Mahagatha: 100 Tales from the Puranas by Satyarth Nayak | HarperCollins India

 

Title: Mahagatha: 100 Tales from the Puranas
Author: Satyarth Nayak
Publisher: HarperCollins India (2022)
Genre: Mythology, Non-Fiction
Pages: 436
ISBN: 978-9356294493
Buy the Book: Amazon Link

In ‘Mahagatha: 100 Tales from the Puranas’ Nayak narrates the enthralling stories of devas and asuras with a fresh perspective and more personal touch. Basically, it is a compilation of 100 tales of our ancient lore. It begins with ‘Brahma begins creation’ and ends with ‘Janmejaya’s snake sacrifice. Author tried to chronicle these mythological stages of life in a very sequential order. The writing is simple yet captivating. The illustrated part is enticing and amplifies the storytelling.  

‘The Parabrahman now implanted its own seed in the water. Thus fertilised, the water nurtured the seed and, in due course, generated an egg. A golden egg that shone like an orb of light. Since this egg, or anda, had been spawned by the Parabrahman, it came to be known as Brahmanda. The cosmos.’

Author clearly stated that, creative liberties have been taken to enhance the bodies of some of these tales, but their souls remain untouched. He added, there is no simplified dichotomy of good and evil but a highly complex cosmos where even devas can act vile and ever asuras can act virtuous, where boons can often create chaos and curses can often lead to good.  

‘Something was emerging from Yamuna right behind him. Someone was looming so high that it was blocking the moon. Casting a shadow over father and son. Vasudeva turned and stared in awe. The mighty Vasuki had surfaced from the river. The serpent's ten hoods were spreading over them like a giant parasol. Gods and goddesses appeared now to see this divine spectacle. To see Vasudeva cradling the lord below and Vasuki shielding him from above. To see both man and animal celebrating the Preserver who had taken another avatar for their sake.’

This book provides an insightful ride of the lives of mortal and immortal gods. It touches the basis of various Vedic warfare. It is such an intriguing read. I’ll definitely go back to these pictorial alluring stories someday. Undoubtedly, an essential read for those, who feel inclined to Hindu mythology.

Some enlightening fragments:   

Shiva emerges
Vishnu gets the Sudarshana Chakra
Marisha takes ten husbands
Ganesha comes to life
The Vamana Avatar
Vishnu is beheaded
Sita lays four curses
Vishwamitra accepts meat.
Krishna Heals Kubja

"I have been working on it for five years and went through all the Puranas. 100 of the greatest mythological tales from these ancient texts have been handpicked and compiled into an epic illustrated edition," ¬ Satyarth Nayak on his book. 

Blurb

Do you know the story where Brahma and Vishnu race against each other or where Shiva battles Krishna? Where Indra attempts foeticide or where Rama punishes a Shudra? Do you know about Maya Sita or Narada's monkey face? Or why Surya falls from the sky or why Chandra commits adultery?

The Puranas of Hinduism are a universe of wisdom, embodying a fundamental quest for answers that makes them forever relevant. Now, for the first time, 100 of the greatest mythological tales from these ancient texts have been handpicked and compiled into an epic illustrated edition. Besides popular legends of devas, asuras, sages and kings, Satyarth Nayak has dug up lesser-known stories, like the one where Vishnu is beheaded or where Saraswati curses Lakshmi or where Harishchandra tricks Varuna. Nayak also recounts these 100 tales in a unique chronological format, beginning with Creation in Satya Yuga and ending with the advent of Kali Yuga. Using Puranic markers, he constructs a narrative that travels through the four yugas, offering continuous and organic action. In such a reading, it is revealed that these stories are not isolated events but linked to each other in the grand scheme of things. That every occurrence has a past and a future. A cause and effect. An interconnected cycle of karma and karma-phal.

Delving into the minds of gods, demons and humans alike, Mahagatha seeks a deeper understanding of their motivations. The timelessness of their impulses speaks across the aeons to readers of today. Written in lively prose with charming illustrations, these 100 tales will entertain and enlighten, and make you connect the dots of Hindu mythology like never before.

