Ramayana Versus Mahabharata: My Playful Comparison

by Devdutt Pattanaik

It is a popular belief that the Ramayana is idealistic, while the Mahabharata is realistic. Yet these two epics have identical building blocks, identical themes, and identical history.

In this ground-breaking book, Devdutt Pattanaik, India’s most popular mythologist, explores the similarities and dissimilarities between the two epics in a ‘playful analysis’ accompanied by his signature illustrations. Whether it is the family structure, forest exile, or war, the comparison between the two epics proves a startling point—the Mahabharata is in fact a reaction to the events in the Ramayana.

Ideas in this book are distributed over 56 chapters. In temple ritual, Vishnu is offered 8 different meals daily, different on all seven days of the week—56 dishes in all. May each chapter serve as a mouth-watering offering to the Vishnu within you.

Genres: Mythology, Nonfiction, Religion, Philosophy, India, Audiobook, Hinduism

192 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 24, 2018

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

[Vishnu Chevli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Last month when Vishnu sent me monthly books that we are supposed to review, I saw "Ramayana vs Mahabharata" by Devdutt Pattanaik. I have seen many good posts by Devdutt on Twitter & Instagram, I have also seen many reviewers praising work of Devdutt, so I wanted to check his book myself. And that's book reached me. As I have mentioned, "Ramayana vs Mahabharata" is my first book from the author. Though mythology is not my genre, after reading this book I am interested in reading more of the author's work.

As Indian, we have all grown up hearing stories about Ramayana and Mahabharata but the idea of comparing both epics and find the similarities and dissimilarity is a really unique attempt and also unique read for me. Points made in this book are really logical. This book has mentions of regional tellings of both epics as well. This book also sheds light on similarly between Hindu, Buddhist and Jain mythology.

What I like about this book:
* I get to know about the similarity of both epics with other mythologies
* Relative illustration at the start of every chapter
* Mention of how both epics shed light on feminism
* Book shows retelling of both epics in other culture
* Conclusion part
* To the point writing
* Cover of the book

So all and all this book comparing two epics of Hindu mythology is also an epic book in my views. If you have heard stories about Ramayana and Mahabharata than this book is gonna open a whole new perspective on both epics for you. If you are open minded and want to explore more then this book will blow your mind away. I recommend this book to everyone (especially who grew up hearing stories of these epics) and looking forward to reading more from Devdutt Pattanaik.

[Vikalp Trivedi · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Ramayana - Aadi Kavya (the first poem) and the Mahabharata - the longest poem ever written. These two epics had been an integral part of Indians for a very long period of time and will remain so for the infinite epochs to come. No Indian ever existed without being acquinted with the fascinating tales of these two epics. Both of these epics are retold numerous times, by numerous writers, through numerous writing forms. But even after all these retellings and interpretations the similarities, dissimilarities and philosophy are hardly compared. It's seldom been a broad subject that at what points the epics are same and at what points the epics are different.

Devdutt Pattanaik who has written 'Jaya : An Illustrated Retelling Of Mahabharata' and 'Sita : An Illustrated Retelling Of Ramayana'- which are two brilliant books- came up with 'Ramayana Versus Mahabharata : My Playful Comparison', a comparison of the two epics like never done before. The book is divided into eight parts and fifty six chapters. The comparison starts right from the histories of the epics how they changed and evolved through their great period of existence. How rules of different rulers and different cultures and perspectives of different writers shaped both of the epics. My favorite part of the book was the discription of the rivalry between Buddhism and Hinduism and how both the religions used Ramayana and Mahabharata for their advantage. The author brilliantly and compares the themes which are prevailing in both the epics and discusses the similarities and dissimilarities among the themes.

