The Tantric Curse - Anupama Garg - Book Review

Book: The Tantric Curse

Author: Anupama Garg

Publisher: Rupa Publications

Genre: Fiction| Thriller

Pages: 280

Price: 295 INR

Synopsis

On an amavasya night, eight-year-old Rhea mysteriously lands at the doors of Shaktidham, a Tantric house of worship, in a trance. Realizing that she is blessed with unusual faculties, the guru of Shaktidham, Satya, chooses her as a disciple over his own son, Krishnam, to carry on his lineage, a privilege previously bestowed only to males. But the lineage has been cursed for generations, and it is up to Rhea to either break the curse or perish in the attempt.
Will she succeed in her endeavour? Will her love for Krishnam become an obstacle in her path? The Tantric Curse, an unusual story set in the world of Tantra that aims to dispel most of the myths about the practice, will keep you spellbound till the very last page. 

My Take

I was really happy on receiving this book from the author as I was really intrigued By the subject of Tantra. In India or anywhere else this topic is always that of mystery, of hushed voices, suspicion, little knowledge and more gossip. 

Though everyone talks about it in whispers everyone sure wants to know more. 

I was all the more glad to Read this book as this is selected By the National Book Trust and is being showcased in Indian Pavilion at the Frankfurt Book Fair (world's largest fair for books )

My first thoughts on this book were that it Might be boring with a lot of gyan (knowlwledge) and a slow Read. However I was in for a suprise, I underestimated this book. Once I started reading, I couldnt keep it down. 
A breezy read surely and made very interesting with a surreal love story in the background.
Its a page turner for sure and I enjoyed it thoroughly.

. 

The book has an intense story woven with a beautiful love story. The author has very cleverly imbibed the principles of tantra and narrated them through the story. The story progresses with different aspects being told of this subject. 

The pratogonist of the book is the disciple of Tantra and takes us into this world of ancient and authentic Tantra.

Tantra has originated from Lord Shiva himself. Though misrepresented and misunderstood this art is pure and positive. 

The author strives hard to tell this fact and I think she is successful in doing so through this book.

Anupama Garg herself is a disciple of  Baba Batuknathji , a well known Tantric and head of Bhoot Nath ashram, the main centre being Lucknow ,Uttar Pradesh India.

She took it on herself to shed some light over Tantra and show people the true meaning of this art. 

The author uses Simple language and holds the readers interest in the world of Rhea. Her journey compels one to think that all things are happebing for a reason in our life.. its a chain action. The purpose of our life is self discovery to attain the BEST of ourself to achieve self satisfaction By being true to our purpose in life.

Looking at life in reverse we can join all dots and understand why things happened. However it is us who have to keep going forward to discover our worth on this planet, to know why we are born and to fulfill our roles. It is this awakening that allows one complete satisfaction in ones life. While telling this and more the author holds the plot completely with the strong storyline and chatacters which are etched beautifully with utmost detailing. All questions are answered and the plot unfolds one mystery after another. 

The Guru Satya, the Sadhak Rhea, the saint Krishnam weave a magic on us and draw us into their world of Tantra, awakenings, beautiful love, principles, will and determination.

This book is a must read in all aspects. The author has done a tremendous job and has been successful in not only explaining the world on true principles of Tantra but also in giving a beautiful story who draws the reader in and keeps you mesmerised.
Looking forward to more books from her.

Thumbs up from my side - Must read.

Check out the complete video on the book review below.

Here is the link to buy The Tantric Curse from Amazon

Hope you have fun reading it.
Let me know.

Happy New Years Guys...

xoxo
Bhakti

Goa Vibes

Its the holiday season and everyone is in a merry mood. Its time to celebrate, its time to travel, see new places, take a break and unwind. Its time to pamper yourself and be happy.

For many living in India especially in Maharashtra or the neighbouring states or even abroad - its Goa time.

This loved place is always charming but come the holiday winter season its sparkling like a diamond.

Perfect and peak time to go to Goa.

We just had our share of Goa some time back but I am here again thinking of it and craving the Goan food, sandy beaches and beautiful people and laid back life.

While I plan my next holiday just giving you a peek in my Goa diaries outfit.

You can also check out more Goa post on travelling, stay, food to plan that perfect vacation.