 

About The Author

 

Satyarth Nayak is an author and screenwriter based in Mumbai. A former SAARC Award winning Correspondent with CNN-IBN, Delhi, he holds a Masters in English Literature from St. Stephen's. Sridevi – The Eternal Screen Goddess (Penguin, 2019) is Satyarth's best-selling biography. His debut novel, The Emperor's Riddles, was released in 2014. He followed it up with his second thriller titled Venom in 2020. Satyarth has also scripted Sony's epic historical show, Porus, touted as India's most expensive television series that aired from 2017 to 2019. His short stories have won the British Council award and appeared in Sudha Murty's Penguin anthology, Something Happened On The Way To Heaven. 

Connect to author:  Twitter 

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Book Review - Shyam: An Illustrated Retelling of the Bhagavata by Devdutt Pattanaik

Title: Shyam: An Illustrated Retelling of the Bhagavata

Author: Devdutt Pattanaik

Publisher: Penguin Books

ISBN:  978-0670084463

Genre: Mythology

Pages: 304

Source: Flipkart Review Program

Rating:  5/5

I was first introduced to Devdutt Pattanaik by his work, Shikhandi and Other Tales; I was totally amazed of it then. Reading mythology was not so much entertaining for me, but that’s the beauty of Pattanaik’s writing, he has created his own readership. With curiosity, readers started taking interest into this genre; even eagerly wait for his next work.

Today I am talking about his recently launched book, Shyam: An illustrated Retelling of the Bhagavata. I must say, this book is pure beauty in a manner of writing plus those beautiful illustrations. You would be surprised if I say, our author created those doodles by himself.  It makes narration easier, also turns story in a more fathomable form.

In his latest work, Shyam: retelling of Bhagavata—you would get a glimpse of krishna’s life, from his birth to death. Author divided this book into 16 chapters, each chapter contains heaps of stories, I loved how author explored Krishna’s life step by step. Although it is not the first time, Devdutt Pattanaik has presented illustrated histories of two mythological figures before as well; maybe you have read Jaya and Sita. Yet I am sure, Shyam is the most awaited work, I mean who would not want to read about Krishna, a Hindu Deity, who entered into every kid’s life as a first superhero, his small nuisances giggles us, his relationship with Yashoda, made more aware motherly expressions, his most enigmatic love life with Radha along with thousands of Gopis, besides that his angry face in front of kamsha. Author didn’t forget to mention his role in Mahabharata. I liked two fragments the most, the one that unfolds the friendship between Shyam and Arjuna and second one when Shyam rescues Draupdi . 

The thing I loved about Pattanaik’s writing is he never try to show how much he knows about mythology, In fact he creates his characters around humanity and nature, you can easily connect with them. You read, you learn and become a better person unknowingly, His words doesn’t sound preachy, yet you feel the transformation bit by bit, for instance, as Shyam was raised as a cowherd, he had never received the former education defeating his status as the son of Yadava nobleman. So, he was sent to the hermitage old Rishi Sandipani along with his elder brother to learn mannerism and Vedic ways.

Sandipani revealed the central tenet of vedic world, what differentiated rishis from rakshasas.

‘It is the yajana, animals grab food. When people also grab what they want they are rakshasas. But when they exchange resources, they follow the path of the rishi, for it means they see each other’s needs, not just their own. When you first give something in order to get something you are a generous yajaman. If you demand something before you give something, you are a devata. As children you can be devatas, but to grow up means to be a yajamans. When you are able to give without expecting anything in return you are the greatest yajaman.

Sandipani had taught Shyam about Karma, how every event is the fruit of past, and every action is the seed of future. I forgot to mention the most amusing part, titled Dancing on Kalia’s hood. You must read it.