Though the book is intact in its comparison of the epics, there were certain points with which I completely disagree. First of those points is from the tenth chapter named as 'Both Celebrate Obedient Sons'. In this chapter author compares the secrifices made by Ram and Bhishma for their respective fathers. The author argues that Ram sacrifice of leaving the joyful life and accepting his father's orders for the fourteen years' exile was greater than Bhishma's oath of life long celibacy. The reason which the author provides is that the motivation for Ram's exile was Ayodhya while the reason for Bhishma's oath is pure wish of his father for Satyavati. Ayodhya being motivation for accepting the exile makes Ram's sacrifice more divine than that of Bhishma's. But I don't think so Both Dashrath and Shantanu were driven by same emotions, emotion of getting the woman they liked, an emotion of inner lust which is described explicitly in the Mahabharata and quite implicitly in the Ramayana. Dashrath in this emotion makes a promise to the woman he wants without thinking any consequences and Shantanu after hearing Satyavati's and her father's demand falls ill. The Yayati Complex works here and their respective sons makes sacrifices for them. The only difference I found in Ram's and Bhishma's sacrifices is that on Ram the exile is imposed and Bhishma took the oath by choice. I don't find any "Divine Difference" between both the sacrifices.

The another point with which I completely disagree comes in chapter fifty four, titled - 'Both Challenges Ahimsa'. In this chapter at one point the author says that Ram killed Vali unfairly (shooting an arrow hiding behind a tree) he did so because at that point Ram was not a leader but he was a follower who was following the orders of Sugreev and if he confronted Vali face to face and defeated him Ram would have become the leader of Kishkindha. I do not find any logic in this because later in the Ramayana Ram kills Ravana so according to the point which author suggest here Ram would have become the leader and eventually the king of Rakshashas and Lanka.

The other thing I felt was the book, to an extent, criticises the deeds done by different characters in both the epics but when it comes to the wrongs done to the female characters of the epics, most of the time the author used the mythical tales associated with the incidents and leave it ambiguous. The book also do not mention the misdeeds done by Yudhisthira by gambling Draupadi and the torments she suffered because of foolishness of so called "Dharmaraj" and Rama by abandoning his pregnant wife even after she passed the Agni-Pariksha just to uphold his fake reputation. I never understood that why we glorify Yudhisthira and Ram covering up their misdeeds at all costs.

Although a readable one yet the book disappoints at some points.

2.5 out of 5 stars.

[Nayaz Riyazulla · Rating 4 out of 5]

ಸುಂದರ ಪ್ರಯತ್ನ..... ಈ ಮನುಷ್ಯ ಎಷ್ಟು ಓದಿರಬೇಡ ಅಂತ ಹೊಟ್ಟೆ ಕಿಚ್ಚು ಆಗುತ್ತೆ......

ಇನ್ನೊಂದು ಖುಷಿ ಅಂದ್ರೆ Retelling of epics ಅನ್ನುವ ಲೇಖನದಲ್ಲಿ ನಮ್ಮ ಕುವೆಂಪುರ ರಾಮಾಯಣ ದರ್ಶನಂ ಮತ್ತು ಬೈರಪ್ಪರ ಪರ್ವವನ್ನು ಹೆಸರಿಸಿ ಚರ್ಚಿಸಿದ್ದಾರೆ... 🥰

ರಾಮಾಯಣ ಮಹಾಭಾರತ ಇಷ್ಟ ಪಡೋರ್ಗೆ ಖಂಡಿತ ಈ ಪುಸ್ತಕ ಇಷ್ಟವಾಗುತ್ತೆ...

[John Corlos · Rating 3 out of 5]

Words are our (humans) most powerful and greatest tool. They have the power to inspire people, crush souls, create magical worlds and build empires. The art of storytelling has been hardwired into our lives and deeply rooted inside our brains. We, human beings crave for stories and it is clear as a crystal that we are obsessed with stories. The monomania for stories is palpable ranging from mythological tales from the past to the ultra-short micro-fiction to the latest epigrammatic stories composed within a single tweet and these disparate tales coexist side-by-side without any qualms.

It would be impossible for the people of our country to not being acquainted with the most popular epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata as we would have grown up hearing and reading it, relishing it with the appetite to read more of it. It never ceases to amaze that the zeal to know more about these epics never recedes as time passes but only surges with increasing time and changing periods.

Devdutt Pattanaik‘s latest book “Ramayana Versus Mahabharata: My Playful Comparison” delights us with its lucid cover and the tag ‘playful comparison‘ in the title piques the interest of the readers with an eagerness to discover to what “India’s Favourite Mythologist Writer” offers in this short book of 194 pages. He asserts that measuring is human delusion and comparing, divine play in the inception of the book.

