Buying Guide for The Mahabharata

Your Guide to buying the best The Mahabharata

Overview

The Mahabharata is an ancient Sanskrit epic poem that has been described as one of the greatest works of literature in the world. It tells the story of two ancient Indian families and their struggle for power over generations. This buying guide will provide readers with an in-depth look at what to consider when buying this epic tale, and will help them to make an informed decision about which version or editions are best for them. It will cover topics such as editions, translations, formats, and other considerations.

Key features

  1. Publisher or Edition: The Mahabharata is available from a variety of publishers in a variety of editions. Consider which one is the most suitable for your needs.
  2. Translation: Different editions of The Mahabharata contain different translations of the text, so consider which translation best suits your needs.
  3. Price: The Mahabharata is available in a range of price points, so consider what fits within your budget.
  4. Format: The Mahabharata is available in both print and digital formats, so consider which one is the most convenient for you.
  5. Additional Materials: Some editions of The Mahabharata may include additional materials such as maps, notes, and ancillary texts that could be useful to you. Consider if any of these additional materials are important to you.

See the most popular The Mahabharata on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Long-lasting Story - The Mahabharata is an ancient Indian epic poem that has been around for thousands of years. It is still widely read and studied today, so it will remain relevant and enjoyable for years to come.
  • A Rich Mythology - The Mahabharata includes a rich mythology and spiritual symbolism, offering great insight into Hindu culture and beliefs.
  • Stunning Writing Style - The Mahabharata is known for its beautiful writing style, which is often described as poetic and captivating.
  • Multiple Versions - The Mahabharata has been translated and adapted into many different versions over the centuries, so readers can find one that suits their tastes and interests.
  • Educational Benefits - Reading The Mahabharata can help readers develop their knowledge of Hindu mythology and culture, as well as their appreciation for great literature.

Cons

  • Length and Complexity: The Mahabharata is an ancient Indian epic text that is very long and complex, with more than 74,000 verses. This makes it difficult for some readers to follow its multiple plotlines, characters, and moral themes.
  • Obscure Cultural References: The Mahabharata is strongly rooted in ancient Indian culture and contains many references to obscure Hindu mythology and culture that may be difficult for some readers to understand.
  • Language: The Mahabharata is composed in Sanskrit, an ancient language, and may be difficult for English-speakers to understand without a translator.
  • Price: The Mahabharata is often sold in print form in multiple volumes, which can be expensive and difficult to find.

Best alternatives

  1. Ramayana - A classic Indian epic poem about prince Rama and his trials and tribulations.
  2. Mahabharata of Vyasa - A longer Sanskrit epic poem, composed by the sage Vyasa, that tells the story of the great Kurukshetra War.
  3. The Bhagavad Gita - One of the most influential Hindu texts, it forms a part of the Mahabharata and tells the story of the conversation between Arjuna and Lord Krishna.
  4. The Ramacharitamanasa - A 16th century Hindi poem by Tulsidas, based on the Ramayana.
  5. The Panchatantra - A collection of ancient Indian fables, composed in Sanskrit.
  6. The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa - A critical edition of the Mahabharata, composed by Vyasa.
  7. The Ramayana of Valmiki - A critical edition of the Ramayana, composed by Valmiki.
  8. The Yoga-Vasistha - An ancient Hindu text on yoga, composed in Sanskrit.
  9. The Shiva Purana - A Hindu scripture, composed in Sanskrit, that contains stories and teachings about Lord Shiva.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Book - The Mahabharata is an ancient Indian epic poem about the Kurukshetra War and the fates of the Kaurava and the Pandava princes.
  • DVD - A DVD version of The Mahabharata is available to purchase, allowing viewers to watch the full production.
  • Soundtrack - The official soundtrack of the Mahabharata is available to purchase, featuring the classic music from the production.
  • Bookmark - Special bookmarks featuring the characters of The Mahabharata are available to purchase.
  • Posters - Posters featuring the characters of The Mahabharata are available to purchase.
  • T-Shirts - T-shirts with various designs inspired by The Mahabharata are available for purchase.
  • Mugs - Coffee mugs with designs inspired by The Mahabharata are available to purchase.

Common questions

  1. What is The Mahabharata? The Mahabharata is an ancient Indian epic poem composed by the sage Vyasa. It tells the story of the legendary Kurukshetra War and the fates of the Kauravas and Pandavas princes, and also contains philosophical and devotional material, such as a discussion of the four "goals of life".
  2. Where can I buy The Mahabharata? The Mahabharata can be purchased online at a variety of retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other online bookstores.
  3. How much does The Mahabharata cost? Prices for The Mahabharata vary depending on the edition and seller. Generally, paperback copies range in price between $10 and $20.
  4. What is included with The Mahabharata? Most editions of The Mahabharata include the full text of the poem as well as annotations and translations. Some editions also include a commentary and/or glossary.
  5. What is the best edition of The Mahabharata? The best edition of The Mahabharata depends on the reader's preferences; the available editions vary in terms of format, size, translation, and annotation.

Trivia

One interesting story from the Mahabharata is the story of Ekalavya, the son of a tribal chief. Ekalavya wanted to learn archery from Dronacharya, the royal guru of the Kauravas and Pandavas, but was refused due to his social standing. Undaunted, Ekalavya built a clay statue of Dronacharya and proceeded to teach himself archery. Eventually, he became so good that Dronacharya recognized him and asked him to prove it. Impressed, Dronacharya asked Ekalavya to pay a ‘guru dakshina’, and Ekalavya offered his right thumb as payment. Even this offering was accepted. But, in the end, Ekalavya was forgiven and still respected as one of the finest archers in the Mahabharata. This story is a shining example of determination, resilience and self-belief. Source: Story of Ekalavya from the Mahabharata

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.