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Myth = Mithya: A Handbook of Hindu Mythology
A decoding of Hindu mythology
Hindus have one God.
They also have 330 million gods: male gods; female gods; personal gods; family gods; household gods; village gods; gods of space and time; gods for specific castes and particular professions; gods who reside in trees; in animals; in minerals; in geometrical patterns and in man-made objects.
Then there are a whole host of demons.
But no Devil.
In this groundbreaking book Dr Devdutt Pattanaik; one of India’s most popular mythologists; seeks an answer to these apparent paradoxes and unravels an inherited truth about life and death; nature and culture; perfection and possibility. He retells sacred Hindu stories and decodes Hindu symbols and rituals; using a unique style of commentary; illustrations and diagrams. We discover why the villainous Kauravas went to heaven and the virtuous Pandavas (all except Yudhishtira) were sent to hell; why Rama despite abandoning the innocent Sita remains the model king; why the blood-drinking Kali is another form of the milk-giving Gauri; and why Shiva wrenched off the fifth head of Brahma.
Constructed over generations; Hindu myths serve as windows to the soul; and provide an understanding of the world around us. The aim is not to outgrow myth; but to be enriched and empowered by its ancient; potent and still relevant language.
Hindus have one God.
They also have 330 million gods: male gods; female gods; personal gods; family gods; household gods; village gods; gods of space and time; gods for specific castes and particular professions; gods who reside in trees; in animals; in minerals; in geometrical patterns and in man-made objects.
Then there are a whole host of demons.
But no Devil.
In this groundbreaking book Dr Devdutt Pattanaik; one of India’s most popular mythologists; seeks an answer to these apparent paradoxes and unravels an inherited truth about life and death; nature and culture; perfection and possibility. He retells sacred Hindu stories and decodes Hindu symbols and rituals; using a unique style of commentary; illustrations and diagrams. We discover why the villainous Kauravas went to heaven and the virtuous Pandavas (all except Yudhishtira) were sent to hell; why Rama despite abandoning the innocent Sita remains the model king; why the blood-drinking Kali is another form of the milk-giving Gauri; and why Shiva wrenched off the fifth head of Brahma.
Constructed over generations; Hindu myths serve as windows to the soul; and provide an understanding of the world around us. The aim is not to outgrow myth; but to be enriched and empowered by its ancient; potent and still relevant language.
232 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 11, 2006
665 people are currently reading
6927 people want to read
About the author
Devdutt Pattanaik
287 books3,337 followersDr. Devdutt Pattanaik (born December 11, 1970) is an Indian physician turned leadership consultant, mythologist and author whose works focus largely on the areas of myth, mythology, and also management. He has written a number of books related to Hindu mythology, including Myth = Mithya: A Handbook of Hindu Mythology, a novel, The Pregnant King, and Jaya: An Illustrated Retelling of the Mahabharata (2010).
He is the Chief Belief Officer of Future Group, one of India’s largest retailers, bringing the wisdom of Indian mythology into Indian business, especifically in human resource management. He also writes a column for the newspaper MID DAY.
He has also written a novel based on a tale from the Mahabharata titled 'The Pregnant King' published by Penguin Books India
He is the Chief Belief Officer of Future Group, one of India’s largest retailers, bringing the wisdom of Indian mythology into Indian business, especifically in human resource management. He also writes a column for the newspaper MID DAY.
He has also written a novel based on a tale from the Mahabharata titled 'The Pregnant King' published by Penguin Books India
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 446 reviews
May 28, 2022
Myth = Mithya!
Accepted when you talk about flying donkeys, fairies, horses, Zeus coming in a Swan guise and impregnating Lyda – causing Helen.
How is this twitter-abuser with no tact calling 'Puranas, Upnishads and 'Hindu' History' myth and eventually protracting the same into the pit of Mithya?
