The 10 Most Iconic Indian Mythology Books
The Indian mythology books are the gateways to getting a glimpse of our great country’s rich culture and spirituality. From providing insights into the strong beliefs and values of Hinduism, these written works of Indian literature spark curiosity in the younger generation to know about their century-old traditions and culture.
Apart from offering a glimpse into the cultural and spiritual landscape of Hinduism, these books teach readers values such as honesty, integrity, and respect. This blog will feature the list of the top 10 most iconic Indian mythology books that will take your imagination to a universe of gods, demons, and divine sagas.
Top 10 Must-Read Indian Mythology Books:
1. The Ramayana by Rishi Valmiki
The first Sanskrit poem and epic, The Ramayana, written by the Adi Kavi Rishi Valmiki, is considered the cornerstone of Hinduism. This classic Hindu poem tells the story of the birth of Lord Rama Rama, the seventh avatar of Narayana, and his journey to rescue his beloved wife Devi Sita. The theme of this epic work is Dharma, as it teaches lessons about morality, ethics, the triumph of good over evil, and the Hindu concept of the right way to live life. The Ramayana is one of the longest poems ever written, with over 24,000 couplet verses, which are divided into seven books and about 500 chapters.
2. Mahabharata by Sudarshan Ray
Mahabharata by Sudharsan Ray is a rich and compelling work of literature that gives a perfect glimpse into the epic clash between Pandavas and Kauravas. This iconic book on Indian mythology is based on themes of love, war, betrayal, and redemption. From beginning to end, every character and element is portrayed very concisely and vividly by the author. Readers can explore the concept of Hindu dharma and karma with this filmy depiction of the epic tale of the Mahabharata.
3. The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
The Palace of Illusions is a masterpiece by the award-winning Indian-American author and poet, Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni. This is one of the most special Indian mythology books that retells the epic tale of Mahabharata from the perspective of Panchali. This book offers a new interpretation of the epic clash between Pandavas and Kauravas. This masterpiece is a must to read as it allows readers to explore the events of the Mahabharata in a new way and the strength, resilience, and challenges Draupadi faced.
4. The Shiva Trilogy by Amish Tripathi
A masterpiece by the award-winning Indian author Amish Tripathi takes readers on the journey of the author’s imaginative depiction of the mythical persona of Lord Shiva. The author has portrayed together the characters and incidents from various Indian myths to recreate Mahadeva as a human. The simplicity of the choice of his words makes this book suitable for young readers as well. The Shiva Trilogy is the perfect example of modern Indian literature that provides a great fusion of Hindu spiritual wisdom and fantasy. It is the fastest-selling Indian mythology book ever.
5. The Hidden Hindu by Akshat Gupta
The Hidden Hindu is a unique trilogy that offers a perfect blend of Hindu mythology, adventure, and science fiction. The three books of the Hidden Hindu series will take you on a captivating journey through the realms of immortality, mythology, and secrets. Discover the lesser-known facts about Hindu gods and culture with the intricate plot of The Hidden Hindu, which features well-developed characters. The unique story of this trilogy revolves around the quest of a 21-year-old boy Prithvi for an aghori, Om Shastri, who claims to have lived through all four yugas.
6. The Kalki Trilogy: Avatar of Vishnu, Eye of Brahma, and Sword of Shiva by Kevin Missal
Outstanding work has been done by the young Indian author, Kevin Missal, who has portrayed the myth of the tenth avatar of Narayana, Kalki, in a not-so-mythological manner. The three sets of this series will allow you to embark on a journey of captivating storytelling of mythical elements, prophecies, and the battle of good over evil. Readers can explore a fresh depiction of Kalki, who will restore righteousness in the world at the end of Kaliyuga through this masterpiece.
7. Lanka’s Princess by Kavita Kane
Explore the epic tale of Ramayana through the perspective of Surpanakha with the masterpiece by Kavita Kane, another modern Indian author known for her outstanding works of mythology and fiction. The book retells the story of the grand tale of Hinduism by shedding light on Lanka’s princess’s emotions. The author describes her as a misunderstood character and a victim of man’s driven world. The book tells the story of Surpankha’s life, how she was neglected by her parents, and her yearning for her husband’s love after her brother killed her husband. This book perfectly portrays the reason for her transformation into a vengeful demoness who sparked the war in the Ramayana.
8. Asura: Tale of Vanquished by Anand Neelakantan
This masterpiece by Anand Neelakantan offers a fresh telling of the epic Ramayana through the perspective of Ravana and Bhadra. Unlike the other Victor’s version of the Ramayana, this book focuses on the struggles of Ravana and the asuras. Through Asura: Tale of Vanquished, the author sheds light on Ravana’s struggles of childhood as a half-asura, his anger, and insecurity. Readers can get a deep and empathetic understanding of Ravana’s evolution to a vengeful demon.
9. Andha Yug by Dharamvir Bharati
Andha Yug is an iconic masterpiece by Dharamvir Bharati, who, through the use of Mahabharata’s war as a metaphor, has made an anti-war statement and raised questions about morality in the wake of Partition. This epic play by the legendary author perfectly portrays how war changes people and how everyone involved and not involved in a war is on the losing side.
10. Mahagatha: 100 Tales from the Puranas by Satyarth Nayak
A unique perspective of Hindu mythology and Puranas has been provided by Satyarth Nayak in his iconic piece, 100 Tales from the Puranas. By avoiding more technical terminology, the author has presented an engaging narrative of the ancient tales of Puranas with vivid and concise details. This book tells lesser-known stories from Satayuga to Kaliyuga and helps readers understand the motivation and intention of gods, demons, and humans.
Conclusion
Reading these iconic Indian mythology books could feel like looking through a window to our rich past and seeing the world through the eyes of different characters in Hindu mythology. Not only do these books captivate readers through their impressive storytelling but also showcase the evolution of writing in Indian literature. These books can help develop the skills of creativity, critical thinking, and imagination in young readers that pave the way for the emergence of many great writers in the future. If you’re looking for the best books on Hindu mythology, these classics will take you on an unforgettable journey into the heart of India’s spiritual and cultural heritage. You must miss these books if you wish to know the hidden sagas of Hinduism.
Also read: The Bhagavad Gita: Spiritual and Philosophical Guidance
