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Shikhandini - Warrior Princess of the Mahabharata
Centuries have passed since the great War of Kurukshetra, but her name is still uttered in hushed whispers – Eunuch, hijra, neither man nor woman... But was this all there was to shikhandini, princess of panchala? Was this her only identity? The firstborn of King drupada, shikhandini was trained to be a warrior from early childhood. She became a Rathi, and then an athirathi, a warrior of unmatched valour and skill, who single-handedly defeated the hundred Kauravas brothers in battle. All her life she strove to fulfil one goal – to slay the Marathi of hasthinapur, in a trans-generational Act of vengeance. But was this her final destiny? At the battle of Kurukshetra, when the Pandava brothers seem to have lost all hope and are facing defeat, it is shikhandini who joins them and turns the battle in their favour. If not for her, history would have been written differently. But what was the price she paid? How far did she go in order to prove herself and accomplish her goal? What did she sacrifice along the way? Was she just a pawn in the game between the Kurus? Or was she a true hero, conveniently forgotten because she was not born a man? In this retelling of epochal events, shikhandini’s transformation from woman to man, based on ancient medical science, is what makes this story both riveting and real in its validity, human intensity, driven purpose and ultimate sacrifice. In this new dawn, when the third gender is finally gaining acceptance and identity, it is perhaps time shikhandini’s story was retold in all its tragic glory.
- GenresHistory
232 pages, Paperback
Published October 14, 2019
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73 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 10, 2020
2nd book of 2020 (126th book overall)
Rating - 4 Stars
Plot Summary - Centuries have passed since the Great War of Kurukshetra, but her name is still uttered in hushed whispers – Eunuch, hijra, neither man nor woman... But was this all there was to shikhandini, princess of panchala? Was this her only identity? The firstborn of King dhrupad, shikhandini was trained to be a warrior from early childhood. She became a Rathi, and then an athirathi, a warrior of unmatched valour and skill, who single-handedly defeated the hundred Kauravas brothers in battle. All her life she strove to fulfil one goal – to slay the Marathi of Hastinapura, in a trans-generational Act of vengeance. But was this her final destiny? At the battle of Kurukshetra, when the Pandava brothers seem to have lost all hope and are facing defeat, it is shikhandini who joins them and turns the battle in their favour. If not for her, history would have been written differently. But what was the price she paid? How far did she go in order to prove herself and accomplish her goal? What did she sacrifice along the way? Was she just a pawn in the game between the Kurus? Or was she a true hero, conveniently forgotten because she was not born a man? In this retelling of epochal events, shikhandini’s transformation from woman to man, based on ancient medical science, is what makes this story both riveting and real in its validity, human intensity, driven purpose and ultimate sacrifice. In this new dawn, when the third gender is finally gaining acceptance and identity, it is perhaps time shikhandini’s story was retold in all its tragic glory.
My Review - Yet another retelling of The Mahabharat. But is it? It is the story of Princess of Panchala and firstborn of King Draupad. She was prophesied and destined with the sole task of killing Bheshm due to her Karmic Debts in her past incarnations as Amba. She was a warrior of great Valour and great strength who defeated all the 100 Kauravs singlehandedly. During the war of Kurukshetra, Pandavs seem to have lost the hope if not for the presence of Shikhandini who turned the tides in favour of them. If she would have not been present the end of the epic would have had a different outcome.
There are numerous retelling on Mahabharat and a few books written on Shikhandini as well but this book goes deeper into her life, telling the readers about the struggles of her life and what different history would've been if her destiny as prophesied was to be different. The book also tells us the concept of Gender change, as from Shikhandini to Shikhandi. Although, the science as of today may seem far more advance but we often aren't fed enough knowledge of the past and often neglects the text which obviously shows that the past civilizations were far more superior than the current one. In the hoard to be more scientifically advance we often forget that what we tell to be a new 'Discovery' is actually 'Re-discovery' of the already known technology from the past. If we dig deeper we often find hundreds of examples of those recently developed medical as well as other advancements which were already existent at the times long ago and were often used by people present during that time. We can either negate the existence and simply term old texts as Fictional or can learn far greater knowledge from them. Coming back to the book, the retelling and especially, carrying the central character as Transgender is a more appealing part of the book and I would recommend reading this one.
Conclusion - An informative account of a less written-about character from Mahabharat.
Full Review on Blog.
Link to Blog - The Tales of Fugitive Biker
Rating - 4 Stars
Plot Summary - Centuries have passed since the Great War of Kurukshetra, but her name is still uttered in hushed whispers – Eunuch, hijra, neither man nor woman... But was this all there was to shikhandini, princess of panchala? Was this her only identity? The firstborn of King dhrupad, shikhandini was trained to be a warrior from early childhood. She became a Rathi, and then an athirathi, a warrior of unmatched valour and skill, who single-handedly defeated the hundred Kauravas brothers in battle. All her life she strove to fulfil one goal – to slay the Marathi of Hastinapura, in a trans-generational Act of vengeance. But was this her final destiny? At the battle of Kurukshetra, when the Pandava brothers seem to have lost all hope and are facing defeat, it is shikhandini who joins them and turns the battle in their favour. If not for her, history would have been written differently. But what was the price she paid? How far did she go in order to prove herself and accomplish her goal? What did she sacrifice along the way? Was she just a pawn in the game between the Kurus? Or was she a true hero, conveniently forgotten because she was not born a man? In this retelling of epochal events, shikhandini’s transformation from woman to man, based on ancient medical science, is what makes this story both riveting and real in its validity, human intensity, driven purpose and ultimate sacrifice. In this new dawn, when the third gender is finally gaining acceptance and identity, it is perhaps time shikhandini’s story was retold in all its tragic glory.
