Odia Books

Swami Abadhuta Narayanananda,known as the celebrated author of one of the earliest outstanding prose works titled ‘Rudrasudhanidhi‘,occupies a foremost place among the architects of early Oriya literature and also in the growth of the Shaiva cult in Orissa. The study of ‘Rudrasudhanidhi’ provides scanty biographical details about its author, like his deep scholarship, learning and training in academics and adherence to his personal religious belief and spiritual attainment. This monumental prose fiction belongs to the early formative period in the Oriya language and literature and is believed to have been composed in the 14th century, although different dates by literary historians and scholars have been assigned to it. The name “Abadhuta” indicates that he was a sanyasi, a wandering mendicant and he lived at Ekamra, the present Bhubaneswar in Orissa. He might have devoted his. time to teaching his disciples and followers in a‘Math’. The theme of this erstwhile earliest prose narrative in Oriya is based on expounding the glory,dignity and importance of the Shaivite philosophy. Rudra sudhanidhi literally means the ‘treasure house of the nectar of Rudra.’ The work has a well-designed story with Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati showing themselves in the supreme divine power of creation and destruction and their all-pervading supremacy in making and unmaking the life of their followers.

Swami Narayanananda called his teachings “The Universal Religion,” implying that they are dealing with Truth, irrespective of caste, creed, sex, nationality, race, etc. He gives guidance to spiritual seekers. He emphasizes the moral code of conduct as a basis for spiritual development, and puts particular stress on sexual sublimation implying brahmacharya – celibacy or (for married people and couples) moderation in sexual life, as a means to maintain and improve physical, mental and spiritual health. His works include among others the following subjects: philosophy, psychology, religion, spirituality, yoga, meditation and kundalini shakti

The Secrets of Mind-Control
The Way to Peace, Power and Long Life
The Primal Power in Man or The Kundalini Shakti
The Ideal Life and Moksha
Revelation
The Gist of Religions
A Practical Guide to Samadhi
Mind, Its Source and Culture
The Secrets of Prana, Pranayama and Yoga-Asanas
The End of Philosophy
The Basis of Universal Religion