the people all the time. It is not possible for the God also to do that. Because, possibly, everyone follows his/her part based on his/her karma and the consequences which are result of the same.
A war doesn't end when one party wins over the other. It ends there of course, formally. The aftershocks of the war disorients the lives of the people who are affected with and carries forward even through generations. So, we can say, only love trumps all!
You can share happiness with anyone, but, sorrow and grief can only be understood by those who experienced similar things.
There are many more lessons or conclusions you can reach to by reading the book.
In terms of writing the book has gems of sentences and phrases found almost throughout. While the tale is not taking us anywhere in linear direction, it is associated fictionally with an important incident after the war between Ram and Ravan as said earlier. The lives of poor people is explored with conviction by the author.
If you would like to read something short yet heavy, full of sorrows yet leading to happiness, talking about sad incidents but showing the hope, good at literary attributes, then this book is a good choice.
Currently there are book promotion offers are running and this book is available for just Rs. 5 at: https://amzn.to/2qn6ZX5
At this rate it is definitely a good choice.
We would give it 3.5 stars out of 5.
March 15, 2018
Beauty lies in the eyes of beholder
One can become bitter for anything wrong done to him/her or learn to accept it with pride. This is the story of one such courageous woman. Loved it
One can become bitter for anything wrong done to him/her or learn to accept it with pride. This is the story of one such courageous woman. Loved it
January 26, 2018
Everything has a fragrance!
This short story acts a bridge between two different sets of stories. Good story which is also a refreshing read. :)
This short story acts a bridge between two different sets of stories. Good story which is also a refreshing read. :)
March 27, 2018
didnt understand what Anand proves by writing this short story...
does he mean Rama Rajya was only for the Brahmins/fortunate ones?
does he mean Meenakshi lived in Ayodhya?
does he mean any more?
does he mean Rama Rajya was only for the Brahmins/fortunate ones?
does he mean Meenakshi lived in Ayodhya?
does he mean any more?
July 17, 2018
Awesome short read. Dialogues, story, characters everything is perfect. Some dialogue will force you to contemplate about the characters and the life they lived. I was really surprised to see mr neelkanthan using short description and more of a dialogues bw characters it is unlikely of him but he has done a good job with this one.
January 18, 2019
Moral of the story: Women are strong and forgiving
Women shouldn't be so forgiving, it's unfair...
Women shouldn't be so forgiving, it's unfair...
January 13, 2019
Anand Neelakantan delivers a punch with his Short story on Ravana's Sister. The story takes place after the trial by fire of Sita and she being banished out of Ayodhya. The story has one major theme Women Empowerment.
This Short read touches upon so many issues and ends in a style. Many may not approve of this due to their staunch beliefs but this short definitely deserves a read.
This Short read touches upon so many issues and ends in a style. Many may not approve of this due to their staunch beliefs but this short definitely deserves a read.
March 24, 2018
Life is beautiful
Wondering if this is fact based or jus
t a work of fiction. But whatever it is, it is good.
Wondering if this is fact based or jus
t a work of fiction. But whatever it is, it is good.
July 15, 2018
A lovely read! Touching and warm.
March 23, 2018
Good book which presents an alternative thinking and rational expression.
October 2, 2018
Indian mythology has always been of great interest and a subject of fascination for me. Stories that my grandfather used to tell me when I was younger intrigued me so much that I ended up asking him loads and loads of questions, which he answered and ultimately shooed me off when I overdid. With the Indian markets swarming with authors’ takes on the ocean of content that the mythology is, one can never be sure of what to expect. Debutantes and experienced alike, authors are writing about it left, right and center. And there seems to be no end. It’s overwhelming. Literally. Having read a couple of masterpieces by a few authors around this subject, I was not very keen on engaging with it soon. But, Amazon will never seize to lure. As a prime member, I downloaded Anand Neelakantan’s Ravana’s Sister Meenakshi and found it to be extremely short, shorter than a short story and read it in flat 15 minutes!
