Indian Mythology: Tales, Symbols, and Rituals from the Heart of the Subcontinent

by Devdutt Pattanaik

An exploration of 99 classic myths of India from an entirely non-Western paradigm that provides a fresh understanding of the Hindu spiritual landscape

• Compares and contrasts Indian mythology with the stories of the Bible, ancient Egypt, Greece, Scandinavia, and Mesopotamia

• Looks at the evolution of Indian narratives and their interpretations over the millennia

• Demonstrates how the mythology, rituals, and art of ancient India are still vibrant today and inform the contemporary generation

From the blood-letting Kali to the mysterious Ganesha, the Hindu spiritual landscape is populated by characters that find no parallel in the Western spiritual world. Indian Mythology explores the rich tapestry of these characters within 99 classic myths, showing that the mythological world of India can be best understood when we move away from a Western, monotheistic mindset and into the polytheistic world of Hindu traditions.

Featuring 48 artistic renderings of important mythological figures from across India, the author unlocks the mysteries of the narratives, rituals, and artwork of ancient India to reveal the tension between world-affirming and world-rejecting ideas, between conformism and contradiction, between Shiva and Vishnu, Krishna and Rama, Gauri and Kali. This groundbreaking book opens the door to the unknown and exotic, providing a glimpse into the rich mythic tradition that has empowered millions of human beings for centuries.

Genres: Mythology, India, Nonfiction, Religion, Hinduism, Indian Literature, History

216 pages, Paperback

First published April 24, 2003

About the author

Dr. Devdutt Pattanaik (born December 11, 1970) is an Indian physician turned leadership consultant, mythologist and author whose works focus largely on the areas of myth, mythology, and also management. He has written a number of books related to Hindu mythology, including Myth = Mithya: A Handbook of Hindu Mythology, a novel, The Pregnant King, and Jaya: An Illustrated Retelling of the Mahabharata (2010).
He is the Chief Belief Officer of Future Group, one of India’s largest retailers, bringing the wisdom of Indian mythology into Indian business, especifically in human resource management. He also writes a column for the newspaper MID DAY.
He has also written a novel based on a tale from the Mahabharata titled 'The Pregnant King' published by Penguin Books India

Reviews

[Riku Sayuj · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pattanaik tries to illustrate a very basic concept -- that myths and rituals make sense only in their context -- and instill tolerance/respect for even outlandish tales in the hearts of the modern readers. He uses a variety of well-known examples to illustrate this. On the one hand he attempts to demystify them by showing their cultural and historical contexts and at the same time he seems to be implying that those contexts might be very exotic and hence when you encounter a myth/ritual, the best attitude is one of respectful tolerance and perhaps even a touch of the romantic sense of adventure. Nice, if obvious message. Not as engaging a read as some of his other works.

[daemyra, the realm's delight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing. I love Devdutt Pattanaik's work. I first came across his work when I was decolonizing my yoga bookshelf and in particular was researching myths surrounding yoga. Having read his book, Yoga Mythology: 64 Asanas and Their Stories, some of what he shares in Indian Mythology is familiar, but he expands and delves in deeper in Indian Mythology. I particularly enjoyed his discussions on Eastern and Western spiritual worldviews, and the difference between gods and demons, heaven(s) and hell. Will be reading more by Devdutt!

[Mitchell Moon · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is literally just a glossary. I know I said I read this but I did not. Just wanted to keep it in my goodreads for historical purposes. If anyone tells you they read this, it’s a LIE

[Karn Cheema · Rating 4 out of 5]

Devdutt Pattanaik is one of my favorite personalities on Indian mythology and culture. This book was a thoughtful overview with plenty of case examples of Indian mythology and its evolution. At times it was a dense read, but the shear amount of folklore discussed and interwoven is exceptional

[Darius · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started this book looking for examples of Indian myths: both the larger myths and the shorter tales. The book provides more than enough of this. The commentary is constantly punctuated by examples of myths.

