Best Books To Read on Mythology: Top Modern Retellings of Indian Epics

Indian mythology is all about timeless, mysterious stories with larger-than-life characters. It also involves real-life moral dilemmas with philosophical tips. From the Mahabharata to the Ramayana, these epics have shaped our society for centuries. The Indian mythological stories are not just famous in India. But all around the world.  Which has led to a wide range of perspectives on it. especially from the young generation. That is why modern readers are looking for something through which they can resonate with contemporary sensibilities while preserving the soul of these ancient epics. With the help of the books mentioned below, you can revisit the legendary figures like Sita, Rama, Shiva, and Ravan. Not just as distant deities, but as layered, complex, and larger-than-life characters with emotions and conflict. You do not need to be a religious believer to understand these stories. These books bring a blend of tradition and modern storytelling techniques. That will make the message behind these stories. More accessible and relatable through a thought-provoking narrative.

The Palace of Illusions—Chitra Banerjee Devakaruni  

This book is one of the most famous and best-selling books of current times. It is known for its powerful and modern retelling of the Mahabharata from the perspective of Draupadi. She has always been considered one of the most complex and misunderstood characters throughout the Mahabharata. This book will help you understand her better through her perspective. Instead of narrating the epic through larger-than-life characters like kings and warriors. This book unfolds through Draupadi's voice, her fears, and other emotions. It is written in very simple language. Yet lyrical language makes it easier to understand and make a personal and emotional connection with the reader. It deals with themes like identity, destiny, power, and choice.

The Forest of Enchantment - Chitra Banerjee Devakaruni

This book is one of the most powerful and modern retellings of the Ramayana from the perspective of Sita. Every time we listen to the Mahabharata, the only person who comes to mind is Rama. But instead of seeing this epic through the lens of larger-than-life characters and heroic style. The novel gives Sita her own stance as a powerful, thoughtful, and deeply human figure. The book highlights the themes of love, sacrifice, and individual identity of strength. It will help the reader reconsider and question. The traditional ideas of women's duty in a family and society. Reading this will help you see the Ramayana with a fresh and meaningful perspective.

Indian Mythology by Devdutt Patnaik

This book is for those who want to know about Indian mythology from scratch. It will introduce you to the wide variety of India's mythological and ancient traditions. Instead of just telling about the myths, the author tries to explain to his readers the deep meaning behind the symbols and cultural practices. It will change the way you look at society's values and its beliefs across different time periods. This book is not as complicated as other mythological books. It is written in very easy language with a clear explanation of one of the most complex ideas. If you are a beginner who wants to try knowing about mythology from the very start, then this one will definitely be for you. This will make you more curious about the mythological and ethical ideas.

Bhagavad Gita 

The Bhagavad Gita is not just famous in India but all over the world. From Indians to foreign celebrities and big-time tank leaders, they consider it the greatest. The Bhagavad Gita is one of the most powerful and timeless spiritual texts ever written.  This book explores themes like karma and dharma, along with selflessness and inner peace, which every human being seeks in their life. Read on to find that this will make you feel calm and give you a new perspective on life. All the lessons and moral thoughts written in this book will help you live a better life and face all the challenges in the world. Everyone should read this book once in a lifetime. Every word and chapter in it will unveil new ideas and theories. 

Asura: Anand Neelakantan 

Every time we listen to the Ramayana, we see Raavan as a negative and bad character. As someone who has no morals and was brutal with Sita. But this book will let you see the Ramayana through the eyes of Ravan, who was the king of Lanka. This book deals with themes like societal and political themes. Such as the caste system, power dynamics, and oppression.  Reading this week will change your perspective towards Ravan completely. The simple yet powerful language used by the author helps you connect with the characters. It will keep you hooked till the end and will help answer all the questions you ever had about Ravan. 

Read more: Best Books To Read On Financial Literacy: Keep Yourself Money Smart

Conclusion

With the help of this read, you can choose your next read. Each book has unique storytelling and a concept. It will help remove all the doubts you ever had about these characters, like Ravan, Sita, and Draupadi, etc. Each book will give you a new modern perspective on life. The moral lessons and philosophies in these books will let you answer all the questions you ever had about life. For those people who want to know about mythology from scratch, they can go for this. You can also gift these to your literature-lover friends. Even if you are not a literature enthusiast, these books will make you one.