Once Upon a Time Thousands Of Years Ago - 51 Beautiful Stories From Mahabharata - English | by Yamuna Harshavardhana
About the Book:
"Once Upon a Time – Thousands of Years Ago: 51 Beautiful Stories from the Mahabharata" by Yamuna Harshavardhana is a captivating collection that brings to life the ancient tales from the Mahabharata, one of the longest and most revered epics of Indian mythology. The book presents a selection of 51 beautifully retold stories, making it accessible and engaging for modern readers while preserving the timeless wisdom and moral lessons of the original text.
The Mahabharata is not just a historical epic; it is a rich tapestry of stories, characters, and profound teachings on duty (dharma), justice, love, and the complexities of human nature. Through these stories, readers are introduced to the lives of legendary heroes, divine beings, and the great battle between the Pandavas and Kauravas.
Key Features of the Book:
• 51 Compelling Stories: The book brings together 51 fascinating stories from the Mahabharata, covering various aspects of the epic, including the heroic tales of Arjuna, the wisdom of Bhishma, and the compassion of Draupadi.
• Engaging Language: Written in simple, accessible English, the stories are designed to captivate readers of all ages, from children to adults.
• Moral and Philosophical Lessons: Each story offers valuable lessons on virtue, justice, sacrifice, and the consequences of actions. These stories are deeply moral, encouraging readers to reflect on their own values and decisions.
• Rich in Indian Culture and Mythology: The book provides insights into Indian mythology, traditions, and the historical context of the Mahabharata, helping readers connect with ancient cultural wisdom.
• Ideal for All Ages: Whether you are new to the Mahabharata or have read it before, this book serves as a perfect introduction or a simplified retelling, making it suitable for readers of all ages and backgrounds.
Why Choose "Once Upon a Time – Thousands of Years Ago"?
• Easy-to-Read and Understand: The stories are retold in a way that is easy for everyone to understand, making the epic more approachable for modern readers who may not be familiar with the complexities of the original Mahabharata.
• Timeless Wisdom: The book allows you to explore the eternal teachings of the Mahabharata, which are still relevant to modern life and moral dilemmas.
• Engaging for Young Readers: Ideal for introducing children to the world of the Mahabharata, the stories are presented in an engaging and relatable manner.
• Relatable Stories: Even though the stories are thousands of years old, the emotions, virtues, and conflicts they portray remain relevant to our lives today.
• Accessible to a Global Audience: This book is written in English, making it accessible to readers around the world who wish to explore one of India’s greatest epics.
Popular Stories Included in the Book:
The Birth of the Pandavas: The fascinating story of the birth of the five Pandavas and their divine lineage.
The Game of Dice: The dramatic story of how Yudhishthira lost his kingdom, family, and honor in the game of dice, leading to the exile of the Pandavas.
Bhishma’s Vow of Celibacy: The story of Bhishma’s vow to remain celibate and renounce his claim to the throne, sacrificing his own happiness for the greater good of the Kuru dynasty.
Draupadi’s Vengeance: The powerful story of Draupadi’s humiliation in the Kaurava court and her vow for justice, which becomes one of the key turning points in the epic.
The Bhagavad Gita: A retelling of the conversation between Lord Krishna and Arjuna, where Krishna imparts the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita, addressing moral dilemmas, duty, and spirituality.
The Kurukshetra War: The epic battle between the Pandavas and Kauravas, which serves as the climax of the Mahabharata, filled with valor, tragedy, and divine intervention.
Why is the Mahabharata Special?
• A Guide to Life: The Mahabharata is more than just a story; it is a guide to navigating life’s complexities, offering wisdom on ethics, righteousness, and how to live a meaningful life.
• Complex Characters: The characters in the Mahabharata are multi-dimensional, with both flaws and virtues, making them relatable to readers of all generations.
• The Concept of Dharma: The epic explores the concept of dharma (righteous duty) in a way that challenges the characters and readers to think about what is right and wrong in the face of difficult circumstances.
Perfect for Readers of All Ages:
"Once Upon a Time – Thousands of Years Ago" by Yamuna Harshavardhana is a must-read for anyone interested in Indian mythology, culture, and timeless wisdom. Whether you're a young reader just beginning to explore the Mahabharata or someone familiar with the epic seeking a simplified and engaging retelling, this book serves as a great introduction to one of the greatest stories ever told.
Dive into the Timeless Epic of the Mahabharata!
Explore the 51 beautiful stories from the Mahabharata, where divine beings, heroic battles, and moral lessons come together to shape the destiny of a kingdom. Let this book guide you through the captivating world of ancient India, inspiring you with tales of honor, bravery, and spirituality. Experience the grandeur of the Mahabharata today!
