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ಮಹಾಬ್ರಾಹ್ಮಣ | MahaBrahmana
Book takes us through the transformation of King Kaushika as Kshatriya to Sage Viswamitra as Mahabrahmana. Gives some great insights into Gayatri mantra and how it can transform the life of a mortal.
306 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 1950
51 people are currently reading
614 people want to read
About the author
Devudu Narasimhashastri
23 books32 followersದೇವುಡು(೧೮೮೬ ಡಿಸೆಂಬರ್ ೨೯ - ೧೯೬೨ ಅಕ್ಟೋಬರ್ ೨೭) ಎಂದೇ ಖ್ಯಾತರಾದ ದೇವುಡು ನರಸಿಂಹಶಾಸ್ತ್ರಿಯವರು ಕನ್ನಡದ ಖ್ಯಾತ ವಿದ್ವಾಂಸ ಮತ್ತು ಸಾಹಿತಿಗಳಲ್ಲೊಬ್ಬರು. ಅವರು ಅನೇಕ ಐತಿಹಾಸಿಕ, ಪೌರಾಣಿಕ ಮತ್ತು ಸಾಮಾಜಿಕ ಕಾದಂಬರಿಗಳನ್ನು ಬರೆದಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಅವರ "ಮಹಾಕ್ಷತ್ರಿಯ" ಕಾದಂಬರಿಗಾಗಿ ಕೇಂದ್ರ ಸಾಹಿತ್ಯ ಅಕಾಡೆಮಿ ಪ್ರಶಸ್ತಿ ದೊರೆತಿದೆ.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 9, 2007
First of all, I am surprised to find this book in the list here. Amazing, that shows the vastness of this site.
I heard of this book through a friend and while talking to my aunt mentioned my desire to read it. Surprisingly, my aunt who arranges Satsang’s (Spiritual preaching) told me that Mr. Devadu's daughter comes to the Satsang very often. I remembered seeing her many a times. When she came to know about my interest in the book she gifted me this English translation. (Original is in Kannada- Language spoken mainly in Karnataka state of India)
I am great full to Mr. Devadu for writing such a wonderful book. From years, as a Brahmin I have been told to practice certain rituals. I have never really understood the importance of the Gayatri Mantra that I have been saying since an age of 12 but this book gave me the insight and enlightenment to discover the value of our culture.
Main things I learnt from the book are -
1. One need not be born as a Brahmin to be called one. Brahmin is a state that anyone can attain through following set of rules and rituals.
2. Importance of chanting - How each and every nerves and arteries are involved.
3. How to concentrate, meditate and fight egoism.
4. Many unanswered questions regarding castes, Dharma, karma and Man-Women harmony has been cleared in this text.
Life of Vishwamitra itself is an encouraging story of an arrogant king who destroys the ashram of Sage Vasishta in fight over the sacred cow Nandi, undergoes many failures and finally finds success and status. This is a story of a king, Kshatriya by birth who transforms himself into a Brahmin.
I heard of this book through a friend and while talking to my aunt mentioned my desire to read it. Surprisingly, my aunt who arranges Satsang’s (Spiritual preaching) told me that Mr. Devadu's daughter comes to the Satsang very often. I remembered seeing her many a times. When she came to know about my interest in the book she gifted me this English translation. (Original is in Kannada- Language spoken mainly in Karnataka state of India)
I am great full to Mr. Devadu for writing such a wonderful book. From years, as a Brahmin I have been told to practice certain rituals. I have never really understood the importance of the Gayatri Mantra that I have been saying since an age of 12 but this book gave me the insight and enlightenment to discover the value of our culture.
Main things I learnt from the book are -
1. One need not be born as a Brahmin to be called one. Brahmin is a state that anyone can attain through following set of rules and rituals.
2. Importance of chanting - How each and every nerves and arteries are involved.
3. How to concentrate, meditate and fight egoism.
4. Many unanswered questions regarding castes, Dharma, karma and Man-Women harmony has been cleared in this text.
Life of Vishwamitra itself is an encouraging story of an arrogant king who destroys the ashram of Sage Vasishta in fight over the sacred cow Nandi, undergoes many failures and finally finds success and status. This is a story of a king, Kshatriya by birth who transforms himself into a Brahmin.
