Ramayana Banaam Mahabharata [Ramayana vs. Mahabharata]

The multi-dimensional aspect of the characters found in the Hindu spiritual world is unlike any other. The Hindu Gods and Goddesses embody both positive as well as negative characteristics. Bhartiya Pauranik Kathaein discusses how these opposing energies are valued equally in the Hindu worldview and how they balance out over time. Not only does this book reveal the essence of the Hindu worldview but also helps interpret ancient stories to inform the contemporary generation.

One of the three Gods of Trinity in Hinduism is Lord Vishnu, also called the Lord of the world. In mythological texts, Vishnu is considered as the 10 incarnations of Dashavtar. Shri Ram and Shri Krishna are his most important incarnations. Vishnu's residence is in two different places: in the world, in Baikunth, and second, in the Kshir-Sagar, where he is seated on the eternal balance. In Bhagavad Gita, Vishnu has been considered as Vishwaroop or Virat Purusha. This book attempts to unlock the seven secrets of Vishnu that are relevant even in modern times.

In Meri Gita, acclaimed mythologist Devdutt Pattanaik demystifies The Bhagavad Gita for the contemporary listener. His unique approach - thematic rather than verse-by-verse - makes the ancient treatise eminently accessible.In a world that seems spellbound by argument over dialogue, vi-vaad over sam-vaad, Devdutt highlights how Krishna nudges Arjuna to understand rather than judge his relationships. This becomes relevant today when we are increasingly indulging and isolating the self.

Shiva, ‘the destroyer’ among the Hindu trinity (of gods), is depicted in many contradictory manners. He is an ascetic who wears animal skin, his body smeared with ashes. Contradictory to his wild nature, he is also depicted as having a family, with a beautiful wife and two children. There are many more such varied representations of Shiva, the most prominent of these being the Linga and the Nataraja. The author, Devdutt Pattanaik, introduces listeners to these varied aspects and representations and then sets about interpreting them.

It is an irony of fate that despite being an extremely important and immortal character in the saga of Mahabharata, Ashwatthama has always been neglected. There are other characters in puranic literature, including Ashwatthama, who are considered immortal. But where other characters have received immortality in the form of a boon, Ashwatthama received in the form of a curse! 

This book hopes to act as an internal X-ray mirror, reflecting you to YOU. Through anecdotes, spiritual stories and the teachings of one of the most powerful men who lived in the past few centuries, it hopes to help you put together the jigsaw puzzle of yourself. You’d be surprised that there is a lot more to you that you did not know...but should! In the journey through this audiobook, learn to accept, respect and revere yourself. So, are you ready...to undertake a journey of self-love?

Many modern scholars say Shiva’s linga is a phallic symbol. Most devotees disagree. Who is right? This book looks at the sexual metaphors associated with Shiva and uncovers the meaning beneath.

The story of Yayati is perhaps one of the most intriguing and fascinating episodes of Mahabharata. Yayati was a great scholar and one of the noblest rulers of olden times. He followed the shastras and was devoted to the welfare of his subjects. Even the king of gods, Indra, held him in high esteem. Married to seductively beautiful Devyani, in love with her maid Sharmishtha, and father of five sons from two women, Yayati unabashedly declared, 'My lust for pleasure is unsatisfied'. His quest for the carnal continued.

From a renowned historian comes a groundbreaking narrative of humanity’s creation and evolution - a number one international best seller - that explores the ways in which biology and history have defined us and enhanced our understanding of what it means to be “human”.

Urdu Ki Chuni Hui Kahaniyan is an anthology of some of the classic Hindi stories (afsāna) by great writers like Saadat Hassan Manto, Ismat Chughtai, Qurratulain Hyder, Rajinder Singh Bedi, and many other major writers of Hindi literature. This collection of stories varies in style and subject, but one thing that unites all the stories is the enduring quality of the finest Hindi writing, which places them among Urdu masterpieces. An enriching addition in Hindi literature, Urdu Ki Chuni Hui Kahaniyan is presented to listeners by the famous Hindi novelist Kamleshwar. 

Malgudi Ki Kahaniyan (Hindi) is a set of stories that are based in the fictional town of Malgudi. The town of Malgudi is a South Indian village created by the author and offers a valuable peek into the quality of rural life during the pre-independence era. The characters in these stories come from different walks of life, and each has a unique tale to tell. These stories have characters such as astrologers, postmen, doctors, beggars and priests. 

Kurukshetra is a Hindi classic. It gives an extraordinary account of the Kurukshetra war mentioned in the Mahabharata. It describes in vivid details the armed confrontation that took place between the Pandavas and the Kauravas. This bloody war lasted eighteen days. The author's own views on war are showcased in this work. He criticizes war but also admits that it is a necessary evil. It describes the demerits of war and the damage it does to mankind, through the medium of poetry.

Devdutt Pattanaik is the author of over 25 books and 500 articles on the relevance of mythology in modern times. Trained in medicine (MBBSfrom Grant Medical College, Mumbai University), he worked in the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries for 15 years before devoting all his time to his passion for decoding beliefs of all cultures, modern and ancient, located beneath the veneer of rationality. To know more, visit www.devdutt.com. 

A living picture of the entire life of the Indian farmer - his aspiration and despair, his sincerity and religious piety, his helplessness and innocence. 

Hindu mythology is full of tales in which animals play important roles. Some animals are looked upon with fear and dread while some are worshiped along with the gods. Some shape the fate of the world, others form everlasting bonds with humans. Where did the animals come from? From Vishnu’s avatars or Shiva’s asanas? How was a deer responsible for the events of the Ramayana? Why is Garuda the sworn enemy of the nagas? How did a mongoose teach Yudhishtira the true meaning of sacrifice?