Description
Whispers of the Unseen: The Quest for Sixty-Four Yoginis redefines spirituality beyond conventional religious norms, rituals and practices. It attempts to forge a connection with the essence of life forms and take the reader through a spiritual exploration of the dynamic interplay and union of masculine and feminine energies. Through her paintings, the artist- author revisits the cultural significance, richness and symbolism of the sixty-four yoginis. The narrative delves deep into the realm of feminine power, drawing out the most pivotal manifestation of its expressive roles in our lives and integrating the practices of spirituality into our everyday existence. It prods the reader to relish life’s simple moments and to cherish the intersectionality of quotidian life. This will, according to her, allow them access to ancient spiritual practices in contemporary time, leading to increased awareness and mindfulness in daily life. It encourages readers to embrace connecting with the divine, tapping into a higher power and uncovering the creative force within.
Siddarth Manohar –
On a very personal level, Whispers of the Unseen is a journey that prepared me to explore spirituality beyond the confines of conventional religious paradigms. Beena Unnikrishnan, both artist and author, extends an invitation into the mystical realm of the 64 yoginis, and also follow her along with the awakening spiritual journey she had walked. Her spiritual evolution has been very well narrated, transforming from a disciplined army man’s wife to a luminary painter and author. Her spiritual visits to the numerous Yogini temples, alongside her visits to the Adhi Shakti Peeths, are vividly depicted, allowing me to feel her spiritual oasis. “Whispers of the Unseen” is a treasure trove of wisdom, offering insights into the intersectionality of spirituality and everyday life. This book serves as an inspiration, guiding seekers toward increased awareness, mindfulness, and a deeper connection with the profound feminine force that created our existence. In a world where spiritual exploration often feels distant or esoteric, Beena Unnikrishnan’s work stands as a light, illuminating the path for those who seek to uncover the mysteries of the unseen. Her dedication to reviving the concept of the 64 Yoginis is commendable, breathing new life into a lost tradition and offering glimpse into mystical spirituality. “Whispers of the Unseen” is not just a book; it is an intimate pilgrimage of the soul that resonates long even after the final page is turned. I write this review as token of appreciation to the author who took me by storm with her dedicated work. Thank you, Beena Unnikrishnan for introducing me to the world of Yoginis, now I’m eager for your next work.
Abirami Vivek –
“Whispers of the Unseen” by Dr. Beena Unnikrishnan is a mesmerizing adventure into the mystical world of the 64 Yoginis, where ancient wisdom blends seamlessly with the author’s own revelations. At the heart of this enchanting story are the profound teachings of these revered goddesses, whose transformative powers Beena beautifully unveils.
What makes this book stand out is its unique mix of spirituality and science. Through the author’s sincere and respectful storytelling, readers not only get a glimpse into the subtle energies of the Yoginis but also learn about universal principles of manifestation and cosmic blessings. The exploration of the significance of the number 64 and its multiples in these pages highlights the deep connection between ancient traditions and modern science.
“Whispers of the Unseen” is more than just a book; it’s a soulful journey into the cosmos and the power it holds. Dr. Beena Unnikrishnan’s narrative goes beyond individual experiences, delving into the inherent wisdom of the universe itself. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for enlightenment and a deeper understanding of the cosmos. It’s a truly transformative read that will leave you feeling blessed and enlightened.
Sakina Ansari –
I truly believe that when the student is ready, the teacher appears.
It has happened so many times in my life and I’m happy to be a student always, as there is so much to learn and experience.
Similarly a book comes into your life for a reason and for me it was my friend who came first and then came the book – ‘Whispers Of The Unseen’.
I was fortunate to be a part of her journey who is an artist, a film maker and author of this book – Dr Beena Unnikrishnan.
Listening to her experiences, watching the Goddesses flow effortlessly on her Canvas, getting deeper into the mysteries of the universe through her sharing, helped me embrace my own inner goddess.
‘Whispers Of The Unseen’ has helped me embark on a transformative quest for self-discovery and most of all, crystalising my thoughts.
Savouring each page of ‘Whispers Of The Unseen’ reminds me of the power of friendship, sisterhood, divine interventions, the numerous answers that the Universe gives the true seeker and the list is long.
We need to embrace our true selves to understand the gift given to us through this book.
I am sure ‘Whispers Of The Unseen will inspire and uplift more and many more of us .