December 22, 2025
Mahabrahmana is a powerful retelling of the life of Brahmarshi Vishwamitra, enriched with philosophical depth that forms the soul of Devudu’s celebrated novel. Born a warrior, Vishwamitra relinquished his kingdom to pursue intense penance. When Indra, the Lord of Heaven, denied entry to King Trishanku, the resolute sage known for his unwavering determination created a parallel heaven for the king who sought his refuge.
This is the extraordinary story of how a man transforms into a Brahmarshi through years of unimaginable penance and self-discipline, despite numerous distractions and obstacles. Each time he faltered, he returned with renewed resolve. The book also sheds light on the profound significance of the Gayatri Mantra and Sandhyavandana.
Devudu had envisioned a grand quadrilogy.
Maha Brahmana: a creative reconstruction of the illustrious life and personality of Sage Vishwamitra.
Maha Kshatriya: a similar exploration of the royal sage Nahusha, who not only performed the formidable Visvajit Yaga but was also granted the rare honour of occupying Indra’s throne in heaven.
Maha Darshana: the timeless story of Sage Yajnavalkya and his wife Maitreyi.
Maha Sanyasi: intended as the crowning jewel of the series, highlighting the life and legacy of Adi Shankaracharya, and celebrating his profound contributions to Indian culture.
Sadly, Devudu departed from this world before he could complete this final masterpiece.
This Kannada classic is also available in Sanskrit, Tamil, and English.
This is the extraordinary story of how a man transforms into a Brahmarshi through years of unimaginable penance and self-discipline, despite numerous distractions and obstacles. Each time he faltered, he returned with renewed resolve. The book also sheds light on the profound significance of the Gayatri Mantra and Sandhyavandana.
Devudu had envisioned a grand quadrilogy.
Maha Brahmana: a creative reconstruction of the illustrious life and personality of Sage Vishwamitra.
Maha Kshatriya: a similar exploration of the royal sage Nahusha, who not only performed the formidable Visvajit Yaga but was also granted the rare honour of occupying Indra’s throne in heaven.
Maha Darshana: the timeless story of Sage Yajnavalkya and his wife Maitreyi.
Maha Sanyasi: intended as the crowning jewel of the series, highlighting the life and legacy of Adi Shankaracharya, and celebrating his profound contributions to Indian culture.
Sadly, Devudu departed from this world before he could complete this final masterpiece.
This Kannada classic is also available in Sanskrit, Tamil, and English.
December 14, 2022
Being a Hindu, The moment of wakening always starts with a salutation to Surya(sun) and prayers to all gods/goddesses. Over some time, My unending search for gods dragged me into atheism, existentialism, Advaita, Bhakti yoga and pluralism, and many more. In this ocean of confusion, Every morning I ponder the thought of choosing a god/goddess to offer my prayers, So they can elevate me in the path of attaining Mukti. That's where I got to know about Gaytri Mantra, A mantra has the potency to enter inward to tap into the spiritual wealth of this limitless universe.
Who must be the discoverer of the "Gaytri Mantra"? , A mantra that is available to every being in this universe who is seeking a creation that connects and unites the universe as one, and also helps us free from the Maya.
Gayatri Mantra is discovered by Brahmarsi "Viswa Mitra", he went on a mission to find a path to make the grace of the divine available to everyone. This book "Devudu" compiled an enigmatic story to narrate the journey of King Kaushika transforming into Maha Brahmana Vishwa Mitra from his Kshatriya dharma.
I have read this book in the Kannada language, The language used is rich with Kannada words that I haven't encountered before in any literature, Even Kuvempu cant reach the peak of "Devudu" attained in the Kannada language. The journey of Vishwa Mitra in Devudu's writings gives us a mystical experience that is beyond the senses.
It's a mystical story of a king's journey to attain Brahmanya through vigorous penance and unwavering focus to reach his destiny. And the journey of Vishwamitra also clears many doubts about what it means to be a Brahmin. Usually, we grew up watching movies where Vishwamitra got seduced by Menaka in movies, and we also use vishwamitra's name to justify our evil deeds and intentions. After you read this book, You will change your views about What it means to be Brahmin? What does it mean to be a Vishwamitra? , and also you realize Menaka didn't seduce Vishwa Mitra by doing some dance in a movie, She gained his love through the devotion of Saha Dharmini and served her responsibility to help Vishwa Mitra to overcome attachment to worldly affairs which is imbued with ego.
Distorted views are shown in movies about Menaka, Ramba, and Ghritachi. We tend to have a low-level idea about these prominent Apsaras in our history. Once you read these "Devudu" works, You would realize they are no lesser than any notable figures who walked through our glorious history.
