Mahabharata : Illustrated Tales from Ancient India (Deluxe Edition)

Stories from the Indian epics – Ramayana and Mahabharata – are as entertaining as they are enlightening. Though written thousands of years ago, they are relevant even today and hold a special charm for readers of all ages. Whether it be mischievous Krishna or valiant Rama, Kathayen holds together an enthralling retelling of thirty-one well-known episodes from these epics. Richly illustrated in a modern Madhubani art form, these stories re-interpret the age-old wisdom and share important life lessons, making it relevant for young parents and children.

This story is derived the from the epic poems Mangal Kavyas dedicated to folk deities in medieval Bengal. These poems were chanted at religious gatherings to propagate faith towards a deity. Manasa is a powerful folk goddess who is worshipped as the protector of snakes in different parts of Bengal. The story portrays the struggle of a man and his willpower against the wrath of the goddess. Manasa is enraged when the wealthy merchant, Chandradhar, who is a devotee of Lord Shiva, refuses to worship her. The fire of her anger and cruelty ruins the merchant’s family. But Chandradhar is not deterred. The story moves with this unequal battle till the end. One can also notice the social structure of medieval India as it is expressed strongly in the story.

The book is journey through 5000 years of evolution of Hinduism, and is outcome of seven years of study to understand the roots of Hinduism. Tracing the genesis of Hinduism to pre-Indus Valley period, the book explains Hindu, Hinduism and Sanatana Dharma, before it takes one through Hinduism's oldest scriptures - the four Vedas, the four components of each Veda, and what they contain. How all original translations of Vedic texts were done by Western Sanskrit scholars, and why their works have left scope for doubt about the fidelity of translations. 

Pavan putra Hanuman, the son of the God of Wind, is Lord Rama’s foremost devotee. Brave, strong, selfless and generous, Lord Hanuman is worshipped as the saviour of mankind. In this beautifully illustrated book, read all about his miraculous birth, how he wanted to swallow the sun when he was a child and how he helped Lord Rama to rescue Sita and destroy the evil Ravana.

In Timeless Tales to Ignite Your Mind, national author Shubha Vilas revives our ancient tradition of sharing wisdom through storytelling.

Dive in and marvel at

BIRBAL’S INTELLIGENCE

TENALI’S BRILLIANCE

VIKRAMADITYA’S COURAGE

BRAHMA’S ASTUTENESS

That’s not all. This collection is replete with enthralling tales of kings, commoners and even animals (and they can talk!) who face life’s troubles but emerge victorious with the help of their intelligence and wit.

Each story ends with engaging questions that will help you reflect on the anecdote and the lessons inside.

These folktales may have been forgotten in this digital era but they still retain their relevance and charm, thanks to their priceless practical insights.

This is an authentic retelling of Valmiki great epic Ramayana that chronicles Lord Rama’s heroism, and Sita’s grit and devotion. Flying chariots, magical weapons and a raging battlefield are brought to life in this timeless retelling by br>Shubha Vilas that will take young readers on an enchanting adventure, and also impart important values. Filled with vibrant illustrations by award-winning illustrator ishan, this book is a lucid narration of the triumph of good over evil.

“The Real Side” is a voice that attempts to revisit the treasure that Valmiki & Vyasadeva gave by astutely analysing and broadcasting the futility of new-age opinions and speculations that have regrettably eclipsed the true essence of their legacy.

Garuda the Eagle wanted to fre his mother from the bondage of her co-wife and her serpent sons. He agrees to do something which no one had dared to do ever before, that is, to steal the pot of nectar from devalok. Was it an easy task? Did he succeed? Did he not? How did he become the much favoured vehicle of Lord Brahma? Spiritual seeker and author Shubha Vilas has simplified this lesser known tale of Vishnu and Garuda the Eagle in his inimitable style. The easy flowing language and wonderful illustrations add to the charm and make it a prized possession in one’s personal collection.

Find out about the life and miracles of the powerful God Shiva, in this beautifully illustrated pop-up book and experience his divine power!

Immerse yourself in the intellectual richness of Indian philosophical traditions with this scholarly masterpiece that unveils the development of philosophical thought in India from the Vedic period to the early centuries of the Common Era. This insightful book presents a panoramic view of diverse philosophical schools, including Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Samkhya, Yoga, and others, and offers invaluable insights into their key tenets and contributions. Extensive research and lucid writing make this volume an essential reference for students, scholars, and enthusiasts of Indian philosophy worldwide.

The Ramayana is not a story. It is a way of life. It is the game of life. Feeling frustrated over events that are out of our control is a waste of energy and time. Rama and his army survived the grim years of exile by being patient and persistent, trusting each other with their lives. The characters’ determination reflects our own set of values and judgment during challenging situations. This book teaches us that we need to be righteous to stay on course. Cheating for personal gain will not ensure our triumph. Instead, unwavering loyalty to our principles will do so. It reiterates that challenging situations will be present anywhere and everywhere we go. 

Bhakti Mathur took to writing in 2010 when she created the popular Amma, Tell Me series of children's picture books about Indian festivals and mythology. After a long stint as a banker, she now juggles her time between her writing, her passion for yoga and long-distance running, and her family. She lives in Hong Kong with her husband, their two children and two dogs. She holds a master of fine arts degree in creative writing from the University of Hong Kong and freelances as a journalist. When not writing or running after her young boys, Bhakti is happiest curled up with a book in one hand

and a hot cup of chai in the other. To know more, visit her at www.bhaktimathur.com. 

Lord Hanuman, the Monkey God and one of the most fascinating characters in the Ramayana, personifies the true superhero-philosopher. He is Lord Rama’s most trusted ally who embodies the virtues of a sincere devotee, the fearless fighter who sets the city of Lanka ablaze with his burning tail, the humble messenger who informs Mother Sita of Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana, the noble fellow warrior who uproots Dronagiri, a mountain of herbs, to save Lakshmana’s life. Above all, he is a perfect blend of intelligence and humility. The Chronicles of Hanuman, an engaging and inspiring bildungsroman of the Monkey God, is also replete with interesting folk tales, local lore about Hanuman temples across India and Hanuman prayers, making this book a reader’s delight. 

This story is derived from the epic poems Mangal Kavyas dedicated to folk deities in medieval Bengal. These were chanted at religious gatherings to propagate faith towards a deity. The story of the Saviour Goddess Chandi centres around a wealthy merchant and his two wives. When their husband is away, the elder wife ill-treats the younger one. Some divine girls advise the younger wife to worship the benevolent Goddess Chandi. What follows is a tale of devotion and faith, but it also involves a woman’s wisdom and ability to take thoughtful decision at testing times. Interestingly, this story portrays that god and man are bound in a network where both are dependent on each other. Till the end, the plot is so unpredictable that the reader remains engrossed in it.

A unique Saint Sai Baba of Shirdi is a Phenomenon. In all of India's history, there has never been another like him. He is not a conventional saint. He wrote no critique of the Bhagvad Gita or the Upanishads or any other holy work. He made no pretensions to scholarship yet he had a profound insight into both Hindu and Islamic scriptures.