I also hoped to find some comparative mythology, showing some parallels or differences compared to Greek or Egyptian myths, as promised by the book's description. The book had almost nothing on this score.

I almost put the book down because the author spends the introductory sections on commentary about the nature and usefulness of myth and attacks what are straw-man arguments he imagines would be made by advocates of reason. The author falls down on commentary about myth in general; but, I'm glad I stayed with it, because his commentary about Indian myths is good.

In addition to covering Indian myth, the author also provides some good information on Indian intellectual history. This was a good bonus.

For anyone looking for an introduction to the concretes of Indian mythology, this is a good book. I continue to look for a good one that covers comparative-mythology.

[Riju Ganguly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately, in trying to cover too many areas in too few pages, the author has spread his focus too thin. Consequently, this book falls short of his usual standards (whereby he simultaneously intrigues & mystifies the reader, by exposing hitherto unknown and often unimaginable stuff). However, if you are looking for a quick primer with which you can impress your parents or in-laws, this one might come handy.

[RFernweh · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the way Devdutta Patanaik discuss different stories from various regions. Different school of thoughts is discussed which is very engrossing and makes you curious to understand how mythology and stories have evolved and propagated. You get the insight of every region and their beliefs and stories behind it through this book and also why same rituals vary from place to place. He presents every small concepts with elaborate background stories which is entralling.

[Prabhat sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Indian Mythology-( Bharatiya Pauranik Kathain) By Devdutt Pattanaik- translated in Hindi by Neelabh- 2015- The book is divided in 4 chapters. 1- Pauranik stories- a study, 2- the world of Paurannik Stories- comparison inter se, 3- Pauranik stories- their creation and change 4- Pauranik stories- study and explanation. In Indian context, the terms Myth, Mythology, Mythosphere, evil, legend, hell are used to explain the stories. When the Persians, Huns, Turks, Mongols, Yunans, Mughals and other tribes conquered India, they did not adopt Indian religion. They became a part of India and followed their religious beliefs. The Portuguese, the French, the British came and found that Indian religious beliefs are different from their Christian beliefs. In Indian mythology, there is no prophet. No Allah, No Jehovah. Zeus, Hera, Moses, Hesiod, Eden, cupid, Yahweh, Osiris, Viking, asgard, gilgamesh, utopia, camelot, mummy, pyramid, stonehenge, paradise, Formorians, Judaism, Orphic and Mithraic traditions. There is no single Holy book like Quran, Bible. Indian Religious beliefs, traditions, rituals, cultural symbols differed from one area to another. Brahmins were able to interpret them. European Universities studied Indian mythology. Christian missionaries interpreted Indian religion on the basis of European mythology. They endeavoured to find terms heaven, hell, satan. Angel, Aesir, Vanir, Titans, Oreads, dryads, nereids, celts, gremlin, goblins, leprechauns, jupiter, loki, cronus, tiamat, madruk, hercules, hades, ahura mazda, angra manyu, babylon, redeem, forgive, communion etc. to compare European and Indian mythology. Indian mythological disputes may not always be between good and evil. The disputes could be between two brothers, two communities, two kingdoms, two classes. Two beliefs. Images and symbols in Indian context have to interpreted from one area to another. With the passage of time, a race of people settles, struggle, move away to more green areas where more water and fodder is available for their domestic animals. Ceremonies and celebrations related to Brahma, Vishnu, Ganesh and Shiv are different and change according to the area. All this has been explained with examples parable and allegories of mother earth, Ram, Sita, Dasrath, Ravana, Shrikrishan. Yashoda, Nanda, Gandhari, Mahabharata, Renuka, Jamdagni, Parashuram, Yellamah, Arjun and Navgunjara, Markandeya, Shringi rishi, Kuber, Surya, Chandra,Nag, Asur, Pulomi, Puloman, Shaivs, Shaktas, Samundra manthan, Nar, Narain rishi and Urvashi, Ahalya, Tuljapur Bhawani, Mahabhisha, Augusta, Harishchandra, death of Indra. Comparison between Islam, Christian, Greek and Indian mythology has been shown in this book. Red, white coloured dress is considered in different way in Indian and Christianity. Comparative charts are produced to explain and understand the concept. Matriarhal and patriarchal families in Indian society have also been explained in the book. It is a class book and a good read for all.