The second review by the reader reveals wonderfully what the word 'Koti' in Sanskrit means. If you want to understand Hindu history, philosophy and literature, read anyone else but not those who claim to be experts. And especially this fake imposter. Avoid this illogical, biased, con-writer who knows nothing except abusing critics in private messages.
I can write a thesis on his lack of sense, coherence in his writing, illogical deductions, ill-tempered 'decoding' and much more. However, a simple term can do the same – avoid. :)
Accepted when you talk about flying donkeys, fairies, horses, Zeus coming in a Swan guise and impregnating Lyda – causing Helen.
How is this twitter-abuser with no tact calling 'Puranas, Upnishads and 'Hindu' History' myth and eventually protracting the same into the pit of Mithya?
The second review by the reader reveals wonderfully what the word 'Koti' in Sanskrit means. If you want to understand Hindu history, philosophy and literature, read anyone else but not those who claim to be experts. And especially this fake imposter. Avoid this illogical, biased, con-writer who knows nothing except abusing critics in private messages.
I can write a thesis on his lack of sense, coherence in his writing, illogical deductions, ill-tempered 'decoding' and much more. However, a simple term can do the same – avoid. :)
June 9, 2022
He translates 33 koti to 330 millions! What an ass (the donkey one) he should be to interpret like this. The man who abuses women and children on Twitter is teaching the great Hindu philosophy to the world! Don't waste your time on this book. Try reading the original texts.
June 24, 2022
I don't know how to react on this book... it is like a mythical author writing about the mythical myths he could seldom decode... the subject is important, close to billions of hearts and does demand a better evaluation and certainly not by this name who rants s#it on social media. He is no expert. He is an a$$ lohe.
June 15, 2022
Koti is not a number. Koti means kind. The author misses the very basic concept and he shows the temerity to 'decode' Hindu 'myths'. What a farce!
June 19, 2022
This is an absurd title and a crappy book by all means! The author has not only misinterpreted many things about Hinduism but also misappropriated many ideas.
July 19, 2019
okaaayyy.... so a person with zero knowledge of Sanskrit claims to be an Indologist??
The first flaw with this book is the lack of research. Anyone with minimal knowledge of Sanskrit will know that the word 'koti' means types. Hence, there are 33 'types' of 'devtas' in Hindu Mythology namely, twelve Adityas, eleven Rudras, eight Vasus and two Ashwins, not the over-hyped and wrongly interpreted 33 crore. The thing with Devdutt Pattanik is that he is the Chetan Bhagat of the world of Hindu Mythology, A.K.A. he is popular without substance. If you have read his 'Devlok' series (which unfortunately, I did) then you don't need to read this book at all. It's a mere repetition... a FAULTY repetition.
If you really want to know about Hindu mythology and Sanatana Dharma then please start with understanding basic Sanskrit and reading the purans and upnishads and also, the Bhagwat Gita on your own. There are beautiful and meaningful translations available from verified sources like Gita Press and Swami Prabhupada's 'Bhagwat Gita as it is' is a much better option than this joke of a book on Indian Mythology. I'd suggest that people stop reading these foreign- funded pseudo Indologists like him and infamous Wendy Doniger and actually start reading things on their own.
The first flaw with this book is the lack of research. Anyone with minimal knowledge of Sanskrit will know that the word 'koti' means types. Hence, there are 33 'types' of 'devtas' in Hindu Mythology namely, twelve Adityas, eleven Rudras, eight Vasus and two Ashwins, not the over-hyped and wrongly interpreted 33 crore. The thing with Devdutt Pattanik is that he is the Chetan Bhagat of the world of Hindu Mythology, A.K.A. he is popular without substance. If you have read his 'Devlok' series (which unfortunately, I did) then you don't need to read this book at all. It's a mere repetition... a FAULTY repetition.