Having endured years and years of ridicule and pain, Soorpanakha, the ugly one, roams around the streets of Ayodhya, which is about to witness a shameful act by none other than the God King himself. The Queen is being abandoned. Her fault, she doesn’t seem as pious as she was, to a mere washerman, mind you, after being rescued from the clutches of Ravana.
Coming face to face with the man she dared love and declare it openly to him on his way to do his brother’s bidding, Soorpanakha, once the beautiful Meenakshi, feels the same passion as she did all those years ago. Sita, seeing the woman who started it all, and Meenakshi, seeing the woman who ended it all, bond over the things that had happened before the beautiful one is taken away to live her remaining days ingloriously.
A few months ago, I had read another short story which had and an episode of Sita and Meenakshi bonding after the former takes refuge in the hermitage of a sage when her husband abandons her. This story and that story draw parallels, though the main difference is the central character, Sita in that, Meenakshi in this. In simple language, the author sends out a strong message. My review for this story might be a little repetitive, and short since I have already written so much on this subject.
Meenakshi, wise from her years of suffering has something for Sita, advice, that abandoning can be done to only those who have been possessed, which Sita never was. Despite that fact that a woman belongs to her husband after her marriage is in no way a contract of his superiority over her and crying over his foolishness of leaving her is of no use. Instead, finding oneself free of all the boundations that come along with being at a position that is always under public scrutiny is liberating. And knowing that flowers will still be fragrant, and Sita can smell them should be a good reason enough to be grateful.
Meenakshi’s portrayal is beautiful. The strength that she has, the passion that she holds and the goodness that she sees in the world is commendable. Forgiving one’s tormentor/abuser is not easy, let alone not speaking ill of them, and to move on with grace is beyond question for someone who has been through so much as her. I don’t know if this lady was actually a demoness or just a mere woman who fell in love with a married man. I don’t know if she was manipulative, or just a puppet at the hands of her brother. I don’t know if she was beautiful on the inside, or was made ugly when her nose, ears, and breasts were cut off. What I know is that I respect this woman, and feel bad that there isn’t much written about her after that fateful day which resulted in the annihilation of an entire family.
The Almighty made the woman multifaceted and instilled within her a power so strong that no other living being could carry it. Her versatility, the seamless transition from the motherly Parvati to the vanquisher Durga to the annihilator Kali, gives her strength to endure what comes her way. I was always saddened when I was stopped/couldn’t do something as a young girl, which the boys got away with easily. I did not know then what it meant to be a woman but am wiser now. And am proud that I took birth as a woman, to a woman who herself is a lioness.
Having endured years and years of ridicule and pain, Soorpanakha, the ugly one, roams around the streets of Ayodhya, which is about to witness a shameful act by none other than the God King himself. The Queen is being abandoned. Her fault, she doesn’t seem as pious as she was, to a mere washerman, mind you, after being rescued from the clutches of Ravana.
Coming face to face with the man she dared love and declare it openly to him on his way to do his brother’s bidding, Soorpanakha, once the beautiful Meenakshi, feels the same passion as she did all those years ago. Sita, seeing the woman who started it all, and Meenakshi, seeing the woman who ended it all, bond over the things that had happened before the beautiful one is taken away to live her remaining days ingloriously.
A few months ago, I had read another short story which had and an episode of Sita and Meenakshi bonding after the former takes refuge in the hermitage of a sage when her husband abandons her. This story and that story draw parallels, though the main difference is the central character, Sita in that, Meenakshi in this. In simple language, the author sends out a strong message. My review for this story might be a little repetitive, and short since I have already written so much on this subject.
Meenakshi, wise from her years of suffering has something for Sita, advice, that abandoning can be done to only those who have been possessed, which Sita never was. Despite that fact that a woman belongs to her husband after her marriage is in no way a contract of his superiority over her and crying over his foolishness of leaving her is of no use. Instead, finding oneself free of all the boundations that come along with being at a position that is always under public scrutiny is liberating. And knowing that flowers will still be fragrant, and Sita can smell them should be a good reason enough to be grateful.