My Review - Yet another retelling of The Mahabharat. But is it? It is the story of Princess of Panchala and firstborn of King Draupad. She was prophesied and destined with the sole task of killing Bheshm due to her Karmic Debts in her past incarnations as Amba. She was a warrior of great Valour and great strength who defeated all the 100 Kauravs singlehandedly. During the war of Kurukshetra, Pandavs seem to have lost the hope if not for the presence of Shikhandini who turned the tides in favour of them. If she would have not been present the end of the epic would have had a different outcome.
There are numerous retelling on Mahabharat and a few books written on Shikhandini as well but this book goes deeper into her life, telling the readers about the struggles of her life and what different history would've been if her destiny as prophesied was to be different. The book also tells us the concept of Gender change, as from Shikhandini to Shikhandi. Although, the science as of today may seem far more advance but we often aren't fed enough knowledge of the past and often neglects the text which obviously shows that the past civilizations were far more superior than the current one. In the hoard to be more scientifically advance we often forget that what we tell to be a new 'Discovery' is actually 'Re-discovery' of the already known technology from the past. If we dig deeper we often find hundreds of examples of those recently developed medical as well as other advancements which were already existent at the times long ago and were often used by people present during that time. We can either negate the existence and simply term old texts as Fictional or can learn far greater knowledge from them. Coming back to the book, the retelling and especially, carrying the central character as Transgender is a more appealing part of the book and I would recommend reading this one.
Conclusion - An informative account of a less written-about character from Mahabharat.
Full Review on Blog.
Link to Blog - The Tales of Fugitive Biker
October 29, 2024
Amazing 👏 The author has done such an amazing job in retelling the story of Princess Shikhandini, which actually makes so much such and makes it believable. Every event that has been described has a logical explanation to it, which makes it a much more interesting tale. The detail in which she has described the happenings of her life, I got to learn so much. Through this book, we come to know what all sacrifices were made by Shikhandini and that she played such an important role in the epic Mahabharata. Yet, somehow, we hadn't heard much about her until Author Ashwini decided that her story also needs to be heard and known by the people. I am so grateful that I got to read it. A must-read 📚
November 20, 2019
This book is about the character Shikhandini in the Mahabharata. The character has been brought out in detail with each chapter in life being a pivotal moment in the build up to the great War. This also details about the untold sacrifices she had put in to qualify as a warrior.
In other retellings there is hardly a mention about this great character. The writer keeps you hooked throughout the narration. This is an engrossing book even for me who is not much into this genre. I would highly recommend this book.
In other retellings there is hardly a mention about this great character. The writer keeps you hooked throughout the narration. This is an engrossing book even for me who is not much into this genre. I would highly recommend this book.
April 24, 2020
In this book, the life of Shikhandini as well as her importance in the history of Mahabharata, has been focused and I guess that's why the fight of Kurukhsetra is not described much.
Though it's a debut novel but I have to admire the storytelling of the author. Author's writing keeps a reader hooked till the end. It's easy to read for beginners also.
Though it's a debut novel but I have to admire the storytelling of the author. Author's writing keeps a reader hooked till the end. It's easy to read for beginners also.
August 26, 2020
"The purpose of your life is not just vengeance on those who have wronged you and your loved ones. It is to restore dharma in this great land. The decline of adharma will be impossible without your participation in the Great War."
“This Great War was fought to restore dharma. It began to avenge a woman’s humiliation, while so-called wise and righteous men stood by as mute witnesses. The war was begun by a strong-hearted and valiant woman, and only one who shared the same inner power could bring it to an end. Who better than you Shikhandi?”
As the title suggested the books tell the life of one of the most underrated characters of Mahabharata - Shikhandini, the firstborn of King Drupada of Panchala - from her birth, childhood, marriage, gender transformation, and the war. Shikhandini was trained to be a warrior from early childhood. She became a Rathi, and then an Athirathi, a warrior of unmatched valour and skill, who single-handedly defeated 100 Kauravas brothers in battle. All her life she strove to fulfill one goal – to slay the Marathi of Hastinapura, in a trans-generational act of vengeance. At the battle of Kurukshetra, when the Pandavas seem to have lost all hope and are facing defeat, it is she who joins them and turns the battle in their favor. If not for her, history would have been written differently.
🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆:
⚧️The author's writing style is simple and impeccable. Lots of Sanskrit words are used in the writing for which a glossary is given at the end of the book. However, the narration felt a bit dragging bcoz of detailed descriptions.
⚧️The book is narrated in multiple POVs, some of them felt entirely unnecessary and not directly related to Shikhandi's life. This makes the pacing slow. I feel a 1st person POV of Shikhandini would have suited well.
