Product Description

Krishna Dharma condenses the epic into a fast paced novel that fully retains the majestic mood of the original. A powerful and moving tale, it recounts the history of the five heroic Pandava brothers. Cheated of their kingdom and sent into exile by their envious cousins, they set off on a fascinating journey. Profound spiritual themes underlie the thrilling narrative, making it one of the world's most revered texts. Culminating in an apocalyptic war, Mahabharata is a masterpiece of suspense, intrigue, and illuminating wisdom.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #134057 in Books
• Published on: 2005-08-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 944 pages

Review
"Dharma successfully captures the mood and majesty of a rich and ancient epic, and in the process, does full and complete justice to the critical elements of the complex story. A well wrought saga that will be appreciated by western readers and admirably serve to introduce a new generation to the rich spiritual, cultural and historic legacy of India." Midwest book review. "The narrative moves effortlessly...Often as racily as a thriller, without compromising the elevated style and diction. The visual imagery is every bit as impressive as anything achieved in the cinematic versions." Mahesh Nair. India Today "With its intense love scenes jewelled palaces, vast battles, heroes, magical weapons and warring families, this novelized version resembles a 20th century saga." James Meek, the Guardian

Customer Reviews

Highly readable and accurate version of original text
I have read several versions of the Mahabharata, but this is by far the best. Dharma draws you straight into the action and keeps your attention riveted. His language is a little elevated, but that is quite in keeping with the original text, to which he has closely adhered. Students of the original will find that Dharma has very much retained its poetic flavour and splendour. It is not like modern novels, in that it does not employ the techniques of suspense and the like, but your mind is held by the wondrous descriptions of a long past age of chivalry and virtue, and by the descriptions of truly heroic characters. And there are some highly beautiful exchanges of dialogue which made my heart soar.

Fans of the Greek classics will love this, as will anyone who reads heroic literature of any kind. For those already familiar with the Mahabharata, you will not be disappointed with this version. It is unashamedly devotional, but then so is the original text. Anyone wanting to start their exploration of India's most read and popular epic would be well advised to begin with this book. It will launch you on an inner journey that takes you to regions of unimaginable transcendental happiness. As the Mahabaharata itself says, 'Whatever is to be found elsewhere will also be found here, and anything not contained here will not be found anywhere else.'

A unique achievement
It is very refreshing to find such a readable and exciting rendition of this classic. For the most part, translations of India's spiritual writings are quite heavy going, usually stilted and hard to follow. Not so this one. Written in highly accessible modern prose, it is a fluid narrative that grips the reader like a modern day bestselling novel. This is no mean feat. Having read the original text I know it is a complex tale with many interwoven strands that span vast periods of time. Every character has his or her own fascinating story that ties in with overall theme of the epic, and Dharma has managed to incorporate them all into a tight narrative that never loses the reader. He plainly knows the story inside out, and has cleverly structured his book so that it all fits together into a coherent whole. When I read the original I found myself constantly turning backwards and forwards in order to follow the story, and I was grateful to have it clearly spelled out by Dharma in his book.

This treatment of the epic is perhaps unique. Other writers have tried something similar, I know, but in my view none have been quite as successful. And from what I have seen, none of them have shown so lucidly the spiritual import of the Mahabharata. I would say that this is Dharma's greatest contribution to the epic. He brings out the spiritual meaning intended by the original author Vyasa. Being himself a spiritual disciple in the line that comes from Vyasa, he is well positioned to understand its sublime and uplifting message. I found the passages of spiritual instruction, such as the text of the Bhagavad Gita (which forms one chapter of the Mahabharata) particularly enjoyable and very moving.

It is a big book, but I read it in a few days, taking every opportunity to immerse myself in the ancient world it so nicely depicts. As a stirring tale of heroes, warriors, gods, saints, mystics and beautiful damsels, it is without rival, in my view. And as a guide to universal spiritual practises it is a book to be treasured and studied again and again. Highly recommended.

Author's comments
Mahabharata, a part of the ancient Vedas of India, is a story quite unlike anything else. There are few books which have survived as long as this five thousand year old epic. Its enduring popularity is itself testimony to the profound wisdom contained in its pages. In fact it includes the Bhagavad-gita - a masterpiece of spiritual knowledge revered by millions worldwide - and is the narration of the factual events which surrounded the speaking of that illuminating text.
Mahabharata thus deals with the activities of Krishna, the supreme person and author of the Bhagavad-gita. This gives it a unique quality. Because of Krishna's presence, and the presence of many of his pure followers, one feels uplifted by reading the book. It soothes its readers on a deep spiritual level, bringing them closer to an understanding of the divine, and awakening a transcendental joy that surpasses all other happiness. Although from the external point of view it is a tale of conflict and intrigue among kings, demons, gods and sages, there is a deeper spiritual meaning which pervades the whole work. One can thus go on reading it again and again without it becoming stale or boring. On the contrary, one discovers different layers of meaning with each reading. Mahabharata is a book to be treasured and passed on from generation to generation.

As the writer I have simply tried to make the work easily accessible. I have remained faithful to the original, often presenting the dialogue exactly as it appeared in the Sanskrit manuscripts, but I have endeavoured to bring the text to life by the techniques of dramatisation and characterisation. I studied several translations, and cross referenced other Vedic texts for verification of detail where possible. I myself am a priest trained in the Vaishnava tradition, followers of Vishnu or Krishna, and Mahabharata is a Vaishnava text. My book is perhaps the first time that Mahabharata has been presented in English from the perspective of its original author, the sage Vyasadeva. It is suitable for a wide range of readers, from those coming new to the work, to those wishing to study it for academic purposes.

I hope you find it enjoyable. I am constantly endeavouring to improve my books, and am always open to any suggestions or feedback from my readers. Those unfamiliar with Sanskrit terms (i.e. most of us) may initially find some of the names a little difficult, but do perservere, you will soon master them and when you do you will be richly rewarded by reading Mahabharata. It is without doubt the greatest spiritual epic of all time, at least in my humble opinion.

Krishna Dharma