How could Lord Ram abandon Sita? Why did Sita undergo the demeaning ordeal of agnipariksha? Why is Dev Rishi Narad so respected and adored? Why do Sanatan Gods behave like humans? These are just a few of the profound questions that have long intrigued people in India. Yet, without clear answers, they often lead to nothing more than superficial debates. This book delves into some of the most significant questions surrounding Sanatan Dharm. By exploring ancient texts such as the Mahabharat, Ramayan, Purans and more, it seeks to provide deep insights and offer thoughtful answers to these age-old queries, resolving key debates and issues within the tradition of Sanatan Dharm.
A little bit of background—few days ago I was thinking about picking up a book on Sanatan Dharma. I’m a beginner, and that’s when " Answers to the Biggest Questions about Sanatan" by Amishi Seth stole my eyes. The title itself felt like it was written for me, because honestly, I’ve always carried these little doubts in my heart—Why did Sita have to undergo the agnipariksha? Why does Sanatan have so many gods and goddesses? Why do they often resemble humans in their flaws and desires?
What I loved is how the author doesn’t give you heavy, complicated theories. Instead, she makes it feel like a conversation—simple, clear, and thought-provoking. As a beginner, I never felt lost; in fact, I felt gently guided to reflect, pause, and connect deeper. Some sections made me close the book just to sit with the thought a little longer.
Of course, a few parts felt short, but the sincerity and warmth of the writing shine through. For me, this book isn’t just about mythology—it’s about discovering Sanatan Dharma in a way that feels human, relatable, and deeply personal.
Honestly, anyone curious about Sanatan Dharma—whether you’re a complete beginner like me, someone who wants to revisit age-old stories with fresh eyes, or even someone just looking for simple, reflective answers to questions we’ve all wondered at some point. It’s written in such an easy, conversational way that you don’t need prior knowledge to connect with it.
The reading list of any year feels incomplete if it doesn’t include enough books on religion or spirituality. There was a time when grandmothers would narrate religious and mythological tales to their grandchildren. These days, however, we hardly get time to sit with our elders due to study or work pressure. Hence, the only way left to connect with our culture and roots is by reading such books ourselves whenever we get the chance. This very quest makes me pick up religious and mythological books regularly. This time, I chose a very aesthetic book with a beautiful cover titled “Answers to the Biggest Questions About Sanatan.”
The book is written by Amishi Seth and published by Rupa Publications, spanning around 325 pages. Amishi seems to understand that most people aren’t looking for something deeply philosophical but rather wish to learn the basics of Sanatan Dharma. Accordingly, she has structured the book around questions that many of us have — even after reading or watching Ramayan and Mahabharat. The book is divided into three main sections: 1. From the Epics and the Purans Here, she covers topics whose answers can be found in these ancient texts. It includes queries related to Ramayan, Mahabharat, and other Hindu deities described in the Purans. 2. From Sanatan Dharma This section is particularly engaging, as it explores questions we rarely encounter while reading epics or puranic stories. The author clarifies many intriguing aspects — such as the reason behind multiple Gods and Goddesses, the meaning of Shivling, why certain Hindu deities have animal faces, the significance of fasting, the concept of afterlife, and much more. 3. Basics In around 15 pages, the author answers some fundamental questions such as the meaning of the word AUM, the daily duties of a Sanatani, the three paths for self-realization, and the concept of the four Yugas.
The book concludes with a glossary and references section, which helps readers understand the meanings of several difficult Hindi and Sanskrit terms used throughout. One of the most fascinating chapters is where the author discusses Sanatan’s connection with modern science, and it also happens to be the longest one in the book. It seems this very concept might have inspired the book’s creation.
Amishi highlights references from various shastras that mention modern scientific concepts long before they were formally discovered — something truly insightful. For instance, the Chhandas Shastra discusses literary rhythm, the Garbha Upanishad explains foetal development, the Vaisheshika Darshan explores atomic structure, Ayurveda delves into medicine and life sciences, Dhanur Veda talks about the science of warfare, and Vaimanika Shastra touches upon aeronautics.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book for its simplicity and sincerity of intent. You can feel the author’s genuine devotion and curiosity in the way she presents each answer and story. This is one of the best books for anyone wanting to understand the essence of Sanatan Dharma, even if they are not avid or regular readers.
Talking about the drawbacks — a few explanations lack proper references to the original scriptures, which makes them somewhat debatable. Some interpretations seem to reflect the author’s personal beliefs due to the absence of cited sources. A few chapters also feel quite brief and could have delved deeper into their subjects. I believe the author could have researched certain topics further to make the book feel more authoritative, almost like a religious text in itself.
Overall, I would rate this book 4.25 stars out of 5.
Answers To The Biggest Questions About Sanatan by Amishi Seth. Non-Fiction ( Religion/Spirituality) @rupa_publications Ebook available
Majority of Bharatiyas have forgotten the greatness of their heritage. Even the great Hindu epics and legends are reduced to mere 'mythology'. The original narratives of these hindu epics have been diluted and distorted.
🔻This book aims to enlighten the reader about Sanatan, busting the popular myths and give a deeper understanding of Sanatan.
❓️What you will get to read in this book? The book is divided into 3 sections. 1)From the Epics and the Puranas 2)From Sanatan Culture 3)Basics
In the 1st section the author busts misconceptions surrounding Hindu epics and puranas. By placing suitable arguments it clears the doubts and controversies that have persisted for generations.
In the second section the author addresses questions about rituals, fasting, hindu gods, temples, afterlife, cultural symbols, traditions etc.