If you really want to know about Hindu mythology and Sanatana Dharma then please start with understanding basic Sanskrit and reading the purans and upnishads and also, the Bhagwat Gita on your own. There are beautiful and meaningful translations available from verified sources like Gita Press and Swami Prabhupada's 'Bhagwat Gita as it is' is a much better option than this joke of a book on Indian Mythology. I'd suggest that people stop reading these foreign- funded pseudo Indologists like him and infamous Wendy Doniger and actually start reading things on their own.
June 18, 2022
The author is a maniac... he doesn't understand anything! He has written gibberish as content and I am shocked by the unfiltered reception by the publishers!
July 11, 2022
I had heard great things about Devdutt Pattanaik as a mythologist, but I had not got around to reading anything by him so far. So I decided to give it a go with this book. And I must regretfully tell you that this will be the last book by him that I will read. I don't have time to waste.
I love myth, in all its variety from across space and time, and its various interpretations. (Joseph Campbell is the one single great influence in my life.) However, one expects some kind of erudition and in-depth analysis in a book which claims to be "the decoding of Hindu mythology". This book has nothing of the sort. It is basically the author's subjective interpretation of Indian mythic images: which is perfectly okay, provided the author presents it like that. But to claim authority ("decoding"!) is a bit too much to stomach.
First, the positives:
1. Pattanaik writes beautifully. His language is simple, elegant and readable. And like the storytellers of old, he spins a beautiful yarn.
2. The author sees myth as metaphor, and does not go for literalism. By putting out his own interpretation of fantastic stories, both psychological and cultural, he gives the reader plenty of food for thought, and trigger's one's imagination.
Now, the negatives:
1. Devdutt Pattanaik peddles the discredited narrative of a monolithic Hinduism, with the Vedas as the base. This is patently wrong. Indian culture is syncretic in nature. Vedic religion is only a small part of it. The "Hinduism" we refer to today came about through centuries of assimilation and adaptation: to look for a common thread in it is a futile exercise.
2. The author has created his own framework for Hinduism; and cherry-picks stories and interprets them in his own idiosyncratic fashion, to fit into it. His division of Hinduism into three streams - the "Circle of Brahma and Saraswati" which deals with the universe and the natural world, the "Square of Vishnu and Lakshmi" which deals with human society and culture, and the "Point of Shiva and Shakti" which deals with inner journey of the soul - is his own individual creation. It is a refreshing new look at Indian myth, but it carries no authority.
3. Pattanaik presents Hinduism as a highly philosophical religion, expounded by learned sages, where even the common man is aware of the great cosmic mysteries. This is Enlightenment gobbledygook and has no footing in reality. It is true that India had an ancient philosophical tradition: but it had no impact on life on the ground. Our country was a non-egalitarian cesspit, where the people at the bottom of the social hierarchy lived a life of unalloyed misery.
So, my verdict is - this book is worth reading to get a refreshing take on Indian mythology, which is in no way authoritative.
PS: You can find a lot of Hindu right-wingers trashing this book because the author went against their literalist views on Hinduism. I would just take this opportunity to say that I find his views to be more enlightening and interesting than the crap dished out by the Hindutva apologists.
I love myth, in all its variety from across space and time, and its various interpretations. (Joseph Campbell is the one single great influence in my life.) However, one expects some kind of erudition and in-depth analysis in a book which claims to be "the decoding of Hindu mythology". This book has nothing of the sort. It is basically the author's subjective interpretation of Indian mythic images: which is perfectly okay, provided the author presents it like that. But to claim authority ("decoding"!) is a bit too much to stomach.
First, the positives:
1. Pattanaik writes beautifully. His language is simple, elegant and readable. And like the storytellers of old, he spins a beautiful yarn.
2. The author sees myth as metaphor, and does not go for literalism. By putting out his own interpretation of fantastic stories, both psychological and cultural, he gives the reader plenty of food for thought, and trigger's one's imagination.
Now, the negatives:
1. Devdutt Pattanaik peddles the discredited narrative of a monolithic Hinduism, with the Vedas as the base. This is patently wrong. Indian culture is syncretic in nature. Vedic religion is only a small part of it. The "Hinduism" we refer to today came about through centuries of assimilation and adaptation: to look for a common thread in it is a futile exercise.