I do not want to say too much as I want each and everyone to read this book, to share their views and thoughts and join Dr Beena Unnikrishnan on her journey with the Goddesses of self discovery and truth.
Thanks to Dr Beena Unnikrishnan for introducing me and so many others to this powerful and beautiful book.
God Bless !
Col. K. Unnikrishnan –
In the book “whispers of the unseen” you can see the author, Beena unnikrishnan metamorphosing from an Army wife to a painter and author of a spiritual book. The book is her life‘s spiritual journey of painting the 64 Yogini, her visits to the different Yogini temples in Hirapur, Ranipur, Jabalpur, Dudhai and khajuraho. The authors journey to adi Shakti Peeths in the midst of her painting schedule is also very vividly described. Her detailed elucidation of the thoughts, planning and preparation that had gone into before painting each Yogini and also the actual process of painting is remarkable and makes an interesting reading. The ability to paint and also write a detailed account of each of the 64 Yogini is mesmerising more so when not much is available on this subject in public domain. The book whispers of the unseen is a personal pilgrimage of the author, exceptional in its conception and worth reading even if one is not interested in spiritualism.
Col. K. Unnikrishnan
Megalai Senthilkumar –
“Whispers of the Unseen” offers a captivating glimpse into the life and experiences of writer and artist, Beena Unnikrishnan. For readers interested in Spirituality, Hindu Mythology and Art and for those of you who enjoy reading about mystics with a touch of super natural elements, then this book is surely a must-have in your collection.
It was during Beena’s transformative journey of painting her 64 yoginis, I got acquainted with her. Had the good fortune of interviewing her during the Digital Woman Economic forum on this subject. Once when I asked her where she gets all her reference material, she replied, “No reference. It just flows into me and I paint what I feel”. Seeing all her paintings, was a breathtaking experience for me and prompted me to break into impromptu verses from Soundarya Lahari, Abirami andhadhi as well as a few Thevarams. Now after seeing her paintings as well as reading her book twice from cover to cover, I understand that her knowledge doesn’t come from any written book or from several Gurus’ teachings but from a mosaic of experiences which she was receptive enough to absorb and express on canvas as well as in words. The 64 yoginis even for those well versed in Hindu Spirituality is not a very widely known subject.
The fascinating personal journey of the discovery of the feminine within a human body, began with Beena’s family astrologer declaring that she would turn into a Kali Upasaka one day. The visionary statement of the learned man, Shri Krishnan Potti, from Kerala further strengthened by his writing of a mantra on Beena’s tongue using a sharp tool, kickstarted Beena’s quest in seeking more knowledge about The Sri Yantram. For the readers not yet initiated into this Shakthi form of worship, Shree Yantram or the Shree Chakra is a multidimensional geometric pattern with 9 interlocking triangles which symbolizes the union of the masculine and the feminine, offering a profound insight into the intricate balance of the cosmic forces.
This book is remarkably different not only because it’s a personal journey but mainly because throughout the book, Beena navigates us through sensational experiences bordering on the bizarre. What’s most intriguing is how these incidents unfold, seemingly of their own accord, drawing the author into a vortex of the unknown, where hair-raising and logically inexplicable events occur one after another. It all serves as compelling evidence, that Beena is indeed the chosen one. The chosen one by the Goddess Tripurasundari herself cemented further by blessings from Dr David, her mentor.
At Kodungallur (Shakthi temple in Kerala) Beena is possessed by the Devi herself. Unlike the visible possession often observed in some individuals dancing frenetically in temples, Beena’s experience is characterized by internal dialogues with the Goddess, an ever-present sensation of someone accompanying her, and an insatiable, primal hunger that compels her to consume not only her own dinner but also that of her mentor’s.
The experience at the Kali Temple, New Delhi gives the readers an insight into the supernatural powers Dr David possesses. He practically proves that when a yagna or an offering is done right, one can conquer the Pancha Bhootas (Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space) And dear readers we are still only on the 15th page! As a reader at this point, it made me wonder what more thrilling moments were in store.
