Ashtavakra Gita is considered as one of the classical text in the stream of Advaita Vedanta. Core principles of Advaita Philosophy is reflected in Ashtavakra Gita. The book "JANAKA AND ASHTAVAKRA" written by Mr. Ashraf Karayath is a novel based on the story of Ashtavakra Gita's origin. Ashtavakra Gita is basically in the form of a conversation between the King Janaka and Sage Ashtavakra where Janaka's doubts about enlightenment, brahmajnana etc is addressed by Sage Ashtavakra. This novel portrays the story of Sage Ashtavakra, his birth, his journey to Mithila to meet Janaka and the story of certain circumstances faced by Janaka the king of Mithila in an engaging way. Different stories related to the main story are also told without interrupting the core story. The story of Sita's birth is an example. Like the tributaries strengthening the river, these side stories makes the novel more interesting. The philosophical core of Ashtavakra Gita is beautifully embedded inside the Novel. The message of Sage Ashtavakra is conveyed without losing its essense and without affecting the story telling fabric of the novel.
This novel by Mr. Ashraf Karayath gave a good reading experience.
