We live in times where people have extreme views. On the one hand, there are scholars who describe Shiva's linga literally as a phallus, and see all metaphoric meaning as embarrassed apology of the uneducated. On the other hand, we have puritanical Hindus who want to strip the Shiva linga of all sexual meaning and sanitize Shiva's lore. In both cases, a symbol is being reduced to a sign. In Shiva to Shankara, Devdutt Pattanaik, India's leading mythologist, seeks to bridge the gap. As he ex...

What does the Biblical story of Nathan and David say about effective communication skills? How do you identify the Raja Bhoj, the Gangu Teli and the Shekchilli in your office? What is the corporate equivalent of an Ashwamedha yajna? Drawing from sources as diverse as the Mahabharata and the Bible, the Vikram-Betal stories, the Iliad and the Odyssey, Islamic tenets, the tales of rishis and kings, and fables from around the world, Devdutt Pattanaik, India's leading mythologist, provides a fa...

In September 1924, John Marshall, Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India, informed the world about the existence of the Indus (Harappan) civilization: some 4,500 years old, as ancient as Mesopotamia, as grand as ancient Egypt, and a part of the Bronze Age trading network.How did the Harappan civilization contribute to later Vedic and Tantrik thought?Did the Harappans follow monastic ideals that later became part of Buddhism and Jainism?Was their scri...

How do myths and stories influence culture? What is the difference between one culture and another, and how did these differences come to be? Are cultures fixed or do they change over time?Devdutt Pattanaik, India's leading mythologist, breaks down the complex maze of stories, symbols and rituals to examine how they shape cultures. He investigates how stories influence perception and construct truths, the cultural roots of the notion of evil and reveals the need for mythology through a tel...

Are the illustrious clans of the Mahabharata from Surya Vansh or Chandra Vansh? Which yuga does the Ramayana occur in and does it occur only once? What do haldi, kumkum, bhasm or chandan signify in a puja thali? After the sensational response to Season 1 of EPIC Channel’s Devlok with Devdutt Pattanaik, Devdutt invited his viewers and readers to ask him questions about Hindu mythology, which he has answered over thirty thrilling episodes. Prepare to be educated, entertained and moved as Dev...

In September 1924, John Marshall, Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India, informed the world about the existence of the Indus (Harappan) civilization: some 4,500 years old, as ancient as Mesopotamia, as grand as ancient Egypt, and a part of the Bronze Age trading network.How did the Harappan civilization contribute to later Vedic and Tantrik thought?Did the Harappans follow monastic ideals that later became part of Buddhism and Jainism?Was their scri...

Lankesh, a book written by Devdutt Pattanaik, is based on the Ramayana and various other scriptures. Through it, he tries to present Ravana’s perspective. Each part of the book offers a unique lesson that helps us conquer the ‘Ravana’ within ourselves and ignite the light of ‘Rama’ in our hearts.

Il libro "Il Potere Spirituale dell'Energia Femminile" di Devdutt Pattanaik, autore indiano noto per il suo lavoro nella mitologia e nell'interpretazione di antiche scritture indiane, storie, simboli e rituali, è un viaggio alla scoperta delle divinità femminili nell'antica filosofia indiana.Lakshmi massaggia i piedi di Vishnu. Rappresenta la dominazione del maschio? Kali sta sul petto di Shiva. Rappresenta il dominio della donna? Shiva è p...

Are the illustrious clans of the Mahabharata from Surya Vansh or Chandra Vansh? Which yuga does the Ramayana occur in, and does it occur only once? What do haldi, kumkum, bhasm or chandan signify in a puja thali? After the sensational response to Season 1 of EPIC Channel’s Devlok with Devdutt Pattanaik, Devdutt invited his viewers and readers to ask him questions about Hindu mythology, which he has answered over thirty thrilling episodes. Prepare to be educated, entertained and moved as De...

In My Gita, acclaimed mythologist Devdutt Pattanaik demystifies The Bhagavad Gita for the contemporary reader. His unique approach-thematic rather than verse-by-verse-makes the ancient treatise eminently accessible, combined as it is with his trademark illustrations and simple diagrams. In a world that seems spellbound by argument over dialogue, vi-vaad over sam-vaad, Devdutt highlights how Krishna nudges Arjuna to understand rather than judge his relationships. This becomes relevant today...

Devdutt Pattanaik introduces the story of Hanuman, the much-loved Hindu deity, to a new generation of readers. Hanuman, Anjani's Mighty Son is perfect as a read-aloud to acquaint young readers with the qualities of valour, selflessness, loyalty and humility that Hanuman embodied. Curated with fascinating bite-sized stories--from how young Hanuman almost ate the sun to how he helped Ram rescue Sita from Lanka--it features over forty playful artworks along with dedicated colouring p...

Why are Hindus so ritualistic? Why do they worship idols? Were Hindus always casteist? Are Hindus supposed to be vegetarian? Why is a Hindu prayer different from a Muslim or Christian prayer? Did the arrival of Muslim invaders a thousand years ago destroy Hindu culture?Answering key questions on Hindu philosophy and associated Indian history in simple, lucid, engaging ways, and exploring the often curious customs and beliefs that are an intrinsic part of the Hindu faith, Devdutt Pattanaik'...