2. The author has created his own framework for Hinduism; and cherry-picks stories and interprets them in his own idiosyncratic fashion, to fit into it. His division of Hinduism into three streams - the "Circle of Brahma and Saraswati" which deals with the universe and the natural world, the "Square of Vishnu and Lakshmi" which deals with human society and culture, and the "Point of Shiva and Shakti" which deals with inner journey of the soul - is his own individual creation. It is a refreshing new look at Indian myth, but it carries no authority.
3. Pattanaik presents Hinduism as a highly philosophical religion, expounded by learned sages, where even the common man is aware of the great cosmic mysteries. This is Enlightenment gobbledygook and has no footing in reality. It is true that India had an ancient philosophical tradition: but it had no impact on life on the ground. Our country was a non-egalitarian cesspit, where the people at the bottom of the social hierarchy lived a life of unalloyed misery.
So, my verdict is - this book is worth reading to get a refreshing take on Indian mythology, which is in no way authoritative.
PS: You can find a lot of Hindu right-wingers trashing this book because the author went against their literalist views on Hinduism. I would just take this opportunity to say that I find his views to be more enlightening and interesting than the crap dished out by the Hindutva apologists.
June 4, 2019
Dr. Pattanaik has undertaken a massive project with this little book; condensing centuries of philosophy, profiling hundreds of epic characters, and attempting to provide an introduction to the major holy books of Hinduism (the Vedas, the Upanishads, the Ramayana, and the Mahabrata) Not only does he succeed in this seemingly impossible task, but he also succeeds in writing an intellectually stimulating and entertaining read. Dr. Pattanaik has written the survey course on Hindu mythology, and bookended it with a cursory and clear conceptual guide.
Readers of this book should expect a semi-chronological re-telling of the major events in Hindu mythology (with brief but profound interpretation), short length profiles of the major Hindu deities, and various tables and charts illustrating complex concepts and sacred geometries. '
I left my time with this book feeling inspired to read the holy texts myself, and to seek out alternative interpretations. I also left with a deeper appreciation of the design of Hinduism, the way in which these epic tales were not only told but illustrated through centuries of artwork, and how each of these images is a complex arrangements of signifiers coalescing into a greater overall meaning. It made me realize that my western eyes are unaccustomed to looking so thoroughly at an image. That there is a capacity for meaning in an image that I often fail to pay enough attention to to see. In this world of instant images we are habituated to seeing the surface of things.
This book taught me to respect the nuances of language. For instance, I had always been taught that Shiva played the role of the "destroyer". To me, this word had always meant violence. I would imagine Shiva in the explosions of bombs and the falling of bricks. But, this would be a false understanding. Shiva destroys through withdrawal, not violence. He is a hermit and ascetic, who renounces the world and all worldly concerns. It is through the act of closing his eyes to the world that he destroys it, as it was the perception of the world by Brahma which created it. This new interpretation of the linguistics of the myth allows me to have a deeper understanding of its philosophical implications to my own spiritual practice, and its relationship to the prevailing paradigms of Hindu thought.
I highly recommend this book for those like myself who think they maybe might know something about Hinduism, or simply those curious to know how Hindu culture has codified the concepts of metaphysical and existential philosophy.
Readers of this book should expect a semi-chronological re-telling of the major events in Hindu mythology (with brief but profound interpretation), short length profiles of the major Hindu deities, and various tables and charts illustrating complex concepts and sacred geometries. '
I left my time with this book feeling inspired to read the holy texts myself, and to seek out alternative interpretations. I also left with a deeper appreciation of the design of Hinduism, the way in which these epic tales were not only told but illustrated through centuries of artwork, and how each of these images is a complex arrangements of signifiers coalescing into a greater overall meaning. It made me realize that my western eyes are unaccustomed to looking so thoroughly at an image. That there is a capacity for meaning in an image that I often fail to pay enough attention to to see. In this world of instant images we are habituated to seeing the surface of things.