In Chapter Seven, Lover, Devdutt has woven the most delicate facet of Krishna’s life. esp The Circular Dance on Moonlit Nights. In another fragment, titled Shyam Multiplies,  author states that Shyam appeared not as one but as many, Each Gopi, embraces his presence and let their senses enjoy his beauty and let him be nourished by their emotions. There was nothing to hide, nothing to explain. Likewise under the chapter of Shyam and Radha, Author unfolded the beauty of love and wisdom. In his words—What is love: I merely desired to be the vessels who receives what she gives. I met some knowing characters as Sudama, and short tale of Parijat’s flowers. Beyond all this, I got to know his all avatars at one place.

Pattanaik has written more than 30 books; still his writing seems refreshing and precise. If you want to connect to your roots, just read it out; pick every thought provoking book written by Devdutt Pattanaik, Our author who celebrates Mythology. Highly Recommended. 

The Circular Dance on Moonlit Nights

Shyam Dancing on Kalia's Hood

Radha and Shyam

About the Author

Devdutt Pattanaik writes, illustrates and lectures on the relevance of mythology in modern times. He has, since 1996, written over 30 books and 600 columns on how stories, symbols and rituals construct the subjective truth (myths) of ancient and modern cultures around the world. His books with Penguin Random House India include The Book of Ram, Jaya: An Illustrated Retelling of the Mahabharata, Sita: An Illustrated Retelling of the Ramayana, The Girl Who Chose and the Devlok with Devdutt Pattanaik series, among others. He consults with corporations on leadership and governance, and TV channels on mythological serials. His TV shows include Business Sutra on CNBC-TV18 and Devlok on Epic TV. To know more, visit devdutt.com.

Connect:  Twitter | Web 

Book Review: The Girl who Chose by Devdutt Pattanaik

Title: The Girl who Chose

Author: Devdutt Pattanaik

Publisher: Puffin

ISBN:  9780143334637

Genre: Mythology, children’s book

Pages: 112

Source: Flipkart Review Program

Rating:  4/5

INTRO

When it comes to mythology, Devdutt Pattanaik is a well known face for his superlative work. Although I have introduced with him two years back, through his fascinating book “Shikhandi” As he seems interested into retelling of mythological figures but with a fresh perspective of his own.

There are things going on, we generally accept them without even questioning, here Devdutt Pattanaik does a tremendous job by unfolding many truths into most comprehended manner.

This time he tried to narrate a Ramayana in an easiest frame so that every kid of our generation would know a bit about our roots and values. When I started this book I thought I am going to read a Ramayana with beautiful illustrations and from the perspective of Sita. But believe me, it is more than that, no matter what title says, it’s a whole Ramayana written into a most sophisticated way.

And when I came to know, those illustrated figures created by author himself, then I was left with awe, they are so beautiful that don’t require even text to understand the next phase of the story. I literally hope every kid who is interested into reading could make a connection with it and more kids would take interest into this genre, after all they were our real superheroes.   

NARRATION  

Simple narration of this book makes it catchier, it doesn’t seem like we are reading an old story with clichés. The way author tells the story, curiosity would never diminish a bit. His work reveals much more than we expect. Displaying of characters into majestic form that’s where readers hooked with book.  

CORE  

Basically story is about the five choices Sita had made. And the book completes its journey with the pros and cons of these choices. Most importantly author wants to convey the message through Sita that — when rules do not help people, we have the choice to challenge and change them. 

When Ram decided to leave the Ayodhya she told him clearly “You are bound by rules, Not I. I am free to choose."

And at the end of the book when she was with her kids, love and kush when they raged about the decision of her father lord Rama, she tried to make them understand “some people have the freedom to choose. Others don’t and they have to follow the rules, the world is full of all kind of people”  

One more thing I got to know while reading this book that, hanuman was strong enough of killing all the rakshasas by himself that was Sita who wanted ram to liberate her from Ravana’s clutches and hanuman just respected her choice. 

In short it would be the best thing you can convey to your kid making their lives healthier.  

