#Review: Amrit Kalash by Divya Narain Upadhaya

Amrit Kalash is one of those books that reminds you why Indian mythology never quite loosens its grip on us. What I enjoyed most was the way Divya Narain Upadhyaya retells familiar stories without stripping them of their cultural gravitas. The tales—from the Mahabharata to the cosmic legends of Shiva and Vishnu—feel accessible, almost conversational, yet still carry the emotional and philosophical weight they’re meant to.

The author’s attempt to “modernize without diluting” largely works. The narrative flows smoothly, and the fictionalized touches make the stories livelier for today’s reader. At the same time, there are moments when the simplicity of the prose feels a little too gentle for the complexity of the themes being tackled; I occasionally found myself wishing for slightly deeper commentary or sharper imagery.

But as an entry point into the world of ancient Indian literature, this book does exactly what it promises—it opens the door. It captures the essence of dharma, devotion, ambition, and human struggle in a way that’s easy to absorb yet thought-provoking enough to linger. If you’re looking for a warm, inviting bridge into mythology, this is a lovely place to start.

Find this book here.