This book taught me to respect the nuances of language. For instance, I had always been taught that Shiva played the role of the "destroyer". To me, this word had always meant violence. I would imagine Shiva in the explosions of bombs and the falling of bricks. But, this would be a false understanding. Shiva destroys through withdrawal, not violence. He is a hermit and ascetic, who renounces the world and all worldly concerns. It is through the act of closing his eyes to the world that he destroys it, as it was the perception of the world by Brahma which created it. This new interpretation of the linguistics of the myth allows me to have a deeper understanding of its philosophical implications to my own spiritual practice, and its relationship to the prevailing paradigms of Hindu thought.
I highly recommend this book for those like myself who think they maybe might know something about Hinduism, or simply those curious to know how Hindu culture has codified the concepts of metaphysical and existential philosophy.
June 22, 2022
This book is mithya... the author does not understand any bit of history, culture of facts related to Hinduism.
June 18, 2022
A friend suggested me reading Pattanaik and claimed that I would become his fan. Well, to her sad surprise, I did not like this classless writing loaded with personal irk and bias of the author. I am one of his fiercest critics now. This book doesn't do justice with the theme at all. And it misinterprets the Hindu literature.
February 12, 2016
This book could be a condensed doctorate paper on possible meanings in Hindusism as explained in puranas. Or, it could be a quick and dirty replacement for Amar Chitra Katha for the grown ups (or those who are trying to grow up). I enjoyed the book as both.
Devdutt's Myth = Mithya is a simple read with not so simple content. The book explores the metaphysical and psychological elements hidden away in Puranas, presented with modern sensibilities, packaged in an attractive manner. The disclaimers that were unintentionally put like every culture tries to survive by questioning the practices of other cultures made for a careful author. Having said that, the book has been bold in expressing ideas that might be tough to digest (especially in a sensitive country)
The three sections centred on Origin, Culture (social) and Yogic (intenral) give a lot to think about if you are having an open mind. Otherwise, it tells you a lot of stories, some known - some unknown on Hinduism. This is a book that is not for heart but for the brain. Because faith comes from believing without questioning and logic from questioning.
I am also glad since this has been a book on my shelf for 3 years, especially since it was autographed and all...
Devdutt's Myth = Mithya is a simple read with not so simple content. The book explores the metaphysical and psychological elements hidden away in Puranas, presented with modern sensibilities, packaged in an attractive manner. The disclaimers that were unintentionally put like every culture tries to survive by questioning the practices of other cultures made for a careful author. Having said that, the book has been bold in expressing ideas that might be tough to digest (especially in a sensitive country)
The three sections centred on Origin, Culture (social) and Yogic (intenral) give a lot to think about if you are having an open mind. Otherwise, it tells you a lot of stories, some known - some unknown on Hinduism. This is a book that is not for heart but for the brain. Because faith comes from believing without questioning and logic from questioning.
I am also glad since this has been a book on my shelf for 3 years, especially since it was autographed and all...
June 22, 2022
Truth cannot be hidden by covering it with fancy metaphors and useless analogies. The author tried hard to twist the Hindu history and facts with his biased interpretations. However, it is good to see serious readers coming up and calling spade a spade.
November 29, 2016
I wanted to like this book, I really did. I love reading about the meaning behind things in religion and mythology but my God, is this a badly written book! Some of the frameworks seemed so forced like they were put in for the sake of having a framework. And the constant jumping from one random story to another without having any coherence between them was so exhausting to get through. Instead of enjoying myself while reading this, I found myself just waiting to reach the end. Nope, not how a book should make you feel!
May 21, 2020
Coming from a hindu family and raised with listening stories from ved purans, I can bet this books it filled with lots of errors. The facts has written totally wrong. I guess the name of the book verify the matter. It is myth of Mr. Devdutt Pattnaik.