⚧️The characters are well written but failed to leave any impression on me. Shikhandini's gender changed is overly glorified, but her struggles and emotional turmoil in the male-dominated patriarchy world is not explored well.
⚧️The story had several inaccuracies. Lots of known mythological facts are changed like Shikhandini married the princess, not the prince of Dasharna, and her giving birth to a son, Kshatradeva was a later modern addition.
⚧️The books explained the process of gender transformation in detail and also introduce us to the scientific concepts of Kshitigarbh, Rasashastra, and Antahsraava which was prevalent during those ancient times.
⚧️The ending of the book felt rushed. The Mahabharata war is encapsulated within just 2 chapters and the fall of Bhishma on the 10th day of the battle is also changed. However, I liked Krishna's final words in the climax.
Overall Shikhandini - Warrior Princess of the Mahabharata was a disappointing read for me. If you are expecting to read something like Kavita Kane or Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni books then you are highly mistaken.
𝑴𝒚 𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: ⭐⭐
“This Great War was fought to restore dharma. It began to avenge a woman’s humiliation, while so-called wise and righteous men stood by as mute witnesses. The war was begun by a strong-hearted and valiant woman, and only one who shared the same inner power could bring it to an end. Who better than you Shikhandi?”
As the title suggested the books tell the life of one of the most underrated characters of Mahabharata - Shikhandini, the firstborn of King Drupada of Panchala - from her birth, childhood, marriage, gender transformation, and the war. Shikhandini was trained to be a warrior from early childhood. She became a Rathi, and then an Athirathi, a warrior of unmatched valour and skill, who single-handedly defeated 100 Kauravas brothers in battle. All her life she strove to fulfill one goal – to slay the Marathi of Hastinapura, in a trans-generational act of vengeance. At the battle of Kurukshetra, when the Pandavas seem to have lost all hope and are facing defeat, it is she who joins them and turns the battle in their favor. If not for her, history would have been written differently.
🆁🅴🆅🅸🅴🆆:
⚧️The author's writing style is simple and impeccable. Lots of Sanskrit words are used in the writing for which a glossary is given at the end of the book. However, the narration felt a bit dragging bcoz of detailed descriptions.
⚧️The book is narrated in multiple POVs, some of them felt entirely unnecessary and not directly related to Shikhandi's life. This makes the pacing slow. I feel a 1st person POV of Shikhandini would have suited well.
⚧️The characters are well written but failed to leave any impression on me. Shikhandini's gender changed is overly glorified, but her struggles and emotional turmoil in the male-dominated patriarchy world is not explored well.
⚧️The story had several inaccuracies. Lots of known mythological facts are changed like Shikhandini married the princess, not the prince of Dasharna, and her giving birth to a son, Kshatradeva was a later modern addition.
⚧️The books explained the process of gender transformation in detail and also introduce us to the scientific concepts of Kshitigarbh, Rasashastra, and Antahsraava which was prevalent during those ancient times.
⚧️The ending of the book felt rushed. The Mahabharata war is encapsulated within just 2 chapters and the fall of Bhishma on the 10th day of the battle is also changed. However, I liked Krishna's final words in the climax.
Overall Shikhandini - Warrior Princess of the Mahabharata was a disappointing read for me. If you are expecting to read something like Kavita Kane or Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni books then you are highly mistaken.
𝑴𝒚 𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: ⭐⭐
June 18, 2020
"A life without purpose is not worth living. A life without honour is worse than death."
✨
I'm a kind, who is not easily attracted by mythological storiesbut this lesser known story of Shikhandini grasped my attention with her firm goal! ✨
Everyone has a goal in life and the brave woman Shikhandini had one too- to kill Bheeshm of Hastinapur, before her last breathe. ✨
When her gender came as a hurdle to participate in the war, she swaps her body and ultimately becomes a male named Shikhandi and defeats her enemy! ✨
This story starts with King Drupada, praying and praising God as always but his heart shows more gratitude as he was blessed with beautiful baby girl! ✨
As Prishata said that day, "This child shall live to avenge my humiliation at the hands of Bheeshm. Her name shall go down in history as the one who slayed the invisible warrior from Hastinapur!", Shikhandini is surely born for that! ✨
And the story continues with extreme care from the birth, marriage, and her emergence as a warrior in the war of Mahabharata. ✨
Krishna's final words are touchy! Yes... Shikhandi did it! Killing Bheeshm is not the reason for his birthday but restoring Dharma! And Yes... Shikhandi did it!! ✨
I still wonder how the author got such a thought of writing about Shikhandi, for no other authors attempted it! And I could understand the efforts and tireless researches that hides behind this wonderful book! ✨
All mythology lovers... Do grab a copy! I don't need you miss such a book! ✨
✨
I'm a kind, who is not easily attracted by mythological storiesbut this lesser known story of Shikhandini grasped my attention with her firm goal! ✨
Everyone has a goal in life and the brave woman Shikhandini had one too- to kill Bheeshm of Hastinapur, before her last breathe. ✨
When her gender came as a hurdle to participate in the war, she swaps her body and ultimately becomes a male named Shikhandi and defeats her enemy! ✨
This story starts with King Drupada, praying and praising God as always but his heart shows more gratitude as he was blessed with beautiful baby girl! ✨
As Prishata said that day, "This child shall live to avenge my humiliation at the hands of Bheeshm. Her name shall go down in history as the one who slayed the invisible warrior from Hastinapur!", Shikhandini is surely born for that! ✨
And the story continues with extreme care from the birth, marriage, and her emergence as a warrior in the war of Mahabharata. ✨
Krishna's final words are touchy! Yes... Shikhandi did it! Killing Bheeshm is not the reason for his birthday but restoring Dharma! And Yes... Shikhandi did it!! ✨
I still wonder how the author got such a thought of writing about Shikhandi, for no other authors attempted it! And I could understand the efforts and tireless researches that hides behind this wonderful book! ✨
All mythology lovers... Do grab a copy! I don't need you miss such a book! ✨
June 18, 2020
Well written book! All mythology lovers should read it!
