ABOUT THIS BOOK
The Illusion of Illusions unveils the untold story of Princess Yashodhara, wife of Prince Siddharth of Kapilvastu, known to the world as the Buddha. Yashodhara is a passionate, resilient, and fiercely independent woman who endures a forty-nine-year struggle for her own identity with quiet dignity, inadvertently transforming into the Buddha herself.
When Siddharth abandons her and their newborn to seek answers for humanity’s age-old questions, he believes his quest is for the greater good. But what of Yashodhara and their son? Over the next six years, Siddharth becomes the Buddha, but Yashodhara faces her own trials. Did the Buddha’s duty to the world outweigh his duty to his family?
Narrated by Yashodhara, this is the story of her silent courage. As a single mother, she exemplifies strength and becomes a role model for her son, displaying remarkable fortitude through life’s heart-wrenching moments.
AUTHOR OF THE BOOK
Sunita Pant Bansal is a renowned mythologist, storyteller and author with a career spanning ov four decades. Throughout her journey, she has worn many hats, excelling as a writer, editor, publisher and entrepreneur.
She has headed publishing houses, and founded and edited newspapers and magazines for readers in India, the US and the UK. Her contributions to the world of literature extend across multiple platforms, working with prestigious organizations such as Walt Disney, Warner Bros., Pearson Education, The Times of India, Hindustan Times, and ABP Group.
In addition to her global collaborations, Sunita ran her own publishing house, creating books for audiences worldwide, and she served as the president of the esteemed Institute of Indology, further cementing her influence in the literary world.
Bestselling author of Everyday Gita, Sunita has authored over thirty-five books for adults and young readers, delving into the philosophy of mythology. She has also written innumerable children’s books focused on folk literature and scriptures, which have been translated into multiple languages and sold across the globe. Her books explore and reinterpret timeless tales of characters from the epics and foundational texts for modern readers. Her storytelling blends mythology with history, making ancient tales accessible in today’s context.
Sunita’s contributions to publishing and literature have earned her widespread recognition, including the 2024 AALEKH Women Achievers Award