“Paint and Write on the Srividya”, the words of Dr David perplexes Beena as she has no experience as a writer nor she has any reference material to paint about Srividya (The manifestation of the Goddess) Attempting to master the meaning of the Lalitha Sahasranama which Beena gives up midway, she decides to wait for the divine to guide her, just like her mentor had said, “Keep your mind clean to receive her…” Dabbling with the 27 Nakshatras followed by painting Ardhananareeshwara, Ganesha and Bhairava, Beena begins painting the 64 Yoginis using the Chausath Yogini temple at Hirapur, Orissa as a rough guidance. Throughout the entire list, Beena just follows her heart and paints what occurs to her consciously or sub consciously. According to Indian mythology, Devi, the Maha Yogini, gave rise to eight great Divine Mothers known as the Ashta Matrikas. Each of these Divine Mothers then manifested into eight sacred Shaktis, resulting in the emergence of 64 Tantric Yoginis.
The book then moves on to the 64 Yoginis, one by one in the order Beena has painted them. In tantric mythology, Yoginis are depicted as goddesses of fertility. They are countless in number—some Yoginis embody benevolence, while others emanate fierceness. Some govern our negative tendencies, while others preside over our positive attributes. Collectively, they shape both our internal and external environments. These pervasive energies exert influence over our thoughts, speech, and actions.
So while creating each Yogini on canvas Beena experiences a variety of emotions ranging from positive to negative, depending upon the type of Yogini which is being painted.
I am choosing a few Yoginis below which really affected me deeply, much much after I had finished reading…
Yogini Varahi, one of the Ashta Matrikas with the head of a boar and a body of a woman. Beena and others in the room feel the heat in the room while painting this yogini. After all, Varahi led the other goddesses in the battle against Demon Rakthabeeja.
Yogini Manasa, who helped deliver Beena’s first born without an iota of pain. I asked her when we discussed about this Yogini later. “What about your second child? Did you feel the pain?” “Yes, of course I felt it very well. I had not surrendered myself to Manasa like I did for the first”
Yogini Vaishnavi. Beena actually had a spiritual encounter with a woman at the Guruvayoor temple and she goes on to paint this Yogini which turned out to be the very same woman she had seen at the temple.
Yogini Charchika, the fierce incarnation of Goddess Parvathi adorned with a garland of skulls, invokes an unexplainable surge of anger within Beena before she commences painting. However, as her brush meets the canvas, that anger metamorphoses into a profound sense of reassurance and peace, as if she is enveloped by a greater protective force.
Yogini Kakarali. The goddess appears in Beena’s dream before she commences painting as a lone woman wandering the streets feeding the dogs which followed her. The dog in the painting is Beena’s own pet dog!
Yogini Dhumavathi, not a conventional beauty but a grand old woman filled with love for her devotees akin to a grandmother’s love.
Yogini Chandrakanti, turns out strong and powerful, and seems to be firm in following her heart, rather like the author herself.
Yogini Jwalamukhi while painting Beena is filled with wild emotions which make her scream loudly. Only later through her friend she realizes that she is the Commander of the Goddess’ army and she enters the battle field with a war cry.
Yogini Kamakshi. While painting Beena goes through health issues which settles down finally after complete surrender to the Almighty. So she goes on to complete this Yogini with Meetu her pet parrot perching on her shoulder.
Yogini Bala Tripura Sundari. I have heard this story of how Beena goes to the Sree Bala temple without knowing where it is, how to go etc. But the priest welcomes her in saying he already knows Beena would visit him. Sree Bala was also the little girl who haunted Beena’s dreams earlier. Someday Beena has promised to take me too along with her to visit the Nemmeli Bala temple.
The last Yogini which Beena paints is Maha Tripurasundari. Beena goes into Mouna Vratham where she does not speak for 11 days. On the 11th day Beena paints the Goddess’ eyes and realizes that it was indeed Her wish to select her as a Medium to pass on the divine energies into 64 beautiful paintings which are now immortalized for posterity.
The book vividly portrays all 64 Yoginis, delving into the author’s emotional journey, the incidents that unfold while she paints each one, and offer glimpses into the legends surrounding these divine beings.
For heritage travelers keen on exploring the Yogini temples in India, the section titled “The 12-Day Sacred Sojourn” proves to be invaluable. Offering detailed descriptions of the various temples in Hirapur, Ranipur, Khajuraho, Badoh, Dudhai, and Morena, interspersed with real-life incidents, it transforms into an engaging and captivating travelogue.
