Mahabharata by C.Rajagopalachari

There are books which you read and then there are books which make you read them and change your life. Chakravarthi Rajagopalachari's (Rajaji's) Mahabharata belongs to the latter category. Mahabharata introduced me to the joy of reading books as a kid and today I couldn't have picked a better topic for my 25th post. I cannot describe what a pleasure and honor it is to extol the virtues of this classic book during this holy festive season of Makar Sankranti.

Mahabharata by C.Rajagopalachari

The story of Mahabharata is as old as the mountains and has been retold several times. Mahabharata by Rajaji however stands out in my mind because here is a story which is spiritual yet not religious, is thought provoking yet not preachy, is compelling yet not tedious. The story left an indelible impression upon me for several reasons which are:

1. Rajaji uses extremely simple language to convey some of the finer aspects of the saga. I was 10 years old when I read Mahabharata for the first time and if it wasn't for the language I would have never been able to finish it. I not only completed the book but also enjoyed reading every page of it. 
2. For a story which spawns generations, Mahabharata the book is not a thick volume. The length of the book once again proves the fact that simple language can indeed be wielded effectively without compromising upon the details which make up the story.
3. Rajaji is a story teller beyond par. While the story of Mahabharata is itself extraordinary, the various stories interlinked with the epic make the saga even more engaging. The book introduces us to gifted Rishyasringa, brave Bhagadatta, repentant Bhurisravas, lustful Nahusha and many many more characters who draw us into their world, leaving us with some startling lessons.
4. One of the strongest points of this book is the detail in which Rajaji describes the great war of Kurukshetra. Eighteen days of war come alive in the book. Every strategy which shifted the momentum, every dilemma the warriors went through, every heroic deed and every treacherous act is prudently described. In addition to the well known tussles, the book also enlightens us about some very interesting but rarely mentioned battles such as those between Abhimanyu and Bhishma, Karna and Bhima, Bhurisravas and Satyaki and many many more. Rajaji deftly allows heroism to take center stage while throwing light on the moral conflicts confronting various characters in the heat of the battle.
5. When you are an avid storyteller its easy to put your own spin on characters to make some characters more likable and some lot less likable. Rajaji carefully avoids the beaten path by emphasizing more upon the humanistic attributes of the characters and presenting events as is without extrapolating them for the sake of drama. 
6. Even the noblest, bravest and fairest have to bear the wrath of destiny and bide their time to emerge victorious. This is the singular most important moral which emerges from the story of Mahabharata. Rajaji's narrative ensures that this learning is engraved forever in our hearts. Years after reading this book, this adage continues to stay with me and gives me the courage to see the tough times through.

Rajaji

There you go my friends, one of the best books ever written which makes you fall in love with its great storytelling. If you haven't read a book of late I urge you to read Mahabharata by Rajaji. It will transport you into the mythical world of kings, demons, sages and gods leaving you with tangible takeaways which can be treasured for a lifetime. If you have already read this book do let me know your take on it. I salute you Rajaji, your book has enriched my life in more ways than one.

Rated: Must Read

Until Next Time,

Yours Mythologically,
J.J.Chaitanya