The blurb of the book reads “In temples ritual, Vishnu is offered 8 different meals daily, different on all seven days of the week—56 dishes in all.” which is quite a surprise as the book is neatly divided into eight parts and 56 chapters, and both Lord Ram and Krishna are avatars of Vishnu. Each chapter begins with the word “Both” and tries to convey the correlation between the epics giving the reader a glimpse into what the chapters offer within its words. The book, by and large attempts to compare the two epics, the idealistic Ramayana and the realistic Mahabharata for similarities and dissimilarities along with neat illustrations.

The book is simple to follow and makes you wonder about some identical themes which have missed our eyes so far. It establishes the theme that each story share enabling us to view the identical building blocks, family structure, forest exile, and war. Devdutt also lays emphasis on the many retellings of both the epics spread all over the world and cleverly compares it with Greek, Buddhist, Jainist and Abrahamic mythologies. The book tries to introspect into the idea of complex casualty which is a key theme across epics. It dwells on karma and dharma as the basis of all happenings in the two epics.

Though the reader gets weary along the initial pages, the book with its beautiful comparison gets the reader on an exhilarating ride which would fill him with an immense knowledge of the epics. The book is a treasure trove of information on various retellings providing new insights into the epics which we would have unheard of. The arduous research that the author had undergone is evident from the unambiguous words and coherent concepts which he explains it with ease. The anecdotes from regional languages/versions of the ithihasas/epics will be a new experience for the readers. Although one couldn’t avoid a debate in the mind about the analysis of the epics by Devdutt Pattanaik, this makes it an interesting book to delve into, making it a staggering ride to remember with its brevity.

Note: This Review is already posted in my blog www.corlosjohn.wordpress.com and this book was reviewed as part of the "Flpikart Review Program".

[Suraj Kumar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Devdutt Pattanaik’s Ramayana versus Mahabharata, as the subtitle suggests is a comparison of the two great epics. Devdutt Pattanaik is no new name in mythological literature and thus the question of his mastery on the topic doesn’t arise. Beginning with a brief introduction of both the epics, Devdutt begins drawing similarities and dissimilarities between the two.

The author has divided the book into eight sections and he makes his comparison on the basis of these aspects- narration, family, war and exile to name a few. Along with the similarities and dissimilarities between the two topics, the reader also gets several little capsules of knowledge.

The book certainly makes us more familiar to what we consider the most familiar stories that we hear in our life. Devdutt has also mentioned several regional variations that appear in the two epics. These variations provide a glimpse of the richness of the Hindu mythology. Pattanaik also shows how these two epics have caused the very significant shift from the Vedic Hinduism to Puranic Hinduism.

Reading Devdutt Pattanaik is a delight because of his charming writing. His signature illustrations act as a cherry on the cake. All in all I enjoyed this book and it is a quite short and quick read. In the final analysis, I would say that the comparison between the two epics is indeed a ‘playful’ one. There is hardly any in depth analysis and it seems as if the book has been made out of the margin notes that one keeps on scribbling while reading a book.

This was my first book by Devdutt Pattanaik and so I don’t have any other work of his to compare this one with. Those who have read his earlier books say that this book stands nowhere near to his other books. But that doesn’t affect me in any way.

My Rating: *** (3.5/5)

*I was kindly sent a copy by the publisher in exchange for a review. Views expressed expressed are entirely personal & unbiased.*

[Kunal Gwalani · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Hindu Religion, Philosophy & Belief system borrows heavily from the two epics of Ramayan and Mahabharatha.

While the Rig Veda & Bhagvat Gita also set the tone for Hinduism and its customs, the primary focus has always been on the Ramayan and Mahabharata because the stories have a more human form to them which makes the characters easier to resonate with people.

Also given how these two epics have spawned off numerous versions and variations, plays, stories, serials etc, has increased their reach and understanding amongst the common man.

In the Ramayana versus Mahabharata Devdutt Pattanaik has extensively researched the two epics, understood the regional and language variations and penned down what he says is a playful analysis of the two.