The final chapter of the book, featuring conversations with Jain Joseph (JJ), offers a deeply introspective journey, serving as a profound summation of the essence encapsulated throughout the entire narrative. Here, readers find answers to the myriad “why,” “how,” and “where” questions that may have surfaced while accompanying Beena on her literary voyage.
Click on this link https://amzn.to/4awZGR4 to buy the book to get transported to a world where the boundaries between reality and the supernatural blur, and where whispers from the unseen beckon you to explore the depths of the human soul.
Shreelatha Narayanan –
There is no single guru in one’s quest for wisdom. An experience makes for an abstract guru and yet the guru in physical form is a constant presence.
As mysteries of the unknown unravel,the juxtaposition of quiet feminine force and the more tumultuous masculine force, the potential and kinetic, the static and dynamic fuse into a oneness that is unmatched and strangely not completely experienced. The reader is compelled to revisit Whispers Of The Unseen, make multiple reads, before experiencing a semblance of satisfaction. Whispers Of The Unseen is a book for all times.
Rukmini Sundaram –
Dear Beena, (Hope I can address you like this) I am really honoured to write my comment on your wonderful book.
The deep sincere prayers with that divine power which you have made to Jaganmatha, has led you to draw and write about those beautiful yoginis. I don’t think a normal human can possibly do this painting of 64 Yogini Devathas in their lifetime.
Shakti the main power of this Yogini forms is a Supreme one. She has gone through your Athma and made this possible. We read about these forms of yoginis only in sloka and their power to bless us. Their “Karuna Kataksham” which you have experienced is a thrilling message to read.
While reading itself through your beautiful explanation I could experience their presence which is like a queen with those mesmerising Smile and that Smiling twinkling eyes.
Really an Amesome job. Divinely experience.
With very best wishes
God bless you
Rukmini Sundaram
Geeta Ramanujam –
To wonder at a miracle of nature or to be deeply moved by the works of art can be a meditative journey. The quest of the 64 yoginis by Beena .S. Unnikrishnan unfolds the secrets of the deeper self in each woman. Through her journey and the book ‘The Whispers of the Unseen’ she unfolds the secrets of the true spiritual being in each one of us. By her own approach through art she has painted her spiritual journey on the Canvas of the Universe.
A book which kept me engaged deep within and deepened the quest of my own being. Gratitude to the Universe.
Geeta Ramanujam Master Storyteller, Trainer and Learner, Kathalaya’s International Academy of Storytelling, India.
Biju Rajendran Nair –
“Whispers of the Unseen” by Dr. Beena Unnikrishnan is a captivating journey into the mystical world of the 64 Yoginis, blending ancient tales with her personal experiences. Her storytelling transports us to sacred realms where the unseen forces of the universe come alive.
At the core of the book is the profound wisdom of the 64 Yoginis, ancient goddesses known for their transformative abilities. Beena delves into their mythology, unveiling the secrets of their divine presence and highlighting their importance in spiritual growth.
What makes this book stand out is her personal encounters with these mystical goddesses. With sincerity and respect, she shares her own awakening journey, offering glimpses into moments of deep insight and spiritual awakening. Through her experiences, readers are encouraged to connect with the subtle energies of the Yoginis and begin their own journey of self-discovery.
Whispers of the Unseen is more than just a book for me – it’s a doorway to another world. Whether you’re a seeker of ancient wisdom or simply curious about unseen realms, this book is bound to leave a lasting impact on your soul.
Munavar Khan –
கேரளாவின் பழமைவாய்ந்த கொல்லம் நகரில் பிறந்தவர் பீனா உன்னிகிருஷ்ணன். இயல்பிலேயே தெய்வ நம்பிக்கை நிறைந்த குடும்பம். கேரளம் தாந்திரீகத்திற்கு புகழ்பெற்றது. பகவதி அம்மன் அவர்களது பண்பாட்டிலும், கலாச்சாரத்திலும் பெரும் பங்கு வகிக்கும் தெய்வம்.