Outfit Details

Top- New Zealand Market

Shorts - Limeroad

Bag - Be for Bag

Flip Flops - Goa Flea Market

Neckpiece and Ring - Pink Pvssy Bangkok

Anklet - Flea Market

Glares - Forever 21

Happy Holidays !

xoxo

Bhakti

Tour Camp with me - Must do thing in Camp, Pune - Iconic places and Budget options.

Explore camp with me, let me show you the old iconic structures and must visit places, delicious food and budget markets. Be it Shivaji market, Bakers Market , old structures, Marzorin - I have it all covered for you. A glimpse of Bohri ali and Christmas shopping too, take in the Christmas fervour in the olden style.

Hope you liked, subscribe to my YouTube channel to enjoy all the videos.

xoxo
Bhakti

Weekend with us - Reading Comics, Dinner Date at Copper Chimney and more...

Let me take you with us through one of our weekend, come have fun with us. Some home made food, Reading comics, Christmas fervour, dinner date, ootd and more...
Check it out now at the vlog channel.

Hope you liked it.

Let me know what you feel.
Until next time.
Stay cheerful!
Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas !

xoxo
Bhakti

Copper Chimney and The Endless Charcoal Grill

The timeless Copper Chimney operating since 1972 amongst the major cities in India has been serving the Indian cuisine with panache, food oozing with flavour and a warm ambience to make the experience perfect. This National favourite chain has gone international and have now opened its second outlet in Pune. What better place to come up than the most elite Hub of the city, you guessed it right - Phoenix market city.
Copper Chimney means traditional food, wholesome, delicious with no compromises on any aspect whatsoever.
Be it ambience, service or food, this place dishes it all out in perfection.

The restaurant is designed with the Hallmark open show kitchen, so that the customers can view the freshly made kababs and breads. Handcrafted copper bells adorn the ceiling, and an artistic blend of rustic brick and natural wood, help create a distinct dining space.

Their trademark bells which are there in all outlets

Love the Plain rustic décor with simple and clean elements.

So inviting and warm.

The place is synonymous with succulent kebabs, delicious aromatic biryanis, well spiced and flavoured curries, buttered rotis - a wholesome meal that's what it is.
Signature items like the Burrah Chops, Chelo Kababs, Chicken Bharta and the Biryani are part of the menu. Our Muzzafar and Kulfis are a decadent way to end the meal.
But how much can one order honestly at one go and I have always been left wanting for more.
However now you can gorge on a variety of dishes all at one go without worrying of having ordered too much thanks to their new concept of "The Endless Charcoal Grill". Here guests can enjoy a continuous service of Copper Chimney signature kebabs with aloo naan and their fragrant biryanis to complete this experience.
Pune is indeed special, since it’s the first time they are launching ‘The Endless Charcoal Grill’ over here. So this concept is only available in this outlet and no where else.

So when Khushbu from Kush PR and Copper Chimney invited us to taste this awesome Endless Charcoal Grill we just pounced on the opportunity.

The grill includes a soup, soft beverage, chicken, fish and mutton kebabs (unlimited), Masala Aloo Kulcha, Biryan.

The prices are reasonable for the plethora of food on offer.

The Menu keeps changing weekly.

Their bar license hasn't arrived as yet, its under process. Yet worry not their mocktails are also killer.

We had Shikanjeen - must for soda and jaljeera lovers so good and strong flavours and the other one was with a fruity base of Mango - sweet and tangy from the citrusy fruits too. It was a definite Ras Leela as per the name in my mouth. Loved them went so well with the cuisine and kebabs.

Recommend both of them.

We started with the soup Ab -e- hayat.

This soup just was a glimpse of the food coming our way.

A sensational opening to the night.

This was perfection, a veg soup and simple flavours yet it was amazingly delicious and hit all the right notes. One of the best dishes of the night.

Must must try.

P.S This recipe is of their founder himself and spectacular indeed.

The kebabs were melt in the mouth soft and delicious. They boast of marinating their kebabs for 7 hours (not bad at all).

First time I tried the Gilafi Malai seekh and they were good, rich, heavy on the palette, on the sweeter side, only thing they missed was some moistness or being juicy. They were a bit dry.

Lal Mirchi Jhinga

Tandoori grilled prawns in a roasted red chilli, garlic and light butter marinade with a hint of ajwain.

This wasn't on the charcoal grill but we ordered this ala carte and thank God we did. This was so good. The prawns were cooked just right, spicy full of flavour and rich on texture.

Highly Recommended. Must try.

Masala Aloo Kulcha

It was nice and soft however I need some accompaniment with my kulchas.

