“Nectar on the Seven Hills – The Pure Seed” marks the powerful debut of author Prabhu Ram, launching the first instalment of an epic fantasy trilogy. Blending elements of ancient Indian history with contemporary global themes, the novel unfolds as a sweeping adventure filled with cinematic storytelling, gripping suspense, and deep philosophical reflections. Already drawing comparisons to genre-defining works like Harry Potter and a reimagined Mahabharata, the book is capturing the imagination of readers worldwide.
In a conversation with Asian Voice, Prabhu Ram shared insights into the inspiration behind the story, the mythology woven into its characters, and what lies ahead.
What inspired you to write ‘Nectar on the Seven Hills – The Pure Seed’ was there a particular moment or story that sparked the idea?
I began writing at a young age in my mother tongue, Tamil, continuing through school and college. However, for about 10–15 years, family and professional life took over, and writing took a back seat. In 2019, during a visit to Tirupati—the sacred Seven Hills—the idea for Nectar on the Seven Hills sparked. At first, I imagined a story rooted solely in Tirupati, weaving in spiritual themes. But as I reflected more, especially during the pandemic, I realised this story had the potential for a much broader scope.
What emerged was a fantasy-adventure narrative inspired by the Srimad Bhagavatam and Bhagavad Gita, exploring the idea of one supreme force—"one for all, all for one." The book addresses the spiritual and moral challenges of our current age, Kali Yuga, where compassion has been overshadowed by self-interest. It calls for a reset—a reconnection with kindness, empathy, and respect for all living beings we share the Earth with.
Are there any particular characters or scenes in the novel that hold a special meaning to you personally?
There are three main characters in the story who hold deep meaning for me and, I believe, will for many readers as well. Magad, Yukti, and Rudra are inspired by divine archetypes but reimagined for our times. Magad, the protagonist, descends from the Yadava lineage of King Yayati and Lord Krishna. Yukti, his sister, draws from the powerful energy of Goddess Durga, and their friend Rudra is inspired by Lord Shiva.
These characters aren’t direct representations of the deities but are shaped by their qualities—what if Krishna, Durga, and Shiva existed today and joined forces to fight a growing evil in the world? Their journey together is a bit like an Indian mythological version of the Avengers, something readers have picked up on. Since its launch at the World Book Fair in Delhi earlier this year, the book has received comparisons to both the Avengers and Harry Potter—which is incredibly humbling.
How does your novel reflect or challenge common narratives about Indian heritage and mythology in global literature?
The core belief behind the book is captured in its tagline: All for one, and one for all. Regardless of faith, religion, race, or ethnicity, we all ultimately seek the same things—peace, harmony, kindness, and love. Every religion teaches these universal values, and every deity we worship, in any culture, points us toward the same goal. While the term "mythology" is commonly used in literary circles, I see these stories not as myths but as ancient histories. Whether it’s Krishna in India, Buddha, Jesus in Palestine, or the legends of Rome and China, these are deeply rooted narratives passed down through generations. They may differ in form, but at their heart, they all connect us to a shared human experience. Through this book, I aim to highlight that interconnectedness and bring together the spiritual and historical richness of different cultures. If we can treat every living being—including the 8 million species we share the planet with—with the same respect and compassion we expect for ourselves, we can truly build a kinder world. In the end, that’s what this story is about—rediscovering our shared humanity.
Do you see your work as part of a broader effort to introduce South Asian storytelling to a wider audience?
While the story is rooted in South Asia, particularly around the sacred city of Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh, home to the Tirumala Temple and the seven hills, it quickly expands into a global narrative. The first book is largely set in Tirupati and Srirangam in Tamil Nadu, drawing inspiration from the Bhagavatam and Bhagavad Gita. The protagonists travel from the US to India, while simultaneous events unfold in China, all converging around a shared mission, just days before the Covid-19 pandemic begins.
Though the core events of the first book take place over just two intense nights, the themes and characters are international from the start. The second book will explore even more global settings, including Europe, and bring in unexpected elements. So while the concept has strong South Asian roots, the story itself evolves into a global phenomenon that blends cultures, mythologies, and ideas from across the world.
