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Mahabharata
About the book:The author has captured with dramatic intensity the movement of the story of the epic Mahabharata. The narrative is vivid, and is a priceless legacy for the young and the old. The story of the Pandavas and the Kauravas and the Mahabharata war has been retold in a superb manner. Though the book is an abridged version of the great epic, all the important aspects have been covered in it. The style is lucid, the dialogues crisp and the characters come alive in front of the readers because of the descriptions by the author. The story is more than just an epic, it tells the story of heroic men and women, code of life, philosophy of social and ethical relations. More details: This book on the Mahabharata starts with the meeting of Ganga and Santanu, and their subsequent marriage, and the birth of their children. When Santanu asks Ganga the reason for drowning the children born to her, she takes the eighth child and disappears from his life. The story continues with Satyavati, Pandu, Dhritarashtra, Pandavas and Kauravas, and ends with the entry of the Pandavas into heaven. The Mahabharata is not a mere epic:it is a romance,telling the tale of heroic men and women and of some who are divine:it is a whole literature in itself,containing a code of life,a philosophy of social and ethical relations,and speculative thought on human problems that is hard to rival,but above all,it has for it's core with Gita,which it,as the world is beginning to find out,the noblest of scriptures and the grandest of sagas the climax of which is reached in the wondrous Acolypse in the eleventh canto.Through such books alone,the harmonies underlying true culture, will one day reconcile the disorders of modern life. The popularity of the book is such that it has run into fourteen editions since it was first published in the year 1965.
870 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1965
238 people are currently reading
536 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
May 20, 2019
This was a great work of Mahabharata by Kamala Subramaniam. Highly recommended. Everyone should read this Mahabharata, Srimad Bhagavatam and Ramayana.
August 3, 2020
The book takes you to all the events & circumstances which led to war between two groups of cousins of a great Kuru family, Pandavas & Kauravas. The Author Kamala Subramaniam has given equal importance to each character and explained their nature and actions just like many protagonists in Mahabharata.
This book is a must-read for the young generation. The author was aware that today's youth would not take the pain of reading this epic as it is difficult to read and understand Sanskrit in which it is originally written and has written this book in perfect chronological order and justifiable detailed manner in the English language.
She has mentioned in her Preface to this book that "If, after reading the book, a few at least will read the epic in the original, my desire will be fulfilled. May I say that my book is just a guide into a vast ocean called the MAHABHARATA.
Hence, the book has to be read so that there is a clear understanding of this epic and then one must start reading the original epic with the verses and poetry.
This book is a must-read for the young generation. The author was aware that today's youth would not take the pain of reading this epic as it is difficult to read and understand Sanskrit in which it is originally written and has written this book in perfect chronological order and justifiable detailed manner in the English language.
She has mentioned in her Preface to this book that "If, after reading the book, a few at least will read the epic in the original, my desire will be fulfilled. May I say that my book is just a guide into a vast ocean called the MAHABHARATA.
Hence, the book has to be read so that there is a clear understanding of this epic and then one must start reading the original epic with the verses and poetry.
May 26, 2022
So glad to finally finish reading this epic. It took me a while, but I am happy that I decided to do it at all. I'd always felt handicapped when I heard references from the Mahabharat in modern cultural and literary conversations / texts / programs, because I couldn't connect to the idea behind the reference.
Like when Nawazuddin says "Ashwatthama hoon main!" in Sacred Games (Netflix) - I was at sea about what he meant by that - but it was such an important scene! That line was supposed to convey so much. And now, finally, I get it.
My understanding of the Mahabharat was limited to my peppered memory of the 1980s television show, devoid of all nuance or the layered nature of its characters.
While it is difficult to talk about any one thing that I liked about the epic, what I can say is that generally I liked that it is not a binary good/bad, black/white story as I had always perceivd it to be. There is enough sophistication and depth in it to make the reader think and possibly discover new meanings upon every reading. The "mortality" of the characters is also something I appreciated - which brings them down from the exalted status we are made to believe in popular culture, and the focus is more on ideology instead of labelling characters good or bad.