ABOUT AUTHOR

Devdutt Pattanaik is the author of over 25 books and over 500 articles on the relevance of mythology in modern times. He worked in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries for 15 years before devoting all his time to his passion for decoding beliefs of all cultures, modern and ancient, located beneath the veneer of rationality. Extremely knowledgeable and exceptionally insightful, Pattanaik also boasts of the added skill of simplifying his mythological accounts into delightful reads that engage young readers. He is the master storyteller of the very popular Fun in Devlok series and Pashu

CONNECT:   Facebook | Twitter | Web

Book Review : Rise of Kali - (Ajaya II) by Anand Neelakantan

Title: Rise of Kali - Duryodhana’s Mahabharat (Ajaya Book II)

Author: Anand Neelakantan

Publisher: Leadstart

Genre: Historical Fiction, Hinduism, Religious studies

Pages: 530

Rating: 3.5/5

Intro:

I first introduced with Mahabharata when I was in fourth standard, my parents bought a pocket book which enveloped all the mythological characters, I was dazzled to read the tales of Dhoti-worn superheroes, Chakra-in-fingers, Arjuna’s Concentration was heroic world for me.

And after almost 2 decades I got the opportunity to read Anand Neelakantan’s Creation ‘Ajaya –epic of kaurava clan, Roll of Dice (Book I). And I was stunned to know that stories reside in narrator’s eyes, every perspective matters. It was not just a retelling of Mahabharata but more than that it was a genuine effort to throw the light on the other part where grass was not green but worth watching.

I must say when everyone writes for earn money here, it’s a bold step taken by Mr. Anand Neelakantan to live the experience of writing a epic from a different point of view. Applauses!

Structure:

And after a huge success of Ajaya I, here we blessed with the second part ‘Rise of Kali - Duryodhana’s Mahabharat (Ajaya Book II) by Anand Neelakantan’.

‘Rise of Kali’ begins with quivering scene of ‘Cheer-Haran’ where Draupadi is commanded to be dragged to Sabha on the day when her ‘Dharma-Rakshak’ husbands had lost her in a dice-game play.

“Draupadi forgot to breathe when she heard heavy footsteps hurrying up the stairs.  They were coming for her, her heart thudding in her chest as fear crept insidiously up her body from her toes.” 

Crisp Narration:

As story unfolds with a gripping chapter, you almost forget when to stop. Author’s narration was crisp and upright. I loved the way Author captured scene and makes it alive. The characters converse to each other with clarity, you don’t have indulged in said-asked theory, conversation flows at ease, and that’s great achievement for a quality writer.

Core:

 At some point Mr. Anand raised questions at hypocrisy of society. He simplified the fact ‘we all are human. We are allowed to make mistakes.’ A radical part is — Author created a great corner for Shakuni’s course of story and It will make you wreak when you read Karna’s part how did he got mistreated, here author strikes hard utterance at caste system. The disagreement between Krishna and Samba was catchy. Without being biased, author gave a fair chance and brilliant voice to the myriads of characters.

How could you imagine Mahabharata- The Epic Tale ruled by just victors, it is tale of Kaurava’s clan too as much as Pandava’s.  Author considered each and every character as king/ prince, even Krishna. God? Let it be. If you usually read book with open mind then you would love it to the core. Must hide the back up of Mahabharata from the mind, for a while and give it a chance.

Reader’s Moment:

It is just impossible task to consolidate whole Mahabharata into a single post so here I’m sharing with you, the remarkable parts I loved the most, the impressive lines stirred my soul. 

“Ashwathama touched his father’s feet “Bless me father, I m going to Gandhara“  he said in his mind. Surely his father say something to him bless him and wish him success? Would he have behaved this way if he was Arjuna?”

“The world went on, not caring a damn about, who died and who lived, who was shamed and who was honoured?”

“Balarama did not want to stand there and listen to his brother (Krishna) and his commander argued over the rights and wrongs of the war. All war was wrong. For a child who had lost his father, what did it matter whether they had won or lost?”