Please do read this book in Kannada, Before these books were thrown into the dusted corners by our social media status Kannada lovers. If you want to feel the richness of Kannada, This is a must-read.
Who must be the discoverer of the "Gaytri Mantra"? , A mantra that is available to every being in this universe who is seeking a creation that connects and unites the universe as one, and also helps us free from the Maya.
Gayatri Mantra is discovered by Brahmarsi "Viswa Mitra", he went on a mission to find a path to make the grace of the divine available to everyone. This book "Devudu" compiled an enigmatic story to narrate the journey of King Kaushika transforming into Maha Brahmana Vishwa Mitra from his Kshatriya dharma.
I have read this book in the Kannada language, The language used is rich with Kannada words that I haven't encountered before in any literature, Even Kuvempu cant reach the peak of "Devudu" attained in the Kannada language. The journey of Vishwa Mitra in Devudu's writings gives us a mystical experience that is beyond the senses.
It's a mystical story of a king's journey to attain Brahmanya through vigorous penance and unwavering focus to reach his destiny. And the journey of Vishwamitra also clears many doubts about what it means to be a Brahmin. Usually, we grew up watching movies where Vishwamitra got seduced by Menaka in movies, and we also use vishwamitra's name to justify our evil deeds and intentions. After you read this book, You will change your views about What it means to be Brahmin? What does it mean to be a Vishwamitra? , and also you realize Menaka didn't seduce Vishwa Mitra by doing some dance in a movie, She gained his love through the devotion of Saha Dharmini and served her responsibility to help Vishwa Mitra to overcome attachment to worldly affairs which is imbued with ego.
Distorted views are shown in movies about Menaka, Ramba, and Ghritachi. We tend to have a low-level idea about these prominent Apsaras in our history. Once you read these "Devudu" works, You would realize they are no lesser than any notable figures who walked through our glorious history.
Please do read this book in Kannada, Before these books were thrown into the dusted corners by our social media status Kannada lovers. If you want to feel the richness of Kannada, This is a must-read.
September 29, 2020
ವಿಶ್ವಾಮಿತ್ರ ಮಹಾಬ್ರಾಹ್ಮಣನಾದ ಕಥೆ
August 27, 2018
This is my favourite book. This is the story of Vishwmitra becoming Brahmana. Devudu illustrates The whole transformation process, the ultimate self-actualization process in an imaginative way. This is a marvellous piece of work by Devudu; wonderfully written. He will take the reader to a different world.
July 10, 2015
Best novel i have read till now.
January 19, 2017
The standard of Kannada used in this book is awesome. The way of explaining , admiring things and situations are really good.
June 2, 2018
Felt like I was watching a devotional movie, formed so beautifully. If one needs to know what is to be brahman, the go read this. I felt that in current soceity all so called brahmans needs to really know who is a brahman.
January 19, 2019
One of the Masterpiece book, enlightens about spiritual journeys of many sadhakas, There are many secrets about our ancient rishis and narrated in the very much down to earth coversation, so a common person can also understand
January 29, 2015
Amazing untold story of Sage Vishwamitra and Gayatri Mantra. Do not miss this book. Every Brahmin should read this book to know the significance of Gayatri and Sandhyavandane.
September 3, 2020
A very detailed, nicely written story on Saptarishi Vishwamitra
October 18, 2020
ಕೌಶಿಕನು, ಮಹಾಬ್ರಾಹ್ಮಣ ವಿಶ್ವಾಮಿತ್ರರಾಗುವ ಶ್ರೇಷ್ಠ ಪಯಣದ ಕಥೆ....
June 9, 2019
Very good book. This was in my to read list for a long time. Happy that I have read .
Hats off to Devudu for narrating the story of transformation in a simple and understandable way. Now looking forward to read other two....maha khatriya and maha darshana
Hats off to Devudu for narrating the story of transformation in a simple and understandable way. Now looking forward to read other two....maha khatriya and maha darshana
February 8, 2016
Good one!
September 18, 2019
This book details the perseverance and human will of King Koushik, and how he transforms himself into Vishwamitra, one of the saptarishi!
June 10, 2020
ಅದ್ಭುತವಾದ ಕೃತಿ
January 7, 2024
To start with the edition of the book that I read had several printing issues. I initially thought might be the Kannada words used are old and complicated and I was missing out something from my end. Then when the sentences started repeating, several words were correctly used in later paragraphs confirmed that there were printing issues.
