Mahabharata

First a few notes about the construction of the book. The binding seems sturdy and well done. The book is well typeset and easy to read. Unfortunately there are three problems here. The first is that I found the ink seemed to smudge easily. Additionally there seemed to be a high number of printing defects (ink blots, etc), and the printing quality seemed to vary substantially from page to page. Finally, while one would think that by the fifteenth edition of something the typos would all be gone, there are still a few. It's really a pity that although the design work was done so well, the editing and printing seemed sub-standard. As to the content, the Mahabharata is the story of the children of the gods. You have the children of the race of the moon on one hand along with the child of the sun. Opposing them are the children of Dharma, Indra, Vayu, and the Ashvins, along with the incarnation of Vishnu. One can read the stories in many different levels, perhaps as euhemerized gods, or perhaps exemplary humans (is there really a difference?), but it is a wonderful set of stories. They are stories of initiation, of jealousy, of conflict, of sacrifice, of tremendous honor, and of shame. Pervading this is a sense of the magical, of the divine. I have not read the epic in the original (after reading this, I want to!), but the translation and summary seemed suitable to reading to smaller children as well as adults. I am planning on reading it to my seven-year-old son soon. It's a wonderful book. From a comparative perspective, it's easy to see how the Mahabharata has become a centerpiece in comparative Indo-European studies. Dumezil discussed it at length in comparisons to the slaying of Baldr (a comparison Polome disputed). But there are obvious connections. The emphasis on dying well on the battlefield is something one sees in some Norse legends as well (see the Yngling Saga). At several points I was making comparisons to Irish epics and the story of CuChulainn. This is important in this area as well. Additionally the Mahabharata has had a great deal of influence beyond India and even beyond Hindu communities. Predominantly Muslim Indonesia has largely adopted it as their national epic. Highly recommended.

The long, fascinated and epic story is in a beautiful way translated. Also good to read if English is not your first language, not too flowery or complicated. Great for people that are interested in India-history, ethic, wisdom or just like a fascinating story. The Glossary at the end helps for special words or names. Mahabharata is the family-generation story of the "royal house of Kuru" of India: The story starts with king Santanu that marries Ganga, of his broken promise and his son Bheeshma. Bheeshma is tested many times by his oat (to help getting his father's heart wish), he is upholding the kingdom for his half brothers and there "children" (the blind Dhritarashtra and Pandu).. and there children, because of faits twists. Finally there is a Great War of the five Pandhavas brothers (Yudhishthira, Bheemasena, Arjuna, Bakula and Sahadeva = divine Incarnations) that have the help of Krishna and other relatives and friends: against the sons of the blind Dhritarashtra, other relatives, friends and teachers. It is a great and immense story about being carful what we want, justice and right behaviors.

This is an excellent and very readable translation of the Sanskrit epic. It does not attempt a literal translation or even a poetic one, but captures the essence of the stories, the personalities, the adventures and the tragedies of the Mahabharata. It is eminently readable and very entertaining. My only complaint is that it totally eliminates the outer story of how the Mahabharata is narrated by Vyasa. However, this is more than made up for by making the whole thing accessible to those who want the flavor, but are not ready or willing to tackle the full 100,000 verse original.

Wonderful translation - Subramaniam. Lots of details to the story. Arranged in short, 2-4 page chapters, so it's easy to digest and go through. The first 25-40 pages, or so, are arcane and a bit hard to follow. But after that the Pandavas and Kurus enter the stage and it's a good read. The binding and printing are of poor quality. The binding will fall apart if you travel with this book or it gets heavy use. But it's still a great book and a great translation.

Wonderful book! Written like a fascinating novel, yet the source of untold spiritual wisdom. I've raised my children with this book, and now give it as gifts to grandchildren and other intelligent young people. They get captivated by the epic story, while absorbing the great spiritual truths contained in this book. This is by far the best translation I have encountered, and I have checked out many others.

Purchased this for a gift. The person it was gifted to had requested it, so I know nothing about it. I was told that it was a bit hard to follow but interesting.

This epic story has effected me greatly. I'm so grateful for a translation that allows me to absorb the story and the teachings. Yes there are some edit errors but not of consequence. As for choosing to read this, if you're considering the purchase, do it. It has answered my questions about life and people and caused me to realize where my flaws exist. I'm so grateful this translation was created. I am so grateful that the epic has survived. As a spiritual seeker, it is essential to me and that is my approach to this book.

The author has done a marvelous work in composing the original text into simple to read English. Although at times it reflects Indian English, but to a large degree is lovable. The Mahabharata story itself is so capturing that it is tough to keep down the book. As you read, one can visualize the events as though happening in the present moment. I highly recommend this book for all age groups. Also, do not miss Srimad Bhagavatam from the same author. You would love both of these books.

I have never left a review before but feel compelled to this time, for one reason: the superb service. Book is better than described, was well packed and was sent quickly. Took 10 days to arrive in London from India. All for a postage cost of £3! I shall use these people again. Very highly recommended.

Read the epic

Beautiful book. It was in great condition and is simply divine.