Perfectly written! I love the writing style so much!
Waiting for her other books!
Perfectly written! I love the writing style so much!
Waiting for her other books!
November 21, 2019
⭐⭐⭐⭐
an underrated yet pivotal character of the great epic Mahabharata.
#qotd
Can You Imagine Gender Transformation During The Ancient Mahabharata Era??
#aotd
Well if we accept the mention of Nuclear Weapons, Flying Chariots, the birth of a 100 Kauravas through a womb....
Then...
It is but possible that the ancients were not oblivious to the concept of gender transformation either.
Although, the science may not be that advanced as it is today.
⚔️ Who is Shikhandini?
⚔️ What is her connection with Mahabharata?? when we have been hearing only about Pandavas, Kauravas, Bheesm, Karna, Duryodhana, Draupadi...
⚔️ Why is an entire book, been written on her?
⚔️ Why am I talking about gender transformation or transgendered?
⚔️ DO WE REALLY NEED TO LEARN & HEAR FROM HER STORY?...
⚔️ The book's tagline says, she's the warrior Princess of the Mahabharata...then why did we not hear much about her..ever?
📒📖The answers to all these questions & more are there in this book by Ashwini Shenoy, an electronics Engineer by profession & a writer by passion.
♀️ A must read book for INDIAN MYTHOLOGY admirers;
♀️ A must read for all the souls who strive each day for their rights & to prove their mettle.
♀️ I would like to categorise this book under inspirational books genre as well because of Shikhandini's valour & unbreakable spirit & sacrifice which is so so inspiring.
⚔️ The writing style is simple & impeccable.
⚔️ The story is told in 24 chapters ( 3parts); in a total of 231 pages.
⚔️ The book also has a glossary for the ease of the reader.
ALL IN ALL a Fabulous Read.
Thankyou @LeadCorp for the review copy.
#igreads
#igbooks
#bookstagram
#booksclub
#mythology
#fiction
#epic
#inspirational
an underrated yet pivotal character of the great epic Mahabharata.
#qotd
Can You Imagine Gender Transformation During The Ancient Mahabharata Era??
#aotd
Well if we accept the mention of Nuclear Weapons, Flying Chariots, the birth of a 100 Kauravas through a womb....
Then...
It is but possible that the ancients were not oblivious to the concept of gender transformation either.
Although, the science may not be that advanced as it is today.
⚔️ Who is Shikhandini?
⚔️ What is her connection with Mahabharata?? when we have been hearing only about Pandavas, Kauravas, Bheesm, Karna, Duryodhana, Draupadi...
⚔️ Why is an entire book, been written on her?
⚔️ Why am I talking about gender transformation or transgendered?
⚔️ DO WE REALLY NEED TO LEARN & HEAR FROM HER STORY?...
⚔️ The book's tagline says, she's the warrior Princess of the Mahabharata...then why did we not hear much about her..ever?
📒📖The answers to all these questions & more are there in this book by Ashwini Shenoy, an electronics Engineer by profession & a writer by passion.
♀️ A must read book for INDIAN MYTHOLOGY admirers;
♀️ A must read for all the souls who strive each day for their rights & to prove their mettle.
♀️ I would like to categorise this book under inspirational books genre as well because of Shikhandini's valour & unbreakable spirit & sacrifice which is so so inspiring.
⚔️ The writing style is simple & impeccable.
⚔️ The story is told in 24 chapters ( 3parts); in a total of 231 pages.
⚔️ The book also has a glossary for the ease of the reader.
ALL IN ALL a Fabulous Read.
Thankyou @LeadCorp for the review copy.
#igreads
#igbooks
#bookstagram
#booksclub
#mythology
#fiction
#epic
#inspirational
January 22, 2020
"Shikhandini" by Ashwini Shenoy is a book about a warrior Princess of Panchala of the mahabharata times. The book is a retelling of shikhandini's transformation from woman to man. The author's take on few of the concepts of that time is incredible.
The book is divided into 3 parts, the first part talks about the birth and the early childhood of shikhandini. Her teachings and lessons she learned as a child. The great story of mahabharata and the kurukshetra war has been a story of retelling by many.
The second part talks her early life battles she won and her swayamvara and marriage to the prince Indraprastha. The story is very well depicted here. A mythical yaksha decides to swap her body with shikhandini as she was not permitted in the war because of her gender.