ஒரு முறை அவர்களது குடும்ப ஜோதிடர் கிருஷ்ணன் போத்தியை சந்திக்கச் செல்கையில் அவர் இவரின் தாயாரிடம் பீனாவிற்கு காளியின் மீது பக்தி உண்டா என வினாவுகிறார் .இளவயது பீனாவிற்கு காளி மீது பெரிய நாட்டமில்லை. இந்த சந்திப்பிற்குப் பின் அவருள் அந்த கேள்வி வட்டமிடத் துவங்குகிறது. கிருஷ்ணன் நம்பியை தொடர்ந்து சந்தித்து உரையாடுகிறார். அந்த தொடர் உரையாடல் அவரை காளியின் பக்கம் மெல்ல மெல்ல நகர்த்துகிறது. யந்தரா, மந்தரா, தந்தரா என தாந்திரீக செயல்பாடுகளைப்பற்றிய அறிதலில் கவனம் திரும்புகிறது . காளியின் பல்வேறு அவதாரங்களை முன்வைத்து , சக்தியின் வடிவம் , பகவதி, யோகினி என ஆர்வம் அதிகரிக்கிறது. அவரது சிந்தனை முழுக்க பகவதி ஆக்கிரமித்துக் கொள்கிறாள்.
கிருஷ்ணன் போத்தி இவரது நாக்கில் யந்தர சக்கரம் ஒன்றை வரைந்து இனி சிவபெருமானே உன்னை வழிநடத்திச் செல்வார் என ஆசிர்வதிக்கிறார்.
சில ஆண்டுகளுக்குப்பின் 2012ல் டெல்லியில் வசிக்கையில் Dr. டேவிட்டின் நட்பு கிடைக்கிறது. Dr. டேவிட் ஆன்மீக த்த்துவங்கள் மீது மிகுந்த ஆர்வமும் புரிதலும் கொண்டவர். தாந்திரீக செயற்பாடுகள் பற்றி ஆழ்ந்த ஞானம் கொண்டவர். மதநம்பிக்கைகள், சடங்குகள் மீது தாந்ரீகத்தின் பாதிப்பை பற்றி விரிவாக ஆராய்ந்து வருபவர். அவரது தொடர்பு தாந்திரீகம் , சக்தி உபவாசம் போன்றவற்றின் சந்தேகங்களுக்கு விடையளிக்கிறது. நீண்ட பல உரையாடல்கள், ஆன்மீக பயணங்கள் பற்பல அனுபவங்களைத் கற்றுத்தருகிறது.
ஒருமுறை திருச்சூரில் உள்ள புகழ்பெற்ற கொடுங்கல்லூர் பகவதி அம்மன் கோவிலுக்குச் செல்கையில் அவரைச்சுற்றி அமானுஸ்ய சக்தி பரவுவதையும், யாரோ தன்னுடன் உரையாடுவது போலும் உணர்கிறார். இந்நிகழ்வு அவருள் பெரும் திறப்பை நிகழ்த்துகிறது.
நல்ல ஓவியரான பீனா , சக்தியின் ஓர் வடிவமான யோகினிகள் குடியிருக்கும் 64 ஆலயங்களுக்குச் சென்று அந்த யோகினிகளை சித்திரமாக வரையத் துவங்குகிறார். யோகினி சண்டிகாவில் துவங்கி யோகினி மஹாமாய(ல்லிதா திரிபுர சுந்தரி )வரை 64 யோகினிகளையும் சித்திரங்களாகப் படைக்கிறார். அப்போது அவருள் ஏற்படும் நிகழ்வுகளை Wishpers of The unseen என்ற நூலில் விரிவாக பதிவு செய்துள்ளார்.
அவ்வாறு யோகினிகளை வரையத் துவங்குகையில் அதற்கான வண்ணங்களை அவர் தேர்ந்தெடுப்பதில்லை. அது தானகவே அந்தந்த யோகினிகளலே முடிவு செய்யப்படுகிறது. அதன்பின் நிகழ்வதெல்லாம் மாய யதார்த்தம் தான்.
ஒவ்வொரு யோகினிப் பற்றி கூறும்போது யோகினினின் அவதாரச் சிறப்பு, அதற்கான காரண காரியங்கள் என்ன, அந்த யோகினிகள் நிகழ்த்திய விஷயங்கள் தனக்குள் ஏற்பட்ட மாற்றங்களைப் பற்றி என விரிவாக பதிவு செய்துள்ளார்.
யோகினிகள் பெரும்பாலும் பயம் மற்றும் பிரமிப்பு உணர்வுடன் தொடர்புபடுத்தப்படுகிறார்கள். ஏனெனில் அவர்களின் வெளிப்பாடுகள்,குணாதிசயங்கள் பழக்க வழக்கங்களையை விவரிக்கும் போது இருண்மையான பண்புகளால் அடையாளப்படுத்தப்படுகிறார்கள்.