Devdutt Pattanaik has to be appreciated for his efforts of bringing the two on a common platform.
To be able to draw as many parallels and commonalities in depth as this book has done, definitely requires and in-depth understanding and a keen attention to detail.

For a full review - head to my blog: https://kunalgwalani.blogspot.com/201...

[Chittajit Mitra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review: 3.5/5

In this book the author tries to draw parallels between the two epics Ramayana & Mahabharata, both equally popular & revered by Hindus. With their innumerous interpretations & retellings both the epics have passed the test of time. Keeping Karma & Dharma as the centre of both the epics, the author compares the two stories to find common links as well as dissimilarities. The book is divided in 8 parts & 56 chapters where each chapter has been dedicated to one similar aspect found in both the mythologies.

Read the full review on Just Another Bookaholic

[Jayasree B · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is a well-done book that highlights the myriad similarities between the two great epics that we have known. Between sons and property disputes, of vanavasa and the presence of Vishnu in one of his avatars. Many of these would have been already inferred by the average reader of mythology. A few were quite insightful and this made the book interesting.

[Romi Dey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A decent comparison between two great epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. It's very interesting to visualize the similarities , dissimilarities and interconnections of the characters from both the epics. The correlation among Hinduism Buddhism, Jainism verses the correlation between Christianity and Muslim are described mathematically like circular and linear motion of our lives which is phenomenal. The differences and interrelation between animal kingdom and human society are beautifully portrayed. The regional variations of Ramayana from the different parts of India and South Asians countries and the beautiful balances between Dharma and Karma enriches the contents.
Since childhood we have read and watched TV series based on those two epics multiple times but never read the parallel journey of them.


Thanks to Devdutt Pattanaik.

[Shine Mathew · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cliffnotes edition of complex epics. I wish there were any insight into the two Epics instead of just surface level comparison of information that is commonly known.

[Shreyas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Giving 4 stars for the information and facts provided in this book. Everyone is aware of the hidden agenda devdutt pattanaik has and how clearly he is using his knowledge of hinduism to go for that.
When i started with first chapter, i was wondering if this is Ramayana vs Mahabharata or Hinduism vs Budddhism / Jainism. Wanted to drop the book while reading first chapter. But then the following chapters had facts and information. Hence continued

[Saswata Guha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book: Ramayana versus Mahabharata: My Playful Comparison
Author: Devdutt Pattanaik
Publisher: Rupa Publications
Published: 2018
Genre: Non-Fiction-Mythology-Philosophy
ISBN: 9789353332327
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Introduction:

Devdutt Pattanaik's exploration of India's two monumental epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, provides a fresh and insightful perspective on these age-old narratives, inviting both seasoned readers and newcomers to delve into their intricate worlds. These epics are not merely stories; they are considered "Itihasa," a term in Sanskrit that translates to "thus it happened." This classification distinguishes the epics as historical accounts or narratives with a grounding in cultural and moral truths, even if not strictly factual in the modern historical sense.

Pattanaik’s work stands as a testament to his prowess in mythological scholarship, offering a nuanced analysis that simultaneously educates and entertains. By exploring these texts, he sheds light on the rich tapestry of Itihasa, which is interwoven with the Puranic traditions—a genre of ancient Indian literature that encompasses myths, legends, and genealogies of gods, heroes, and ancient sages.

Thematic Juxtaposition:

Dharma and Moral Complexity:

Central to both epics is the concept of dharma, a theme that Pattanaik examines with great depth. In the Ramayana, dharma is often portrayed as a straightforward, albeit rigid, moral path, epitomized by Rama's unwavering commitment to duty and righteousness. In contrast, the Mahabharata presents a more ambivalent view, where characters like Yudhishthira grapple with moral dilemmas, reflecting the complexity of human ethics. This juxtaposition invites readers to consider the multifaceted nature of dharma and its implications in both ancient and modern contexts.