Chicken Biryani

Aromatic perfectly cooked rice balance and well flavoured with spices with tender chicken.

And though we were stuffed and really fed with the yummy kebabs and all there was this small pocket still there for DESERT ;p

A la carte

We ordered this extra.

The Rasmalai was really fresh and melt in the mouth. Not overtly sweet but rich with dry fruits and soft.

It was so good.

We ordered this too extra.

Gulab Jamun

This was the perfect end to the amazing meal.

This was another super star of the night.

The best gulab jamuns I have had in the longest time.

Perfectly fried, soft yet firm. Every bite was heaven and nothing less. Sweet and sinful especially with the dry fruits I wish we had ordered their malai kulfi to go with this.

This guys is superb and you really need to have it. So must try.

Highly Recommended.

We had an amazing time and loved their food, the service was warm and efficient even though the place was packed with people.

Thanks a lot to Kush PR and Copper Chimney for inviting and hosting us. A special shout out to the warm hospitality of the Management of Copper Chimney Mr Mridul.

Copper Chimney has always strived to make the experience of eating Indian cuisine an unforgettable one. We sure are returning back for more. Do drop in for your gastronomy escapade especially to make your holidays more merry and delicious.

Average meal for two: Rs 1200

Timings: Lunch and Dinner hours

Address: 3rd floor, Phoenix market city mall, viman nagar, Pune

Phone: 020 -66890901

Email – ccv@copperchimney.in

Let me know your experience.

Until next time Stay cheerful.

Happy Holidays!

xoxo

Bhakti

Best Breakfast places near Baga - Goa Diaries

Another Goan vacation and another set of my favourite restaurants must must go in Goa...
Without further ado here we go.
This time we craved breakfast places and as a result we landed on some favourite quintessential properties which were so mesmerising we never wanted to leave and the food was as usual mind blowing and completely comforting putting you in a vacation mood with instant food coma. Time just stood still. Be a witness.....

LILA CAFE
This place just took my heart away . So serene so peaceful completely relaxing. The food is good sumptuous and delicious. The whole setting is laid back. It's like enjoying the Goan life. I loved their fluffy juicy omelette with mushrooms ,, the extra generous helping of creamy mashed potatoes and caramelised onions. The croissants were super soft and melt in mouth the best I ever had. A strong dose of coffee be it hot or cold. Banana fritters were really delicious. The whole breakfast set the mood for the entire day . My favourite place now on must go whenever in Goa.

only if you could feel the fluffy, creamy cheesy omelette and melt in the mouth soft croissants through this picture.

Susegaado - Joy of living ... just being..

CAFE CHOCOLATTI

This quaint place is made up of dreams, straight out of wonderland, heaven for the sweet aficionados.. a cute bakery in a corner well stocked with yummy goodies, cakes cupcakes and all delectable stuff.. the chocolate cupcake we tried was yummy and decadent. The breakfast spread is amazing , we tried the English breakfast with sausages one of the best chicken sausages I have ever had . Juicy with right spices and they were so good, the omelette was cheesy fluffy soft and juicy all at the same time. The croissant was lovely and the coffee was every true coffee lovers dream come true, strong wake me up types. The pancakes came with butter and maple syrup , chocolate sauce and were sinful .The veg panini was equally awesome.. . awesome places for true breakfast lovers ., let the pictures do the talking .. I m drooling

Time stands still at this place.

MOCHA CALANGUTE

Nice cosy place, we went there for drinks and shisha and their game was on point for everything . Had a fabulous time. The shisha was good, the raspberry lemonade was awesome and huge and so was the hot chocolate. The mojito was decent. Over all a nice place to hang out though not at the beach. Wish I had tried some food but was completely full with our brunch at Lila's. Next time for sure I will be back with food review too.. Try out the place , laid back ambience on a busy street,, definitely a place to chill after a nice shopping session at Baga or cool off the afternoon heat 

Hope you guys had fun exploring these places with me.

check out the entire video here with CAFE LITERATTI TOO...

Until we meet again

Stay Cheerful!!

xoxo

Bhakti

Check out other Goa posts here -
Romantic places to eat in Baga.
Goa Must Eats
Romantic places to eat in Goa part 2
Goa Diaries Snippets
Goa Places to Stay - Belmonte by Ace
Goa Places to stay - Sun Sands Holiday Village
Goa Lookbook
Pink Rik in Goa
Goa Forts