This was an interesting book to read and while the whole focus was supposed to be on Vishwamitra, the story of Shunahshepa made me feel more for him. Since the book is written several decades ago, I do not understand the political climate of that time, but in the times that I read the book, it feels an interesting read. While several of my generation(including myself) are leaving behind some of our cultures, this books is a reminder that a lot of things came to existence because of severe efforts from certain set of people. All in all interesting read!
This was an interesting book to read and while the whole focus was supposed to be on Vishwamitra, the story of Shunahshepa made me feel more for him. Since the book is written several decades ago, I do not understand the political climate of that time, but in the times that I read the book, it feels an interesting read. While several of my generation(including myself) are leaving behind some of our cultures, this books is a reminder that a lot of things came to existence because of severe efforts from certain set of people. All in all interesting read!
November 24, 2010
SOMBODY ASK ME MARATHI TRANSLATION OF THIS BOOK
Currently reading
October 6, 2012i had this book recommeneded by my friend . He has been suggesting for a while and finally i made up my mind to buy it today. Detail review of the book to come once i finish reading it.
Read
September 27, 2016what is the meaning of life?
March 22, 2023
ಅಬ್ಬಾ!!! ಇದೊಂದು ಅದ್ಬುತ ಚಮತ್ಕಾರ.
ಕಾದಂಬರಿ ಅಂದ್ರೆ ಹೀಗೆ ಇರಬೇಕು.
ಕ್ಷತ್ರಿಯ ನಿಂದ ಬ್ರಾಹ್ಮಣ ನಾಗುವ , ಮಹರ್ಷಿ ವಿಶ್ವಾಮಿತ್ರ ನ ಕೆಥೆ ರೋಚಕ ವಾಗಿದೆ.ಜಾತಿ ಬ್ರಾಹ್ಮಣ ಅಲ್ಲ , ಗುಣ ಬ್ರಾಹ್ಮಣ ಮುಖ್ಯ ಅನ್ನೋದನ್ನ ದೇವುಡುರವರು ತೋರಿಸಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಇದಕ್ಕೆ ವಿಶ್ವಾಮಿತ್ರರೇ ನಿದರ್ಶನೀಯ.
ಇದರ ಜೊತೆಗೆ ತ್ರಿಶಂಕು, ಹರಿಶ್ಚಂದ್ರ ರ ಕಥೆ ಕೂಡ ಬಂದಿದೆ.ಅಪ್ಪ ತ್ರಿಶಂಕುವಿಗೆ ಲಭಿಸದ ಪುಣ್ಯ ಮಗ ಹರಿಶ್ಚಂದ್ರ ನಿಗೆ ಅದೇ ವಿಶ್ವಾಮಿತ್ರ ರಿಂದ ಸಿಗುತ್ತದೆ. ಬಹುಶ: ಇದು ಹೀಗೆ ಆಗಿದೆ ಅನ್ನೋದ್ರಲ್ಲಿ ಯಾವುದೇ ಅನುಮಾನ ಇಲ್ಲ. ಅಷ್ಟು ಚೆನ್ನಾಗಿ ಬಂದಿದೆ.ದಯವಿಟ್ಟು ಎಲ್ಲರೂ ಓದಲೇಬೇಕಾದ ನಮ್ಮ ಸಂಸ್ಕೃತಿಯ ಹೆಮ್ಮೆಯ ಪುಸ್ತಕ
ಕಾದಂಬರಿ ಅಂದ್ರೆ ಹೀಗೆ ಇರಬೇಕು.
ಕ್ಷತ್ರಿಯ ನಿಂದ ಬ್ರಾಹ್ಮಣ ನಾಗುವ , ಮಹರ್ಷಿ ವಿಶ್ವಾಮಿತ್ರ ನ ಕೆಥೆ ರೋಚಕ ವಾಗಿದೆ.ಜಾತಿ ಬ್ರಾಹ್ಮಣ ಅಲ್ಲ , ಗುಣ ಬ್ರಾಹ್ಮಣ ಮುಖ್ಯ ಅನ್ನೋದನ್ನ ದೇವುಡುರವರು ತೋರಿಸಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಇದಕ್ಕೆ ವಿಶ್ವಾಮಿತ್ರರೇ ನಿದರ್ಶನೀಯ.