Power, Politics, and Family Dynamics:

Another critical theme Pattanaik explores is the interplay of power and familial relationships. The Ramayana's narrative of familial loyalty and betrayal finds echoes in the Mahabharata's intricate political and familial machinations. Characters like Kaikeyi and Shakuni serve as pivotal figures whose actions drive the narrative forward, underscoring the intricate dance of personal ambition and familial duty. Pattanaik's analysis reveals how these themes resonate across cultures, drawing parallels with Western narratives such as Shakespeare's plays, where similar dynamics unfold.

Structural and Character Analysis:

Chapter Structure and Symbolism:
The book's structure, organized into 56 chapters akin to the offerings made to Vishnu, is a deliberate choice that reflects the cyclical and ritualistic nature of storytelling. Each chapter acts as a standalone exploration, yet collectively they form a cohesive narrative that deepens the reader's understanding of the epics' interconnectedness. This structure allows Pattanaik to explore individual elements in detail while maintaining a broader thematic coherence.

Character Parallels and Contrasts:

Pattanaik's examination of character parallels between the epics provides a rich tapestry of insights. By comparing characters like Rama with Arjuna, or Sita with Draupadi, he highlights both the similarities and the unique moral quandaries they face. This analysis not only deepens our understanding of these characters but also invites readers to reflect on universal human experiences, such as the struggle for identity and self-realization.

Writing Style and Illustrations:

Prose and Illustrative Commentary:

Pattanaik's writing style is characterized by clarity and a subtle wit that makes complex ideas accessible to a broad audience. His playful tone, combined with scholarly insight, transforms what might have been a dense academic tome into a lively narrative. The inclusion of his signature illustrations adds another layer of engagement, providing visual cues that complement the text and enhance the reader's experience.

Comparative Literature and Cultural Context:

Cross-Cultural Parallels:

Pattanaik situates the Ramayana and Mahabharata within a broader cultural and historical context, drawing parallels with other mythological and literary traditions. This comparative approach enriches the analysis, offering insights into the universal themes that permeate these narratives. By referencing texts such as the Iliad and the Odyssey, Pattanaik invites readers to consider the shared human experiences that underpin epic storytelling across cultures.

Evolution of Interpretations:

A significant aspect of Pattanaik's analysis is his exploration of how interpretations of these epics have evolved over time. He examines how societal changes have influenced the portrayal of characters and themes, particularly in relation to gender roles and the portrayal of women. This dynamic quality underscores the epics' enduring relevance and adaptability, reflecting the shifting values and concerns of society.

While Devdutt Pattanaik's "Interweaving Narratives" has been widely praised for its insightful analysis and engaging style, there are several areas where the book could have delved deeper or approached differently, leading to a more comprehensive exploration of the epics.

Limited Engagement with Regional Variations:

One notable critique is the book's limited engagement with the diverse regional interpretations of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. These epics have been retold and adapted in myriad ways across India's vast cultural landscape, and each regional version brings unique perspectives and nuances. By not thoroughly exploring these variations, the book misses an opportunity to present a more multifaceted view of the epics and their cultural significance across different communities.

Simplification of Complex Themes:

Pattanaik's approach, while accessible, sometimes simplifies the philosophical complexities inherent in the epics. The nuanced debates surrounding concepts like dharma, karma, and justice could benefit from a more thorough examination, incorporating diverse scholarly perspectives. This deeper analysis would provide readers with a richer understanding of the moral and ethical dilemmas that the characters face, highlighting the epics' philosophical depth.

Playful Tone and Scholarly Rigor:

While the playful tone of Pattanaik's writing makes the book engaging and accessible to a wide audience, some critics argue that it occasionally undermines the scholarly rigor expected in a comparative literary analysis. For readers seeking an academic exploration, this tone might detract from the perceived seriousness of the subject matter. Incorporating a more balanced approach, blending playfulness with scholarly depth, could enhance the book's appeal to a broader scholarly readership.

Gender and Modern Interpretations:

While Pattanaik does touch on gender roles and the portrayal of women in the epics, there is room for a more robust exploration of these themes in the context of modern feminist interpretations. The complexities surrounding characters like Sita and Draupadi, and their varied portrayals over time, warrant a more detailed analysis that considers contemporary discussions on gender and power dynamics.

