Siddharttha Vankar‘s new book, Shakti: The Sacred Feminine – Retelling the Stories of Shakti Peeth, depicts the stories of women in our mythology and how they have been silenced. He has earlier written the books – Love at Manipal, and Sitara The Fallen Star.
Talking about his present book, Vankar, who has been the main Creative force in setting up many successful TV shows, said, “I have often found myself captivated by the concept of writing a book centred around the 51 Shakti Peethas. This fascination stems from my deep concern regarding the portrayal of women in our rich tapestry of mythology. It’s striking to observe how these narratives frequently suppress the voices of women rather than celebrating their strength and significance. Take, for instance, the poignant tale of Sati: her body, in a tragic act, was divided into fragments and scattered across the vast landscape of our subcontinent. To me, this myth transcends mere storytelling; it serves as a powerful metaphor for the way women are often remembered throughout history—fragmented, dismembered, and venerated in isolated pieces, yet seldom acknowledged in their entirety.”
Talking further on the idea behind the book, he narrated, “When I gaze upon the Shakti Peethas, I perceive more than mere temples or paths of pilgrimage. I envision fifty-one poignant memories woven from threads of pain and power. Each sacred site serves as a testament to a woman who endured unspeakable trials — a woman who faced the flames of betrayal and dishonour, yet transformed her anguish into a force that still reverberates through the very earth beneath us. I sought to breathe life into these places, giving them voices that resonate with the heartbeats of those who once suffered. They are not just stone shrines; they are vibrant narratives of rage, resistance, and remarkable rebirth.”
“The concept of the fifty-one Shakti Peethas provides a structured framework for exploration and storytelling. Each Peetha is associated with a specific goddess, Bhairav, and town, creating an organisational map that can be adapted into distinct chapters. This approach allows for the incorporation of various narratives surrounding these deities, making it possible to develop an expansive and cohesive work. The Shakti Peethas can thus be interpreted not just as religious sites, but as elements of a living feminist epic, inviting a fresh perspective on their significance and stories,” he went on, depicting more of his idea.
“The passage reflects a profound exploration of the concept of memory through the metaphor of shrines. These shrines symbolise fragments of a body that has experienced disintegration, yet they attain a sense of permanence. This inherent paradox—where elements can be erased while simultaneously achieving immortality—resonates deeply. It serves as a narrative that represents the experiences of women who have often been encouraged to conform, remain silent, and endure challenging circumstances. The act of writing this book emerges as a means of reclaiming those silences and asserting their stories”, he said.
He explained the emphasis of the book by saying, “The concept of continuity plays a significant role in exploring divine female energy. Having previously engaged with figures such as Draupadi, Karn, and Kumbhakarna, the journey now extends to the Shakti Peethas, which represent a collective of fifty-one manifestations of the cosmic feminine. This transition allows for a broader dialogue that encompasses not only the traditional narratives of gods and goddesses but also sheds light on the experiences and struggles of contemporary women. It emphasises their physicality, challenges, and sacred connections to the world around them.”
Finally, he concluded, saying, “This isn’t just a book. It is a way to stitch the body of Sati back together in words.”
Vankar, who seeks immense pleasure in putting into words his thoughts, has already written five books wherein he will collaborate with Bookbasket Publishers.
