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Mahasena: Part One Of The Murugan Trilogy
The Vast: a still, dark, endless field of nothing, in which something broods and gathers, rising and billowing into waves. Everything emerges from these waves of the Vast, including Time, Creation, and the woman and two men known as The Three. From the waves come multitudes of beings, including the Asura, those of untiring breath who seek knowledge, and the Sura, the bright ones who keep order.
The greatest of all the Sura and Asura is Surapadman, who will embody inventiveness, wisdom and statecraft for all time to come. The only one who can counter his might and his challenge to the rules of creation is Karthikeya, child of Shambhu and Uma, and brother to Ganesha, the all-seeing elephant-headed god.
Kala Krishnan has been exploring the Murugan universe for years now. In this first volume of a planned trilogy, she expands the mythologies of the god. Kumara, Karthikeya, Kandhan, Velan, he is the god of Tamizh, the patron of the Great Assembly of poets in Madurai, friend and mentor to the hot-headed and fiercely loyal Aambal, who is known to all as ‘Murugan’s poet’.
A reimagining of the life and exploits of the magnificent young god, Mahasena is resonant with the stories that were, as well as vividly original.
‘Full of charm and delight—as much an homage to a cherished boy-god as it is a stirring panegyric to Tamizh and to poets everywhere.’ Sharanya Manivannan
The greatest of all the Sura and Asura is Surapadman, who will embody inventiveness, wisdom and statecraft for all time to come. The only one who can counter his might and his challenge to the rules of creation is Karthikeya, child of Shambhu and Uma, and brother to Ganesha, the all-seeing elephant-headed god.
Kala Krishnan has been exploring the Murugan universe for years now. In this first volume of a planned trilogy, she expands the mythologies of the god. Kumara, Karthikeya, Kandhan, Velan, he is the god of Tamizh, the patron of the Great Assembly of poets in Madurai, friend and mentor to the hot-headed and fiercely loyal Aambal, who is known to all as ‘Murugan’s poet’.
A reimagining of the life and exploits of the magnificent young god, Mahasena is resonant with the stories that were, as well as vividly original.
‘Full of charm and delight—as much an homage to a cherished boy-god as it is a stirring panegyric to Tamizh and to poets everywhere.’ Sharanya Manivannan
- GenresFantasy
264 pages, Paperback
First published July 19, 2021
5 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
Kala Krishnan Ramesh
3 books16 followersKala lives and works in Bangalore, where all but five years of her life have been spent; she loves the city and thinks it allows her to be the poet she is. She teaches in an undergraduate course and has three children.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
September 25, 2021
Murugan is a household name here for someone who grew up in Tamil Nadu. ‘The God of Tamizh’ is most people’s favorite God down south. I grew up listening to kandha shasti kavasam (a hymn for Lord Muruga) every day. My paternal grandmother was a Thiruppugazh (devotional songs for Lord Murugan) music teacher and the Lord has been a major part of my home and life. Though I became an agnostic as I grew up, I still hold the Lord in reverence and close to my heart.
Mahasena by Kala Krishnan is the first part of Murugan trilogy that begins with the birth of Muruga. He is born to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy and brother to elephant-god Ganesha. He is destined to fight the greatest of all Sura and Asura, Surapadman. The story follows his separation from Parvathy and growing up with Krittika mothers for the initial years, to his return to Kailasa for a brief period, only to depart to Palani Hills after losing the ever famous ‘Race around the world’ challenge to Ganesha. It is there in Palani that he becomes the God of Tamizh and prepares for his impending battle with Surapadman. The book ends with the war just about to begin.
The book is filled with legends, myths and tales about various characters, but they are nicely blended with the original story. The writing is very lyrical and poetic with mesmerizing descriptions of the landscape and transports one to that era. The author’s love for God is evident in the way she writes about him. There is a chapter titled ‘Kandhan’s language’ that describes how Murugan became the Tamizh God and gave form to its alphabets along with sage Agasthiyar. While this is a popular myth, the writing in that chapter gave me goosebumps as a proud Tamilian. The writing is definitely beautiful, but it also lets the story down at places with some unnecessary details and descriptions going overboard.
