Jaya Siva Murty debut thriller explores a riveting blend of Vedic wisdom and AI

Jaya Siva Murty blends Vedic wisdom, AI intrigue, and mystery in her debut novel

In her debut novel, ‘The Curse of the Vedic Code’, Jaya Siva Murty masterfully weaves together ancient Vedic wisdom, the intrigue of artificial intelligence, and the allure of a gripping mystery. The novel’s premise, blending the traditional with the contemporary, reflects her deep-rooted connection with India’s cultural heritage and her storytelling abilities.

In a candid conversation, Visakhapatnam-based Jaya shares the journey of bringing her vision to life and the inspiration behind her work.

Born and raised in rural and tribal parts of Andhra Pradesh, Jaya was immersed in the richness of Indian culture from an early age. These experiences, she says, were instrumental in shaping her world-view. “Living in these regions opened me up to the treasure trove of wisdom India possesses. It’s our inheritance, and I felt the responsibility to carry it forward,” she reflects.

Choosing a thriller as her medium was a deliberate decision to connect with younger audiences. “Thrillers have a universal appeal. I wanted to use this genre to make elements of our culture, especially the lesser-known aspects, accessible to the next generation.”

The book delves into jyotisham (astrology), a part of the Atharva Veda. “The Vedas have been with us for centuries, yet they are sidelined in the current education system. Through my story, I wanted to highlight one facet of that ancient knowledge,” Jaya explains.

Bringing authenticity to ‘The Curse of the Vedic Code’ required meticulous research. Jaya spent considerable time interacting with Nadi Shastra experts and astrologers. “Much of the first-hand information I gathered added layers to the narrative. I wanted the interplay of scriptural knowledge and AI to feel seamless and intriguing throughout the book,” she says.

Reflecting on the challenges of writing her first novel, Jaya shares, “First drafts are always messy. It’s okay if your writing doesn’t read as well as you want it to. Rework, edit, and rewrite—it’s all part of the process.”