I do not suggest to read his books if you are looking to have knowledge or learn about hindi mythology. It is bad to store wrong facts in your subconscious mind. And if your are reading it for fun ir for time pass do not pass the information to other to misguide them. And do not make firms views about hindu, Hinduism and hindutva.
I do not suggest to read his books if you are looking to have knowledge or learn about hindi mythology. It is bad to store wrong facts in your subconscious mind. And if your are reading it for fun ir for time pass do not pass the information to other to misguide them. And do not make firms views about hindu, Hinduism and hindutva.
October 11, 2019
Many stories I found contradicting to what we read till now and many of the instances are of no credibility. Hence a book which just includes stories and no opinion of the writer about converting myth into mythya... which I was actually expecting in the book.
December 2, 2014
This must be the most underwhelming of Pattanaik's books. At just 227 pages it felt too long drawn. The writing, which is the highlight of most of Devdutt's books usually, is a complete let down. I had a very hard time finishing this one.
June 25, 2022
The book exposes the entire scenario... you cannot expect a better explanation of Hindu history from these experts, so-called, who do not understand even the basic concepts of Hinduism, at all. A very disappointing book, overall!
June 5, 2014
The Hindu cosmos is a confused space. Stories often contradict, conventional reasoning is absurd and characters are convoluted. Devdutt Patnaik makes sense out of this imbroglio rather dextrously in Myth=Mithya.
For experts of Hinduism studies, the book is perhaps a superficial treatment of the expansive subject. But for someone who got her mythology download from Amar Chitra Katha, this book offers lucid insights into Hindu mythology.
At times the logical conclusions seem to be over-stretched. Yet Myth=Mithya doesn't judge. It interprets. An interpretation that is unapologetic and unbiased.
Next on the shelf, Jaya.
For experts of Hinduism studies, the book is perhaps a superficial treatment of the expansive subject. But for someone who got her mythology download from Amar Chitra Katha, this book offers lucid insights into Hindu mythology.
At times the logical conclusions seem to be over-stretched. Yet Myth=Mithya doesn't judge. It interprets. An interpretation that is unapologetic and unbiased.
Next on the shelf, Jaya.
April 4, 2020
Worst book
Wrong interpretation
Wrong interpretation
March 9, 2021
The fake propaganda author with nil knowledge of Sanatana Dharma grabs every opportunity to throw s##t on Hinduism and propagates that Hindu cosmic stories as fake imaginary stories.
December 12, 2018
Mediocre read for the an Indian who has grown up listening to these stories. Utilizing the opportunity to make it a analytical read is lost thoroughly. The author could have compared myths and mithyas, and may be, going on trajectory of exploring today's fictional world (as Harari did in Sapiens) or may be just analysed the stories a bit.
Instead what we get is a motley of stories picked from various Puranas, with little flow int he story. Even the lucidity of the conversations and situations of original puranas is lost in banal attempt to fit everything in a pocketbook.
To make matters worse and to piss off readers like me, the bibliography quotes foreign authors' writings on the Indian mythos! With the knwoledge Devdutt himself has displayed in his earlier writings, he could have done a better job by himself. Wonder if he wrote the book just to encash his brand name!
Highly disappointed. To the readers: Please try to find and read Purana in original. Preferably from Gita Press.
Instead what we get is a motley of stories picked from various Puranas, with little flow int he story. Even the lucidity of the conversations and situations of original puranas is lost in banal attempt to fit everything in a pocketbook.
To make matters worse and to piss off readers like me, the bibliography quotes foreign authors' writings on the Indian mythos! With the knwoledge Devdutt himself has displayed in his earlier writings, he could have done a better job by himself. Wonder if he wrote the book just to encash his brand name!
Highly disappointed. To the readers: Please try to find and read Purana in original. Preferably from Gita Press.