Meenakshi’s portrayal is beautiful. The strength that she has, the passion that she holds and the goodness that she sees in the world is commendable. Forgiving one’s tormentor/abuser is not easy, let alone not speaking ill of them, and to move on with grace is beyond question for someone who has been through so much as her. I don’t know if this lady was actually a demoness or just a mere woman who fell in love with a married man. I don’t know if she was manipulative, or just a puppet at the hands of her brother. I don’t know if she was beautiful on the inside, or was made ugly when her nose, ears, and breasts were cut off. What I know is that I respect this woman, and feel bad that there isn’t much written about her after that fateful day which resulted in the annihilation of an entire family.
The Almighty made the woman multifaceted and instilled within her a power so strong that no other living being could carry it. Her versatility, the seamless transition from the motherly Parvati to the vanquisher Durga to the annihilator Kali, gives her strength to endure what comes her way. I was always saddened when I was stopped/couldn’t do something as a young girl, which the boys got away with easily. I did not know then what it meant to be a woman but am wiser now. And am proud that I took birth as a woman, to a woman who herself is a lioness.
January 10, 2019
I really liked reading this. Love well. Or at least show compassion. Everyone needs it - and in some ways, deserves it. They have reasons why they inflict harm. But you have reasons to heal from the harm that's inflicted. And for that reason, show compassion and move on.
March 20, 2018
I cried all the way through
What a realistic way to look at our ancients who have done a major job in screwing us up. About time we rewrite our legends
What a realistic way to look at our ancients who have done a major job in screwing us up. About time we rewrite our legends
April 9, 2021
A perspective I never had.
Imagining a conversation between Sita and Meenakshi would never be so rich, so fulfilling, and so expansive in nature had I weaved it in my mind, before reading this perspective. Two important women, strong characters in themselves, coming together to exchange thoughts and in turn building each other for their lives ahead - one gaining a perspective, and the other being able to reinforce hers, is what I specially loved about this narrative.
Imagining a conversation between Sita and Meenakshi would never be so rich, so fulfilling, and so expansive in nature had I weaved it in my mind, before reading this perspective. Two important women, strong characters in themselves, coming together to exchange thoughts and in turn building each other for their lives ahead - one gaining a perspective, and the other being able to reinforce hers, is what I specially loved about this narrative.
Read
January 29, 2019A very short story about Meenaakshi - Ravana's Sister.
The dialogues between Meenakshi and Sita are noteworthy .
However, I was expecting much more from the book. This story is more about philosophy and less about the great EPIC through Meenakshi's eyes.
The dialogues between Meenakshi and Sita are noteworthy .
However, I was expecting much more from the book. This story is more about philosophy and less about the great EPIC through Meenakshi's eyes.
April 4, 2019
Ravana's Sister' by Anand Neelakantan is a powerful condensed read that makes the reader sit up and take notice.There are multiple layers to this little gem of a book.When I started reading, I never could predict that it will affect me so deeply.But then I never expected it to be such an intense read either.
Society has a tendency to observe history through a lens tinted by money and power.Antinarratives have the ability of removing these distortions and presenting us with an unorthodox perspective.It often approaches history from the point of view of the vanquished.
Anand Neelakantan in his book 'Ravana's Sister' has reimagined the world of 'Ramayana' through the eyes of the much maligned Surpanakha or Meenakshi(the one with the beautiful eyes), as named by her mother, as she embarks on a journey to meet Sita who is on the verge of being banished by her husband, the human God Lord Ram
On the way Surpanakha, the erstwhile Lankan princess, recounts the senseless atrocities inflicted on her by Lord Ram's younger brother Laxman as a retribution for a simple proclamation of love from a dark skinned lower caste woman.She recalls Lord Ram's condoning of his brother's actions,her brother Ravana's vengeance in the form of the abduction of Sita, the war that followed which destroyed Lanka and everyone she held dear to her and the rescue of Sita. She reflects on the futility of it all in the context of Sita's imminent banishment.
On the way she interacts with a 'Chandal' family, belonging to the subaltern part of the society, living outside the palace gates.This emaciated destitute family wrecks the myth of the proverbial 'Ram-Rajatya' or kingdom of Lord Ram, the epitome of ideal governance.