Lord Muruga’s stories are not widely known outside the Tamil fraternity and this book is a great place to start with. I definitely recommend this book if you love mythological fiction. Looking forward to the remaining two parts of the trilogy.
Mahasena by Kala Krishnan is the first part of Murugan trilogy that begins with the birth of Muruga. He is born to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvathy and brother to elephant-god Ganesha. He is destined to fight the greatest of all Sura and Asura, Surapadman. The story follows his separation from Parvathy and growing up with Krittika mothers for the initial years, to his return to Kailasa for a brief period, only to depart to Palani Hills after losing the ever famous ‘Race around the world’ challenge to Ganesha. It is there in Palani that he becomes the God of Tamizh and prepares for his impending battle with Surapadman. The book ends with the war just about to begin.
The book is filled with legends, myths and tales about various characters, but they are nicely blended with the original story. The writing is very lyrical and poetic with mesmerizing descriptions of the landscape and transports one to that era. The author’s love for God is evident in the way she writes about him. There is a chapter titled ‘Kandhan’s language’ that describes how Murugan became the Tamizh God and gave form to its alphabets along with sage Agasthiyar. While this is a popular myth, the writing in that chapter gave me goosebumps as a proud Tamilian. The writing is definitely beautiful, but it also lets the story down at places with some unnecessary details and descriptions going overboard.
Lord Muruga’s stories are not widely known outside the Tamil fraternity and this book is a great place to start with. I definitely recommend this book if you love mythological fiction. Looking forward to the remaining two parts of the trilogy.
September 23, 2021
“Everything, in all the worlds, stood somewhere in a rippling base that constantly spread out and contracted; if you were attentive, you could see how, sometimes, things that were at the merging of two ripples were shifted by its force from one, and joined into another ripple.”
Mahasena, part one of the Murugan Trilogy by Kala Krishnan, is a book that explores, as well as, creates new myths and legends of Murugan, the son of Shiva and Parvati.
Having grown up listening to many stories about Ganesha, I was surprised to realise that I didn’t know any stories about Murugan, or Kartikeya, as I’ve known him. Krishnan creates a beautifully intricate world full of Gods & Goddesses, Suras & Asuras, star women, demi-gods & demi-goddessess… We also encounter mythical creatures like Anantha, the wise serpent of infinity who holds up the world on his ten thousand hoods.
The book begins around the birth of Murugan and it captivates you from the first page. I found myself blissfully lost in Kala’s magical world. My absolute favourite part was where we encounter the Krittikas, the six star women who nurse, educate and raise Murugun. He is named Kartikeya in their honour, which means ‘of the Krittikas’. The book progresses as Murugan grows up and faces different trials and tribulations before he can become worthy of his quest.
Some parts were written so exquisitely that I just couldn’t put them down! The stories about gods quibbling over petty issues and an unborn baby burning the God of Fire because he was singing out of tune were delightful and humourous! However, the writing style of the other parts didn’t quite resonate with me and many of it felt overscrupulous. Although I am still curious to read the other parts of the trilogy, I would have enjoyed it a lot more if the writing had focused more on the plot without going overboard with unnecessary details.
Mahasena, part one of the Murugan Trilogy by Kala Krishnan, is a book that explores, as well as, creates new myths and legends of Murugan, the son of Shiva and Parvati.
Having grown up listening to many stories about Ganesha, I was surprised to realise that I didn’t know any stories about Murugan, or Kartikeya, as I’ve known him. Krishnan creates a beautifully intricate world full of Gods & Goddesses, Suras & Asuras, star women, demi-gods & demi-goddessess… We also encounter mythical creatures like Anantha, the wise serpent of infinity who holds up the world on his ten thousand hoods.