The third and the last part talks about the kurukshetra war and her transformation from a woman to a man. The betrayal she had in her life and the ancient science behind the third gender. Her story from shikhandini to shikhandi.
The book is divided into 3 parts, the first part talks about the birth and the early childhood of shikhandini. Her teachings and lessons she learned as a child. The great story of mahabharata and the kurukshetra war has been a story of retelling by many.
The second part talks her early life battles she won and her swayamvara and marriage to the prince Indraprastha. The story is very well depicted here. A mythical yaksha decides to swap her body with shikhandini as she was not permitted in the war because of her gender.
The third and the last part talks about the kurukshetra war and her transformation from a woman to a man. The betrayal she had in her life and the ancient science behind the third gender. Her story from shikhandini to shikhandi.
December 16, 2019
One of the best parts about the book for me was the picturesque beautiful narration from the beginning till the end which was very crisp and engaging. I always knew Shikhandini just as a transgender character that comes in the epic Mahabharatha tale but after reading the book I clearly understood how important was her role in the epic, especially on the battlefield. This book has so much to offer be it her sacrifices, her adamant spirit, her never-ending struggles and the way she fights back every odds that were thrown at her! and I can't even imagine the amount of research and learnings the author has done to pen this book down. Overall, I would highly recommend this book to all the mythology lovers for its storyline and for learning something from the Mahabharatha other than the Pandavas and Kauravas.
June 2, 2020
A fantastic retelling of #Mahabharata from #Shikhandini (i.e. #Shikhandi's) perspective.
Around 8 to 8.5 stars out of 10.
[Our detailed #BookReview is available at: https://thinkerviews.com/books/englis... ]
Around 8 to 8.5 stars out of 10.
[Our detailed #BookReview is available at: https://thinkerviews.com/books/englis... ]
December 17, 2019
Shikhandini as a character is really underrated. People do know about the role Shikhandini played during the Mahabharat war but beyond that no one actually knows the character. The author has done a great job in giving details about Shikhandini. I’m sure a lot of research has gone into this book. The way the entire procedure of gender change is described clearly shows the research work.
Read the complete review on my blog - https://wp.me/p9jhDF-1fC
Read the complete review on my blog - https://wp.me/p9jhDF-1fC
July 31, 2021
Book : Shikhandini : warrior princess of the
Mahabharata
Author : Ashwini Shenoy
Genre : Mythology
Ratings : ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Have you ever heard of her??? SHIKHANDINI!!! It is a most underrated character from the Mahabharata, eldest child of King Drupad and sibling to Draupadi. (M sure you have heard about her). In the battle of Kurukshetra Shikhandini played a major role in defeating the kauravas, from rebirth to gender transformation, she made unparalleled sacrifice to sought her revenge and behind everything there was a greater purpose.
She was trained to be a warrior from early childhood. She became a Rathi, and then an Athirathi, a warrior of unmatched valour and skill, who single-handedly defeated 100 Kauravas brothers in battle.At the battle of Kurukshetra, when the Pandavas seem to have lost all hope and are facing defeat, it is she who joins them and turns the battle in their favor. If not for her, history would have been written differently.
I found it an interesting read because i love reading mythology (ofcourse aftr thriller).Author has really put a lot of effort and research into this less spoken character. And i really loved the book cover. This book has so much to offer be it her sacrifices, her adamant spirit, her never-ending struggles and the way she fights back every odds that were thrown at her! Overall, I would highly recommend this book to all the mythology lovers for its storyline and for learning something from the Mahabharatha other than the Pandavas and Kauravas.
I won this book in a givaway. Got this author signed copy and i loved it. A must read!!
Mahabharata
Author : Ashwini Shenoy
Genre : Mythology
Ratings : ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Have you ever heard of her??? SHIKHANDINI!!! It is a most underrated character from the Mahabharata, eldest child of King Drupad and sibling to Draupadi. (M sure you have heard about her). In the battle of Kurukshetra Shikhandini played a major role in defeating the kauravas, from rebirth to gender transformation, she made unparalleled sacrifice to sought her revenge and behind everything there was a greater purpose.
She was trained to be a warrior from early childhood. She became a Rathi, and then an Athirathi, a warrior of unmatched valour and skill, who single-handedly defeated 100 Kauravas brothers in battle.At the battle of Kurukshetra, when the Pandavas seem to have lost all hope and are facing defeat, it is she who joins them and turns the battle in their favor. If not for her, history would have been written differently.
I found it an interesting read because i love reading mythology (ofcourse aftr thriller).Author has really put a lot of effort and research into this less spoken character. And i really loved the book cover. This book has so much to offer be it her sacrifices, her adamant spirit, her never-ending struggles and the way she fights back every odds that were thrown at her! Overall, I would highly recommend this book to all the mythology lovers for its storyline and for learning something from the Mahabharatha other than the Pandavas and Kauravas.
I won this book in a givaway. Got this author signed copy and i loved it. A must read!!
July 15, 2025
A fascinating journey through the eyes of Shikhandi from the Mahabharata.