[Vishal Agarwal · Rating 4 out of 5]

WITHIN INFINITE MYTH LIES AN ETERNAL TRUTH
BUT WHO SEES IT ALL?
VARUNA HAS BUT A THOUSAND EYES
INDRA HAS A HUNDRED
YOU AND I, ONLY TWO.
Hinduism is not only the religion for many but the foundation for the many civilisations. It’s the only religion(according to me) that’s been influenced by many other religions and have undergone changes over 1000 years and the reasons might be the invasion of the foreigners such as the invasion from Greeks(during the rules of the Mauryan), the invasion of the Afghan(in the Medieval period),the Mughal empire and lastly by the European such as the Portugese, French and the English. We see that Hinduism is still worshipped in many Asian countries and in the world. There are many questions relating to this religion(Hinduism) that are unanswered. The main reason might be the absence of the written records due to many factors. People who are non-Hindus and even who are Hindus have many doubts, dilemmas and many questions regarding the traditions that are followed in India and other parts of the world where Hinduism is practised. Though there are various scriptures that are present but people don’t know what to believe and what not to believe. And during this time, Devdutt Pattnaik brings the above book to answer those unanswered questions and the book is written in a way that not only people who follow Hinduism but also those who don’t, gets a clear picture of what is Hinduism and the reason why they follow those traditions that may appear weird to others.
Devdutt Pattnaik is one of the few Indian authors who deciphers the Hinduism in a way that’s easy to understand and to believe. This book as the name suggests gives us the oversight of the rites, rituals, traditions and the reasons why the Hindus follow it.


This book is divided into three chapters and they are:
1)Mythology
2)Mythosphere
3)Mythopoesis.

With many sub divisions in it.
Each chapter presents us the definition of the myth/mythology and the reasons why Myth is important in accepting certain things. But the most important part is the stories that are presented in the book giving the meaning as well as the reasons why we follow it to this day also. Moreover there are answers in the book to those question that we don’t get to know from our parents or seeing any of the TV documentaries. The book tries to answer the following some of the questions such as:

1)Why doesn’t Lord Brahma have any temple or isn’t worshipped albeit he is the creator of the universe
2)Why didn’t any children of Gandhari survive and what was the mistake of her during her early days
3)How did Rudraksh bead came into existence and how were Tripurasur connected to it
4)How did the mountain came into existence and what role did the doorkeepers of the Vaikunta play in it.
5)Why did Lord Rudra behead Lord Brahma
6)What circumstances did make Lord Vishnu promise the goddess earth that he will take the incarnations to protect her.
7)Why is idol of the deity always placed in the grabha griha and not anywhere else.
8) Why are the famous women such as Kunti, Sati, Sita, Anasuya, Arundathi, Draupadi reminded during the Hindu Marriage and what can we men learn from them
9) How is Dhruva Star or pole star related to both Hinduism and Christianty and how it came into existence and what was the reason behind him to become the star
10) Why did Lord Vishnu take the Tirumalai as his place and the what’s the reason for his indebtedness towards Kubaera
11) The secret of why the idols of Krishna, Balarama and Subhadra are in the shapes that’s different in Jagganath Temple, Puri, Odhissa
12) The reason of the moon waxing and waning for 27 days and why Does Lord Shiva has a crescent moon in his jatha
13) How did Lord Kathikeya came to be known as Karthikeya and what role did Lord Agni play in it.
14) The reason why Shiv Ling is in the shape of the phallus
And so many other questions that are answered in the book. But the best part of the book is that the author tries to bring the comparison and similarities between Hinduism and the other religions and what does each signifies such as The Matsya avatar(incarnation of Lord Vishnu in the form of the fish) to save Manu and the story of Nolan’s ark in Christianity. Devdutt clearly shows us that how did the people bought a transformation in their sacrificial way from killing of animals to the smashing of the coconuts and the pumpkins. Why is the shape of the idols of Lord Krishna, Balarama and Subhadra in Jaggnath Temple, Puri in the shape of the wood and all. More over this book tries to gives us many reasons and the answers which aren’t answered so easily