The book begins around the birth of Murugan and it captivates you from the first page. I found myself blissfully lost in Kala’s magical world. My absolute favourite part was where we encounter the Krittikas, the six star women who nurse, educate and raise Murugun. He is named Kartikeya in their honour, which means ‘of the Krittikas’. The book progresses as Murugan grows up and faces different trials and tribulations before he can become worthy of his quest.
Some parts were written so exquisitely that I just couldn’t put them down! The stories about gods quibbling over petty issues and an unborn baby burning the God of Fire because he was singing out of tune were delightful and humourous! However, the writing style of the other parts didn’t quite resonate with me and many of it felt overscrupulous. Although I am still curious to read the other parts of the trilogy, I would have enjoyed it a lot more if the writing had focused more on the plot without going overboard with unnecessary details.
April 6, 2025
Beautiful writing.
September 27, 2021
From Mount Kailasa, the miracle begins. Shambu and Parvathi await the birth of their younger son, the supreme warrior. Born from Shambhu's third eye as a ball of fire, son to the parents of the Universe, Muruga's story begins.
His destiny already written, he is whisked away from his motherland by Agni as per the grand plan. Saraswati awaits to take him to his foster mothers, the Kritika sisters, the ageless and all-knowing. Once near them, the fireball separates and the six Kritika sisters witness six babies, each for one of them to take care of.
The six boys grow up, learning everything and enjoying life in the forest. The time is ripe, Shambu, Parvathi and Ganapathy come to take the boys back. At that moment the six children return to their unified form. Six boys merged to become Skandha, or Kandha as he is fondly called.
Although sad, he takes leave from his foster mothers and goes to his home. Coddled, loved and pampered, the little boy grows up unaware of his destiny. Everybody knows he's meant for greatness. Little by little, he learns and the God-child sheds his old self to embrace the future. To face his energy Surapadman, he needs to be at his best. The story ends where it should actually begin. A beginning of the end if you will.
The first book of a trilogy, Mahasena is a page taken from Hindu mythology.
A fascinating, beautiful and poetic retelling of Lord Muruga's life. The book traces the history of the Tamil language, its inception and its flourishing. A treasure chest of characters awaits you in this book. Aambal, Indra, Surapadman, Kuyili, all different, all interwoven into the fabric of the story. Witness the birth of the universe, watch the vastness gurgle and burst. Listen to how the divine beings envisioned the universe, how they came into being and let yourself loose in this rich tale of divinity.
English, drizzled with the honey of Tamil sits memorably on my palette. A journey I recommend to all mythology lovers. This book is meant for a great start. I really can't wait for the rest.
His destiny already written, he is whisked away from his motherland by Agni as per the grand plan. Saraswati awaits to take him to his foster mothers, the Kritika sisters, the ageless and all-knowing. Once near them, the fireball separates and the six Kritika sisters witness six babies, each for one of them to take care of.
The six boys grow up, learning everything and enjoying life in the forest. The time is ripe, Shambu, Parvathi and Ganapathy come to take the boys back. At that moment the six children return to their unified form. Six boys merged to become Skandha, or Kandha as he is fondly called.
Although sad, he takes leave from his foster mothers and goes to his home. Coddled, loved and pampered, the little boy grows up unaware of his destiny. Everybody knows he's meant for greatness. Little by little, he learns and the God-child sheds his old self to embrace the future. To face his energy Surapadman, he needs to be at his best. The story ends where it should actually begin. A beginning of the end if you will.
The first book of a trilogy, Mahasena is a page taken from Hindu mythology.
A fascinating, beautiful and poetic retelling of Lord Muruga's life. The book traces the history of the Tamil language, its inception and its flourishing. A treasure chest of characters awaits you in this book. Aambal, Indra, Surapadman, Kuyili, all different, all interwoven into the fabric of the story. Witness the birth of the universe, watch the vastness gurgle and burst. Listen to how the divine beings envisioned the universe, how they came into being and let yourself loose in this rich tale of divinity.