காளி எல்லா வடிவங்களிலும் இருக்கிறாள் அவளது 64 நாமவளியை உச்சரிக்கும் போது அவளது பிரபஞ்ச ஆளுமையின் நீட்சியாகி சாதகனுக்கு எல்லையற்ற சாத்தியங்களை வழங்குகிறாள்.
யோகினி கோவில்கள் கூரையின்றி இருக்க வேண்டும். ஏனெனில் யோகினிகளால் பறக்க முடியும். அவற்றின் கோவில்கள் திறந்தவெளி அமைப்பு கொண்டவை. இரு யோகினி சிற்பங்கள் ஒரேமாதிரியாக இருப்பதில்லை. ஹிராப்பூர் கோவிலில் உள்ள எல்லா யோகினிகளும் விலங்கு வாகனத்துடன் காட்சியளிக்கின்றன. ரானிப்பூர்-ஷரிஹால் கோவில்களில் நடனமாடும் நிலையில் உள்ளன. அதேசமயம் பெத்தாகாட் கோவிலில் லலித்ஆசனத்தில் காட்சியளிக்கின்றன. யோகினிகளின் உடலமைப்பு, காலடியில் வீழ்ந்து கிடக்கும் அரக்கன், கண்களின் உணர்ச்சி வெளிப்பாடு , கைகளில் ஏந்தியுள்ள ஆயுதங்கள், அமர்ந்திருக்கும் விதம் என எல்லாவற்றையும் மிகத் தெளிவாக இதிகாச நிகழ்வுகளின் பின்னணிகளோடு விளக்கமாக கூறுவதால் அந்த இடத்தில் நேரிடையாக நாம் பார்ப்பது போல், கேட்பது போல் ஓர் உணர்வினை இப்படைப்பின் மூலம் நமக்கு தருகிறார்.
யோகினிக்கான கோவில்கள் 9 மற்றும் 12 ஆம் நூற்றாண்டுகளுக்கிடையே கட்டப்பட்டுள்ளன. இரண்டு கோவில்கள் ஒரிசாவின் ஹிராப்பூர், ரானிப்பூரிலும் மத்தியபிரதேசத்தில் மூன்றும் , மொரினா மாவட்டத்தில் மாடாலி குன்றின் மேல் ஒன்றும் உள்ளது.
தொடர்ந்து 30 ஓவியங்களைப் படைத்தபின் ஓர் மாற்றம் வேண்டி தளர்ந்துட்ட மனதின் ஆற்றலை மீட்டெடுக்கும் விதமாக ஆதி சக்திபீடங்கள் இருக்கும்
ஒரிசாவின் பூரி ஜெகநாத்ரர் கோவிலில் இருக்கும் விமலா கோவிலுக்கும், பேராம்பூரில் இருக்கும் தாரா தாரணி கோவிலுக்கும், அஸ்ஸாமின் கொளஹாத்தியில் உள்ள காமாக்யா கோவிலுக்கும், மேற்கு வங்கத்தின் பிரபலமான கல்கத்தா காளிகட் காளி கோவிலுக்கும் ஆன்மீக பயணம் செல்கிறார்.இத்தலங்களின் முக்கியத்துவம் பற்றியும் பதிவு செய்துள்ளார். இது அனைவரும் அறிந்திருக்க வேண்டியது. விஷ்ணு சுதர்சன சக்கரத்தை பயன்படுத்தி சக்தியின் உடலை 108 துண்டுகளாக்குகிறார் . அந்த 108 உடல் பாகங்கள் விழுந்த இடங்கள் புண்ணியமானவை. சக்தியின் பாதம் விமலாவிலும் , மார்பகங்கள் தாரா தாரணியிலும், யோனி காமாக்யாவிலும் , கழுத்துடன் முகம் விழுந்த காளிகாட்டும் ஆதி சக்தி பீடங்கள் ஆகும்.ஒவ்வொரு சக்தி பீடம் செல்லும்போதும் ஏற்பட்ட உணர்வுகளை , அமானுஸ்யங்களை , மனதில் ஏற்பட்ட அமைதியை, உடல் திரும்ப பெற்ற ஆற்றலை அழகாக சொல்லியுள்ளார். இப்பயணம் பல அரிய நிகழ்வுகளை, தகவல்களை நமக்கு அறிமுகம் செய்கிறது. நம்மையும் உடன் அங்கே செல்ல தூண்டுகிறது. அதன்பின் தனது ஓவியப்பணிக்குத் திரும்பி மீதமுள்ள34 யோகினிகளையும் வரைந்து முடிக்கிறார்.
