Mahabharata

I've owned Rajagopalachari's version of the Mahabharata now for more than 10 years. Whenever I am compelled to absorb the teachings in Hinduism or revisit the story, this book comes to mind. It's easy to understand and straightforward. It lacks the recycled feel that often comes across by other authors, and instead brings its own style in telling the story while staying true to the events. Not too lengthy but at the same time, not overly simple. I would, however, recommend purchasing the hardcover version which may be more rare and can't be obtained from Amazon. I have seen the version Amazon sells and it is fairly poor quality. Amazon's version is also more expensive than it really should be.

This is more a paraphrase and interpretation than a translation. (At one point Rajagopalachari completely leaves the text to explicitly make his own comparison to modern events). That said, the paraphrase is readable. Still, I wanted a translation.

The book Mahabharata By Chakravarti Rajagopalachari was a joy to read and I've read it from cover to cover twice, occasionally going back to it for reference purposes. It must be noted that this is a story retold by Rajagopalachari in his own words and not directly from the original scriptures of the ancient Mahabharata.

As a side-note to my Ancient Alien researching comrades, this book does NOT mention the word Vimana in any description, except with the odd aerial chariot description. I bought this book for that reason too, but even so, was glad i read it for the Hindu mythology.

The books main focus is on the Pandava brothers; Yudisthira, Arjuna, Bhima, Nakula and Sahadeva. Their main rivals are the Kauravas; their cousins, with the main leader being Duryodhana. After much rivalry, the wicked Duryodhana ups the attacks on the brothers, with it finally ending with the battle at Kurukshetra. Previously Duryodhana had publicly humiliated Draupadi, the common wife of the Pandava brothers and Bhima especially took it very personally.

Regardless of the fact that this is not word for word an exact replica of the original ancient Indian scriptures, I feel you will get something from it. The stories are memorable months and even years later and you'll find yourself wanting to discuss them with others.(all subjective of course)

I remember vividly sitting in a bar in Belfast with my brother and feeling compelled to tell him of a story that I'd read recently in the book. It was the story of Krishna appearing to Draupadi, the wife of the Pandava brothers and how Draupadi was grieved because she had run out of food. In those days it was expected of a house owner to honour a sage with a feast whenever he came knocking on their door, as a sign of respect. According to the story, some sages took great offense at not receiving a feast and with their powers they could reduce people to ashes. Unfortunately for Draupadi, there was another sage sent specifically to her home by the wicked Duryodhana, because he knew she would not have enough food to entertain another guest after having fed her husbands. So not only did she have no food for Krishna, she also had no food for the other sage who just so happened to be prone to having a very bad temper.

Krishna was himself considered a very wise sage and being a merciful being, noticed that there was a bit of vegetable and a single grain of rice stuck to the side of a food bowl. He told her not to worry about the feast as this one single grain was enough to satisfy him. The author Rajagopalachari explained that Krishna accepted the miniscule pieces of food as Sri Hari, Soul of the Universe. The explanation was that as he was the soul of the universe, all was contained within Krishna and because he was satisfied with the food, then all had been sated too, including the temperamental sage, who, before reaching the house, decided that he was too full to eat a meal.

Regardless of the strangeness and perhaps unlikelihood of such stories (though I am inclined to believe that there are more mysteries in the world than most realise), there is a genuinely compassionate figure to be found in Krishna throughout them. You often find yourself wanting to emulate these brave, compassionate noble characters in your day to day life with both your actions and the words you say to others.

Published and printed in India, Rajagopalachari's version of the Mahabharata is, in my view, printed on quite a cheap paper stock but i feel the story itself more than makes up for physical delivery. I would even go as far as to say that the paper stock actually adds to the charm, as i feel that the humble, noble tales from a such a humble, yet beautiful land almost demands that frivolous luxuries really have no place in such a book. The only reason i've mentioned the paper stock in the review is that i feel it may be an issue to some people and i prefer my reviews to be informative.

Because these are mythologies centred around India, they include names of places and figures that some may find hard to pronounce. For a purely western minded person, these names could even become confusing. For example I've heard some get confused between names like Draupadi and Duryodhana. You'll also encounter strange place names like Panchala, Kuru, Madra and even Dwarka, homeplace of Krishna, but I feel that when you get into the overall story, these hard to pronounce names become a non-issue.

I really enjoyed the book and it has inspired me to understand the cultures of faraway lands.

There's no doubt that the Mahabharata is a great tale, however I would not suggest this particular version to anyone. For a 52nd edition, one would think there would be a lot less spelling and grammar mistakes! Has anyone edited this thing, ever?!? The author also likes to try and relate the story to modern times in random paragraphs that read more like a bad middle school book report.
One other thing I didn't like was the way he treated each chapter as its own little story. For example; there would be a chapter that introduces the reader to Bhishma by telling the story of his origins. Then the chapter would finish by telling of his downfall later in the battle at Kurukshetra. There is little-to-no suspense in the storytelling.
Overall it was a decent read with little annoyances, and I enjoyed reading about this epic tale. I would just suggest finding a better telling of the Mahabharata.

The Mahabharata give the background and context for the Bhagavad Gita. Students of yoga will enjoy this story of Divine sport or play to teach mankind the important lessons of life.

Many of the pages in this Mahabaratha book are white and blank. Some thing to do with printing or publishing company. Otherwise the contents of the book are structured well.

Great classic tale

very educational religious and cultural book.

Great Story! I want to read more of these ancient writings!

page turner.. story has been made more interesting..