English, drizzled with the honey of Tamil sits memorably on my palette. A journey I recommend to all mythology lovers. This book is meant for a great start. I really can't wait for the rest.
September 28, 2021
The book started with the process of birthday of Ganesha's sibling. Ganesha was eagerly awaiting his little brother's arrival. Now, I didn't know that Kartikeya is also known as Murugan in South India.
The birth of Murugan took place by combining the urjas of Shambhu(Shiva) and Parvaty. Agni carried the ball of fire formed from the combined urjas which was further transported by Ganga and then Sarasvati to the Kritikas. The Kritikas nurtured the six kumaras and after a few years they combined into one, Kartikeya. This was the back story of birth of Kartikeya.
The book then follows the growth of Kartikeya, the skills he had to master, the obstacles he has to overcome before he had to leave for the special quest. The book centres around the journey of Kartikeya from a little child to a warrior.
Kumara, Kartikeya,Skanda, Kandhan, we're the names Murugan inherited.
From the first page the book made me inclined towards it. I absolutely loved the part where the kumaras learnt about mrtyu, ojas etc. First book in the trilogy, Mahasena explores the life a boy, pampered and loved, unaware of his destiny which was to prepare for a special quest.
Never had I read or watched about the life of Kartikeya in detail but this book cleared my many unanswered questions.
Written in a simple,smooth,lyrical language the book made me gasp in suprise at many places. Not once did I feel bored or uninterested. The book made me travel to the places where God, goddesses, demi-godesses lives and exclaim in wonder at the beauty of the places describe in words.
Hindu mythology is something which I'm always eager to explore more and Mahasena gave me the opportunity to take a peek into Murugan's life. The author had done a commendable work in this retelling of Kartikeya.Each chapter of the book feels like a story in itself. You can learn about each phase of Kartikeya's life from right before his birth from each chapters. I'm eagerly awaiting for the next part to see where the story goes.
The birth of Murugan took place by combining the urjas of Shambhu(Shiva) and Parvaty. Agni carried the ball of fire formed from the combined urjas which was further transported by Ganga and then Sarasvati to the Kritikas. The Kritikas nurtured the six kumaras and after a few years they combined into one, Kartikeya. This was the back story of birth of Kartikeya.
The book then follows the growth of Kartikeya, the skills he had to master, the obstacles he has to overcome before he had to leave for the special quest. The book centres around the journey of Kartikeya from a little child to a warrior.
Kumara, Kartikeya,Skanda, Kandhan, we're the names Murugan inherited.
From the first page the book made me inclined towards it. I absolutely loved the part where the kumaras learnt about mrtyu, ojas etc. First book in the trilogy, Mahasena explores the life a boy, pampered and loved, unaware of his destiny which was to prepare for a special quest.
Never had I read or watched about the life of Kartikeya in detail but this book cleared my many unanswered questions.
Written in a simple,smooth,lyrical language the book made me gasp in suprise at many places. Not once did I feel bored or uninterested. The book made me travel to the places where God, goddesses, demi-godesses lives and exclaim in wonder at the beauty of the places describe in words.
Hindu mythology is something which I'm always eager to explore more and Mahasena gave me the opportunity to take a peek into Murugan's life. The author had done a commendable work in this retelling of Kartikeya.Each chapter of the book feels like a story in itself. You can learn about each phase of Kartikeya's life from right before his birth from each chapters. I'm eagerly awaiting for the next part to see where the story goes.
October 12, 2021
Mahasena is part one of the Murugan trilogy by Kala Krishnan. This book delves into the tales and legends surrounding Murugan, the son of Shiva and Parvati, the Gods of creation.
The book is divided into two parts with six chapters each.
The story opens with Murugan’s birth and draws you from the very first page. I was happily lost in Kala’s enchanted world. The whole episode of Murugan’s birth from Kailasa to the Bhuloka, where he is nurtured by the six- Krittikas is enchanting.
