Lakshmila – The Eternal Love Story is the story of Lakshman and Urmila, and their unique love story. The book was conceptualized and crafted by 18-year-old Shubhi Agarwal, who is said to be one of India’s youngest published and bestselling authors. The book is published by Om Books International and is Shubhi’s maiden novel. Shubhi officially launched ‘Lakshmila’ at an extravagant book launch event in her hometown Kanpur on 31st July’22 with the presence of Satish Mahana, honourable speaker of UP Goverment and Sunil Lahri, nationally-recognized Indian actor who is best known for his portrayal of Lakshman in Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan. Within just three months of release, the book has already become an international bestseller, with a top-3 ranking in the UK, and US! With this new launch, Shubhi has knocked it out of the park, and has kickstarted her career as a young published author on a new high!
Lakshmila is a book like no other! In this book, Shubhi showcases the story of Lakshman and Urmila in an unprecedented manner. Set against the backdrop of the Ramayana, Lakshmila narrates the story of the selfless love between Lakshman and Urmila without whom the Ramayana would have been incomplete. The story depicts their unique spiritual love, connection, and their journey together from birth till the end. However, Lakshmila – the united entities of Lakhsman and Urmila – does not tell the world about their sacrifices; instead, it speaks of their love that becomes the cornerstone of their powerful and supreme sacrifice.
Through this book, the author sings of their love, sacrifices, bonds with other family members, and more. In Lakshmila, the author also provides a detailed insight into the ‘what, how, when, and why’ of every incident that took place during the Treta Yug in the Suryavanshi family, based on detailed research from the Valmiki Ramayana, Kamban Ramayana, Puranas and the different versions of the Ramayana. The fictional narrative is set in the context of a retelling of the epic from Lakshman and Urmila’s perspective of the events that went on to build the timeless tale.
In this book, Shubhi has done an outstanding job of researching the characters and the atmosphere that surrounds them before penning her story down. This research shines across the book as you flip through its pages. One thing is for sure, the story of the book is a true reflection of her own love for these characters. Her understanding and empathy for both of them come across from a very genuine place, allowing the readers to connect with the characters and their scenarios in their own way. And it was really fascinating when Shubhi told that she was just 14 when she started working on this book and also she is the first writer and female entrepreneur in her family.
One thing to take away from this book is the fact that Shubhi has equally divided the spotlight among the two characters, as opposed to focusing on just one. This allows readers to develop their perceptions and likings of each character, making it an even more engaging read. Urmila is as important as Lakshman in the story. It lingers on the significant pauses in their relationship, unknown to the world, and gently drives home the unsung truth that the love between Lakshman and Urmila was unusual, divine, subtle, and yet potent, carrying across lifetimes. This book does a fantastic job of depicting their love – silent, selfless, and spiritual. A true masterpiece by the young, one and only Shubhi Agarwal!
‘Lakshmila – The Eternal Love Story‘ is available for purchase on Amazon, Flipkart, and all leading bookstores across the country. For more information, you may visit: www.instagram.com/shubhi.agarwal29/