Reading all those names, I realised this is where most names in India come from - and it made me think about whether the parents were aware of the true nature of these characters they were naming their kids after. Everyone is only clinging to the shiny parts of them. Like, I had a hard time liking Arjun. And yet it is the most popular name in India. Karan is also another one, but after reading his story I'm not sure I would name my kid that, because the name embodies his whole life which was essentially suffering... he was a hero but a very very sad one.
I think, we underestimate hugely the intellect of the ancient beings who wrote these epics, as it cannot be denied that someone wrote these up. And in my opinion, the only way to truly appreciate them is through the reading, and not just through religious faith / belief - because that is not the point of them - they are mythophilosophies and ideologies.
This translation, by Kamala Subramaniam, was recommended to me by a dear friend and it was exactly the kind of text I was looking for to create my first foundation of the story - - one that told me the bare bones of the story, from beginnings I didn't even know existed to ends that made so much sense. This 'free translation', as the author calls it, in parts reads like a text-book, but the merit of the story is what carries it through - the artistry of language did not matter beyond a point.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and the way it has translated the epic for an Indian english reader.
Like when Nawazuddin says "Ashwatthama hoon main!" in Sacred Games (Netflix) - I was at sea about what he meant by that - but it was such an important scene! That line was supposed to convey so much. And now, finally, I get it.
My understanding of the Mahabharat was limited to my peppered memory of the 1980s television show, devoid of all nuance or the layered nature of its characters.
While it is difficult to talk about any one thing that I liked about the epic, what I can say is that generally I liked that it is not a binary good/bad, black/white story as I had always perceivd it to be. There is enough sophistication and depth in it to make the reader think and possibly discover new meanings upon every reading. The "mortality" of the characters is also something I appreciated - which brings them down from the exalted status we are made to believe in popular culture, and the focus is more on ideology instead of labelling characters good or bad.
Reading all those names, I realised this is where most names in India come from - and it made me think about whether the parents were aware of the true nature of these characters they were naming their kids after. Everyone is only clinging to the shiny parts of them. Like, I had a hard time liking Arjun. And yet it is the most popular name in India. Karan is also another one, but after reading his story I'm not sure I would name my kid that, because the name embodies his whole life which was essentially suffering... he was a hero but a very very sad one.
I think, we underestimate hugely the intellect of the ancient beings who wrote these epics, as it cannot be denied that someone wrote these up. And in my opinion, the only way to truly appreciate them is through the reading, and not just through religious faith / belief - because that is not the point of them - they are mythophilosophies and ideologies.
This translation, by Kamala Subramaniam, was recommended to me by a dear friend and it was exactly the kind of text I was looking for to create my first foundation of the story - - one that told me the bare bones of the story, from beginnings I didn't even know existed to ends that made so much sense. This 'free translation', as the author calls it, in parts reads like a text-book, but the merit of the story is what carries it through - the artistry of language did not matter beyond a point.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and the way it has translated the epic for an Indian english reader.
September 27, 2024
Kamala Subramaniam’s translation of the Mahabharata is beautiful. For anyone who wants to read this great epic, I highly recommend this translation. Subramaniam is able to capture the essence of the Mahabharata and the key messages. Beautifully described, the Mahabharata details the cruel dance of Fate, the tragic seed of greed, and the glory of righteousness. Subramaniam beautifully depicts the lasting legacy of Krishna and the Pandavas. The author was able to give context to all of the characters without greatly overwhelming the reader. While yes, there were a lot of characters to keep up with, but that’s the nature of a 850 page book that condenses 10 volumes of the original story. Once I reached the chapters of the war, I flew through the book. It was captivating, thrilling, beautiful, and of course riddled with so much philosophy and meaning.
August 13, 2015
Best version of Mahabharata by Kamala Subramaniam and undoubtedly the best epic ever.
October 11, 2015
Right up there with the Iliad and the Odyssey.
March 23, 2025
Unless you have a good understanding of ancient Indian culture this is a difficult read. The Mahabharata is the epic history in which the Bhagavad Gita, a revered book for millions is just one small chapter. The authors rendition of this wonderful epic, completed in 1965 embodies the spirit of the great work and brings to life the characters contained therein. It is strewn with the odd grammatical error and the occasional spelling mistake. Characters emotions are described in an over the top way … like the literary version of over the top Bollywood scenes. But this is just the culture which has birthed this great work. It is written for an audience who understands Vedic tradition and if you don’t then references made with the expectancy of this understanding can totally loose the reader.