The author has given his views on the traditions and the answers in an easy to go way without any much difficulty in understanding it. The book gives us the examples of different religions such as Greek Mythology, the Christianity, the Islam and how the traditions they follow and what those traditions bought changes to our religion. Moreover there are fables, stories and others which supports author’s views. Moreover they help readers get the clear picture of it. I would definitely recommend this book to the people of all ages especially to those who want to know the answers and the reasons behind the Hinduism rites.

[Kushal Kushlendra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lot of repeated content, haphazardly organised.

[Chandrashekar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Indian Mythology : Tales, symbols and rituals from the heart of the sub continent is one of the earlier product from the stables of Devdutt Pattnaik, who has emerged as an author of great pedigree in modern and slightly offbeat interpretation of Indian Mythology. The book is a decent read, nothing more than that. The biggest drawback, I feel, is that it tries to cram too much into a 200 odd page narrative and in the process loses its plot in a lot of places. It tries to structure its contents through 4 pillars/ chapters

Mythology - Studying Myth

Mythosphere - Comparing Myth

Mythopoesis - Transforming Myth

Mythography - Interpreting Myth.

The superstructure built on these 4 pillars is a little weak because of the lack of a strong foundation. Furthermore the pillars themselves individually doesn't keep you engrossed throughout. Mythosphere, Mythology and Mythography stand firm but Mythopoesis tends to test your patience on more than one occasion. There is an apparent lack of flow or continuity from one chapter to the other which I felt was vital to take this book to another level ( and honestly speaking this might have been the intention of the author I feel).


All these drawbacks apart, this is actually a good read. It makes one think. Often we tend to swat away any ritual, pooja, homa, yagya etc which are logically unexplainable as ‘irrational’ , ‘ridiculous’ and outright stupid without thinking for a moment as to why it came to be followed/practised in the first place. Questions like why and how men came to be treated as superior to women? Why is sex such a taboo topic that we can't bring ourselves to discuss it in public? What is the concept of good and evil, God and Demon? Why is a coconut smashed before a ceremony starts? What is it about numerology, astrology, yoga etc that draws the public towards them? These and more are usually accepted as it is or rejected outright. This books dares to reason things out, tries to find method to an apparent visible madness and to me that is where it scores all its points. Maybe if the author had tried to keep his focus narrow, this could have been a great read instead of just a good read.

[Penpitcha Thaweepong · Rating 5 out of 5]

ดีมากกก ชอบอ่านอะไรแบบนี้มาก

"Indian Mythology: Tales, Symbols, and Rituals from the Heart of the Subcontinent" หรือในชื่อภาษาไทยว่า "เทพปกรณัมอินเดีย : นิทาน สัญลักษณ์ และพิธีกรรม จากดินแดนอนุทวีป" ได้วิเคราะห์ตีความความหมาย/ความนัยที่ซ่อนอยู่ในพวกนิทาน ตำนาน เรื่องเล่าโบราณต่างๆ ของอินเดีย ซึ่งส่วนใหญ่เรามักจะเคยได้ยินกันอยุู่แล้ว เช่น รามายณะ มหาภารตะ รวมทั้งอธิบายสัญลักษณ์และพิธีกรรมสำคัญๆ ของศาสนาฮินดู โดยผู้เขียนอธิบายให้เราได้เห็นภาพของสังคมอินเดียโบราณที่เป็นเหตุให้เกิดเรื่องเล่าเหล่านี้ รวมทั้งผลของเรื่องเล่าที่มีต่อสังคมอินเดีย มีการเปรียบเทียบความต่างกับกระบวนวิธีคิดในศาสนาอื่นด้วย ซึ่งทำให้เราได้เห็นที่มาที่ไปและเอกลักษณ์ของฮินดูที่ประกอบสร้างความเป็นอินเดียให้แตกต่างจากคนชาติอื่น เราได้เห็นภาพพัฒนาการทางกระบวนความคิดของความเป็นฮินดูตั้งแต่ยุคพระเวทไปจนถึงการรับอิทธิพลจากศาสนาอื่นว่าทำให้ความเป็นฮินดูมีการเปลี่ยนแปลงปรับตัวอย่างไร โดยสะท้อนผ่านเรื่องเล่าพวกนี้นี่เอง ซึ่งมันเปิดโลกเรามาก ทำให้ข้อสงสัยหลายๆ อย่างมีคำอธิบายสำหรับเรา เช่น ทำไมตำนานเรื่องเดียวกันถึงมีหลายเวอร์ชั่นนัก เป็นต้น