Conclusion:

In "Interweaving Narratives," Devdutt Pattanaik offers a masterful exploration of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, challenging conventional interpretations and inviting readers to engage with these epics in a deeper, more nuanced way. His comparative analysis, enriched by cultural context and visual commentary, provides a fresh perspective on the enduring power and relevance of these texts. Pattanaik's work stands as a testament to his skill as a storyteller and scholar, offering valuable insights into the universal themes that continue to resonate across time and cultures.

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[Siddarth Gore · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dharma was thus not a set of laws; it was a way of being. It was anchored in the human ability to reverse the law of the jungle

The studious may like theory and talk about the Vedas and the Upanishads. But us commoners will always like stories better. And what better stories than the two epics the world has ever seen.

So he invited the King of Gandhara and his hundred sons to a meal and then locked them up and gave them only one portion of food every day, thus slowly starving them to death. Technically, Bhishma was not breaking the rules of hospitality - because he was offering them food.

This diabolical story from the Odia retelling is most interesting. What is it supposed to convey? Kill but keep up appearances while doing it? The second part of the story is even more fascinating where the King of Gandhara only feed his most clever son - Shakuni. He even breaks his leg to remind him of the revenge he ultimately has to extract on Hastinapur.

By now you must have guessed that this book is not really about Ramayana versus Mahabharata. All chapters start with 'Both'. It is about the commonalities relating to the basic thought of Hinduism. The Karma-Dharma thing. Which is surprisingly well put in this book.

There are other interesting things like how both the epics were codified as a response to the rise of Buddhism and Jainism. While those focused on the ascetic Hinduism focused on the householder-hermit. Hence it more colorful and has innumerable tales to tell about how to lead a social life. And then leave it as well (vanaprashashram).

Upholding dharma does not guarantee happiness - for that, one has to pursue kama, artha and moksha. Dharma merely guarantees stability for the world at large.

It is a short book with a lot of information. Gets boring at times since you know most of the stories anyway.

[Senthilkumar Rajappan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Could have been better. All the character vs character is not equal, say for example Bhishma and Ram on the same platter is quite difficult to comprehend. I also was left wanting to get the Ram vs Krishna since the title was between Ramayana and Mahabharata.

We have instances that have been taken at random incidents and compared. Quite unlikely that you can have Dasaratha and Pandu for kings without children as comparisons.

This is a laborious exercise ideally because the context is different. The other side of the comparing these two works is tough because they are totally having different approaches to target segment. It also is important to understand the length and breadth of the story are widely different. The fact that the characters continue to Mahabharata from Ramayana is also a pointer to the similarities and how they are a continuous set of instances that make this grand story come alive.

I read with interest the snippet like comparisons by Devdutt Pattanaik where he has put it as My playful comparison, (still wonder why it’s playful) there are enough and more comparisons you could take away right from the childless fathers in Dasaratha to Shantanu to sorrowing parents in Dasaratha to even Pandavas after the war.

We also get to see quite a few instances in terms of geography and history or the narration by rishis, etc.

But given that author has taken liberty for the time of the authorship of both the epics, I would have loved to differ. For example, the Big Temple in Tamil Nadu is over 2000 years old and the devotional movement in their time was as big as anything that is covered elsewhere.

One more I noticed was the Greek and Buddhist comparisons, that are totally different and the context in which those thrived also makes for comparisons.

[Aman]

As far as Devdutt patnaik twitter handle suggests, he's seen as an acclaimed mythologist who is famous or infamous for his liberal opinion on Hinduism and is oftenly seen criticizing and questioning set of established Hindus belief and tradition.

As the subtitle itself suggests, its the parallel comparison of two epics, the Mahabharata and the Ramayana which holds significant importance in Hindu religion. These are not just a piece of text but are revered by Hindus and are considered to be one of the greatest and noble work of literature as well.
The book not only talks about the Valmiki's Ramayana and Vedvyas's Mahabharata but makes you aware of the several other writers ranging from south to north, and from east to west. It also bless you with the fact that these two epics are not just confined to India but are spread to several other South East Asian countries like Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia which are majoritarily islamic, still holds their past with great pride and honour.
The writers takes you to different facets of these epics, talks about Ram, praises him for his exceptional humbleness, criticize him, questions him on the treatment of Sita, highlights the status of women, way of governance, violent and non violent nature of god, the dharma and a hell lot of things.

