Myth = Mithya: Decoding Hindu Mythology

I found this to be a very well written book decoding the chakra of life . The creator, sustainer and destroyer have been described very well here. Unlike Shikhandi I found many stories that I read here known. So thankfully I was not falling from sky with my eyes popping out in every single page- well that was the case with Shikhandi. The beauty of Pattnaiks books are the parts of analysis and reflection on the stories. Also they flow very well and connect effortlessly so much that you wanna know more about individual characters. I wanna now read his book on Sita. We know what the story is but to look at the whole thing from Sita's perspective will be interesting. Similarly Jaya's take on Mahabharata will be interesting. Pattnaiks books increase curiosity in mythological characters and bring clarity about them and this was no different.

It is in my opinion a great starting point for anyone trying to understand Indian culture or even dwelve into the million scriptures that the sub-continent has to offer.After ages of having read illustrations that humored ancient Indian concepts or turned the Myths into comic tales of the objects in the tale vs. the moral/ concept of the story, I was dlieghted to find this book which provided a more precise or rationale view of the scriptures and the concepts that India has to offer.This also aids others of my generation who are tired by the demonstration of linguistic prowess by authors in many translated Indian scriptures (for lesser mortals like me who do not have the expert ability of interpreting sanskrit) than an illustration or narration of the concept in the scripture.All in all a great read that I will strongly recommend!

A beautifully written book with the most comprehensive account of indian mythological figures and stories that I have read so far. The author lays down the facts and the stories very objectively without adding his personal religious beliefs or biases.The first half of the book deals with the stories regarding creation and Brahma, Vishnu, Devas and Asuras. The second half explores with myths associated with Shiva, Parvati and Shakti. He gives the right amount of details regarding the symbolism of the myth, the weaponry and attributes of the characters concerned. References are given with each myth/ story.It is a very interesting read and I could not put the book down till I had read it through completely.

This book really breaks down and explains the idea of myth. If you have had trouble understanding polytheism, this book will make things a lot more clear. Even if you are not Vedic/Hindu but still Pagan or Polytheistic you will learn quite a bit from this book. If you are just curious about any of it, you will also appreciate this book. I won't go into details but I am not easily impressed with spiritual books. This book is one of my favorites.

This book is well written and and provides wonderful insight into Hindu mythology ! As a non Hindu, in some places in the book one has the tendency to get a bit confused because to read this book a certain level of familiarity with the subject matter is expected and seems to be written as such. But all in all it has changed my perspective and I no longer blankly stare at all the pretty statues in various temples,museums etc . I now understand the finer details and am able to better appreciate the Hindu train of thought, i.e. why Hindus think the way they think. As a person that is interested in any and all mythologies of the world Greek , roman, egyptian etc, I would recommend this book to any and all who are interested in expanding your horizons beyond simply what meets the eye !!

I have only ever read about Indian myths from the western perspective and it is wonderfully refreshing to read the Indian perspective on native myths. The language is simple and to the point without being dumbed down. Many of the stories contained in this book are ones I heard from my grandparents and my mother, but as an adult, it is wonderful to be able to understand the symbols and hidden meanings in otherwise seemingly "simple" stories. Thank you, Devdutt Pattanaik, and never stop writing.

It is a must read for every Hindu. Author narrate stories from scriptures and make a fantastic alignment with ones life and touch upon real essence for common people. Actually if one reads from scriptures directly than she will be overwhelmed by description and rejects it due to it does not suit the sane man intellect. Author bridges these gap the story and the learning. I would like to appeal all theist and atheist , everyone will have their own takeaways. Believe me even if you know most of the stories, one will touch at least one paradigm shift.

HORRIBLY TWISTEDSPREADING HINDUPHOBIA

Good.

Something about this book that really draws me is the simplicity of the incidents mentioned.Perticularly the incidents highlighting the trio Brahma Vishnu and Shiva are all brilliantly potrayed with the help of simplified drawings.Well actually this is the book that got me introduced to Devdutt. I couldn't have been a happier guy to get such a prompt book on Hindu Mythology.The incidents are fun to read and you can read them again and again.

good condition

After a long time someone has written an elegant book on Hindu mythology which decodes Hinduism so gracefully using simple language and fabulous stories. It beautifully connects the different dots in Hinduism offering deep insights and a new understanding of the ancient religion.A must have for people who loves reading mythology.The book was delivered in good condition.

This book is like a summary for popular mythological stories of Hindus. The author not only tells the story but also gives analysis. It also has lot of illustration which helps the reader.Best suited for people who want explanation for a lot of stories found in Hindu puranas. But it also gives enough information for a person who doesn't have much deep knowledge on the subject.Would have liked little more dept to the contents but overall a good read.