“Shakuni began to laugh “Spare your breathe Aswathama. The dice has just started to roll. The game is not over. Not yet, not so quickly, no so easily.”

“The Gandharans lived in a moment, without bothering about the afterlife or the eternal soul.  For them there was no Moksha, Sanyas or Brahmacharya. There were no seekers or philosophers in their midst, life was now.”

“Karna, the path you have chosen is the wrong one “ Parashurama whispered

‘He was the only one who supported me when the whole world was making fun of Suta who dared to dream of being a warrior.’ Karna wanted to say but words were trapped in her throat.”

‘You can earn respects in two ways by force or by deeds. The choice is yours. Either way, you will be remembered.’

‘Was a handful of earth worth fighting a war over? Was the throne worth it? All that grand talk about Dharma, all the speculation about soul, karma, hell, heaven and rebirth— it all sounded hollow.’

‘Nevertheless, Shakuni folded his hands in seeming gratitude as Suyodhana came up to him” forgive your uncle Suyodhana. I have always had your welfare in mind. I want you to sit on the throne of Hastinapura. I won the kingdom for you in the dice game and you repay me by sending your armies to ravish my land. Is that fair?’

“Divisions are natural. The duties prescribed for Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras are all different.

Krishna, there lies a problem. Who decides what one’s duty?

The scriptures are authority to determine what one should do.

The scriptures are for man not the other way around. Krishna you speak of arbitrary division, unnatural ones.”

"Brother, a man’s concern should be about his karma, not the fruits of his action.

Where can you find such a person, Krishna? How will I recognize someone with such a steady mind how does such an unusual person sit, speak, and move? Balarama asked.

Just as tortoise withdraws its limbs and becomes strong. A man also gains strength when he withdraws from desire and steadies his mind in contemplation.

Krishna if you have reached that much desired state, why does it matter to you whether Yudhishtra wins the war or Duryodhana?  Why not keep you mind steady in contemplation instead?”

—     Conversation between Balarama and Krishna.

“CASTE CASTE CASTE‘   Karna kicked a stone into the water. His toe hurt but it was nothing compared to what he felt inside.

He had everything— caste, lineage, and fame he even had the woman Karna had once loved deeply. Draupadi , why do I still yearn for you ? He thought in agony. Could a Suta even lift his eyes to such a woman? 

Do not tell me that caste is based only on character and not on birth. I am tired of that excuse. All the high-castes parrot it but I can no longer accept their smug smiles and platitudes, as though their high status was the result of their exalted character and not a mere accident of birth. To them it is just a philosophy but to us at the bottom, it is life.”

Was Draupadi perhaps the greatest victim in the Mahabharata? Draupadi, like many other women and children, was also a victim of the war. All the women of Mahabharata are victims, trampled by a masculine world. Gandhari who lost all her sons, Kunti who lost all her grandsons and a son, Draupadi who lost all her sons, the Nishada woman who lost her life and all her sons, Hidumbi who lost her son, Uthara who lost her husband, Bhanumathi who lost both her husband and son- the list is endless. There is no justification in singling out Draupadi. 

- A part Taken from Anand Neelakantan's Interview (Souce)

Overall, It is an Insightful Read, Highly Recommended. Go for it!

Cover Page by Kunal Kundu would provoke you to get your copy at once.

And Great Thanks to Platinum Press and Leadstart Publishing for the quality of book, large fonts make it easy to read.   

About the Author:

A dexterous writer and a cartoonist, Anand Neelkanthan started his career in writing with Asura: Tale of The Vanquished. His books have had big hits in the market and he has been named as one of the most popular writers in India. Ajaya: Book 1: Roll of The Dice (Epic of The Kaurava Clan) has not been an exception. Being brought up in a place full of temples and classical artists, Neelkanthan was interested in epics and myths from his childhood. Instead of blindly following the myths, he has created a new genre, of remaking and retelling, questioning and arguing. That is why he has become favourite to modern readers.

