Traversing the Sacred Cycle: An Archetypal and Ecocritical Study of Aman Chandra’s Spiritual Journey in Saksham Garg’s Samsara

Saksham Garg’s Samsara offers a compelling blend of Indian mythology, fantasy and spiritual philosophy through the transformative journey of Aman Chandra, a teenager transported from modern India to a hidden Himalayan valley. This study employs mythological and archetypal criticism, alongside psychoanalytical and Ecocritical approaches, to analyze how Aman’s narrative symbolizes the soul’s journey through Samsara - the cycle of birth, suffering, and eventual liberation. The protagonist’s arc reflects archetypal patterns embedded within Indian traditions, intertwining with Vedic concepts such as atman (self), karma, and moksha (liberation) to explore themes of identity, faith, and cosmic duty. The narrative’s engagement with the hero’s journey and its reconceptualization within contemporary Indian social realities offers a rich ground for scholarly investigation. Additionally, the study foregrounds the integral role of nature, emphasizing how the sacred valley and its mystical environment act as essential catalysts for Aman’s spiritual awakening and liberation. Psychologically, Aman’s struggles with trauma and self-realization underscore the interplay of individual and collective mythic consciousness. Philosophically, the novel challenges and reinterprets ancient dharmic values in light of modern dilemmas. Through the multifaceted analysis, this paper positions Samsara as significant cultural text that revitalized mythological storytelling and spiritual discourse for a new generation, affirming the ongoing relevance of Indian mythology in contemporary literature.