Kayakalpa is an interesting novel from the celebrated writer Shri
Yogeshwarji. The title of the novel is very meaningful & the story is quite
absorbing. ‘Kayakalpa’ means rejuvenation or transformation. The novel
centers around Kach, Devyani, Sharmistha and King Yayati - historical
characters illustrated in the great epic Mahabharata and Srimad Bhagavat.
Kach – son of Brihaspati (A revered God) become student of Shukracharya
(Guru of Demons). The reason – Shukracharya had the knowledge of Sanjivani,
which can make any dead person alive. During Kach’s stay at the ashram,
Shukraycharya’s daughter Devyani as well as Sharmistha, Devyani’s friend and
the daughter of the King – both falls in love with Kach. However, Kach
remains unattached.
An unintentional ploy pushes two close friends – Devyani and Sharmistha to
extreme and results in animosity. Devyani’s revenge turns Sharmistha, her
close friend into her servant (dāsi). Devyani weds King Yayati and takes
Sharmistha along with as her dāsi but the King, fascinated by Sharmishta
establishes relationship with her. The animosity reaches to its height. What
happens next?
Kayakalpa is all about transformation of the mind of all these characters.
Human mind has the tendency to commit mistakes but ‘kayakalpa’ transform and
bring them back on track. The story may seem outdated but the
characteristics of human mind are still the same. That’s why; the message
underlying this novel is still refreshing and inspiring.