ಇದರ ಜೊತೆಗೆ ತ್ರಿಶಂಕು, ಹರಿಶ್ಚಂದ್ರ ರ ಕಥೆ ಕೂಡ ಬಂದಿದೆ.ಅಪ್ಪ ತ್ರಿಶಂಕುವಿಗೆ ಲಭಿಸದ ಪುಣ್ಯ ಮಗ ಹರಿಶ್ಚಂದ್ರ ನಿಗೆ ಅದೇ ವಿಶ್ವಾಮಿತ್ರ ರಿಂದ ಸಿಗುತ್ತದೆ. ಬಹುಶ: ಇದು ಹೀಗೆ ಆಗಿದೆ ಅನ್ನೋದ್ರಲ್ಲಿ ಯಾವುದೇ ಅನುಮಾನ ಇಲ್ಲ. ಅಷ್ಟು ಚೆನ್ನಾಗಿ ಬಂದಿದೆ.ದಯವಿಟ್ಟು ಎಲ್ಲರೂ ಓದಲೇಬೇಕಾದ ನಮ್ಮ ಸಂಸ್ಕೃತಿಯ ಹೆಮ್ಮೆಯ ಪುಸ್ತಕ
June 2, 2023
ರಾಜ ಕೌಶಿಕನಿಂದ *ಭಾಗರ್ವಾ ವಿಶ್ವಾಮಿತ್ರ* ರಾದ ಅತ್ಯಾದ್ಭುತ ಪರಿವರ್ತನೆಯನ್ನು *ದೇವುಡು* ಅವರು ತಮ್ಮ ಕನ್ನಡ ಪಾಂಡಿತ್ಯದಿಂದ ಕನ್ನಡ ಸಾಹಿತ್ಯದಲ್ಲಿನ ಅಷ್ಟು ಪದಗಳನ್ನು ಪೋಣಿಸಿ ಬರೆದಿರಬಹುದು ಎನ್ನುವಂತಹ ಮಹಾಕಾವ್ಯ. ರಾಜ ಕೌಶಿಕನ ಪರಿಶ್ರಮ ಮತ್ತು ಮಾನವ ಇಚ್ಛೆ ಅವನು ಸಪ್ತಋಷಿಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಒಬ್ಬನಾಗಲು ವಿಶ್ವಾಮಿತ್ರನಾಗಿ ಹೇಗೆ ರೂಪಾಂತರಗೊಳ್ಳುತ್ತಾನೆ ಮತ್ತು ಗಾಯತ್ರೀ ಮಹಾಮಂತ್ರ ರಚನೆ ಹೇಗಾಯಿತು ಎಂಬುದು ತಿಳಿಸುತ್ತದೆ.
ಕಾರ್ಯ ಸಿದ್ದಿಗಾಗಿ ಮಾನವ ಏನಾದರೂ ಸಾಧಿಸಬಲ್ಲ ಎಂಬ ಅಂಶ ಈ ಕಾವ್ಯದುದ್ದಕ್ಕೂ ನಮಗೆ ಅಂತಃಕರಣವಾಗಿ ನಮ್ಮನ್ನು ಹಿಡಿದಿರುವ ಕಾರ್ಯ ಮುಗಿಯುವವರೆಗೆ ಬಿಡಬಾರದು ಎಂದು ತೋರಿಸಿ ಕೊಡುವ ಮಹಾನ್ ಕಥನ
ಕಾರ್ಯ ಸಿದ್ದಿಗಾಗಿ ಮಾನವ ಏನಾದರೂ ಸಾಧಿಸಬಲ್ಲ ಎಂಬ ಅಂಶ ಈ ಕಾವ್ಯದುದ್ದಕ್ಕೂ ನಮಗೆ ಅಂತಃಕರಣವಾಗಿ ನಮ್ಮನ್ನು ಹಿಡಿದಿರುವ ಕಾರ್ಯ ಮುಗಿಯುವವರೆಗೆ ಬಿಡಬಾರದು ಎಂದು ತೋರಿಸಿ ಕೊಡುವ ಮಹಾನ್ ಕಥನ
October 5, 2024
Top notch
November 28, 2024
Xtraordinary work by Devudu. Am reading the triology (Maha Darshana, Maha Kshatriya) and getting myself lost in that mythological era.
One must read these to understand our culture and those great saints and their struggle to gain that wisdom and of course richness of Kannada in Devudu style.
One must read these to understand our culture and those great saints and their struggle to gain that wisdom and of course richness of Kannada in Devudu style.
Want to read
July 9, 2023Good one
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews