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Devlok with Devdutt Pattanaik
Journey into the amazing world of Hindu mythology with Devdutt Pattanaik • Why are most temples dedicated to Vishnu, Shiva or the goddess, but not to Brahma or Indra? • How are an asura, rakshasa, yaksha and pishacha different from each other? • Why did the Pandavas find themselves in naraka rather than swarga? Over several months, EPIC Channel's ground-breaking show Devlok with Devdutt Pattanaik has enthralled countless viewers. Here, finally, is the book based on the first series of the ever-popular show, which will take you on a scintillating tour through the myriad stories, symbols and rituals that form the basis of Hindu culture. Prepare to be surprised and thrilled as Devdutt narrates magical tales about larger-than-life figures-gods, goddesses, demi-gods and demons who you thought you knew well but didn't. Learn about the intricacies of Hindu thought as he explains the origin and meaning of different creation myths, and throws light on why we believe in a cyclical-not linear-concept of time. This book is your perfect introduction to the endlessly fascinating world of Hindu mythology.
192 pages, Paperback
Published July 27, 2016
243 people are currently reading
1280 people want to read
About the author
Devdutt Pattanaik
274 books3,310 followersDr. 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
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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews
July 25, 2016
With this, I complete my 100 books for this year :)
Now coming to Devlok with Devdutt Pattanaik, some of the Indian readers might be familiar with the television version of the same name. This book actually is the narrative of the same tv programme. Despite of having watched and re-watched all the episodes, I jumped at the opportunity of reading this one, as soon as it came out, simply because I am a big fan of the author. I would read anything and everything he would write.
This book once again, as his trademark, is about Indian Mythology , explained in the effortless way, he is famous for. Some of the subjects explained are the holy scriptures, the holy (Indian)trinity/ trimurty of Indra, Shiva & Brahma. The dichotomies of Heaven and Hell, Boons and Curses. Avatars of gods and goddesses, significance of various weapons wielded by them. And my favourite was the relationship of gods with food.
The subjects are explained in the format of answers to several basic questions, same like the tone of the tv programme. My only disappointment was that, the book lacks Pattanaik's characteristic sketches.
So overall a good 3.5 starred reading. While this book barely skims the complicated and neverending concept Hindu Mythology, it is a good place to start with, for beginners who might be curious to know the whys and hows.
Now coming to Devlok with Devdutt Pattanaik, some of the Indian readers might be familiar with the television version of the same name. This book actually is the narrative of the same tv programme. Despite of having watched and re-watched all the episodes, I jumped at the opportunity of reading this one, as soon as it came out, simply because I am a big fan of the author. I would read anything and everything he would write.
This book once again, as his trademark, is about Indian Mythology , explained in the effortless way, he is famous for. Some of the subjects explained are the holy scriptures, the holy (Indian)trinity/ trimurty of Indra, Shiva & Brahma. The dichotomies of Heaven and Hell, Boons and Curses. Avatars of gods and goddesses, significance of various weapons wielded by them. And my favourite was the relationship of gods with food.
The subjects are explained in the format of answers to several basic questions, same like the tone of the tv programme. My only disappointment was that, the book lacks Pattanaik's characteristic sketches.
So overall a good 3.5 starred reading. While this book barely skims the complicated and neverending concept Hindu Mythology, it is a good place to start with, for beginners who might be curious to know the whys and hows.
October 28, 2016
The author's note given at the end of the book should be the first thing to be read. Sets the expectations right on where this is heading to.
"This is a collection of easy-going conversations about Indian mythology.... not an academic work...simplified versions of mythological tales..."
Having neither seen nor heard about the TV show (duh! its written clearly on the book cover you dumbo!!), picked this book for the immense mythological research Mr. Pattanaik puts in.
But this turned out to be a light hearted fun talk show about Indian mythology where trivial questions are being answered.
Like "Can I curse my husband?" under the context of shraaps!
Totally my mistake for screwing this up :(
"This is a collection of easy-going conversations about Indian mythology.... not an academic work...simplified versions of mythological tales..."
Having neither seen nor heard about the TV show (duh! its written clearly on the book cover you dumbo!!), picked this book for the immense mythological research Mr. Pattanaik puts in.
But this turned out to be a light hearted fun talk show about Indian mythology where trivial questions are being answered.
Like "Can I curse my husband?" under the context of shraaps!
Totally my mistake for screwing this up :(
July 4, 2018
Its an interesting read. I was not aware that a show also existed and this book came afterwards. It removes the basic doubts that one has regarding Hinduism. It explains how Hinduism, contrary to popular belief, is just a way of life or an ideology if you may
One of the most important differentiation that the author made was the differentiation of the eras, i.e. Vedic era and Puranic era. In Vedic era, Vedas ruled the roost but even before that, concept of writing didn't even exist and our ancestors realized that wisdom will not be passed on this manner. So they started documenting stuff. So, in Vedic era, concept of worshiping an idol didn't exist. Only the natural elements were worshiped and that too through yagnas. After this came the Upanishads which were the explanations of the Vedas as in Vedas, everything was written in form of shlokas which were tough to crack
After this era came the Puranic era which is roughly 2000 years old. This era is the one which consists of the famous epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata and in this sequence. The concept of story-telling was introduced in this era, as even though Upanishads were sufficient to explain the Vedic concepts but somehow their popularity was only limited to the seekers of the knowledge. Thus, in order to popularize the concepts such that everyone can derive advantage out of it, epics were created. These epics successfully conveyed the message in a palatable manner to the wider audience and since then has been successfully doing so
Its hilarious that a lot of verbal battles go on these days debating the concepts of these puranas and most importantly whether or not those epics actually happened. Those epics, whether real or imaginary, are there for us to take out the hypotheses and test it in our real world before we accept them as our own traits
One of the most important differentiation that the author made was the differentiation of the eras, i.e. Vedic era and Puranic era. In Vedic era, Vedas ruled the roost but even before that, concept of writing didn't even exist and our ancestors realized that wisdom will not be passed on this manner. So they started documenting stuff. So, in Vedic era, concept of worshiping an idol didn't exist. Only the natural elements were worshiped and that too through yagnas. After this came the Upanishads which were the explanations of the Vedas as in Vedas, everything was written in form of shlokas which were tough to crack
After this era came the Puranic era which is roughly 2000 years old. This era is the one which consists of the famous epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata and in this sequence. The concept of story-telling was introduced in this era, as even though Upanishads were sufficient to explain the Vedic concepts but somehow their popularity was only limited to the seekers of the knowledge. Thus, in order to popularize the concepts such that everyone can derive advantage out of it, epics were created. These epics successfully conveyed the message in a palatable manner to the wider audience and since then has been successfully doing so
Its hilarious that a lot of verbal battles go on these days debating the concepts of these puranas and most importantly whether or not those epics actually happened. Those epics, whether real or imaginary, are there for us to take out the hypotheses and test it in our real world before we accept them as our own traits
April 1, 2018
This was a pleasingly informative and enjoyable primer for students as well as regular readers seeking to refresh their knowledge of Indian mythology. In a Q & A format, it covers a large number of aspects. These include:
1. Holy Texts
2. The Ramayana and the Mahabharata
3. The Trimurti
4. Colour
5. Shiva
6. Jeev and Jantu
7. Indra
8. Boons and Curses
9. Heaven and He'll
10. Shakti
11. Ganesha
12. Weapons
13. Sacred Animals
14. Ganga
15. Gita
16. Pilgrimage
17. Gods and Food
18. Eras
19. Creation
20. Directions
21. Marriage
22. Shape-shifting
23. Avatars of Vishnu
24. Stars and Planets
25. Plants and Gods
26. Puja
The best thing about this book was its relaxed and liberal attitude that repeatedly emphasised upon the pluralistic nature of religion and mythology in India. Also, apart from retelling some of the oft-repeated stories, It mentioned some very curious stories which I, and definitely many more readers, would love to find out and read at length.
Overall, definitely recommended, especially at such troubled times.
1. Holy Texts
2. The Ramayana and the Mahabharata
3. The Trimurti
4. Colour
5. Shiva
6. Jeev and Jantu
7. Indra
8. Boons and Curses
9. Heaven and He'll
10. Shakti
11. Ganesha
12. Weapons
13. Sacred Animals
14. Ganga
15. Gita
16. Pilgrimage
17. Gods and Food
18. Eras
19. Creation
20. Directions
21. Marriage
22. Shape-shifting
23. Avatars of Vishnu
24. Stars and Planets
25. Plants and Gods
26. Puja
The best thing about this book was its relaxed and liberal attitude that repeatedly emphasised upon the pluralistic nature of religion and mythology in India. Also, apart from retelling some of the oft-repeated stories, It mentioned some very curious stories which I, and definitely many more readers, would love to find out and read at length.
Overall, definitely recommended, especially at such troubled times.
September 2, 2016
I have a tertiary understanding of Hinduism, or at least I thought I did. I certainly don't know enough to evaluate Pattanaik's responses in this collection of answers to questions from his show of the same name. But I did notice at least one answer (with respect to the branches of Hinduism) that conflicts with my sparse knowledge - two (Pattanaik) or four denominations? And one cuteness was too convenient: the Trimurti of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva are seen as the Generator, the Organizer, and the Destroyer respectively, or... G-O-D. All too advantageous of a backronym...
Regardless, as the world's oldest extant religion at 4,000 years, it is far more complex than a leisurely read can scratch the surface of. I understand that the adherents largely pick and choose from the religion's elements (influenced by region, for sure), are are essentially illiterate of, though rabidly faithful to, their sacred texts. Not unlike most American fundamentalist and casual Christians.
Regardless, as the world's oldest extant religion at 4,000 years, it is far more complex than a leisurely read can scratch the surface of. I understand that the adherents largely pick and choose from the religion's elements (influenced by region, for sure), are are essentially illiterate of, though rabidly faithful to, their sacred texts. Not unlike most American fundamentalist and casual Christians.
August 7, 2016
Not that great book.
A lot of things that are described are very obvious. Where the book fails is in going beyond the obvious. Bulk of the content can be easily heard and seen in day-to-day life, even from people who are around 40s (not even the older 60-70 aged elders, who are perceived to be better equipped with mythology and religion).
Additionally, while attending worships and religious ceremonies in both metro and non-metro cities, the visiting pandits are explaining a lot of things verbally during the pooja. So nothing really new in this book.
Expectations from "a mythology expert" was on the higher side.
A lot of things that are described are very obvious. Where the book fails is in going beyond the obvious. Bulk of the content can be easily heard and seen in day-to-day life, even from people who are around 40s (not even the older 60-70 aged elders, who are perceived to be better equipped with mythology and religion).
Additionally, while attending worships and religious ceremonies in both metro and non-metro cities, the visiting pandits are explaining a lot of things verbally during the pooja. So nothing really new in this book.
Expectations from "a mythology expert" was on the higher side.
December 19, 2017
For a book that is in Q&A Format, this book is surprisingly evasive. Many questions are unanswered, but the same answer has been given for like 30% of the book. Apart from the fact that Devdutt Pattanaik's lac of Sanskrit knowledge clearly shows in some of his answers, the book is monotonous beyond redemption. Hardly any new facts or stories are touched upon.
This is one of my biggest disappointments in mythology. Take my word, sit with your Grandfather for an hour and you'll learn a lot more.
This is one of my biggest disappointments in mythology. Take my word, sit with your Grandfather for an hour and you'll learn a lot more.
June 3, 2017
The book covers various topic like Ramayana, Mahabharata, Gods, Vedas. The interpretation of Devdutt Pattanaik is interesting and easy to understand. But I think the book is overrated. The show, of the same name, is way better. I guess here visual appeal matters.
November 13, 2018
Read books like this at twice the speed. Its okay if you miss a sentence.
June 11, 2021
I like the stories about our traditions. Ultimately, it's not to be taken literally. I enjoyed reading such interesting connections about various traditions.
June 10, 2018
Amazingly written, taking deep into the information and meanings of rituals and fascinating world of Hindu mythology.
Must read !
Must read !
May 8, 2022
i found this book enlightening and also got a-lot. of answers of the questions that i think about when i was a kid
August 13, 2017
it covers various topics like Mahabharata and Ramayana ,gods and godesses and multitudes but being an irreligious person i cant appraise this book . it comprehends typical superstitious and fictional story's which could be best understood by a devotional person, for me it was just a fictional story which dose'nt exits in reality . apart from god there were certain infrequent things which gave some sort of enlightenment about past....it also emanate certain questions in my mind which the author gave a very vague and demoralize answers ...
September 17, 2016
One of the best book on mythological questions
Yet another amazing book by Devdutt.. this book is more like a QnA for a modern age seeker and it has contemporary interpretations of mythological questions and answers.. this book tries to answer questions which everyone would have at some point or the other in their lives. Its really awesome just finished reading starting it all over again.
Yet another amazing book by Devdutt.. this book is more like a QnA for a modern age seeker and it has contemporary interpretations of mythological questions and answers.. this book tries to answer questions which everyone would have at some point or the other in their lives. Its really awesome just finished reading starting it all over again.
June 5, 2017
I have read it's Hindi translation and thoroughly disappointed with the poor language used. Apart from the lack of good content, editing is very poor as well.
The content is about deep questions related to Hindu mythology but Mr. Pattanaik has explained things from his perspective. I was expecting more references from our old scriptures but the book lacks any of it.
The content is about deep questions related to Hindu mythology but Mr. Pattanaik has explained things from his perspective. I was expecting more references from our old scriptures but the book lacks any of it.
September 1, 2016
Intelligent questions always get the better answers.
A book which is documented on the eponymous show. It has questions and it has the answers. A text that encompasses the Hindu religion its mythology from various perspectives of Philosophy, Ideology, and symbology.
A book which is documented on the eponymous show. It has questions and it has the answers. A text that encompasses the Hindu religion its mythology from various perspectives of Philosophy, Ideology, and symbology.
February 25, 2017
I found the book just script of the television show in Hinglish. It will be difficult for a person to grasp is he/she is not accustom to the way Mr. Pattanaik speaks. Would have been better if language was refined keeping the contents / intent same.
October 25, 2019
yeah fuck this
April 19, 2020
Good info on our Gods, mythology, culture and rituals
July 13, 2019
Loved this book, the visuals were an absolute treat and Pattnaik’s magic of putting up mythology stands out
June 6, 2017
This book is an honest attempt to introduce the origin and the rationale behind the beliefs and traditions of in Hindu mythology. It talks about Hindu Gods and Devas without trying to sell people on their powers. It's not a religious book, to say liberally, this feels more like a scholarly work. I really enjoyed this book.
This is a very thin book and just touches up on the different topics in Hindu mythology. But Devdutt Pattanaik has written more books and I'm looking forward to read more.
Hindu mythology is very vast and dates back thousands of years. I've witnessed a plethora of rituals, poojas, traditions, etc. etc and have been part of many. But unfortunately the understanding of Hindu mythology and the reasons behinds all those colorful and sometimes absurd tradition is very little among the masses.
It's really sad that the richness of Hindu mythology is getting lost because its over-aggressive usage in the politics and selective preaching and intentional misinterpretation of its traditions by the newer generations.
On a side note, I picked up the Hindi translation of this book and ironically, I find it difficult to read the book written in Hindi. We are losing both the religion and the language.
This is a very thin book and just touches up on the different topics in Hindu mythology. But Devdutt Pattanaik has written more books and I'm looking forward to read more.
Hindu mythology is very vast and dates back thousands of years. I've witnessed a plethora of rituals, poojas, traditions, etc. etc and have been part of many. But unfortunately the understanding of Hindu mythology and the reasons behinds all those colorful and sometimes absurd tradition is very little among the masses.
It's really sad that the richness of Hindu mythology is getting lost because its over-aggressive usage in the politics and selective preaching and intentional misinterpretation of its traditions by the newer generations.
On a side note, I picked up the Hindi translation of this book and ironically, I find it difficult to read the book written in Hindi. We are losing both the religion and the language.
October 26, 2020
Are you fond of hindu mythology?
My maternal side is a strong believer of hindu mythology and traditions. So naturally, I grew up liking those stories. Once while driving I tuned to Devdutta Pattanaik's show on FM and his story woke up my nostalgia. It took me no time to rush to a local book store and buy this book for 100₹.
Devlok - Season 1 by Devdutta Pattanaik is based on a popular Indian talkshow. There is no particular story but a set of questions and answers. The book is divided into 26 chapters and various mythological aspects are effortlessly explained in 182 pages. One doesn't need to read this book in a flow; just open any page on random and there you are! One can read this out to children as these are short stories. Various mythological questions are answered in this book. A good read you are a hindu mythology fan !
As a reader, I expected a little more takeaway from this book. After reading a majority of answers in the form of mythological stories from the book my mind asked for a change and my pace slowed down. That's why I took 5 days to read this.
So this is a good book to keep on your shelf and read a chapter or two once in a while.
Have you read any mythological book ? Which one is your favorite?
My maternal side is a strong believer of hindu mythology and traditions. So naturally, I grew up liking those stories. Once while driving I tuned to Devdutta Pattanaik's show on FM and his story woke up my nostalgia. It took me no time to rush to a local book store and buy this book for 100₹.
Devlok - Season 1 by Devdutta Pattanaik is based on a popular Indian talkshow. There is no particular story but a set of questions and answers. The book is divided into 26 chapters and various mythological aspects are effortlessly explained in 182 pages. One doesn't need to read this book in a flow; just open any page on random and there you are! One can read this out to children as these are short stories. Various mythological questions are answered in this book. A good read you are a hindu mythology fan !
As a reader, I expected a little more takeaway from this book. After reading a majority of answers in the form of mythological stories from the book my mind asked for a change and my pace slowed down. That's why I took 5 days to read this.
So this is a good book to keep on your shelf and read a chapter or two once in a while.
Have you read any mythological book ? Which one is your favorite?
October 26, 2017
I have always loved delving into the deeper trenches of Indian mythology and to question it. And to fuel my interest Devdutt Pattanaik has been a driving force. I began reading his books with "Myth = Mithya : Decoding Hindu Mythology" and then there was no looking back. Time and again I have bought his books and loved each one.
When Epic began the show Devlok I was extremely elated. However, owing to number of issues I wasn't able to watch all the episodes. But with the release of Devlok series, me, and many readers like me, could access the content discussed on the show.
The book is divided into various concepts like Plants and Animals, Weapons, Planets, Directions, all the things that are given importance in Hinduism. It is said that for a lay man to understand the samsara, saints always repeat the concepts. That is something you will find in this book. Some concepts get repeated and for your own good. The chapters are short, dealing with one particular concept at a time and in a Q&A format.
If you like reading or finding logical answers to the mythological questions then do read Devlok.
When Epic began the show Devlok I was extremely elated. However, owing to number of issues I wasn't able to watch all the episodes. But with the release of Devlok series, me, and many readers like me, could access the content discussed on the show.
The book is divided into various concepts like Plants and Animals, Weapons, Planets, Directions, all the things that are given importance in Hinduism. It is said that for a lay man to understand the samsara, saints always repeat the concepts. That is something you will find in this book. Some concepts get repeated and for your own good. The chapters are short, dealing with one particular concept at a time and in a Q&A format.
If you like reading or finding logical answers to the mythological questions then do read Devlok.
May 29, 2017
Mr Devdutt Pattanaik is renowned for his mythological knowledge and this book is based on season one of his show on Epic channel. The book is in a conservative form where the questions are answered by the author. The author touches upon the various aspects of Indian mythology such as devs and asurs, Gods and foods, avtaars, devi worships, Gods and marriages, yugas, etc.
The book is in a question and answer format which makes the reading feel like a conversation or a one on one interview with the author. The concepts are very well explained and are segregated into various chapters, making it easy to understand even for mythology beginners. The book is well documented and the language is very simple to understand. I got answers to a lot of questions that had risen in my mind once upon a time. The book is definitely too informative and cannot be read in one sitting. I had to divide it in various sitting to grasp every bit of it. Over all the book explains the complex concepts of Indian mythology in a simpler way.
The book is in a question and answer format which makes the reading feel like a conversation or a one on one interview with the author. The concepts are very well explained and are segregated into various chapters, making it easy to understand even for mythology beginners. The book is well documented and the language is very simple to understand. I got answers to a lot of questions that had risen in my mind once upon a time. The book is definitely too informative and cannot be read in one sitting. I had to divide it in various sitting to grasp every bit of it. Over all the book explains the complex concepts of Indian mythology in a simpler way.
October 26, 2017
Decoding the vastness of Hinduism is the first step towards understanding the religion. In that sense, Devlok could very well be the first book to read about Hinduism. The book is actually a transcript of a popular TV series. It simplifies concepts and breaks down Hinduism period by period.
The book offers a short history of the evolution of the Vedas, Upanishads and the Puranas. It helps to understand the interrelationship between gods and transition of power amongst gods from 4000 years back up till now. It has an exhaustive collection of stories told from the Viashnav, Shaiva and the Shakta traditions point of view. The book also throws light on the science of space and time (vastu shastra and jyotish shastra), why Gods are depicted in certain colors, the importance of the various offerings to gods during pujas, and reason behind rituals; the pages are full of information such as these. It is a book worth investing time in and re-reading.
The book offers a short history of the evolution of the Vedas, Upanishads and the Puranas. It helps to understand the interrelationship between gods and transition of power amongst gods from 4000 years back up till now. It has an exhaustive collection of stories told from the Viashnav, Shaiva and the Shakta traditions point of view. The book also throws light on the science of space and time (vastu shastra and jyotish shastra), why Gods are depicted in certain colors, the importance of the various offerings to gods during pujas, and reason behind rituals; the pages are full of information such as these. It is a book worth investing time in and re-reading.
July 10, 2021
📍 This book is the narrative of a tv programme. Despite of watching the show I thought of reading it.
📍 This book once again is about Indian mythology, explained in the effortless ways, he is famous for.
📍 Some of the subjects explained are the holy texts, the holy (Indian)trinity/ trimurty of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. The dichotomy of heaven and hell, boons and curses, avatars of gods and goddesses, significance of various weapons wielded by them.
📍 All the subjects are explained in question - answer format, same as the narration of the tv programme.
📍 This is the third book of the author I have read and I found these illustrations in the first one - How to become rich, which were so beautiful, so my only disappointment was that it didn't have those kind of illustrations in this one.
📍 Overall it's a good read. This one is for anyone who wants to gain knowledge about the Hindu mythology, as it's written in very simple language.
📍 This book once again is about Indian mythology, explained in the effortless ways, he is famous for.
📍 Some of the subjects explained are the holy texts, the holy (Indian)trinity/ trimurty of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. The dichotomy of heaven and hell, boons and curses, avatars of gods and goddesses, significance of various weapons wielded by them.
📍 All the subjects are explained in question - answer format, same as the narration of the tv programme.
📍 This is the third book of the author I have read and I found these illustrations in the first one - How to become rich, which were so beautiful, so my only disappointment was that it didn't have those kind of illustrations in this one.
📍 Overall it's a good read. This one is for anyone who wants to gain knowledge about the Hindu mythology, as it's written in very simple language.
June 19, 2020
Do you know that Lanka doesn't actually belong to Ravana? Then whom it is?
What is the significance of the shape of the shiva linga?
How Tulsi become holy to us?
You will get all the answers in this book 'Devlok' by Devdutt Pattanaik.
The book is in question answer format. If you have ever watched the show devlok on the channel epic, then you will get the same amazing essence by reading this piece. How he never tried being bias with one culture and relate those celestial characters to human being is very impressive. With Vedas, Puranas and a lot of other stories will give you a good mythical experience.
What is the significance of the shape of the shiva linga?
How Tulsi become holy to us?
You will get all the answers in this book 'Devlok' by Devdutt Pattanaik.
The book is in question answer format. If you have ever watched the show devlok on the channel epic, then you will get the same amazing essence by reading this piece. How he never tried being bias with one culture and relate those celestial characters to human being is very impressive. With Vedas, Puranas and a lot of other stories will give you a good mythical experience.
January 12, 2023
I love how Devdutt Patnaik explains everything in detail and in a very simple manner especially the complex topics of Hindu mythology and culture related topics. The ease with which he takes us on a ride of our culture is amazing. He explains about the Shiva and the Vaishanava traditions and the Shakta traditions about Gods and Food the Grahas and Stars and many more things that one wonders about our complex Hindu culture. It is a simple and a fun read if you’re a mythology fan and an inquisitive person when it comes to questioning our traditions. It does explains a lot of them.
Looking forward to read the next part.
Looking forward to read the next part.
December 17, 2024
Before I say anything about this book let me tell you a back story. For those who follow the Hindu calendar, they must know about the Shradh period. When Shradh ends it is followed by Adhik maas. Adhik maas is an additional month that appears every 32 months to balance the lunar calendar with the solar calendar. It is devoted to Purushottam i.e Lord Vishnu. It is said that after this, Lord Vishnu goes to sleep. There is a very interesting story about why this month is celebrated and how it is celebrated. So, for all of you who are interested in these kinds of stories the book to read is Devlok by none other than Devdutt Pattanaik. Go for it.
February 5, 2017
It is a book of Mayavadi Philosophy, where people assume the great Vedic literature to be simply stories for entertainment and lessons.
Many things although, explained with confidence were wrong.
The author has made best attempt to merge the Puranic tales and Vedic Wisdom with Mayavadi Philosophy and the text seems to be of high enlightenment, although it lacks absolute knowledge.
Moreover, the chapter Gita was completely out of track and flooding with flaws.
Three stars, for because this author thinks a lot!
Many things although, explained with confidence were wrong.
The author has made best attempt to merge the Puranic tales and Vedic Wisdom with Mayavadi Philosophy and the text seems to be of high enlightenment, although it lacks absolute knowledge.
Moreover, the chapter Gita was completely out of track and flooding with flaws.
Three stars, for because this author thinks a lot!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 157 reviews