Pouranik Panchabingshati by Harsha Datta [Hardcover]

The allure of mythological tales is timeless. These stories are not just narratives; they carry within them the ancient, unbroken history of the Indian subcontinent. Interwoven with these legends is the pulse of human existence, the bonds of civilization, and the echoes of an ever-flowing past that seamlessly connects to the present, often leaving readers in awe.

The Mahabharata and the Puranas hold an extraordinary depth, mirroring aspects of contemporary life in surprising ways. Reinterpreting these ancient texts is not merely an exercise in nostalgia but a profound engagement with modern realities. The goal of this collection is not only to retell but to rediscover—to delve into the resonating chords of human emotions and the universal struggles embedded in these ancient tales.

This book presents twenty-five selected stories from the Mahabharata and Puranas, where the past reflects the present in fascinating ways—sometimes subtly, at other times with striking clarity. One of the most compelling aspects is how women, despite being in a powerful male-dominated society, fought for and achieved self-assertion. Men were forced to acknowledge and respect their power, and from the depths of oppression, a new womanhood emerged.

This retelling is a sincere attempt to bridge the past with the future, embracing tradition while celebrating its modern reflections. Just as our intellect, consciousness, and emotions flow freely like an unrestrained current, so too does the journey of mythology—from ancient times to the yet-to-be-seen future.

Readers of epics and Puranic literature will find themselves as companions on this fascinating journey through time.