Ansh Saini’s Purushartha is a strikingly bold, dystopian mytho-fiction saga that ambitiously weaves together ancient Hindu cosmology, philosophical symbolism, and a futuristic, darkly oppressive world order. Set in the year 2989 A.D. during the twilight of Kali Yuga, the book masterfully envisions a society collapsed under the weight of greed, oppression, and the decay of Dharma (righteousness), while mythological forces and modern tyranny collide in a spectacular battle for the soul of humanity.
Through its layered narratives, spiritual metaphors, and relentless pace, Purushartha attempts to remind readers of the timeless conflict between Dharma and Adharma, light and darkness, not only as mythological or religious constructs but as ever-present truths shaping human civilization.
📚 Overview of Plot and Setting
The book opens with a vivid prologue setting the tone for what is essentially an apocalyptic mythological epic. In this future world, the concept of Purushartha—the fourfold goals of human life (Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha)—has been nearly obliterated. A singular global dystopia called Zenkali rules with technological tyranny, caste-like rankings, and indulgence in vice. The ancient guardians of righteousness, the Devas, have been imprisoned or defeated by a demonic overlord known as Kali Purush.
The author introduces Raghav, an unlikely mortal hero, who embarks on a dangerous quest to unlock the celestial prison holding Indra, King of the Devas. As Raghav’s story unfolds, it is interspersed with conversations, flashbacks, and spiritual allegories that span from the genesis of creation to the present darkness consuming humanity.
📜 Chapter-wise Review
Chapter 1: The Law of Separation of Powers
This chapter lays the foundational cosmology, taking readers through the Vedic understanding of the Trimurti—Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva—and the origin of Devas, Asuras, humans, and the sacred five elements. The narrative here closely follows classical Hindu philosophical texts but with a dramatized, modern storytelling flair.
A particularly compelling element is the philosophical debate introduced through the creation of Asuratva (the spirit of defiance) and Brahma’s concern over its implications. Lord Vishnu’s justification for the existence of an opposing force to balance divine power is thoughtful and resonates as a timeless moral commentary: unchecked power corrupts.
The chapter also introduces Kaalnemi, the prototype Asura, whose tragic origin and subsequent vow of vengeance offer a sympathetic villain arc. His relentless meditation, his boon from the Supreme Creator, and his war against Devas reflect deep influences from the Puranas yet are reimagined in a darker, more visceral tone. This creative liberty enhances engagement without straying from the essence of ancient lore.
Strengths:
- Rich mythological foundation.
- Well-structured cosmology and character origins.
- Thought-provoking philosophical dialogues.
Weaknesses:
- Slightly over-expository in parts, which may overwhelm readers unfamiliar with Vedic concepts.
Chapter 2: The Samudra Manthan
One of Hindu mythology’s grandest events is retold here with cinematic vividness and an added dystopian undertone. The chapter succinctly recounts the Samudra Manthan (churning of the cosmic ocean) as a divine strategy not only to retrieve the Nectar of Immortality (Amrita) but also to manipulate Asuras through illusion.
The emergence of Mohini, Lord Vishnu’s enchantress avatar, and her deceptive distribution of Amrita is beautifully portrayed, culminating in the betrayal of Swarbhanu, who morphs into Rahu and Ketu. The scene’s philosophical climax is Indra’s confession to Raghav—that though Devas won, they did so not through virtue but deceit—is one of the book’s most powerful moral statements.
The author uses this event to question the nature of Dharma itself, and whether victory achieved through treachery is truly righteous. It’s a rare admission of moral ambiguity in mytho-fiction narratives, which is both daring and refreshing.
Strengths:
- Excellent pacing and atmosphere.
- Emotional depth in dialogues between Indra and Raghav.
- Vivid descriptive prose.
Weaknesses:
- Some narrative liberties may irk purists of mythology.
Chapter 3: The Present Darkness
This chapter shifts back to the dystopian future of Zenkali. The depiction of a brutal, totalitarian world where humans are ranked, exploited, and harvested is chillingly plausible. The details—Pleasure Chambers, MOD implants, human harvesting, and the grotesque Weaponflare experiments—are dystopian worldbuilding at its peak.
The horrific testing scene with live prisoners sets an intensely dark tone. Kali Purush’s ambition to not only rule Earth but to storm Swarg Lok (heaven) underscores the book’s central conflict: a confrontation between divinity and mechanized depravity.
This chapter also delivers critical commentary on contemporary societal decay—the commodification of life, erosion of empathy, and manipulation of mass consciousness—which though extreme in the book’s context, mirror real-world tendencies disturbingly well.
Strengths:
- Exceptional worldbuilding.
- Frighteningly realistic social allegory.
- Immersive descriptions.
Weaknesses:
- Graphic violence may be too intense for some readers.
Chapter 4: Steps Towards Destruction
Chapter 4 traces the backstory of Kali Purush’s rise to power through the discovery of an ancient divine weapon—the Mahanasha Astra. The weapon’s origin during the Samudra Manthan, its dangerous potential to disrupt cosmic order, and its misuse by the tyrant King of Zenkali form the crux.
The transformation scene, where the King reveals his true demonic form and extracts the mantra to invoke the weapon, is vividly horrific. The torture of sages and subjugation of divine law is presented with unflinching brutality, reinforcing the book’s grim vision of Kali Yuga.
This chapter also reflects on how spiritual symbols and divine artifacts, if possessed by corrupt hands, become instruments of annihilation. The corrupted chanting of sacred mantras, which turns Dharma’s tools into Adharma’s weapons, is a potent symbol of moral collapse.
Strengths:
- Riveting pacing and dramatic tension.
- Inventive blending of mythology with dark fantasy tropes.
- Potent thematic symbolism.
Weaknesses:
- Dialogues occasionally lean toward melodrama.
✨ Language, Themes, and Style
The author’s style is grand, cinematic, and unapologetically intense. The language is ornate, often poetic, and laced with Sanskrit terms and shlokas that lend authenticity. Themes of morality, cosmic justice, betrayal, power’s corruptive nature, and resilience in adversity recur prominently.
The reflective conversations between Raghav and Indra provide philosophical depth amidst action sequences, elevating the story beyond mere mytho-fiction into a meditation on human nature.
📊 Overall Impression
Purushartha is an ambitious, dark, and philosophically rich saga that merges ancient wisdom with futuristic dystopia. Its strengths lie in evocative worldbuilding, moral complexity, and thematic depth. While it may feel heavy-handed or graphically violent for some, it remains an engrossing, thought-provoking read for mytho-fiction enthusiasts.
Rating (Up to Chapter 4):
★★★★☆ (4/5)
Recommended for:
- Readers of dark mytho-fiction
- Fans of dystopian fantasy
- Enthusiasts of Hindu cosmology with a modern twist
Not recommended for:
- Those seeking light-hearted mythology
- Sensitive readers averse to graphic violence