The book provided me with a lot of knowledge on Mythology. There is one part in the book where the author describes the whole creation of the universe, and that was enthralling. I literally consumed that part.
There is another part in the book where we learn about Karthikeya as the God of Tamizh. And that part tells us about this language and its evolution.
The interaction between Kandhan and his elder brother, Ganesha, are the most beautiful moments in the book. Also, his relationship with his father, Lord Shiva, is portrayed so purely and the scenes made me smile.
I’m always interested in learning more about Hindu mythology, and Mahasena provided me with the opportunity to learn more about Murugan’s life. Each chapter covers a different aspect of Kartikeya’s life, commencing from his birth.
New things I learned from this book:
🎇 Story of Karthikeya’s birth.
🎇 His different names: Kandhan, Skanda, Kumara, Velan, Murugan, Guha, etc.
🎇 About the creation of the world.
🎇I learned more about Karthikeya’s dear peacock, Parvani, and their adorable relationship.
🎇About the language Tamizh.
I couldn’t put certain parts down because they were so beautifully written. The style of writing of the other parts, on the other hand, didn’t fully click with me, and many of them sounded overdramatized. But I am still interested in reading the rest of the trilogy, I think I would have loved it a lot more if the writer had focused more on the plot and avoided adding needless details.
The book is divided into two parts with six chapters each.
The story opens with Murugan’s birth and draws you from the very first page. I was happily lost in Kala’s enchanted world. The whole episode of Murugan’s birth from Kailasa to the Bhuloka, where he is nurtured by the six- Krittikas is enchanting.
The book provided me with a lot of knowledge on Mythology. There is one part in the book where the author describes the whole creation of the universe, and that was enthralling. I literally consumed that part.
There is another part in the book where we learn about Karthikeya as the God of Tamizh. And that part tells us about this language and its evolution.
The interaction between Kandhan and his elder brother, Ganesha, are the most beautiful moments in the book. Also, his relationship with his father, Lord Shiva, is portrayed so purely and the scenes made me smile.
I’m always interested in learning more about Hindu mythology, and Mahasena provided me with the opportunity to learn more about Murugan’s life. Each chapter covers a different aspect of Kartikeya’s life, commencing from his birth.
New things I learned from this book:
🎇 Story of Karthikeya’s birth.
🎇 His different names: Kandhan, Skanda, Kumara, Velan, Murugan, Guha, etc.
🎇 About the creation of the world.
🎇I learned more about Karthikeya’s dear peacock, Parvani, and their adorable relationship.
🎇About the language Tamizh.
I couldn’t put certain parts down because they were so beautifully written. The style of writing of the other parts, on the other hand, didn’t fully click with me, and many of them sounded overdramatized. But I am still interested in reading the rest of the trilogy, I think I would have loved it a lot more if the writer had focused more on the plot and avoided adding needless details.
October 1, 2021
Mahasena by Kala Krishnan—a mythological fiction, is a synthesis of several literary and non-literary elements that are emphasized to achieve an effect or a sense of high regard and admiration for the Lord Murugan and everything he touches in his lifespan; woven together as one lyrical phenomenon that flows rhythmically like a river, gushing down from its source at higher altitudes to the plains where it’s much needed, cutting through the grounds, rocks, valleys, mountains called Skanda, Kartikeya, Guha, Mahasena, Kandhan, Murugan, Kumara and ceaselessly thrives not knowing how many lives depend upon it in myriad aspects; it is thus the exceptionally beautiful, written in rich prose, a musical story of the God of Tamizh from his birth to battlefield, from Kumara to Mahasena, and most importantly from ‘ the Kumaras’ language’ to the fully-developed rich culture of Tamil people.
Kala Krishnan pays ‘a homage to a cherished boy-god’—as Sharanya Manivannan says—as well as to the language of the South in a unique way and probably the perfect way for the modern world era, something that is essential to preserve and uphold the cultures cascading through centuries of generational changes.