Surpanakha's recollections compels one to reflect on poignant questions on money, power and their relationship with the depiction of good and evil in history.These questions challenge the foundations of divinity itself.
Patriarchy, its tussle with the independent woman and the associated costs remain a recurring theme .
Neelakantan in his signature immaculate way blurs the boundaries between the conqueror and the vanquished and redefines the definition of victors and the subdued as he switches the context from a political to a social paradigm.
The story ends with a reassertion of hope as the vanquished refuse to relinquish their belief in the beauty of life, in their independent identity, in a better tomorrow even in the face of overwhelming odds.
April 23, 2019
Ravana's sister
Nice short writing on Soorpanakha about how she could have felt after the defeat of Ravana and mistreatment to Sita..
Nice short writing on Soorpanakha about how she could have felt after the defeat of Ravana and mistreatment to Sita..
November 25, 2018
Nellakantan champions the cause of the Indian Mythological Underdog
I've been wanting to read Nellakantan every since my MIL and wife rave about Asura. And for some reason I start with Meenakshi as my first book. It's rivetting! And it's already over!! Do not realise is a short story. Great thoughts written simply and elegantly.
Return Love with compassion, of not Love. And NEVER return bitterness, because the love that is offered is precious. Shoorpanaga's Lesson for boys and girls who call off love affairs.
I've been wanting to read Nellakantan every since my MIL and wife rave about Asura. And for some reason I start with Meenakshi as my first book. It's rivetting! And it's already over!! Do not realise is a short story. Great thoughts written simply and elegantly.
Return Love with compassion, of not Love. And NEVER return bitterness, because the love that is offered is precious. Shoorpanaga's Lesson for boys and girls who call off love affairs.
December 7, 2018
Good read.
Good read. Couldn't come out of it. Very little is known about ravana's sister and this book is exactly what is promises
Good read. Couldn't come out of it. Very little is known about ravana's sister and this book is exactly what is promises
May 16, 2018
Good read
Good short story style. Good read, gives a new perspective to the story. Reads like a contemporary book with a background
Good short story style. Good read, gives a new perspective to the story. Reads like a contemporary book with a background
October 18, 2018
A Beautiful and heartbreaking book about Meenakshi, a woman with beautiful eyes, or known to the most people as Soopankha, a demon with long nails, canines and long thorns, who dared to love a man and was left with no ears, nose and breasts in return. But, alas, no loser finds its deserving admiration in heroic poetry hence, Ravana and her sister were deprived of it. It might prove to be a good but brief read for 'realist' people. Had it been a more detailed book, it would have fetched 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
October 9, 2018
It's really a nice composition to remind us to always look at the brighter prettier side of life. It potrays all the characters like Meenakshi, sita, lakshmana even the little chandalini's so well that they almost felt real. I have read many but neelakantan's mythology in light of reality is the best
March 19, 2019
A simply brilliant short story about the Ravana's sister Meenakshi, more widely known as Soorpanaka. The world from her perspective has a different view and colors. A perspective she shows to the disheartened and abandoned Sita. A chance interaction that transforms how Sita looks at the dismal events of her life.
A beautiful look beyond the obvious tale.
A beautiful look beyond the obvious tale.
April 28, 2018
Short but meaningful
event full of emotions traveling from so called devil to reclaimed God...beutifuly described feminine attitude over male dominance...Would have loved to read more on this
event full of emotions traveling from so called devil to reclaimed God...beutifuly described feminine attitude over male dominance...Would have loved to read more on this
November 5, 2018
What a wonderful book
I wanna read more. This is so beautiful. A read from whole new level and another dimension. What a great book. I am a big fan of Anand Neelkantans book. Great. Simply great.
I wanna read more. This is so beautiful. A read from whole new level and another dimension. What a great book. I am a big fan of Anand Neelkantans book. Great. Simply great.
March 4, 2019
Good read
The book is written well. Gives a new perspective but is more like a debate on the philosophy "beauty of life".
The book is written well. Gives a new perspective but is more like a debate on the philosophy "beauty of life".
January 15, 2019
#LightReading Loved the author's take on #Soorpanakha
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews