Satyanarayan / सत्यनारायण  (Hindi, Paperback, Agarwal Peeyush)

All my life, I’ve been worshipping, and diligently listening to the Katha of Sri Satyanarayan Dev. The stories have fascinated me and given me a unique peace of mind. In each session, I’ve had new takeaways that have been a topic to mull over, analyse and interpret. I’ve wondered the possibility & probability of starkly opposing scenarios, purely based on an individual’s interest towards these stories. You worship, you earn positivity in life, but if disregard it, then it holds the power to destroy. And I feel there was much hidden in each story than what was heard. I’ve had mixed feelings of anger, fascination, & inspiration, towards a particular aspect; leading me to debate within me. There would be certain participants who, though, physically present in the puja wouldn’t have devoted their mind, often making the priest stop & comment. And the priest had classified the devotees in three categories. One, Listeners, who are simply listening. Two, the Thinkers, who are in pursuit of the truth, present with their body & mind, attentive, learning, and debating with themselves. Three, the Pliers, true to their name, twisted, cross conversationalists, and present without focus. This has made me smile and yet pushed me to be present with a calm mind, and reflect. Even in our consistent struggles, this discussion on truth has remained unabated in my mind. A few years ago, I promised myself to not only think but also pen them down. This novel, is a reflection of the same promise.