Until I read this book, I had never deeply considered the character of Shikhandi. In fact, I initially felt anger toward them. After all, Shikhandi was the reason for the fall of Maharathi Bheeshma, the beloved pitamah!
However, this story made me see Shikhandini in a completely new light, as a loving daughter, forced to leave home to pursue a higher purpose she couldn’t even comprehend at a young age. Her life takes a tragic turn from the moment she innocently wears the garland of lotus left behind by Amba. I felt heartbroken when Arjuna defeated her during the war with Panchala, leading her own father and grandfather to disown her.
Her time in Yakshavana, her friendship and attraction toward Kush, the prince of Dasarna, her brighter days in Panchala, her swayamvara, and her loving bond with siblings Draupadi and Dhrishtadyumna—all these were beautifully portrayed and truly enthralling.
Yet destiny had its own plans. It was devastating to read about the emotional turmoil she faced when she had to leave her son and return to Yakshavana. Her transformation into Shikhandi, with the help of Sthunakarna, Pashupati, and others, was painful yet inspiring, reflecting immense courage and purpose.
Overall, this is a captivating read that I highly recommend to lovers of mythological fiction.
Until I read this book, I had never deeply considered the character of Shikhandi. In fact, I initially felt anger toward them. After all, Shikhandi was the reason for the fall of Maharathi Bheeshma, the beloved pitamah!
However, this story made me see Shikhandini in a completely new light, as a loving daughter, forced to leave home to pursue a higher purpose she couldn’t even comprehend at a young age. Her life takes a tragic turn from the moment she innocently wears the garland of lotus left behind by Amba. I felt heartbroken when Arjuna defeated her during the war with Panchala, leading her own father and grandfather to disown her.
Her time in Yakshavana, her friendship and attraction toward Kush, the prince of Dasarna, her brighter days in Panchala, her swayamvara, and her loving bond with siblings Draupadi and Dhrishtadyumna—all these were beautifully portrayed and truly enthralling.
Yet destiny had its own plans. It was devastating to read about the emotional turmoil she faced when she had to leave her son and return to Yakshavana. Her transformation into Shikhandi, with the help of Sthunakarna, Pashupati, and others, was painful yet inspiring, reflecting immense courage and purpose.
Overall, this is a captivating read that I highly recommend to lovers of mythological fiction.
August 6, 2020
First of all, Kudos to Ashwini Shenoy on the debut novel publication.
The first son of King Shantanu and Ganga, Bheeshma is very well known in the Mahabharata epic. Feared and respected by the entire Aarya vrat, his story has been told and retold in-numerous times in Mahabharata. A fierce warrior whose grit made Krishna break his oath of unarmed involvement in the war. Fall of this great warrior occurs on 10th day of the war at the hands of Shikandi. You would think that a character who is responsible for fall of Bheeshma would be praised highly in the epic. Quite the opposite, Shikandi is one of the most underrated characters in the history of Mahabharata.
Through her book, Ashwini brings back this character to life. It is the untold story of Shikandini, the first born of King Drupada and Sister of Panchaali. Her journey through Childhood, the yaksha way of life, love, family, sacrifices and her transformation into Shikandi. This book reminded me of two other books in this genre,Palace of illusions and Shiva Triology.
Like the book Palace of Illusions , the book stays true to its source and tells a story in a way that is relatable by the reader. All characters in the book are re-imagined as humans with no supernatural powers like The Shiva Trilogy and it tells the story with scientific detailing.
The language used in the book is easy to understand and written in simple prose with some typos in certain places.
My only critique in this rather well written book is the chapter detailing the Mahabharata war. I was quite disappointed to see the epic war being reduced to a single chapter.
Recommended to read for people with interest in Mythology.
The first son of King Shantanu and Ganga, Bheeshma is very well known in the Mahabharata epic. Feared and respected by the entire Aarya vrat, his story has been told and retold in-numerous times in Mahabharata. A fierce warrior whose grit made Krishna break his oath of unarmed involvement in the war. Fall of this great warrior occurs on 10th day of the war at the hands of Shikandi. You would think that a character who is responsible for fall of Bheeshma would be praised highly in the epic. Quite the opposite, Shikandi is one of the most underrated characters in the history of Mahabharata.
Through her book, Ashwini brings back this character to life. It is the untold story of Shikandini, the first born of King Drupada and Sister of Panchaali. Her journey through Childhood, the yaksha way of life, love, family, sacrifices and her transformation into Shikandi. This book reminded me of two other books in this genre,Palace of illusions and Shiva Triology.
Like the book Palace of Illusions , the book stays true to its source and tells a story in a way that is relatable by the reader. All characters in the book are re-imagined as humans with no supernatural powers like The Shiva Trilogy and it tells the story with scientific detailing.
The language used in the book is easy to understand and written in simple prose with some typos in certain places.
My only critique in this rather well written book is the chapter detailing the Mahabharata war. I was quite disappointed to see the epic war being reduced to a single chapter.
Recommended to read for people with interest in Mythology.
September 4, 2020
Interesting concept and character. In the current age of plethora of mythological fictions this kne dealt with an interesting character. Mostly enjoyed reading it but felt the pheasing and conversations very stilted. Rating of 3 because it did not go on and on about things but was fast paced enough.