August 6, 2017
This is a summarized version of popular Hindu Mythology. I have heard most of the stories that are presented in this book, but earlier I didn't know the context behind these stories.
This book clarifies most of my doubts and gave me the unique way of the seeing the Popular beliefs of Hindu's and how these beliefs are associated with mythologies or how various things comes in to practice.
This book could be stretched more, so we could have a much broader view on these mythologies, however, it's a good book and you will definitely add something in the pond of your knowledge.
This book clarifies most of my doubts and gave me the unique way of the seeing the Popular beliefs of Hindu's and how these beliefs are associated with mythologies or how various things comes in to practice.
This book could be stretched more, so we could have a much broader view on these mythologies, however, it's a good book and you will definitely add something in the pond of your knowledge.
July 12, 2019
Even though the book covers almost all small and big aspects of hindu mythology (at least the famous ones) but still this book doesn't have any take away for me. Its written so incoherently that at times you forget about the concept that is being covered. I have been a fan of the author after watching his show on epic channel, but, he has written the book same as how he talks on the show, haphazardly. His style of speaking is good but same thing when read makes it very difficult to read. This book is just a compilation of many stories from mythology without any theme as such.
August 15, 2014
Two stars for the writing style and research.
I didn't enjoy the book though it was literally what the title claimed it was - A handbook.
I'd recommend this for those interested in knowing the basics of the Hindu mythology, but for in-depth knowledge and a contextual interpretation of myths, I'd recommend The Hindus: An Alternative History instead.
I didn't enjoy the book though it was literally what the title claimed it was - A handbook.
I'd recommend this for those interested in knowing the basics of the Hindu mythology, but for in-depth knowledge and a contextual interpretation of myths, I'd recommend The Hindus: An Alternative History instead.
June 22, 2022
Horrible mistakes in interpreting the world's most decorated, vast and deep philosophical, cultural and civilisational riches. The author doesn't understand Hinduism a bit!
December 9, 2010
There are not enough words to describe the book's effect on me after I had finished reading it.
Mr. Pattanaik does not only tell stories and give analysis, but also makes one introspect and internalize what is being said.
He makes the mythology sound not just deep, but interesting and enjoyable. Being a mythology enthusiast from the time I had baby tooth, I always tried to find good books and information that could expand my knowledge. But most materials I read were either had to complex literature or were very haphazard. Devdutt Pattanaik, through this book, by not only give it a very structured look but also helps in deciphering (in his own way)the contents of ancient wisdom through mythology.
I would suggest everyone, Indian or not, to read this as it gives a sneak at the questions of life that we ask (or need to ask) ourselves.
October 3, 2014
After reading Jaya and Sita this book is a let down. It is not a book for Indians who have a background in Indian mythology. The book may be interesting for foreigners who have no background to Indian mythology.
The author also has added enough controversial details like talking about erect phallus of Shiva and other details which would enthuse the one who like to believe that India is a land of snake charmers and a country where elephants and where people believe myth and mythology more than scientifically proven things.
Not a very good read.
The author also has added enough controversial details like talking about erect phallus of Shiva and other details which would enthuse the one who like to believe that India is a land of snake charmers and a country where elephants and where people believe myth and mythology more than scientifically proven things.
Not a very good read.
January 9, 2013
This book is for readers who are not Hindu or don't follow Hinduism. It reiterates the same concept again and again throughout some pages. Nothing new and interesting about the Myth that surrounds Hindus or the reason behind it. Just an anthology of beliefs we have.
A good read for a novice or first time readers about the religion.
A good read for a novice or first time readers about the religion.
May 24, 2020
It's books like this one that make me question my own silly habit of finishing a book I started, irrespective of how pointless it seems!
Even after spending excruciating hours on it, I couldn't figure out the purpose of this one other than telling random disjoint stories from various historical mythological books.
Even after spending excruciating hours on it, I couldn't figure out the purpose of this one other than telling random disjoint stories from various historical mythological books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 446 reviews