In the third section you will get to read about the four yugs, duties of sanatani, maya ( illusion) and few other basic things. ______
The book doesn't indulge in dramatic narratives but resort to logical discussions. The author has taken great care to not be biased or dogmatic. Everything is explained in a logical manner. The author clears the questions with good clarity and balance.
This book is an eye opener. It succeeds in clearing false notions and wrong beliefs about Sanatan Dharma that people have been made to believe over time.
If you are someone who read a lot of hindu epics and have doubts or questions regarding it OR looking for logical explanations behind sanatan practices OR anyone curious about Sanatan dharm then you can pick up this book.
Reading Answers to the Biggest Questions About Sanatan feels less like flipping through a book and more like sitting down with someone who has both reverence for tradition and the curiosity to probe deeper. Amishi Seth doesn’t shy away from the uncomfortable corners of Sanatan Dharma, the moments where mythology, faith, and human behavior blur. Instead, she steps right into them, asking the questions most of us whisper but rarely dare to voice: Why did Ram abandon Sita? What was the real meaning behind her agnipariksha? Why do gods act in ways that feel so distinctly human?
What I appreciated most is that this isn’t a collection of quick, surface-level explanations. Seth takes the time to anchor her answers in scriptures, the Ramayan, Mahabharat, Puranas yet she writes with a storyteller’s ease, never drowning the reader in jargon. The effect is that you learn while also being drawn into a conversation that feels intimate and alive.
Another strength is the tone. Instead of preaching or defending, Seth invites. She acknowledges the discomfort in these age, old stories, then carefully unfolds layers of context, social, cultural, and philosophical, that shift how you see them. It’s not about arriving at a single “right” answer, but about understanding the many truths woven into the fabric of Sanatan thought.
This is a book for anyone who has ever struggled with the paradoxes of their own faith. It doesn’t demand blind acceptance, nor does it dismiss the tradition as outdated. Rather, it offers a bridge: a way to respect mythology while still allowing space for reflection, questioning, and even doubt.
Answers to the Biggest Questions About Sanatan left me with something rare, a sense that your faith can expand, breathe, and evolve alongside your questions. .
Reading this book was like sitting down with a patient teacher who refuses to hand you ready-made answers but nudges you to think deeper. The writing style is simple yet layered, and what I appreciated most was how it didn’t shy away from difficult, often uncomfortable questions—Why did Sita face the agnipariksha? Why do gods resemble humans in their flaws and desires? Instead of brushing these aside, the narrative threads through texts like the Ramayan, Mahabharat, and Puranas, offering interpretations that feel both rooted in tradition and refreshingly modern.
The strength of the book lies in its ability to balance scholarship with accessibility. The tone isn’t heavy or intimidating; it almost feels like a conversation, one that respects both faith and curiosity. Some sections left me pausing, reflecting long after I had closed the pages.
That said, the book does stumble occasionally. Certain arguments felt too brief, almost as if the author pulled back just when the discussion was about to get truly meaty. At times, the repetition of themes dulled the impact.
Still, it’s a book that provokes thought rather than dictates it—and for me, that makes it worth reading.
As the title suggests, the book is written in a question-and-answer format or rather than that in discussion format, focusing mainly on Indian–Hindu mythology. It begins with an engaging discussion on the Vedas and Puranas. The very first question the author addresses is, “Why did Lord Ram abandon Mother Sita?”—a subject that is explored in detail with alternate perspectives, which I found very thought-provoking.
The book moves forward with discussions on the great epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, before expanding into broader aspects of Sanatan culture. It is neatly divided into three sections: the first covering stories from the epics and Puranas, the second dealing with elements of Sanatan traditions, and the third focusing on fundamental concepts and basics.
What I especially appreciated is the author’s effort to provide clarity while also citing references to her earlier writings, which adds depth and credibility. The simple yet insightful narrative makes the book approachable even for readers who are not deeply familiar with mythology. Overall, it is an informative and enriching read that combines knowledge, tradition, and reflection in a very accessible way.
Answers to the Biggest Questions about Sanatan by Amish Seth is a deeply enlightening and thought-provoking book that dares to ask the questions many of us have carried in our hearts for years. Questions like ~ Why did Lord Ram abandon Sita? Why was Sita subjected to agnipariksha? Why are divine beings often shown with human emotions?.... These are not just queries but the very reflections of our cultural and spiritual curiosity.
What makes this book special is the way it draws from ancient texts like the Ramayan, Mahabharat, and the Purans, yet presents the answers in a relatable and thoughtful manner. Instead of leaving the reader confused, the book gently guides them towards clarity and deeper understanding of Sanatan Dharm.
The writing is clear, respectful, and full of devotion, yet it also carries the courage to address controversial and sensitive questions with honesty. It’s not just a book of answers, but an invitation to think, reflect, and connect with the essence of Sanatan traditions.
A must-read for anyone who seeks wisdom, clarity, and a closer bond with the timeless truths of Sanatan Dharm.
A thoughtful guide that takes some of the most confusing questions about Sanatan Dharma and explains them in a way that feels simple, clear, and approachable. Instead of getting lost in heavy philosophy, the book gives everyday, relatable answers that make ancient wisdom feel alive and relevant. It’s not just about rituals or history- it’s about understanding the “why” behind them, and that’s what makes it so refreshing. If you’ve ever been curious about the roots of traditions but didn’t know where to start, this book feels like sitting with a wise friend who patiently explains it all.