Book Review
श्रेयान्स्वधर्मो विगुणः परधर्मात्स्वनुष्ठितात्। स्वधर्मे निधनं श्रेयः परधर्मो भयावहः ॥
Mahabharat : A World War by Gaurang Damani jii.
Many Hindus are familiar with their sacred texts, especially the two epics known as the Rāmāyaņa by Maharși Vālmiki and the Mahābhārata by Maharși Dvaipāyana Veda Vyāsa. While many have likely read the Mahābhārata, not everyone grasps its vast knowledge.
The Mahābhārata's vastness and comprehensiveness suggest that it holds unique knowledge and wisdom not found elsewhere. Mahābhārata is a deeply mysterious epic, offering profound insights through its diverse conversations and stories. With 18 chapters and 200,000 verses, it can be challenging for some readers to fully comprehend.
There are numerous books on Mahabharata written by various authors. While some stay true to the essence of the characters and the epic, others interpret the narrative to suit their own perspectives. This diversity is also reflected in television serials based on the Mahabharata, where interpretations vary widely, often including elements that are not originally part of the epic. That's why Gaurang ji's book, "Mahabharata : A World War ," is commendable.
This book not only sheds light on the hidden agendas of war in the Mahabharata but also caters to the needs of the current generation, who often grapple with shorter attention spans and may not have the patience to delve into every verse of every chapter.
The author skillfully presents all the events of the Mahabharata in a single, cohesive narrative and covers all key events and geographical locations mentioned in the Mahābhārata, with a focus on locations that are still identifiable today.
The content is organized into 27 chapters, each with beautifully crafted titles that offer readers insight into the topics covered.
The narrative begins with an introduction rebirth of ashuras on the earth to Rishi Ved Vyasa, the sage responsible for composing this great epic. It then transitions to the pivotal role of Shree Krishna, then progresses through key events such as the birth of Bhishma and stories associated with him, followed by the births of Dhritarashtra, Pandu and Vidura. The book continues to unfold with the births of the Kauravas and Pandavas, covering their childhood, education and various episodes leading up to their adult years.
From the diverse stories during their adult age to the Kurukshetra battle, the author encapsulates the entire Mahabharata saga in these chapters. The narrative then delves into the eighteen-day war, detailing the events that transpired between the Pandavas and Kauravas during that period. In the end, it portrays how the Pandavas emerged victorious, concluding with their final departure. The entirety of the Mahabharata is elegantly covered in this single volume.
One of the most challenging aspects of reading the Mahabharata is deciphering its intricate layers of storylines and understanding the build-up to key events, which can be daunting even without parsing through each verse. However in his book, Gaurang Damani ji adeptly dispels myths while effectively preserving the storyline, enabling readers to grasp the true essence of the Mahabharata with clarity and comprehension. One should definitely consider picking up this book.