However the combination of human drama, politics, religion, romance and tragedy in this epic are unrivalled in world literature. The story itself is so enthralling that it is almost impossible to ruin its telling in any format.
All in all this was almost 900 pages which flew by and a fascinating read.
However the combination of human drama, politics, religion, romance and tragedy in this epic are unrivalled in world literature. The story itself is so enthralling that it is almost impossible to ruin its telling in any format.
All in all this was almost 900 pages which flew by and a fascinating read.
December 24, 2012
I have mixed feelings about this book, which is reflected in my rating. This is the first proper Mahabharat book which I've read, and it came highly recommended.
Sure it was a great read. But that is because Mahabharat is a great epic. Was the author able to do justice to Ved Vyasa's Mahabharat? I couldn't possibly say without first reading Vyasa's original, or at least its English translation.
This book was too detailed, or not detailed enough depending upon how you look at it. My point is this: when you introduce a plot point or a character in a story, either do justice to it or do away with the character entirely.
It is obvious that the author was making a trade-off at each and every stage between keeping the length of the book manageable and presenting as complete a picture as possible.
The result is that some of the characters are mentioned for the first time just a couple of sentences before they die. I think that either adequate time should have been spent on their back stories, or else there was no need to mention them at all, because it leads to unnecessary confusion and chaos.
This minor nitpick apart, there is no doubt that this is a great narrative. I don't think that the author has missed out on any significant plot point, even though the last 9 of the 18 parvas have been compressed together as 'After the war'.
Fair warning: The book begins with Shantanu and does not deal with Krishna's childhood.
Some of the chapters like the one on Bhishma's discourse to Yudhishtir are quite large and can be easily skipped without it affecting the flow of the tale.
Final recommendation: This book is the essential reading which must be done before you go onto other versions that may deal with a specific part, a specific character or a specific theme of Mahabharat. It very well acquaints you with at least the major characters and is a good place to start.
Sure it was a great read. But that is because Mahabharat is a great epic. Was the author able to do justice to Ved Vyasa's Mahabharat? I couldn't possibly say without first reading Vyasa's original, or at least its English translation.
This book was too detailed, or not detailed enough depending upon how you look at it. My point is this: when you introduce a plot point or a character in a story, either do justice to it or do away with the character entirely.
It is obvious that the author was making a trade-off at each and every stage between keeping the length of the book manageable and presenting as complete a picture as possible.
The result is that some of the characters are mentioned for the first time just a couple of sentences before they die. I think that either adequate time should have been spent on their back stories, or else there was no need to mention them at all, because it leads to unnecessary confusion and chaos.
This minor nitpick apart, there is no doubt that this is a great narrative. I don't think that the author has missed out on any significant plot point, even though the last 9 of the 18 parvas have been compressed together as 'After the war'.
Fair warning: The book begins with Shantanu and does not deal with Krishna's childhood.
Some of the chapters like the one on Bhishma's discourse to Yudhishtir are quite large and can be easily skipped without it affecting the flow of the tale.
Final recommendation: This book is the essential reading which must be done before you go onto other versions that may deal with a specific part, a specific character or a specific theme of Mahabharat. It very well acquaints you with at least the major characters and is a good place to start.
November 24, 2017
This is one of my most favorite books. I've read it at least a dozen times now and I pull new insights each time I do. The greatest epic of all time.
How do you decide between two "right" paths. What is the proper course of action? These questions are at the heart of this story and give a lot of ground for self-reflection and inquiry.
How do you decide between two "right" paths. What is the proper course of action? These questions are at the heart of this story and give a lot of ground for self-reflection and inquiry.
January 15, 2021
Yet another excellent narration of an epic
A beautiful book to be read by one and all. A page turner - the feelings of human qualities - pride, anger, joy, happiness, jealousy, cheating, motives, bravery, fear, sorrow etc have been brought out without an iota of exaggeration. The war scenario can be seen with every minute details. Highly enlightening.