எது தன்னை யோகினிகளை வரையத் தூண்டியது?அவ்வாறு வரைகையில் தனக்குள் ஏற்பட்ட அனுபவங்களை நேர்காணல் ஒன்றில்” என்னைப் பொருத்தவரை ஓவியம் ஆன்மீக வெளிப்பாட்டிற்கான நான் தேர்ந்தெடுத்த வழித்தடமாக செயல்படுகிறது. கலை இயல்பாகவே தெய்வீகமானது மற்றும் எல்லையற்ற படைப்பாற்றுடலுடன் பிரபஞ்சத்தை ஊடுருவிச் செல்லும் ஆன்மீக ஆற்றலின் சாரத்தை உள்ளடக்கியது என்கிறார்.
ஆன்மீகம் ஒரு உருமாறும் பயணத்தை உள்ளடக்கியது. அறிவொளியை நோக்கிய பாதை. எண்ணற்ற பிரதிபலிப்புகள் மற்றும் ஆற்றல்களை வெளிக் கொணர்ந்து என்னை உள்நோக்கி கவனிக்கச் செய்தது என்கிறார் . இந்த நூலின் மூலம் ஆன்மீகம் என்பது வெறும் மதச் சடங்குகளைக் கடந்தது, நமது இருப்பின் ஒவ்வொரு அம்சத்திலும் ஊடுருவி நமது செயல்களில் அசைக்க முடியாத சமர்ப்பணத்தை கோருகிறது என்பதை தெளிவுப்படுத்த விரும்புகிறேன். மேலும்ஓவியம் வரைவதில் மூழ்கியிருக்கும்போது வெளி உலகத்தின் கவனச் சிதறல்களில் இருந்து விலகி தியானத்தின் நிலைக்கு சிரம்மின்றி இழுக்கப்படுவதைக் காண்கிறேன்.
இத்தகைய தியானத்தில் மூழ்குவது அவசியம் என வலியுறுத்துகிறார்.
நூலின் பிற்பகுதியில் “ Whispers of unseen “ என்ற குறும்படம் எடுக்கப்பட்ட விதத்தை விரிவாக பதிவு செய்துள்ளார். பூரி ஜெகநாதர் ஆலயத்தில் துவங்கும் படம் ஹிராப்பூர், ரானிப்பூர் , ஜபல்பூர் என யோகினிகளின் கோவில்கள் உள்ள இடங்களை எல்லாம் தொடர்ந்து பயணித்து மொனிகாவில் நிறைவுறுகிறது. 12 நாட்களில் இப்படம் எடுக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது. ஜெயின் ஜோசப் இயக்கியுள்ள இப்படத்தில் பீனா உண்ணிகிருஷ்ணனின். எண்ணங்கள், அனுபவங்கள் , ஆன்மீகப் பயணத்தில் அவர் மேற்க் கொண்ட பரிசோதனைகளை விவரித்துள்ளார். இந்த ஆவணப்படம் அறுபத்து நான்கு யோகினிகளை மிக நுணுக்கமாக வர்ணிக்கும்போது கதைசொல்லியின் உருமாற்றப் பயணத்தை அழகாக காட்டுகிறது. யோகினிகளைப்பற்றி அறிந்துக் கொள்ள இந்த நூலும், இந்தப்படமும் முக்கிய ஆவணங்களாகும். மிக எளிய மொழியில் இதை சாத்தியப்படுத்தியுள்ள பீனா உன்னிகிருஷ்ணன் பாராட்டுதலுக்குரியவர்.
A. Munavar khan, Reader & Critic
அ. முனவர்கான்
வாசகர் , விமர்சகர்
Anuradha Ganesh –
Not everyone is gifted with a talent and blessed to exhibit it. Ms. Beena Unnikrishnan is one such . The Whispers of the unseen is a simple and rare book that causes a spell on the reader. The chapters took me on a tour to unseen lands and unheard stories. It was like the author sitting beside me and animatedly and intensely unfurl her experience. Wish Ms. Beena whispers to us with more of what’s unseen .