One interested in any of these two epics or ancient text must go for a read, because it just not only compare the ideals of these two epics but also broaden your knowledge by referring different versions of Ramayana and Mahabharata where the story is completely different of what you know and get to know. For example, one of the version of Ramayana claim Sita to be a daughter of Ravana. Filled with similar shocking facts, will let you know many more unknown facts.
#reviewbyAman

[Harshita Gupta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Notwithstanding how much one already knows both the prominent Indian epics-Ramayana and Mahabharata, it’s irresistible to realize further understanding of them. I’ve unfailingly enjoyed reading about ancient folklores and tales provided the work is thorough and fascinating.
Ramayana and Mahabharata are the two grand Indian epics which primarily varies on the basis of the principles it laid and secondarily because of the opposite personalities of the avatars of Lord Vishnu that were born. From the viewpoint of a layman, it’s absolutely unimagined on his part to ponder and compare the two histories.
In his latest book, Devdutt Pattanaik seeks comparisons between the two epics and attempts to discover similarities and dissimilarities on the basis of their retelling, war, narration, and wisdom. He put forth the key points of sameness where both speak of forest exile, vengeance stories, violence against women, reference to snake people, ambitious queens, family disputes and conflicts. The book also explores Greek, Jain, and Buddhist mythologies vis a vis these two epics.
‘Ramayana versus Mahabharata: My Playful Comparison’, is an impressive attempt of comparison between the two prominent epics. It’s beguiling to read how the author has stated the similarities and distinctions concerning both the epics. This book is surely entrancing and recommended for the ones who love reading this genre.

[Sayantani Roy · Rating 5 out of 5]



Author- Devdutt Pattanaik

Number of pages- 194

Publisher- Rupa Publications

Extensively well researched, this book brings out Devdutt Pattanaik at its best. This book talks about the two epics of Hinduism in detail and a thorough comparitive study is done by the author on them. The similarities, dissimilarities everything has been taken into consideration by the author. It is so well written that one cannot help but wonder at the unlimited study and research that has been done to produce a book that talks about the two most humongous and important epics of Hinduism.

The book is divided into eight parts sans the introduction and conclusion. The eight parts have further been divided into more sections which indicates the amount of detailing this book has. The eight parts are as follows:

I. Narration

II. Family

III. Rupture

IV. Exile.

V. War

VI. Aftermath

VII. Retelling

VIII. Wisdom

The writing style is engaging. Being mythological non fiction, it's very informative and interesting. There are numerous tables which make the details quite easy to read and understand.

My rating - 5/5

[Sumith Chowdhury · Rating 3 out of 5]

Often, I've encountered that Devdutt Pattnaik's books are basically documented thesis, journals or analogies. They look more like a science manual than novels. Likewise, this book Ramayana vs Mahabharatha can be described in the same manner. It is safe to assume that one doesn't have to read the epics, the salient features get highlighted automatically.

However, the book doesn't have anything new to offer. If one is well versed with the epics or mythological stories, they'll be well aware of the morals, teachings or preachings it has to offer. The only constrating positive aspect are the diagrams, illustrations & retellings of the ancient tales often narrated by elders in English.

But overall, it's exhausting & plausible. It's the same old content which has been repeated in various contexts. This turns off the reading experience upto a certain extent. Language is simple, easy enough to read & understand. Narration is okay. A one-time read.

[Aditi Bhatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

A major part of the Indian population is aware of the Ramayana and Mahabharata. I'm sure most of us are quite enchanted by both the epics and are fond of the turn in events and the numerous vivid characters present in both. In fact, there are various retellings and adaptations of both but this book brings forth something entirely new! That being the comparative analysis of both the Hindu epics. It might sound boring to some but trust me, this is something really extraordinary. Devdutt lays out a list of parameters and draws out similarities or contrasts between the Ramayana and Mahabharata in reference with other related reads and retellings. It is very very interesting to read and comprehend what Devdutt offers in the book. It will surely add to your knowledge and might even influence your viewpoint regarding the reality of the epics. I would highly recommend this book to all the Hindu mythology enthusiasts for they are going to love it!

