The pregnant king

By Devdutta pattnaik
I read this book when I was in medical college. In those days of early twenties, I was full of energy, vitalitu and ambitions. I looked down upon women who choose to build a family over a career. Being married pregnant and having babies was not my cup of tea then. I didn't even like babies a lot. I never ever thought that I could be a mom one day. Yet I always thought what for women have to suffer menstrual pain every month then pregnancy which changes the body forever then labour and delivery so much pain for a baby. Why would someone want to go through it? What is the problem if someone decides not to be pregnant in her life? Why does the society question such a decision? Etc. How awesome it woud be if men could carry the baby too? The couple could have the power to decide who would carry the baby for 9 months nd give birth.
I had great interest in mythological fictions and I came across this book "The pregnant king" - like an answer to my wild imagination fantisies and questions. It changed my perception and concept of procreation and more importantly sexuality.

This book has characters from the great mythological epic Mahabharata who are constantly struggling to find their sexuality as well as to procreate.

Its the story of a king who is confused about his quintessential gender as he gives birth both like a man and a woman while is queen fails to concieve.

It also gave me the concept of why procreation is necessary for us and for our ancestors and that it shouldn't be looked down upon. As I believe in the hindu mythological view of incarnation and reincarnation or birth and rebirth; so the book felt all the more relevant to me.
I re-read the book during my early pregnacy just to convince myself to go ahead with the pregnancy by putting my career on the back seat untill unknown.
Do give this book a read and share your views in the comments.