Review of one of the most enlightening Hindu mythological books.

“Myths may not satisfy the demands of rationality or science, but they contain profound wisdom – provided one believes they do and is willing to find out what they communicate.” 

― Devdutt Pattanaik,

https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/200940.Devdutt_Pattanaik?page=2

Mythology has always played a pivotal part in civilizations around the world since ages. The prehistoric cave paintings to other tangible monuments have left traces of mythology and this makes it easier for us to access and adhere different religions that prevailed. As Carl Jung, the famous Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, mentioned, “myth is a necessary aspect of the human psyche which needs to find meaning and order in a world which often presents itself as chaotic and meaningless”, there is significance of mythology even today in our lives, the only need is to interpret it right. Ramayana versus Mahabharata: My Playful Comparison by Devdutt Pattanaik, has some similar lessons to proffer, enhancing the importance of mythology and its relevance in the present times.

Book: Ramayana Versus Mahabharata: My Playful Comparison

Author: Devdutt Pattanaik

Published by: Rupa Publications India Pvt. Ltd, New Delhi

Year of publication: 2018

About the author

Devdutt Pattanaik is a well-known Indian author with expertise in the areas like mythology, ancient Indian scriptures, symbols and rituals and other stories or narratives. His other books include, Myth= Mythia: A Handbook of Hindu Mythology, Jaya: An Illustrated Retelling of the Mahabharata, Shikhandi: And Other Tales They Don’t Tell You, Shiva to Shankara: Giving Form to the Formless and many other that have incorporated Vedic knowledge generously. To get Saraswati out of the closet, as she belongs everywhere and has to flow everywhere and to make knowledge accessible, is his desire and aim. By Saraswati, he means ‘Knowledge’, as the Goddess Saraswati is associated with knowledge, Pattanaik uses the mythical name, while addressing it to everyone.

No society can exist without myth as it creates notions of right and wrong, good and bad, heaven and hell, rights and duties. Mythology tells people how they should see the world..different people will have their own mythology, re-framing old ones or creating new ones.

– Devdutt Pattanaik

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devdutt_Pattanaik

What makes the book ‘Ramayana versus Mahabharata: My Playful Comparison’ significant?

Time and again, Devdutt Pattanaik, the accomplished author has given some invaluable definitive works on the genre- mythology. Beginning with the external aspects and then to the internal, here are some points that escalates the significance of this particular book.

Distinct title and vibrant colour

Most of Devdutt Pattanaik’s books actually hold a very distinct title, that gives a clear idea about what is going to be inside unlike other ‘do not judge me by the cover‘ kind of books. As his concept revolves around mythology and mythical stories, the distinct nature of the title makes it easy for a reader to choose as to which part of mythology they want to read about. The title Ramayana versus Mahabharta: My Playful Comparison is no different. You know it is a comparative narrative of both epics. The colour of the cover is bright and vibrant red that catches the eye.

Striking illustrations

Devdutt Pattanaik’s illustrations speak many stories at once. They are precise and narrate a story in themselves. Every book consist his illustrations. Not only as an author does Pattanaik wins hearts but as an illustrator too. Each chapter has a related illustration which makes it more appealing and enhances your imagination while reading.

Introduction and interpretation of religion or Dharma

As a reader, you will be introduced to the context on which the book is based on with all possible elaboration of its meaning and real sense. There is no necessity for you to be well-versed in the genre mythology or to have read the original scriptures of the two epics Ramayana and Mahabharata before reading this comparative narrative. The book will suffice your quench of knowledge regarding religion or dharma and this term is often seen in most of the books by Devdutt Pattanaik, a constant reminder of what Dharma or religion is or could be.

Epiphany of perspectives

This book unveils perspectives that will surprise you and leave you thinking, those that you would not have thought about otherwise. It touches upon all the aspects of religion, mainly Hinduism because of the genre and relates it with everyday life, irrespective of the reader being a Hindu. There are inferences of Buddhism, Jainism, and sometimes of Christianity and Islam as well, all that makes much more sense and highlights the commonality and differences with reasons.

Embracing all aspects- Man to Woman to Transgender and many other

One of the best attributes of Devdutt Pattanaik’s books are that even though each book stipulates one term or concept, yet speak from every side and corner, right from man to woman to transgender, to patriarchy and feminism. Ramayana versus Mahabharata is no different. It holds all the aspects hidden and evident both. If a chapter talks about men one side, there is a chapter dedicated to women and transgender too. This only enhances the importance of the book.

Humanism over theology

“Everybody dies- some suddenly, some slowly, some painfully, some peacefully. No one can escape death. The point is to make the most of life -enjoy it, celebrate it, learn from it, make sense of it, share it with fellow human beings so that when death finally comes, it will not be such a terrible thing.” 

― Devdutt Pattanaik

https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/200940.Devdutt_Pattanaik

Devdutt Pattanaik constantly emphasizes on humanism through his interpretation of this comparative narrative. In the end, the conclusion you can draw out of all chapters will comprise of ‘what to learn from the? how and what you can relate to? how close this is example is to one of your life experiences? and how you can apply the lessons learnt here to be a good human yourself?’

After a lot of thinking, whether or not to write a review of this book or even after deciding to, what all should be present in this compilation or how much justice will my review do to this brilliant piece of work was my instant thought. It astonishes me as to how much an interpretation or perspective could be this precise, relevant and makes absolute sense in the world, allowing me to think or reason and to apply the lessons learnt through it.

You can find Ramayana versus Mahabharata: My Playful Comparison by Devdutt Pattanaik-

Amazon – https://www.amazon.in/Ramayana-Versus-Mahabharata-Playful-Comparison/dp/9353332303

Kindle edition- https://www.amazon.in/Ramayana-Versus-Mahabharata-Playful-Comparison-ebook/dp/B07KKLJ4SJ/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

Flipkart- https://www.flipkart.com/ramayana-versus-mahabharata-my-playful-comparison/p/itmfagerhku45p5w

Rupa Publications (ebook available)- https://rupapublications.co.in/books/ramayana-versus-mahabharata-my-playful-comparison/

Crossword (online) – https://www.crossword.in/nonfiction/ramayana-versus-mahabharata-my-playful-comparison-pattanaik-devd/p-1341200-77733339319-cat.html