A Tryst with Mahakaal: The Ghost Who Never Died Kindle Edition

The author has done primary research on his subject and revealed unknown information in this fascinating book. Although framed as a novel, the book has information that is based in reality. This is a must-read for all discerning readers looking to sift the factual from the fictitious.

I just couldn't help writing this long review of the book. Reading it more than once has been an intense personal experience. This book will remain within me for a long time to come. Deep gratitude to the author.The moniker "Mahakaal" in the title alludes to that part of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's multi-layered life which is often discussed, debated and introspected intensely in recent times. For a discerning reader, it would be evident within no time that the author has (characteristically) charted out a unique path in his mission. His mission, as I see it - was aimed at a diffused unification of two distinct realms of Subhas Chandra Bose's life, told with elan through a fictional context and characters, soaked in a deep sense of empathy. It is another matter that the fiction in this book appears quite often more real than facts. I would not hazard a guess as to how someone sitting on a writer's desk in the early part of the previous decade could paint a futuristic picture so vivid and uncannily real. May be, sincere research speaks for itself.So - what are those two realms? And why their unification is so unique? What is in it for a reader like me?This book at one level retells why and how Mahakaal perceived the physical realm - man and nature, society and country, peace and war, politics and ideology. And thus, the author brings up "Prithak Ghati", a place - so unique in its existence and purpose that a reader might yearn to be a part of Bharat Biswas's experiment on sustainability of mankind. Prithak Ghati itself can be subject of a complete book.The other realm that transcends physical existence, has its imprint across length and breadth of the narration. This is singularly the most potent part of the content. The author takes his time to elucidate - just like the way the elder brother Bharat takes his time to explain to his younger sister Leela to drive home his points - how inadequate our understanding is in exploring human physiology and the true potential of mind and faculty; how nascent is our effort in interpreting 'data zones' around us; and most importantly how brazen our audacity in adopting a nihilistic stance on Tantra Sadhana and all other things which we tend to side-step by branding those as paranormal or simply "bunkum" of a deranged mind?!Right on this note, the author poignantly reflects on the fallacy in our approach whenever we encounter an overwhelming, inexplicable experience. People usually use discretion while commenting on a matter related to science or experimental knowledge. But the same set of people tend to dismiss all matters that is beyond realm of experimental knowledge - which we know as the realm of experiential learning, transcending physical existence and/or phenomenon which 'appears' inexplicable or incompatible with current human knowledge, despite having NO knowledge on the domain they intend to demolish. For experiential learning, one needs to be qualified enough to even comment on the very essence of that realm. No wonder a deep baritone had thundered long back not to measure him up. "I am inscrutable"!And this is where the author creates his niche. He has shown no urgency in believing or disbelieving. His characters cross-examine all viewpoints, all those questions we never fail to ask in the matter of Bhagwanji/GumnamiBaba/Santji/Mahakaal. He has demonstrated no self-aggrandising predisposition to utter the "last word on a political conspiracy", nor has he rushed to any conclusion with a broad-brush of imposed mental "disorder". In fact, the author's astonishingly deep research in wide range of fields subtly triggers an uncomfortable reality check for any one who intends to write on a multi-dimensional entity like Subhas Chandra Bose, merely by sifting through files, documents and reference books sitting in a remote corner of one's own study.One might at times, get overwhelmed by this panoramic range of shades. As the narration progresses, not a single reference to the multitudes of domains appears to be ill-placed or imposed. Because, such is the expanse of the character of the main protagonist! This book does justice by bringing in all hues and colours of such a unique yet enigmatic character as Subhas Chandra Bose/ Bhagwanji.In so many ways, this book is testimonial of a noble intent. It would attract all sorts of readers: uninitiated on the Bhagwanji saga; skeptical; disbelieving; devout followers; know-it-all and all those burdened by political-correctness! In my humble opinion, this book is ahead of its time as it might not evoke that level of attention leading to commercial success in a short period of time. But it surely would make its space in the bedside bookshelf of readers who would want to rediscover intricate themes by reading and re-reading - fully or partially, to extract complete import of the underlying message.For me, it has been a deeply personal experience - not merely of reading a well-written book. Because it questioned my intent. Do I keep reading, talking and ruminating about this entity or should I step out to take an affirmative step towards life - to be a tiny part of an immensely daunting process of sustaining civilization as visualised by the holy man.

A very well written fast paced narrative that keeps you engrossed and engaged. The characters are realistic. The plots are well connected. The defense and war scenarios are well researched. The ideas are thought provoking. End is a little abrupt but does not disappoint, instead it leaves the reader to paint the picture of a better future that may come along with a lost leader. Based losely upon the Bengali book Oi Mahamanab Ase. So some of the concepts may sound alien to people who have not read that book, but the author provides ample explanations around the cryptic and oftem mystical connections so that even uninitiated readers to the mystery of Subhas Chandra Bose are able to follow the narrative. Overall, a must read for Netaji lovers, a good fast paced thriller for others

The idea of Mahakaal, Subhas Chandra Bose and Gumnami Baba are rather revolting. They make up a perfect stance for an intriguing plot.The book is a very well written piece of work. You don’t stumble upon words to test your vocabulary, but you can spend your time marveling at the presentation. The scenes were elaborate and very gracefully written. My personal favorites are the struggle scenes at the first and last. For those who aren’t much into the political setting, having knowledge of the conspiracies or being enticed by the theories, the book isn’t a great choice to go with.

Mahakaal left me craving for more. There is so much more to know, so many questions to be asked, but then if all questions are answered,like we've been taught throughout our school and college days, gobbling whatever's been given to us by the West as the only truth, then what will the intelligent being that we are, venture to seek. Mahakaal stirs up the sleeping Bharatbasis. This has been the read in my recent past.

Mahakaal starts with introducing us to the central characters - Leela who has never believed in anything that can not be scientifically proven , not since she her childhood when she was sent to a boarding school in the city. Prior to that, she had some sense of wonder and freedom and knowledge of India's glorious past from her stay with her relatives in a farmhouse - specifically from her older cousin Bharat. When Leela is being chased by some criminals in a forest, she is saved by a mystical figure who calls himself Mahakaal and takes care of her physical and spiritual condition for about a week before sending her alone, back into the real world. Leela's story becomes a cause for much trouble for her and no one can find any signs of Mahakaal or believe that such a person even existed. Shunned by her closest friends and family as she searches for answers to some of the questions in her mind after her time with Mahakaal , her search leads her to Bharat and his current Project in a self-sustained village - Prithak Ghati (PG)It is in the second and third sections of the book that the story becomes a little slow to read as there is a lot to assimilate in order to accept or reject the ideas being discussed by Bharat & Leela. When you reach the sections of Bharat discussing his life journey and influences of his guru, whom the reader can guess is the same as the mystical Mahakaal the story enters the magical realism part which is handled masterfully in the story. By this time one with either like the story or it will not appeal to the reader at all.What is truly commendable is the amount of research done for writing this story. This is a result of six years of effort by the author and the passion shines on every page of this 390 pages long book. I cannot even begin to imagine the resources and skills that went into putting all these details in the form of a story that is as engaging as enlightening.For me, I have no particular complaints about the ideals and theories discussed in the book. My struggle was with the number of such ideas and events. We have solutions for the political mess, the economic state, society's failures, personal transformation and so on. Then we also have the country going through really hard times and attacks on all fronts in the last chapter. There is simply too much going on in the story in the last section, which I could not be too interested to follow but I wanted to know the end of the book, which is left kind of open-ended.