What is the best book on Mahabharata in Malayalam?
മഹാഭാരതം മലയാളം
In Malayalam, you’ll find 3 complete translations of Vyasa Mahabharatha: one as a poem and two in prose. The poetry version was translated by Kunjikuttan Thampuran, and the prose versions were translated by Vidwan K. Prakasam and Balakrishna Warrier(along with a few other authors).
Summary:
- You will get an idea about Complete Authentic translations both prose(read like a novel) and poetry.
- Best books to read the summary story like a novel.
- Books to read in Kindle Ebook reader.
- A snapshot video.
- Free download link.
In the form of Poem(പദ്യം):
1.Vyasa Mahabharatham By Kunjikuttan Thampuran
How to buy: Contact DC books kottayam ,or DC Bookstores https://dcbookstore.com/books/bhasha-bharatham-6-volumes
Prose translation(ഗദ്യം): Can read like a story
2. Vyaasa mahabharatham 6 volumes By : vidwan k prakasam , Publisher:- DC Books ,Kottayam
How to buy: Contact DC books kottayam ,or DC Bookstores https://dcbookstore.com/books/vyaasa-mahabharatham-6-volumes
3. Sampoorna Mahabharatham (malayalam) By Balakrishna Warrier
Publisher: Samrat Publisher, Thrissur
How to buy: This one is not very easy to find but , Check Bookstalls near Guruvayur temple or contact Publisher directly(+91 93882 54455 / samratpublishers21@gmail.com) .
The first one on the list is a direct translation of Sanskrit poems into Malayalam poem. The second and third are prose versions of the first one, allowing the story to be read like a novel.
The Sanskrit source used here is the same as Kisari Mohan Ganguli’s Mahabharatham (KMG), which is widely accepted as authentic. When comparing Vidwan Prakasam’s and Balakrishna Warrier’s translations, Vidwan Prakasam’s version is more detailed. It is extensive,wide and covers the repeated story plots in a raw style, whereas Balakrishna Warrier’s version avoids these repetitions.
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My Recommendation:-
In my personal opinion, if you are an ordinary reader, go for ‘Sampoorna Mahabharatham (Malayalam)’ by Balakrishna Varrier, as it covers the entire story while avoiding repeated parts. If you are conducting research or planning to write a book based on the Mahabharatha, Vidwan Prakasam’s or Kunjikuttan Thampuran’s versions will be more suitable for you.
If you prefer reading an abridged(സംഗ്രഹം) version presented like a novel, .Kamala Subramaniam. from DC books is a good choice.This is better for those who don’t have a religious interest and want to read the story like a novel. Sugatha Kumari,DC books is an another option for kids.
Sri K.P.C.Narayanan Bhattathirippad
Prof P.L.Lakshmikuttiyamma
Prof M.Divakaran Nair
Dr P.V.Ramankutty
Prof N.Kailasam
Sri. Sreeharshan
Dr C.R.Subhadra
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Kindle E-reader:
If you are looking to read Mahabharatham in Malayalam on Kindle, as of 2024, the best version (2 volumes) is the one published by Ramakrishna Math. It is equally good as the editions mentioned above
You can get the printed editins of the same from Mathrubhumi bookstore or by contacting the Ramakrishna Math https://rkmthrissur.org/categories/sri_mahabharatam/357798000000227397
For your easy finding I am adding the links for Kindle Editions here:
Mahabharatham Malayalam Kindle 2 Volumes:
Volume 1: https://amzn.eu/d/jbrohv7
Volume 2: https://amzn.eu/d/aiw26P0
If you’re looking for a shortened version on Kindle(600 pages), you might find this helpful.Try the sample before buying https://amzn.in/d/gkRaIKi
Good abridged (സംഗ്രഹം)translations:-
I would recommend for try to read the Balakrishna Warrier translation if possible, which is mentioned above. But if you are unable to go for that now and need an abridged one, it’s better to go for Mahabharata by Sri Ramakrishna Math or Shri Mahabharata (Malayalam) by CSN Books.
If you’re looking for an interesting read of the whole story like a novel, prefer Mahabharata by Kamala Subramaniam.
If you need a quick and shorter reading, go for Mahabharata by C. Rajagopalachari, though this one is not very easy to find. However, there are many other good abridged translations available, like the one written by Mali (not the kids’ version by Mali),Dr PS Nair which I am not mentioning here because I want to focus on the best among them. You can purchase any of them, but please make sure it is the Vyasa Mahabharatha.
Top abridged translations are:(കഥാരൂപത്തിൽ വായിക്കുവാൻ സാധിക്കുന്ന)
1 . Mahabharata by Sri Ramakrishna Math, Thrissur (Kindle also available)
2. Mahabharata Sarasarvaswam (Set of 2 Volumes) by: Swami Gnanananda Saraswathy Publisher: Sivananda Ashram, Palakkad
3. Shri Mahabharata (Malayalam) By CSN Books, Thrissur, Will get from mathrubhumi bookstores
4. Mahabharata by Kamala Subramaniam, DC Books
5. Mahabharata by : C. Rajagopalachari
Bharatiya vidya bhavan, Mumbai
Note: Many abridged versions are available, which I was not able to mention in this article. Please verify for yourself that they cover the authentic Vyasa Mahabharatham story. The best places to buy these books are public bookstores or bookstores near some temples.
To get Outside India:-
To get these books outside India, please contact the publisher or reputable bookstores. Inquire about shipping options, such as Indian Postal Air Post service or courier services like UPS or FedEx. Indian Postal Air Post is typically the most economical choice, and many publishers do not charge any additional service charges.
Free Download:-
I found that someone has already uploaded a copyright-expired edition of the complete translation of the Mahabharata at the links below.
Volume 3: https://archive.org/details/vyasamahabharatham-gadyam-padyam/vyasamahabharatham-gadyam3/
Youtube :
Vinod Kumara Sharma Kizhakkumpattu
Click Here:- Vinod Kumara Sharma Mahabharatham
മഹാകവി ഉള്ളൂർ മഹാഭാരത്തെപ്പറ്റി അഭിപ്രായപ്പെട്ടത്
“ലോകത്തിലെ സകലഗ്രന്ഥങ്ങളും നഷ്ടപ്പെട്ടാലും മഹാഭാരതം മാത്രം അവശേഷിക്കുകയാണെങ്കിൽ എനിക്ക് നഷ്ടബോധമുണ്ടാവുകയില്ല”
Thanks for Reading ,Please share🙏
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Topic:
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