ส่วนตัวรู้สึกว่าเล่มนี้ทำให้นึกถึงหนังสือที่เคยอ่านพวกนี้
- ศาสนา : ประวัติศาสตร์ศรัทธาแห่งมวลมนุษย์ (A Little History of Religion) ของ Richard Holloway
- ปกรณัมปรัมปรา (Mythology) ของ Edith Hamilton
- Mythos เล่าขานตำนานเทพกรีก ของ Stephen Fry
- Heroes เล่าขานตำนานวีรบุรุษกรีก ของ Stephen Fry
ซึ่งดีมากเหมือนกัน อ่านไปก็ร้อง " อ๋อออ ..." ไป เหมือนกัน ถ้าใครชอบอ่านพวกวิเคราะห์ตำนานเรื่องเล่าต่างๆ เล่มนี้แนะนำเลยสำหรับสายเทพอินเดีย

[Prashanthi Chennupati · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perspective is what I look forward to in any book. I'm a big admirer of Mr. Devdutt Pattanaik work. I see his writings and perspectives more from the human psychological evolution level rather than religious or mythical notes. This book has given a very clear insight on what binds humans emotionally and psychologically at different levels and how humans behave in different situations. There is no sin or sinner. There is nothing called as good or bad, right or wrong. Every action has an outcome and humans embrace to the situations beautifully, adapt themselves and move forward. This book beautifully simplifies the concepts of cosmos and it's influence on human beings from Indian mythology perspective. Also the book briefs about the work of our ancestors. How our ancestors have clearly identified different layers of existence and interlinked every aspect to our day to day life and provided us with tremendous knowledge in the form of Vedas, upanishads, Vedantas etc. Everything is relative hence all the stories in this book also are relative. If anyone tries to read the book with absolute logic then they will be disappointed. Don't judge and come to conclusions as the beauty of mythology is in its essence of its perspective

[Darryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Myths may not satisfy the demands of rationality or science, but they contain profound wisdom - provided one believes they do and is willing to find out what they communicate." (p. 160)


From the back cover:

The Hindu spiritual landscape is populated by multidimensional characters whose embodiment of both positive and negative aspects finds no parallel within the good versus evil mythology of the Western world. From the goddess Kali to the mysterious elephant-headed Ganesha, Indian Mythology explores the rich tapestry of these characters within ninety-nine classic myths, revealing the essence of the Hindu worldview and demonstrating how these ancient stories can inform a contemporary generation.

Devdutt Pattanaik examines the meaning behind the metaphors of the classic myths in symbolic art and in a multifaceted tradition of ritual practices. Fifty artistic renderings of important mythological figures (from seventeenth-century temple carvings to twentieth-century calendar art) illustrate the complex polytheistic Hindu tradition and show how central these figures are to the Hindu conception of the world.

