New Release: Lores of Love & Saint Gorakhnath by Lalu Prasad Yadav & Nalin Verma

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Rediscovering India’s Mystical Storytelling Traditions in a Stunning New Anthology

Lores of Love & Saint Gorakhnath by Lalu Prasad Yadav & Nalin Verma

A vivid resurrection of forgotten voices, ancient ballads, and mystical legends—this compelling new anthology brings together four timeless folktales: Sorthi-Brijbhar, Bharthari-Pingla, Heer-Ranjha, and Saranga-Sadabrij. Rooted in the life and teachings of Yogi Gorakhnath, the revered eleventh-century mystic whose inclusive religious philosophy deeply influenced the Sufi and Bhakti movements in India, these stories were once sung by itinerant yogis of the Gorakhnath sect, accompanied by the melancholic notes of the sarangi. Originally preserved through oral tradition and rich with fantastical elements—genies, fairies, ghostly figures, and divine sages—the ballads have long been central to regional performance traditions across melas, weddings, and spiritual gatherings.

This anthology not only documents these stories with historical sensitivity and literary finesse but also offers a critical lens into their enduring social and philosophical resonance. At the heart of each tale lies the Gorakhnathi worldview—fluid, inclusive, and radically humanist—blurring the lines between religion, caste, and creed. Through a careful curation of narratives that combine magical realism with lived experiences, the book sheds light on how marginalized communities used folklore as a vehicle of resistance, transformation, and spiritual inquiry. More than just a compilation, it is a meditation on devotion, longing, identity, and the power of oral storytelling in shaping cultural memory.

About the Authors

Nalin Verma is a veteran journalist, media educator and independent researcher in folklore. He has worked in senior editorial positions with The Telegraph and The Statesman. He is the co-author of the much-acclaimed autobiography of Lalu Prasad Yadav, Gopalganj to Raisina: My Political Journey.

Lalu Prasad Yadav has held many portfolios successfully over the years. He has been Chief Minister of Bihar twice, Union Railway Minister (2004-09), Member of Parliament for Saran and Madhepura Lok Sabha seats for six terms. He is the National President of the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD).

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