I will be eagerly waiting for the next part in the Murugan Trilogy to uncover the secret behind ‘Mahasena’, a name given to Murugan by Indra’s daughter Devyani, also known as Devasena or as Murugan calls her, ‘Theivanai’, which is also the title of the next book.
Read the full review on blog - https://bit.ly/3F5DFKa
Kala Krishnan pays ‘a homage to a cherished boy-god’—as Sharanya Manivannan says—as well as to the language of the South in a unique way and probably the perfect way for the modern world era, something that is essential to preserve and uphold the cultures cascading through centuries of generational changes.
I will be eagerly waiting for the next part in the Murugan Trilogy to uncover the secret behind ‘Mahasena’, a name given to Murugan by Indra’s daughter Devyani, also known as Devasena or as Murugan calls her, ‘Theivanai’, which is also the title of the next book.
Read the full review on blog - https://bit.ly/3F5DFKa
April 8, 2024
Kala Krishnan Ramesh's "Mahasena" is a sweeping saga that reimagines the story of Murugan, the Hindu god of war, from its very beginnings. This first book in a planned trilogy dives deep into Hindu cosmology, exploring themes of creation, duality, and the birth of language itself.
Ramesh takes readers on a grand journey, weaving together ancient myths with imaginative flourishes. The narrative doesn't shy away from portraying the complexities of the divine, depicting both the benevolent and destructive aspects of Murugan's nature.
Ramesh crafts a rich and believable cosmos, filled with intriguing deities, fantastical creatures, and lush landscapes. Her descriptive prose transports readers to this enchanted world. The novel explores the intriguing connection between Murugan and the birth of the Tamil language. This unique perspective adds depth and cultural significance to the story. While the narrative features epic battles and thrilling adventures, it also delves into philosophical questions about creation, duty, and the nature of good and evil.
"Mahasena" is a captivating and ambitious novel that will appeal to readers interested in Hindu mythology and epic fantasy. Ramesh's imaginative retelling of Murugan's story offers fresh perspectives on familiar myths and explores profound themes. While the dense mythology might pose a challenge for some, the rich world-building, unique focus on language, and blend of action and contemplation make this a rewarding read for those willing to dive in.
Ramesh takes readers on a grand journey, weaving together ancient myths with imaginative flourishes. The narrative doesn't shy away from portraying the complexities of the divine, depicting both the benevolent and destructive aspects of Murugan's nature.
Ramesh crafts a rich and believable cosmos, filled with intriguing deities, fantastical creatures, and lush landscapes. Her descriptive prose transports readers to this enchanted world. The novel explores the intriguing connection between Murugan and the birth of the Tamil language. This unique perspective adds depth and cultural significance to the story. While the narrative features epic battles and thrilling adventures, it also delves into philosophical questions about creation, duty, and the nature of good and evil.
"Mahasena" is a captivating and ambitious novel that will appeal to readers interested in Hindu mythology and epic fantasy. Ramesh's imaginative retelling of Murugan's story offers fresh perspectives on familiar myths and explores profound themes. While the dense mythology might pose a challenge for some, the rich world-building, unique focus on language, and blend of action and contemplation make this a rewarding read for those willing to dive in.
March 24, 2024
I usually actively run away from myths, but this first iteration of the trilogy of re-telling of lord Murugan/Karthikeya/Skanda/Guha's battle with Suparadman was easy to follow for myself, and has a great flow in general.
There are extensive and beautiful descriptions of Tamizh - the language, the people and its land.
There's no "lesson" in particular, but it's still a brilliant story throughout.
There are extensive and beautiful descriptions of Tamizh - the language, the people and its land.
There's no "lesson" in particular, but it's still a brilliant story throughout.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2021
A beautiful book on mythology- it’s a must read . Waiting for the next book 📖
October 5, 2025
Beautiful writing, if you want to about hindu mythology and stories about God Murugan, then give this book a change. It will blow your mind.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews