Ganesha’s Temple: Book 1
of the Temple Wars series
A Fourteen-year-old boy named Taran befriends Ganesha on an epic adventure that will teach him about self-sacrifice and self-reliance
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A long time ago, when the world was young and gods reigned over the land, there lived a beautiful goddess named Parvati, the all-mother, who dreamt of creating a child. Taking up the sands of the ocean, she molded a young boy and breathed life into him, a new soul with the world’s strength, who was eager to prove his love.
One day, she bestowed upon him the highest honor: to guard her while she meditated in the cosmic ocean. Breaking off a branch from a tall tree, she fashioned it into an ankusha, an elephant goad, and handed it to him. Instructing her son to prevent anyone from disturbing her meditation, she floated into the ocean and disappeared from view.
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Taran
"When the alarm went off, it woke Taran from a deep and comfortable sleep. Eyes still heavy, he blindly groped for the snooze button. It was the weekend, he thought to himself, why is my alarm going off? As silence returned, he could hear from downstairs the faint blare of a television likely being ignored by his mother as she prepared breakfast. The voice of the newscaster was indistinct, but in the background could be heard music and the noise of crowds. Oh yes, today was the last day of Ganesh Chaturthi, the twelve-day-long festival of the god Ganesha, and revelers had no doubt been gathered on the banks of the Jhelum River since dawn. Of course, his parents had insisted that he, the dutiful son, wake up and attend the festival with them. Did anyone ask if he wanted to attend? No, no one seemed to care about what he wanted. Great Ganesha, remover of obstacles and releaser of bonds, let my family be tolerable today, he thought to himself. Just for one day."
Ganesha
"I assure you, I am real,” Ganesha said in his slow and gravelly voice, seeming to have heard what Taran was thinking. He opened his eyes and locked his gaze upon Taran, his eyes tired, but still carrying a sharpness, as if a fire were kindled behind them. As he spoke, dust motes rose from his wrinkled features as if he had not been disturbed for many years. Everything in the cave had a tinge of neglect to it, a layer of grime or dust coating it like a film, the air stale. In one hand, Ganesha held up a large lantern as if he had been waiting for someone. For Taran."
Taran
When the alarm went off, it woke Taran from a deep and comfortable sleep. Eyes still heavy, he blindly groped for the snooze button. It was the weekend, he thought to himself, why is my alarm going off? As silence returned, he could hear from downstairs the faint blare of a television likely being ignored by his mother as she prepared breakfast. The voice of the newscaster was indistinct, but in the background could be heard music and the noise of crowds. Oh yes, today was the last day of Ganesh Chaturthi, the twelve-day-long festival of the god Ganesha, and revelers had no doubt been gathered on the banks of the Jhelum River since dawn. Of course, his parents had insisted that he, the dutiful son, wake up and attend the festival with them. Did anyone ask if he wanted to attend? No, no one seemed to care about what he wanted. Great Ganesha, remover of obstacles and releaser of bonds, let my family be tolerable today, he thought to himself. Just for one day."
Kartik
"Kartik’s eyes had widened in shock. ‘Give it back, Taran. Seriously, give it back now,’ Kartik ordered. ‘No,’ Taran said. ‘Apologize first.’ It was working. Kartik was so ticked. ‘I’m going to take you down if you don’t give it back this minute,’ Kartik said. His mouth set in a frown. ‘If you drop it in the water, you will regret it, Taran.’"
Mushika
"Another voice, gruff and mocking, called from a nearby table, only a few paces behind the fox. ‘You asking the kid on a date?’ Taran glanced over at the new speaker. His face was obscured by a hood pulled far forward, revealing only the end of a pointed snout. Short but broad, his arms were covered in brown matted fur over thick slabs of muscle. When Taran hesitated, the mouse extended his hand. ‘Mushika.’ Taran shook it briefly."
Rohit Gaur
Rohit Gaur grew up in New York City and would spend his evenings at the local bookshop reading myths and adventure stories from around the world. Influenced by Marvel comics, Star Wars, anime and the cartoons he grew up watching, he often dreamt of creating a magical world with fantastical beasts based on India’s rich mythology, traditions and culture.
His favourite writers and directors include J.K. Rowling, Rick Riordan, George Lucas, Guillermo del Toro, Peter Jackson and Hayao Miyazaki. Rohit lives with his family in New Jersey and travels to India often.
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Children’s Fantasy Adventure
Ganesha’s Temple
by Rohit Gaur
"Exciting, well-written , and thoughtfully humane, this YA Adventure should win many fans."
"With a straightforward, clear narrative style that seems tailored for young readers, Gaur handles this ambitious mix of elements with consistent skill. "
Novel recalls plot points from works ranging from The Lord of the Rings to C.S. Lewis’ Narnia series, Gaur’s novel offers a unique twist on the old formula.
" It’s an adventure that forms an enjoyable whole by balancing a fantastical hero’s journey with current political events. "
Drawing upon Hindu mythology, the novel breathes new life into a genre filled with overused European-based landscapes.
" A brilliant new series that perfectly blends mysticism and adventure. Gaur’s writing is impeccable and carefully laid out, and clearly influenced by the traditions of classic Eastern writers and mythology. This tour de force of imagery, emotion, philosophy and magic will leave readers eager for more. A masterful and meaningful adventure. "
Gaur’s writing is impeccable and carefully laid out, and clearly influenced by the traditions of classic Eastern writers and mythology.
" In a genre saturated with Western settings and folklore, GANESHA’S TEMPLE — the first book in the Temple Wars series — and its immersion in Hindu mythology and Indian culture is a welcome and meaningful change."
GT is an action-packed fantasy containing powerful social commentary. While fantastical, the underlying reality of the emotions and political challenges faced by the characters lend weight to the tale.