A beautiful book to be read by one and all. A page turner - the feelings of human qualities - pride, anger, joy, happiness, jealousy, cheating, motives, bravery, fear, sorrow etc have been brought out without an iota of exaggeration. The war scenario can be seen with every minute details. Highly enlightening.
July 12, 2018
Good reading
Good for basic understanding.. can be read more than once. For un initiated people, this book gives great insight about the Mahabharata epic.
Good for basic understanding.. can be read more than once. For un initiated people, this book gives great insight about the Mahabharata epic.
June 25, 2020
While I had heard the broad story of the Mahabharata when I was younger, I always wanted to read the full version. This is an excellent book in all respects. I would highly recommend it to all.
July 7, 2022
A good read for all generation,
September 18, 2024
My favorite Mahabartha.
October 8, 2024
Kamala Subramaniam's Mahabharata is an exceptional retelling of the grandest Indian epic, and reading this version felt like stepping back into ancient India, immersed in the moral complexities and heroism of the characters. Despite being an abridged version of the original epic, Subramaniam masterfully captures the essence, intensity, and depth of the Mahabharata, making it accessible to a modern audience without losing any of its profound significance.
One of the most striking elements of this retelling is the vivid storytelling. Subramaniam has a gift for bringing these larger-than-life characters to the forefront in a way that makes them feel both divine and incredibly human. Whether it's the righteousness of Yudhishthira, the valor of Arjuna, or the tragic complexity of Karna, each character comes alive through her crisp dialogues and rich descriptions. She manages to paint the epic in all its glory while still making it relatable and engaging for readers, whether they are familiar with the story or new to it.
Starting from the fateful meeting between Ganga and Santanu and progressing through the births, conflicts, and ultimate war between the Pandavas and Kauravas, Subramaniam gives readers a smooth yet powerful narrative arc that pulls them into the intricacies of familial ties, duty, honor, and moral dilemmas. The vivid portrayal of the Mahabharata war and the philosophical discourse, especially through the Bhagavad Gita, are some of the high points in this retelling.
I was particularly impressed by how Subramaniam balances the larger philosophical messages with the drama and action of the story. The Mahabharata is not just a tale of war and power struggles; it is also a repository of wisdom on social, ethical, and spiritual life. Through her simple yet elegant prose, Subramaniam conveys the epic's deeper meanings and timeless teachings without overwhelming the reader.
What truly makes this book stand out is its accessibility. While the Mahabharata can be daunting due to its sheer scope and complexity, Subramaniam has distilled the essence of the epic without compromising its grandeur. Her writing is lucid, making it easy for readers of all ages to follow the story, yet it retains the gravity and sophistication necessary for conveying such a monumental work.
That being said, given the vastness of the original epic, it is inevitable that certain details and subplots are condensed or left out. However, this abridged version still manages to encompass the heart and soul of the Mahabharata, making it a perfect starting point for readers who may find the original overwhelming.
Ultimately, Kamala Subramaniam’s Mahabharata is more than just a retelling—it’s a powerful way to experience one of the world’s greatest epics. It successfully captures the epic's emotional and philosophical depth while making it accessible to contemporary readers. Whether you are looking for an introduction to the Mahabharata or a refresher on this timeless classic, this book is a must-read. It is no surprise that this version has stood the test of time, having been published continuously since 1965.
One of the most striking elements of this retelling is the vivid storytelling. Subramaniam has a gift for bringing these larger-than-life characters to the forefront in a way that makes them feel both divine and incredibly human. Whether it's the righteousness of Yudhishthira, the valor of Arjuna, or the tragic complexity of Karna, each character comes alive through her crisp dialogues and rich descriptions. She manages to paint the epic in all its glory while still making it relatable and engaging for readers, whether they are familiar with the story or new to it.
Starting from the fateful meeting between Ganga and Santanu and progressing through the births, conflicts, and ultimate war between the Pandavas and Kauravas, Subramaniam gives readers a smooth yet powerful narrative arc that pulls them into the intricacies of familial ties, duty, honor, and moral dilemmas. The vivid portrayal of the Mahabharata war and the philosophical discourse, especially through the Bhagavad Gita, are some of the high points in this retelling.