Ganesh Swaminathan –
Hinduism has traced itself to evolution
And the Significance of women dates back before that..
The book goes beyond womanhood, and explains the Divinity and compassion, behind a ferocious face, and acts as a grace in the contemporary world..
Beena ji has not only expressed herself, but has also exhibited the intense flame of immersing herself as women goddess .
The Language, the presentation, the lucidity, the parts, the Spiritual feel associated with the book is a creation of still water on the surface with unbelievable under currents .
Waiting for further Book release..
Beena ji..way to go
Ganesh Swaminathan
Arjun Kapoor –
I am truly at a loss for words after experiencing the masterpiece that is “Whispers of the Unseen (The Quest for Sixty-Four Yoginis)”. This book transcends boundaries, offering a unique and profound understanding of the 64 Yoginis like never before. Beena’s narrative takes readers on a mesmerizing rollercoaster of emotions, devotion, and supernatural encounters as she delves into the heart of Srividya. The book offers something for everyone.
Through her captivating journey of painting the 64 Yoginis, readers are not only treated to a visual feast but also immersed in profound spiritual insights. Each depiction of the devis is imbued with rich mythological anecdotes, offering seekers a deeper understanding of their divine essence. Furthermore, her exploration of the technicalities and struggles of an artist’s craft will undoubtedly resonate with art enthusiasts, shedding light on the intricacies of the creative process. For travel enthusiasts, Beena’s vivid descriptions of her journey through the prominent Yogini temples of India evoke a sense of wonder and enchantment, inviting readers to embark on their own pilgrimage of discovery.
In summary, “The Enchanting Journey of Beena” is a captivating and fast-paced book that holds readers spellbound from start to finish. I cannot recommend it highly enough for spiritual seekers, art aficionados, and travel enthusiasts alike. It is a true gem that you won’t be able to put down.
Dhanya Das –
“Whispers of the Unseen” by Dr. Beena Unnikrishnan delves into an artist’s quest to unravel the enigma of the 64 yoginis, using her most trusted companions: paint, brush, and canvas. At its core, it is a profound story of spiritual transformation and self-realization, achieved through the act of complete surrender.
As an artist dedicated to painting divine forms, I find Dr. Beena’s journey profoundly inspiring. This book is a timeless companion and a guide, illuminating the path to uncovering the creativity within us. What sets it apart is its unique encouragement to weave spirituality into our daily lives by becoming attuned to the whispers of our innermost selves. Dr. Beena’s narrative not only inspires but also provides a framework for integrating spiritual awareness with artistic expression, making it an invaluable resource for any creative soul on a path of self-discovery.
A. Aishwarya –
“Whispers of the Unseen” is a must-read for anyone interested in Indian mythology, art, and spirituality. It is an inspiring and thought-provoking work that encourages readers, young and old, to embark on their own quests for knowledge and enlightenment.
Dr. Beena brings the 64 Yoginis to life with vivid descriptions and stunning illustrations. Her passion for the subject is clear, making this book not just informative, but also deeply personal and inspiring.
What I particularly enjoyed was how the book transcends mere historical recounting and becomes a personal quest for understanding and connection. Dr. Beena’s passion and dedication to her subject are evident on every page, making this not just a book, but a heartfelt exploration of spirituality and self-discovery.
I highly recommend this book to the younger generation. It’s a great way to learn about our rich cultural heritage and the spiritual wisdom of the past. Dive into “Whispers of the Unseen” and discover the magic of the 64 Yoginis!
M. D. Nalini –
Whispers of the Unseen: The Quest for 64 Yoginis” by Dr. Beena Unnikrishnan is a wonderful and enriching read. As a woman in my 50s, I found it to be a beautiful journey into our ancient traditions and spiritual heritage.
The language in the book is simple and easy to understand, making it accessible for anyone. Dr. Unnikrishnan’s passion and detailed research bring the 64 Yoginis to life, and the beautiful illustrations add to the experience.
Reading this book felt like reconnecting with a lost part of our culture. It reminded me of the wisdom and richness of our traditions, and I felt deeply inspired.
This book is a treasure trove of knowledge and inspiration that left me feeling enlightened and uplifted.