“Joy Maa Durga by Atul Chandra Sarkar” – Book Review

What happens when religion meets the literature? Well, it gives birth to the finest work of the writer or possibly his magnum opus. “Joy Maa Durga” is a perfect example of such work. Poet Atul Chandra Sarkar has done a wonderful job of translating the shlokas of Sage Markandeya’s “Durga Saptasati” in poetic structure. I can only fathom how much effort and energy he might had to put to do so. There are English translations available in the market but I have not come across any work that is purely in the form of poems. This volume stands apart from other translation I have read. This collection of 700 shlokas is more than just story of the battle, valour and power of incarnations of Goddess Durga. Goddess Durga is believed to be the creator and the destructor of the Universe(Chapter 1). She is the protector of all things in spiritual and material form. She is the ruling power of the universe(chapter 11).  It is believed the one who recites these shlokas regularly will be provided with all material benefits of the mortal world. He will be fearless, courageous and ready to face any kind of challenge. In the preface, Mr Atul Chander Sarkar has also provided information about when to recite which chapter and to gain maximum benefits out of it which zodiac sign should read which chapter. It is very close to the original Sanskrit text. There are thousands of people out there, across the globe, who wish to read the Saptasati in a structured poetic way. This work will not only prove a boon to those people but it might also help people of the entire world to know more about rich cultural and spiritual heritage Indians have. The beauty of the book lies in the fact that the poet has tried to keep the meaning of the translated text as close as possible to the original Sanskrit text. Call it the grace of the Goddess or the psychological effect but I did feel the positive vibes and aura around me which reading this text. I believe regular recitation of these shlokas will help in to rise above existential sufferings.

Overall rating: 5*/5*