November 24, 2019
India has a long history, and even longer epics. With multiple characters and multiple POVs, every retelling of those epics presents a new picture of what could have happened during those times. In the recent times, a lot of retellings of the Mahabharata have come up, with some wonderful and amazing storylines and plot points.
Shikhandini-Warrior Princess of the Mahabharata is the story of an often sidelined, yet critical character, Shikhandini. Born as the Princess of Panchala, her name is still uttered in whispers, but was it just her gender that defined her, or was there more to her story? Ashwini Shenoy takes up the story of Shikhandini and traces her life’s journey through the times, how she was prophesized to be the one to avenge her ancestor Amba by slaying the Maharathi of Hastinapur, Bheeshm. The book begins with her birth, and how one prophecy changed her life. She was trained to be a warrior by her father and her Grandfather, just to achieve that transgenerational vengeance. But destiny has funny ways of influencing events. Had it not for her destiny, would the Mahabharata have a different story? The book explores her life, the sacrifices that she did to fulfill her destiny and how patriarchy forced her hand at different stages in her life to make her take tougher decisions. The book is a vivid retelling of the epic, from Shikhandini’s POV, her transformation from a Woman to a Man and how she paid the ultimate price.
Written in a simple manner, Shikhandini is a story that catches the reader’s attention from page 1 itself. The plot is written in a sequential manner with some of the incidents overlapping and this has been given a good treatment and nowhere does the story looks rushed. The book envisages the mythical technologies as scientific marvels and there are hints of a science fiction element in the book as well. The story also brings out the ill-effects of patriarchy that were prevalent, in fact still are, and how those rules make a person have to take life-changing decisions. Ashwini has addressed this topic very beautifully and this is what forms the soul of the book.
Talking about the characters, the central character of Shikhandini is crafted in detail with each nuance of her personality coming to fore at different and apt times in the story. The character of the king of Panchala has been expertly handled and how duties of a king overshadow the ones of a father is shown in a heart wrenching manner. The other characters are also praiseworthy and talking about others might prove to a spoiler, but each of them has a distinct identity.
Overall, Shikhandini-Warrior Princess of the Mahabharata is an engaging read and a definite recommendation from me if you like mythological fiction.
Shikhandini-Warrior Princess of the Mahabharata is the story of an often sidelined, yet critical character, Shikhandini. Born as the Princess of Panchala, her name is still uttered in whispers, but was it just her gender that defined her, or was there more to her story? Ashwini Shenoy takes up the story of Shikhandini and traces her life’s journey through the times, how she was prophesized to be the one to avenge her ancestor Amba by slaying the Maharathi of Hastinapur, Bheeshm. The book begins with her birth, and how one prophecy changed her life. She was trained to be a warrior by her father and her Grandfather, just to achieve that transgenerational vengeance. But destiny has funny ways of influencing events. Had it not for her destiny, would the Mahabharata have a different story? The book explores her life, the sacrifices that she did to fulfill her destiny and how patriarchy forced her hand at different stages in her life to make her take tougher decisions. The book is a vivid retelling of the epic, from Shikhandini’s POV, her transformation from a Woman to a Man and how she paid the ultimate price.
Written in a simple manner, Shikhandini is a story that catches the reader’s attention from page 1 itself. The plot is written in a sequential manner with some of the incidents overlapping and this has been given a good treatment and nowhere does the story looks rushed. The book envisages the mythical technologies as scientific marvels and there are hints of a science fiction element in the book as well. The story also brings out the ill-effects of patriarchy that were prevalent, in fact still are, and how those rules make a person have to take life-changing decisions. Ashwini has addressed this topic very beautifully and this is what forms the soul of the book.
Talking about the characters, the central character of Shikhandini is crafted in detail with each nuance of her personality coming to fore at different and apt times in the story. The character of the king of Panchala has been expertly handled and how duties of a king overshadow the ones of a father is shown in a heart wrenching manner. The other characters are also praiseworthy and talking about others might prove to a spoiler, but each of them has a distinct identity.
Overall, Shikhandini-Warrior Princess of the Mahabharata is an engaging read and a definite recommendation from me if you like mythological fiction.
November 29, 2019
Shikhandini:Warrior Princess Of The Mahabharata
Ashwini Shenoy
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 ischa-maran 𝘪𝘴 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘢 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘮𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘶𝘱 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘧𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘔𝘢𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘪,”𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥 𝘋𝘳𝘶𝘱𝘢𝘥𝘢“𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘧 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘦,𝘥𝘦𝘧𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘵 𝘢 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯'𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘥𝘦𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩”
⚔️Book begins with the birth of the princess shikhandini.She's sent to gurukul in a very young age to get prepared for her life's sole aim,to be the reason of Bheeshma's death.
What's the circumstances which leads to her ultimate transformation?How did she became shikhandi from shikhandini?
Read the book and find out.
⚔️Mythological Fiction always fascinates me.While reading a retelling of the epic mahabharata i know that what'll be the ultimate outcome but that's the magic of vyasa's masterpiece that it offers something new everytime.
⚔️Almost all of us know about shikhandi.How he turned the tables of the great war in pandavas favour when they'd lost all hope?But apart from his role in the war do we know anything about him?Wouldn't he had a life of his own?Ashwini's book tries to reveal the answer of the question.
⚔️Plot is gripping.Cover is good too.Narration is intriguing.Characterisation is flawless,each one do justice with his/her role.Language used is simple.Book is highly entertaining.
⚔️Ashwini's has gone through tremendous amount of research work which clearly reflects.Just read from “The Science Of Ila” to “The Transformation” & you'll get the reason behind my statement.The thing which i liked most that author has swapped all the magical elements from the epic and represented all the characters as mere human,with their merits and flaws.
⚔️Read Shikhandini to know about the so called 𝘦𝘶𝘯𝘶𝘤𝘩,𝘩𝘪𝘫𝘳𝘢, 𝘯𝘦𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘯𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘢𝘯 & one of the most important character of mahabharata whose name is still uttered in whispers.
I recommend it
Ashwini Shenoy
𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘧 ischa-maran 𝘪𝘴 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘢 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺 𝘮𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘶𝘱 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘭𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘧𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘔𝘢𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘪,”𝘴𝘢𝘪𝘥 𝘋𝘳𝘶𝘱𝘢𝘥𝘢“𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘧 𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘦,𝘥𝘦𝘧𝘦𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘵 𝘢 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯'𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘥𝘦𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘺 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘩𝘪𝘮 𝘸𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩”
⚔️Book begins with the birth of the princess shikhandini.She's sent to gurukul in a very young age to get prepared for her life's sole aim,to be the reason of Bheeshma's death.
What's the circumstances which leads to her ultimate transformation?How did she became shikhandi from shikhandini?
Read the book and find out.
⚔️Mythological Fiction always fascinates me.While reading a retelling of the epic mahabharata i know that what'll be the ultimate outcome but that's the magic of vyasa's masterpiece that it offers something new everytime.
⚔️Almost all of us know about shikhandi.How he turned the tables of the great war in pandavas favour when they'd lost all hope?But apart from his role in the war do we know anything about him?Wouldn't he had a life of his own?Ashwini's book tries to reveal the answer of the question.
⚔️Plot is gripping.Cover is good too.Narration is intriguing.Characterisation is flawless,each one do justice with his/her role.Language used is simple.Book is highly entertaining.
⚔️Ashwini's has gone through tremendous amount of research work which clearly reflects.Just read from “The Science Of Ila” to “The Transformation” & you'll get the reason behind my statement.The thing which i liked most that author has swapped all the magical elements from the epic and represented all the characters as mere human,with their merits and flaws.
⚔️Read Shikhandini to know about the so called 𝘦𝘶𝘯𝘶𝘤𝘩,𝘩𝘪𝘫𝘳𝘢, 𝘯𝘦𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘯 𝘯𝘰𝘳 𝘮𝘢𝘯 & one of the most important character of mahabharata whose name is still uttered in whispers.
I recommend it
November 9, 2019
❤Shikhandini❤
The firstborn of King drupada, shikhandini was trained to be a warrior from early childhood. She became a Rathi, and then an athirathi, a warrior of unmatched valour and skill, who single-handedly defeated the hundred Kauravas brothers in battle. All her life she strove to fulfil one goal – to slay the Marathi of hasthinapur, in a trans-generational Act of vengeance. But was this her final destiny? At the battle of Kurukshetra, when the Pandava brothers seem to have lost all hope and are facing defeat, it is shikhandini who joins them and turns the battle in their favour. If not for her, history would have been written differently. .
❤To be honest, I never read of Shikandini before in this detail, I just there is a character named Shikandini in the epic rellings, that's it. This is the story of the brave princess who is actually a princess. The book tells her story right from here birth to how she grew up and it was so amazing as well as empowering. I wish the author would have added more povs but that's fine, even this way the book worked miraculously and I am more glad to know new character and I already a fan. I found this one really gripping, it made me sink deep into her life. I was so engrossed. The language was utmost simple and book doesn't hold many complexities just like the other mythological books! I will definitely recommend it, all myth lovers will like it. .
Rating: 3.8🌟
The firstborn of King drupada, shikhandini was trained to be a warrior from early childhood. She became a Rathi, and then an athirathi, a warrior of unmatched valour and skill, who single-handedly defeated the hundred Kauravas brothers in battle. All her life she strove to fulfil one goal – to slay the Marathi of hasthinapur, in a trans-generational Act of vengeance. But was this her final destiny? At the battle of Kurukshetra, when the Pandava brothers seem to have lost all hope and are facing defeat, it is shikhandini who joins them and turns the battle in their favour. If not for her, history would have been written differently. .
❤To be honest, I never read of Shikandini before in this detail, I just there is a character named Shikandini in the epic rellings, that's it. This is the story of the brave princess who is actually a princess. The book tells her story right from here birth to how she grew up and it was so amazing as well as empowering. I wish the author would have added more povs but that's fine, even this way the book worked miraculously and I am more glad to know new character and I already a fan. I found this one really gripping, it made me sink deep into her life. I was so engrossed. The language was utmost simple and book doesn't hold many complexities just like the other mythological books! I will definitely recommend it, all myth lovers will like it. .
Rating: 3.8🌟
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