It is a popular belief that the Ramayana is idealistic, while the Mahabharata is realistic. Yet these
two epics have identical building blocks, identical themes, and identical history.
In this groundbreaking book, Devdutt Pattanaik, India’s most popular mythologist, explores the
similarities and dissimilarities between the two epics in a ‘playful analaysis’ accompanied by his
signature illustrations. Whether it is the family structure, forest exile, or war, the comparison
between the two epics prove a startling point—the Mahabharata is in fact a reaction to the events
in the Ramayana.
Ideas in this book are distributed over 56 chapters. In temples ritual, Vishnu is offered 8 different
meals daily, different on all seven days of the week—56 dishes in all. May each chapter serve as
a mouthwatering offering to the Vishnu within you.
Ramayana Versus Mahabharata is the latest book by
mythologist Devdutt Pattanaik & published by Rupa Publications. The author
writes & lectures on the relevance of mythology in modern times. He has
written over 700 articles in newspapers, and thirty books, which include
bestsellers such as My Gita, My Hanuman Chalisa and Business Sutra: A Very Indian Approach to
Management. His shows on television include Business Sutra & Devlok
with Devdutt Pattanaik. He lives in Mumbai.
In this book the author tries to draw parallels between the
two epics Ramayana & Mahabharata, both equally popular & revered by
Hindus. With their innumerous interpretations & retellings both the epics
have passed the test of time. Keeping Karma & Dharma as the centre of both
the epics, the author compares the two stories to find common links as well as
dissimilarities. The book is divided in 8 parts & 56 chapters where each
chapter has been dedicated to one similar aspect found in both the mythologies.
Do get this book to read something you’ve never read before,
I have read both the epics multiple times & maybe at the
back of my mind drew parallels too but never really gave it a thought, as I read
this book I kept reminiscing about the time when I read the two. The author has
achieved to cover a large part of both the stories in under 200 pages which is
an accomplishment in itself. One major drawback of being a successful &
talented author is that their works are going to be compared with their
previous ones, hence this one surely feels short of the Devdutt magic which I
have felt in his previous books. The language used is easy, the cover is
beautiful as usual & the title is well suited too. Mythology enthusiasts
shouldn’t miss this one.
No comments:
Post a Comment