I was particularly impressed by how Subramaniam balances the larger philosophical messages with the drama and action of the story. The Mahabharata is not just a tale of war and power struggles; it is also a repository of wisdom on social, ethical, and spiritual life. Through her simple yet elegant prose, Subramaniam conveys the epic's deeper meanings and timeless teachings without overwhelming the reader.
What truly makes this book stand out is its accessibility. While the Mahabharata can be daunting due to its sheer scope and complexity, Subramaniam has distilled the essence of the epic without compromising its grandeur. Her writing is lucid, making it easy for readers of all ages to follow the story, yet it retains the gravity and sophistication necessary for conveying such a monumental work.
That being said, given the vastness of the original epic, it is inevitable that certain details and subplots are condensed or left out. However, this abridged version still manages to encompass the heart and soul of the Mahabharata, making it a perfect starting point for readers who may find the original overwhelming.
Ultimately, Kamala Subramaniam’s Mahabharata is more than just a retelling—it’s a powerful way to experience one of the world’s greatest epics. It successfully captures the epic's emotional and philosophical depth while making it accessible to contemporary readers. Whether you are looking for an introduction to the Mahabharata or a refresher on this timeless classic, this book is a must-read. It is no surprise that this version has stood the test of time, having been published continuously since 1965.
October 23, 2024
Kamala Subramaniam's rendition of the Mahabharata is a significant contribution to the understanding and accessibility of this ancient Indian epic. First published in 1965, her abridged version has gained immense popularity, going through fourteen editions, and is recognized for its clarity and narrative style that appeals to both young and adult readers alike.
Subramaniam's Mahabharata spans 870 pages and begins with the poignant meeting of Ganga and Shantanu, unfolding through the lives of key figures like Satyavati, Dhritarashtra, Pandu, and the titular Pandavas and Kauravas. The narrative concludes with the Pandavas' entry into heaven, encapsulating a journey filled with profound moral dilemmas and epic battles. Despite being an abridged version, Subramaniam manages to cover all essential events, ensuring that the core themes of duty (dharma), justice, and ethical conflict are well represented.
Subramaniam's writing is characterized by vivid descriptions and dramatic intensity. While her sentences can be described as short and somewhat jerky, they effectively convey the emotional weight of the story. The use of abundant adjectives and adverbs adds a melodramatic flair that enhances character portrayals, particularly during crucial war sequences. However, some readers might find this style overly sentimental at times.
The Mahabharata is a rich tapestry of human experience that addresses timeless issues such as power dynamics, ethical dilemmas, and personal sacrifice. Subramaniam’s version emphasizes these themes while making them accessible to contemporary audiences. Her work encourages readers to reflect on their own lives through the lens of these ancient narratives.
Subramaniam's adaptation has been well-received for its ability to introduce new audiences to the epic's depth without overwhelming them with excessive detail. Critics note that while some subplots are necessarily omitted due to the abridged nature of the text, the essential messages remain intact. This balance between readability and fidelity to the original text is one of her significant achievements. Subramaniam's Mahabharata stands out as a compelling translation that captures the essence of one of India's greatest epics. It serves as an invaluable resource for both newcomers and those familiar with the epic, offering insights into its enduring relevance in modern society.
Subramaniam's Mahabharata spans 870 pages and begins with the poignant meeting of Ganga and Shantanu, unfolding through the lives of key figures like Satyavati, Dhritarashtra, Pandu, and the titular Pandavas and Kauravas. The narrative concludes with the Pandavas' entry into heaven, encapsulating a journey filled with profound moral dilemmas and epic battles. Despite being an abridged version, Subramaniam manages to cover all essential events, ensuring that the core themes of duty (dharma), justice, and ethical conflict are well represented.
Subramaniam's writing is characterized by vivid descriptions and dramatic intensity. While her sentences can be described as short and somewhat jerky, they effectively convey the emotional weight of the story. The use of abundant adjectives and adverbs adds a melodramatic flair that enhances character portrayals, particularly during crucial war sequences. However, some readers might find this style overly sentimental at times.
The Mahabharata is a rich tapestry of human experience that addresses timeless issues such as power dynamics, ethical dilemmas, and personal sacrifice. Subramaniam’s version emphasizes these themes while making them accessible to contemporary audiences. Her work encourages readers to reflect on their own lives through the lens of these ancient narratives.
