Book Review : The OM Mala by Nityananda Misra

Author - Nityananda Misra
Publisher - StoryMirror Infotech Pvt Ltd

Blurb

The OM Mala is a book (and a Mala) which explains just one word - OM. OM is one of the shortest Sanskrit words, and yet is considered the most powerful word and a Mystic mantra in Hinduism. The OM Mala gives eighty four names of OM as per classical, epic and medieval Sanskrit texts and explains their various meanings in 109 sections or beads corresponding to 109 beads in a Mala (108 chanting beads and one Sumeru bead). Each bead of this book presents simple meaning of one name (or more than one related names) of OM and offers an explanation along with listing the relevant traditions, explaining the etymology and quotations. The book includes rare names of OM like 'shrutipada' and 'rasa' as well as its common names like 'om', 'udgitha' and 'pranava'. Both popular meanings of OM (like the trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva) and its rare meanings (like inhalation, holding the breath and exhalation) are included.

Review
The book is simply wonderful. The author's writing style indicates that he has a good grip on both English and Sanskrit. The detailed descriptions show that this is a very well researched work. Citations from different holy books like Upanishad, Gita have made this book more enriched. The book explains the different meanings of OM, from the most common ones to those unheard of. The author has an uncanny ability to make his readers dive into the depth of the matter and drink knowledge upto the brim of the neck. This book is indeed like a chanting Mala, with 109 beads, whose meanings, significance and history are well explained..

The cover and the title both are very nice, as if reflecting the aura of OM. The language is fluent and has a lot of depth. The theme creates an ambience of serenity.

Cover - 4.8/5
Title - 4/5
Blurb - 4.5/5
Theme - 4.5/5
Language - 4.9/5

I really loved the book. If you want to sip in divinity please do read it! 💟💟