Follow Mr. Anand On Twitter –  @anand_neel

Follow Mr. Anand On Facebook – Anand.Neelakantan

Mr. Anand can be reached at: mail@asura.co.in

Affiliate Link (Buy Online) – Rise-Kali-Duryodhanas-Mahabharat

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Book Review : The Curse of Surya by Dev Prasad

Title: The Curse of Surya

Author: Dev Prasad

Genre: Crime Thriller

Publisher: Random House India

Pages: 306

Ratings: 5/5

Generally I avoid books of this genre (thriller or crime fiction) except Sidney Sheldon and Jeffrey Archer. I know most people can’t handle violence, guns and suspense. But I won’t hesitate a bit if I have to say “The Curse of Surya by Dev Prasad” totally changed my perspective towards Indian crime thrillers. Every sentence of this book is well researched, although it is a pure fiction blending with mythological element still while reading this book, you feel like a true incident and that’s where impressive narration of an author worked, he weaved story so intelligently that engaged you till the end. Fast paced and page turner are the two basic qualities we seek when we explore thrillers. ‘The Curse of Surya’ has succeeded to fulfill these requirements. It will hardly take two days and you would have left with a satisfaction that you read something worthy. 

Book Review : Shikhandi by Devdutt Pattanaik

Title: Shikhandi And Other Tales
Author: Devdutt Pattanaik
Publisher: Penguin Books
Genre: Mythology
Source: Kindle Edition
Pages: 164
Rating: 4/5

When I was in fourth standard, Firstly I met this word Mahabharata... I found a book of same title when mumma brought the school syllabus. After reading loads of fables I think that book really astonished me. That’s why, When I was reading this book “Shikhandi by Devdutt Pattanaik “ i could connect with it because Most of the names seemed known. I heard a lot about Devdutt’s mythological work but first time got the opportunity to read him. He seemed such a knowledgeable person when it comes to ancient India thing. As Business standard review states “This book does a great job putting across a collection of stories that capture the essence of ancient Indian society’s approach to sexual behavior. And apart of all these else, it establishes that Indian society was not coy about sexual attitudes.”  

As Devdutt explains ‘’ Shikhandi was a man trapped in women’s body. While storytellers mentioned him as eunuch. This is not an academic book seeking to prove, or disprove, anything. This is a celebration of stories narrated by our ancestors that are rarely retold publicly as they seem to challenge popular notions of normality. I have no control over political propaganda. I have no control over a reader’s perception. Dirt is ultimately an invention of culture. Besides:

Within infinite myths lies an eternal truth

Who knows it all?

Varuna has but a thousand eyes

Indra, a hundred

You and I, only two.

  

·         Discoveries and inventions of humanity are shared over generations through stories, symbols and rituals. These connect with the conscious mind as well as the subconscious mind. Mythology is the study of these stories, symbols and rituals. When these stories, symbols and rituals become rigid, enforced by a body that claims access to a supernatural authority, they constitute a religion.

·         Hindu mythology subscribes neither to the biblical framework where law is the solution to humanity’s woes nor to the Greek framework of oppressor and oppressed. Life is not a problem to be solved. It is a sight to be seen, and contemplated upon, so that we see ourselves truly and eventually open ourselves to joy without seeking change in the world. Hence, the great value given in India to darshan, the act of seeing.

Devdutt explored beautifully, How Shikhandi became a man to satisfy her wife,  Aravan whose wife was a complete man,  Aruna who became a woman when the sun paused and many more short stories of platonic friendships.

Besides this Devdutt mentioned that  ” In Chola bronze art, Shiva is shown wearing earrings meant for men on the right ear and earrings meant for women in the left ear. Thus he displays his comfort with male and female, or rather, with mind and nature.

At last when you’re on last page of this book, you left blank and a question hovering around your mind  “How accepting or tolerant was ancient Indian society of the LGBT Community?”