[Rohit Tandekar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a light read based on the various similarities and differences that are present in the two biggest epics in India - Ramayana and Mahabharata. And before you can decide whether it will be an interesting read or not, you glance upon the author's name and are immediately assured of the former.

Mr. Pattanaik has once again presented an interesting read in the form of section-wise, chapter-wise snippets of characters, plots and principles of one epic which we, mere mortals, may or may not have had the sense to correlate with their respective counterparts in the other epic.

The common themes of property dispute, childless kings, deer hunts, clingy villains and forest exiles across both Ramayana and Mahabharata have been presented in silos multiple times before. But it's a true delight to view them through a common lens and dissect them with the help of the author.

[Anuradha Sridharan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a treat for all those have read multiple versions of the Ramayana & Mahabharata, including the author's own versions (Sita & Jaya). Since both these epics are usually read independently, this book is unique and gives insight into how they are related and intertwined. It is important to note that this book is more like a summary and does not elaborate the details in a story like mode. Hence, this caters more to the advanced reader. By no means is this book an introduction to the two great epics. If one is new to either one, the reader would be lost in a sea of facts, and not find much interest in reading through this book.

[Lima · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although it was sheer chance that I got hold of this book, it was a surprisingly amazing read from the very beginning. The way Mr. Pattanaik has described the intricate details of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata and provided his own comparisons between the two is really insightful, all without being too preachy. The way he weaves the comparisons between the two along with quoting various other literary translations of the same is something that was really unexpected. It was a delight being enlightened about the classical Indian epics, and Mr. Pattanaik has really done such a wonderful job at it!

[Uttara Srinivasan · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

A rather long answer to “What are the similarities and differences between the Mahabharata and the Ramayana”

Painstakingly enumerated as it is, there is enough repetition which in Surjan Singh’s narration is a rather odious journey. (His diction is fine but there is literally no modulation.) There are as many moments of “aha - I didn’t think about that” or “Oh yeah, that’s right.” as there are of “Meh” and “ So what”

I have a headache though

[Munjal Dalwadi · Rating 3 out of 5]

nothing new to offer in the book. Same thing he discussed in points in Jaya and Sita he gave those points words and paragraphs. I usually love to chew anything comes up on epic. The idea sounds promising but execution disappoints. I was expecting more diagrammatic or schematic comparison of the epic and turns out to be same stuff that he talk about right about until now. Though some flow it is readable.

[Dr. Charu Panicker · Rating 2 out of 5]

രാമായണവും മഹാഭാരതവും തമ്മിലുള്ള ഒരു താരതമ്യമാണ് ഈ പുസ്തകം. രണ്ടിലും ഒരുപാട് സാമ്യങ്ങൾ ഉള്ളതായി അറിയാൻ കഴിയുന്നു. ഇതോടൊപ്പം തന്നെ ഗ്രീക്ക് ഇതിഹാസത്തിലെ പറ്റിയും ചെറുതായി പരാമർശിച്ചിട്ടുണ്ട്. കാലത്തിനനുസൃതമായി രാമായണത്തിലും മഹാഭാരതത്തിലും വന്ന മാറ്റങ്ങളും സ്ഥലത്തിന് അനുസൃതമായി വന്ന ഉപകഥകളും ഇവിടെ വിശദീകരിക്കുന്നുണ്ട്.

[Bhaumik Sheth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent representation but repetition

A decent comparison. Much has already been said and written about the two epcis and so I found much of the content a mere repetition and representation.

[Kamakshi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Repetitive thing in many chapters. Not very insightful for a mythology lover.

[Charit · Rating 3 out of 5]

That was a nice refresh of the two mythologies. So many of the side stories and contradictions are fascinating. This book will get me to read more of the author’s other works.

[S Sadagopan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simply amazing
The parallels are there, but I never saw earlier

[Bibliophilist · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.9/5 🌟
Interesting comparison between two great epics of Indian history .

Review coming soon