Subramaniam's adaptation has been well-received for its ability to introduce new audiences to the epic's depth without overwhelming them with excessive detail. Critics note that while some subplots are necessarily omitted due to the abridged nature of the text, the essential messages remain intact. This balance between readability and fidelity to the original text is one of her significant achievements. Subramaniam's Mahabharata stands out as a compelling translation that captures the essence of one of India's greatest epics. It serves as an invaluable resource for both newcomers and those familiar with the epic, offering insights into its enduring relevance in modern society.
February 8, 2023
Es una historia fascinante, bellísima.
Al principio cuesta trabajo abarcar todos los personajes (y más por los nombres, no estoy familiarizado con el lenguaje, pero una vez superado ese reto va uno conociendo a fondo cada familia y cada miembro. Los principales son:
-Abuelo Bishma, tronco común (tío abuelo) de ambas familias.
*Por el lado de los Karuavas:
-El Rey Dhritarashtra, ciego y por eso no regía.
-Su hijo que fungía de rey, Duriodhana, por envidia pelea contra sus primos los Pandavas. Tenía 99 hermanos más.
*Por el lado de los Pandavas, hijos de Pandú y todos de Kuntí:
-El mayor, que lideraba y que era más puro, Yudhishthira
-El protagonista, Arjuna
-El más fuerte, Bhima
-Nakula, hermano menor
-Sajádeva, hermano menor
-Draupadi la esposa de los 5 hermanos.
Y no podía faltar el grupo de parientes que participa en el lío, entre los que destaca claramente Krishna y quien será aliado de los pandava. Más aún es el compañero de Arjuna.
Los nombres serán una lista larga y enredada. Pero para pasar a la historia dejaré aquí la cosa...
La historia va desde el porqué y cómo se procrea a los mencionados arriba y nos permite entender el devenir. Luego se narra como inician las envidias de Duriodhana y sus hermanos (Kauravas) contra sus primos los Pandava, como las hostilidades escalan, hasta que años después llega una, ya inevitable, guerra entre ambos bandos. El grueso del libro es la guerra y lo que sucede allí, donde se verá con detalle cada personaje desarrollarse plenamente.
La guerra termina con los Pandavas venciendo y los últimos capítulos de la historia tratan cómo acaban sus días estos héroes.
Vale la pena una segunda lectura pues caben muchos niveles de lectura.
Al principio cuesta trabajo abarcar todos los personajes (y más por los nombres, no estoy familiarizado con el lenguaje, pero una vez superado ese reto va uno conociendo a fondo cada familia y cada miembro. Los principales son:
-Abuelo Bishma, tronco común (tío abuelo) de ambas familias.
*Por el lado de los Karuavas:
-El Rey Dhritarashtra, ciego y por eso no regía.
-Su hijo que fungía de rey, Duriodhana, por envidia pelea contra sus primos los Pandavas. Tenía 99 hermanos más.
*Por el lado de los Pandavas, hijos de Pandú y todos de Kuntí:
-El mayor, que lideraba y que era más puro, Yudhishthira
-El protagonista, Arjuna
-El más fuerte, Bhima
-Nakula, hermano menor
-Sajádeva, hermano menor
-Draupadi la esposa de los 5 hermanos.
Y no podía faltar el grupo de parientes que participa en el lío, entre los que destaca claramente Krishna y quien será aliado de los pandava. Más aún es el compañero de Arjuna.
Los nombres serán una lista larga y enredada. Pero para pasar a la historia dejaré aquí la cosa...
La historia va desde el porqué y cómo se procrea a los mencionados arriba y nos permite entender el devenir. Luego se narra como inician las envidias de Duriodhana y sus hermanos (Kauravas) contra sus primos los Pandava, como las hostilidades escalan, hasta que años después llega una, ya inevitable, guerra entre ambos bandos. El grueso del libro es la guerra y lo que sucede allí, donde se verá con detalle cada personaje desarrollarse plenamente.
La guerra termina con los Pandavas venciendo y los últimos capítulos de la historia tratan cómo acaban sus días estos héroes.
