Mahabharat

At last I finished the 444 paged epic (including the glossary it would have been483 pages)! I personally don't have much interest in Mythology but somehow the beautiful and vivid portrayal of the events in this book grasped my attention all the while I read it. It is written by a very famous Indian writer who is popularly known as 'Rajaji', his original name being, Chakravarti Rajagopalachari. I still did not gain the courage to read the original epic written many thousands of years ago by Vyasa which comprises of 18 fat volumes (Parvas which consist of sub- parvas), each being atleast three times (can be more too) of this retold version.
What is the most amazing thing about the Mahabharata, is that, it contains every thing that we come past in our lives. Nothing is left untold, neither drama is missing nor romance nor betrayal, nor jealousy, nor anything . The treasures of the Mahabharata do not limit to India only, but to all parts of the world. However, this fact cannot be denied that the unmatched epic has given a perennial source of spiritual strength to the people of India and is the main reason for some of the most heroic tasks done by them.
These are the words given out by the writer- "The realities of life are idealized by genius and given the form that makes drama, poetry or great prose. Since literature is closely related to life, so long as the human family is divided into nations, literature cannot escape the effects of such division. But the highest literature transcends regionalism and through it, when we are properly attuned, we realize the essential oneness of the human family. The Mahabharata is of this class."
Books like The Mahabharata enhance human character and embed the best moral values in it. The victory of the Good over the Evil is prevalent in all sectors of life and a better perception of this stays behind, with you after reading the book.

The Pandavas become an ideal to all who read the book and so do the Kauravas, but there is a vast difference in their idealism. The poet, Vyasa through his narration shows you that the Pandavas did what we are expected to do and the Kauravas did everything that is not desired and is not expected to be done by anyone.
Retelling the story in such way that creates an interest in me, a person who dislikes any type of mythology, is truely where the author's real skill lies in.
The richness of the Indian culture and traditions and the sweetness of a well civilized Indian life is wonderfully painted by the author.
To conclude- The Mahabharata is an evergreen classic whose truthfulness will never perish. Read this translated, retold version to obtain a better life and to learn to distinguish the good from bad. Let modern yet noble ideas come to you by reading this enchanting epic.