[Chris Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an extremely challenging book for me. It required a total paradigm shift for a Westerner raised on monotheistic ideals of God and the Devil, life and death, right and wrong, heaven and hell. Indian mythology is a profound shift for that person, to a religion where there are hundreds of gods that can be punished, and devils that can be worshiped. Gods that are eternal, and gods that are mortal. The idea of samsara and time being cyclical, living many lives. Even more so, the narratives, art, and rituals that make up the heart of Indian mythology differ greatly from place to place. Although the book is written in English, the Indian names of people, places, and things were still difficult to this Westerner's tongue and ear at first. This book is a worthwhile deep dive, yet I still feel like I've barely scratched the surface of the culture.

[Bella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Indian Mythology has always made my imaginations complex. I have been unable to understand much things when I was small. But when I read more, my understanding just got broadened. It is a sad fact that most the Indians doesn't know the deep meanings of symbols, rituals, gods, Gods. In the name of religion people are going blind, madly following things they don't understand. this book is helpful in many aspects. But like the great poet'e song.... "Into the heaven of freedom, My Lord, Let my country awake..."

[Justin Hugh · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Tales” is a word that’s misplaced in the title of this book as what is actually included are single paragraph summaries of very detailed happenings from the key epics.

This is a well written book, but it should be understood to be a collection of four essays which express Pattanaik’s proposed approach to interpreting Myth and culture, not a collection of the key Tales that exist therein.

Very intriguing read, but a bit overly verbose on the author’s opinions and under-detailed in the recounting of the myths themselves.

[Mousumi Singha · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book gives a glimse of hundu religion. It helps us to come closer to the meaning of various symbols and rituals we have come across many times. It is very interesting to know about them when we have practiced or seen such things at various ocasions. It helps us to know our religion deeply,created interest about how to know self and realise self. The language is lucid as always. I found the myth=mythia more enchanting and interesting though. The book Jaya is also excellent one.

[Priyanka Dixit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book is well written though some pieces are here and there like pictures should have been at places where they are referred and not collectively at one place. Book has many short stories giving knowledge about many characters and their doings and eventful life, which is interesting. Many tables were not required, but they give the writer's perspective. I liked the stories, but the narrations in between are sometimes too lengthy.

[Matthew Kelm · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had trouble getting through this book, mostly because there are so many different stories packed into roughly 200 pages. None of the individual stories are told with much depth, and there are a lot of different characters to keep track of. The book does have a thorough glossary of terms and might be better to use as a reference book when reading a more in depth book about one of these stories. I might try My Gita next if I have time.

[Vibhu Rishi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good starter crash course in Indian Mythology. DP weaves stories from different sources on each section to give a bigger understanding of what it is all about. The various levels of Gods and gods. The myths and why they make sense for an Indian concept. This book will not obviously teach you all about the Indian mythology, but it will start making some sense of the madness.

[Abhiraj Singh Dadiyan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a great read for anyone who wants to learn about Hindu beliefs/myths. The problem i have with this book is how it has structured its table and images. The tables sprout randomly in between other myths/beliefs same goes for the images presented in them. The book would have a better flow if there was a different section for images and tables

[Rishav Agarwal · Rating 5 out of 5]

With an extensive knowledge and profound understanding of Indian mythology, Devdutt Pattanaik's book serves as a comprehensive crash course in mythology. A must read for anyone who dismisses Indian myth as mere superstitions or folklore.

[Manoj Saha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great compilation of studying, comparing, transforming and interpreting Indian Mythology. Never expected to find Freudian and Jungian and structuralist schools being so useful in interpreting mythology.

[Swapnil · Rating 4 out of 5]

really liked the way the author things and allows one to channel thoughts into the mystical ,mythical and magical and why were they sought after and what are the different perspectives one can use to deify something

[Amruta Bhave · Rating 3 out of 5]

At first it reads like a dry reference book; but on careful reading, it does illustrate some unique perspectives!

[Chandhrika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-written! Provided a lot of insight into stories that I had heard before but not interpreted in this light. Quick read, mildly thought provoking.

[M · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book for beginners and advanced readers alike

[Kavya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kudos to the author for how he unfolded the real essence of every tale, turning around many of our perceptions on Indian Mythology. One good book for mythology fans.

[Ankit Agrawal · Rating 3 out of 5]

To much information but a great insight