Vale la pena una segunda lectura pues caben muchos niveles de lectura.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 9, 2023
Most readable translation of the illustrious itihāsa.
Swami Vivekananda said: The Mahabharata sets forth in a sublime poem the triumph of virtue and defeat of vice. The hundreds of characters of the Mahabharata and those of the Ramayana have been the cherished heritage of the whole Hindu world for the last several thousands of years and form the basis of their thoughts and of their moral and ethical ideas. In fact, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata are the two encyclopedias of ancient life and wisdom, portraying an ideal civilization which humanity has yet to aspire after (Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda, 4.2.2).
Swami Vivekananda said: The Mahabharata sets forth in a sublime poem the triumph of virtue and defeat of vice. The hundreds of characters of the Mahabharata and those of the Ramayana have been the cherished heritage of the whole Hindu world for the last several thousands of years and form the basis of their thoughts and of their moral and ethical ideas. In fact, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata are the two encyclopedias of ancient life and wisdom, portraying an ideal civilization which humanity has yet to aspire after (Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda, 4.2.2).
March 21, 2024
Subramaniam's lucid writing style and focus on a clear narrative flow make the complex story easier to follow. This is especially helpful for those unfamiliar with the intricacies of the Mahabharata. The timeless themes of the Mahabharata--such as duty, justice, dharma (righteousness), and the consequences of choices--were highlighted and brought to life. This allows readers to connect with the story on a personal level despite its historical and cultural context.
Subramaniam's Mahabharata serves as a valuable gateway for new audiences to enter the world of this epic poem. Her focus on clarity and accessibility allows readers to grasp the essence of the story and its enduring messages. However, it's important to acknowledge the potential loss of detail and the inherent subjectivity of any reinterpretation.
Subramaniam's Mahabharata serves as a valuable gateway for new audiences to enter the world of this epic poem. Her focus on clarity and accessibility allows readers to grasp the essence of the story and its enduring messages. However, it's important to acknowledge the potential loss of detail and the inherent subjectivity of any reinterpretation.
November 6, 2025
The author gave a very clear and graphic description of the Mahabhara war and the portrayal of characters is wonderful. The character of Karna is shown in a positive way and his emotional dilemma in fighting with his own brothers. The author used a very clear and simple style.For those readers who cannot study this epic in original , this book helps them a lot to understand the Mahabharata. The author should be appreciated for her sinncere efforts to present this epic in easy and simple manner.
November 12, 2023
“So long as the world lives, so long as the sun and the moon move in their orbits, so long as there is a spark of *goodness* in the heart of man, the story of the Pandavas will be read in the world of men.”
#kindnesswins
#kindnesswins
January 5, 2025
The epic Mahabharata is wonderfully narrated.one can imagine characters conversing,fighting,laughing and what not.The language is lucid and keeps you hooked.The author has told the story in an amazingly understandable way.
July 11, 2022
Maravillosa lectura, compendio de sabiduría de la antigua India con enseñanzas que son aplicables al mundo y a la sociedad actual.
December 17, 2022
Epic🙏🙏🙏
August 20, 2025
exceptional
April 26, 2020
For the translation: What i was looking for was a short version of the original mahabharata that tells the story with sufficient background and without much alteration. So, i picked this noticing that the author has only made changes at places that would be rendered useless if literally translated.
I think adding footnotes of things not covered but mentioned (like curses of nara and narayana) would have made this even more fantastic but i still feel much of the emotions have been well conveyed.
For the story: As with most things these days, I have realised that the world (at least the one around me) has looked at a very small part of the mythology and has chosen to draw conclusions (and villians) from that even though the original text is surprisingly quite self-aware. Still a lot of contradictions occur in what the pandavas preach and what they do.
What was also surprising was that even though Pandavas are claimed to be all powerful and eventually victors since the starting of the book, they kill almost all the commanders of the kaurav army and duryodhana himself through unfair means.
The best portions of the book are the one involving Radheya (karn) and the sun. The passage of the sun is beautifully used to refer to moods at various points. But it is Radheya's story that i also have to most problems with, plot-wise. I just feel if it was to have a doomed and a tragic ending, it should have been designed in better ways. Maybe that will be my purpose. LOL.
I think adding footnotes of things not covered but mentioned (like curses of nara and narayana) would have made this even more fantastic but i still feel much of the emotions have been well conveyed.
For the story: As with most things these days, I have realised that the world (at least the one around me) has looked at a very small part of the mythology and has chosen to draw conclusions (and villians) from that even though the original text is surprisingly quite self-aware. Still a lot of contradictions occur in what the pandavas preach and what they do.
What was also surprising was that even though Pandavas are claimed to be all powerful and eventually victors since the starting of the book, they kill almost all the commanders of the kaurav army and duryodhana himself through unfair means.
The best portions of the book are the one involving Radheya (karn) and the sun. The passage of the sun is beautifully used to refer to moods at various points. But it is Radheya's story that i also have to most problems with, plot-wise. I just feel if it was to have a doomed and a tragic ending, it should have been designed in better ways. Maybe that will be my purpose. LOL.
October 6, 2014
Though the whole story is vast with countless characters, the author has tried to provide as much information as was possible. Despite the overwhelming amount of facts, there are a few pieces missing here and there, still the author has done a great job in presenting a concise picture. The questions that arise as the story moves forward, have been answered at some point, most of them.
What I liked the best about this book is that it gives a completely unbiased picture of all the characters. We have grown up knowing Duryodhan as the bad guy, which he was, but the author has also shown his positive qualities, his vulnerability. Similarly, the author has addressed the weak points of Arjun. Karna was always my favorite character and I love him even more now. Before the war began, even Krishna has been portrayed as a normal human being, just slightly wiser than many others, reasonably wiser. Its only after the war began that many things didn't make sense but that's how the story is.
Overall I think if anyone wants to refresh their knowledge of this epic or read it for the first time, its a good book!
What I liked the best about this book is that it gives a completely unbiased picture of all the characters. We have grown up knowing Duryodhan as the bad guy, which he was, but the author has also shown his positive qualities, his vulnerability. Similarly, the author has addressed the weak points of Arjun. Karna was always my favorite character and I love him even more now. Before the war began, even Krishna has been portrayed as a normal human being, just slightly wiser than many others, reasonably wiser. Its only after the war began that many things didn't make sense but that's how the story is.
Overall I think if anyone wants to refresh their knowledge of this epic or read it for the first time, its a good book!
March 12, 2013
Thought this book seems to be more exhaustive than some of the other translations, even here I feel there are some parts of the story lines that has been skipped or hurried through. I am not sure how the original Mahabharata by Ved Vyas has been written, but this translation seems to more from the Pandavas POV.
Though there some of the sub plots which I have found only here and not in other translations, again these have been only have those that surround the Pandavas.
Will hold on to further thoughts until I finish the book.
Though there some of the sub plots which I have found only here and not in other translations, again these have been only have those that surround the Pandavas.
Will hold on to further thoughts until I finish the book.
October 4, 2019
I wanted to come to the Bhagavad Gita in the way I did with so many formative stories of my childhood - as a story, and through heart-connection, rather than as an academic or intellectual study. This version of the Mahabharata was exactly what I was looking for - I fell in love with the characters, and developed heart-relationships with the stories, including the Bhagavad Gita, which I explored within this larger context of myth and culture. It took me forever to read - it was quite a project! But so worth it for the lasting impression the experience has left behind.
August 1, 2021
WHAT AN AMAZING TALE INDEED!
This saga covers everything: love, hate, revenge, worship, compassion, anger, devotion; all of the human emotions as well as war and peace. For years I knew a bit about Arjuna and Krishna and how Arjuna choose Krishna when given the choice between all the armies and equipment of war at his side or would he choose Krishna. Such a marvelous tale. Parts were difficult to read; the parts of human cruelty were agonizing and yet I am anxious to reread it again.... very soon.
This saga covers everything: love, hate, revenge, worship, compassion, anger, devotion; all of the human emotions as well as war and peace. For years I knew a bit about Arjuna and Krishna and how Arjuna choose Krishna when given the choice between all the armies and equipment of war at his side or would he choose Krishna. Such a marvelous tale. Parts were difficult to read; the parts of human cruelty were agonizing and yet I am anxious to reread it again.... very soon.
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