For today’s generation, Hindu Mythology is a complex subject compromising of Gods and kings, stories and folklore and many aspects that often tend to seek clarifications. What are the Vedas, the Upanishads, the Puranas? When was the Ramayana and Mahabharata written? Which Holy book followed which? Why are there so many Gods and Goddesses in Hindu Mythology? And so on the questions sprint in.
A new show on the Epic Channel, ‘Devlok with Devdutt Pattanaik’ tries to make these complex and confusing parts of mythology, easier to understand. Dr.Devdutt Pattanaik, who graduated in the field of medicine, quit his job in the healthcare industry to pursue his passion in mythology. A renowned mythologist, he authored many books related to the ancient works, stories and their importance in today’s times.
On the show, Dr.Pattanaik explains about how and why the stories came forth, when and which languages were the books written and what each character and deity in the stories represent. He also talks about how the various Puranas, like Vishnu Puran, Shiv Puran, Brahma Puran and Devi Puran evolved. He informs that the details of the stories kept changing whenever they were adapted in different languages. For example, the mention of the popular Lakshman Rekha was absent in the original Valmiki Ramayan. Lakshman Rekha was first mentioned in Krittivasi Ramayan which is the adaption of the epic in Bengali. Also, Rama’s Durga Pooja was also depicted for the first time in the Bengali version.
The show also throws light on the order in which the Holy books were written. Although the story of Ramayan is said to have taken place before the story of Mahabharat, on the literary point of view, historians argue that the Mahabharat epic was written prior to Ramayan. The debate on the literary, philosophical, historical points of view on such similar issues keeps oscillating.
As the series progresses, touching upon various issues involving Gods and Goddesses and the stories based upon them, it is going to be an enlightening experience, an opportunity to understand more and an inquisitiveness to delve more into the complex structure that our ancestors have carved out for us.
For promos of all shows, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/user/EpicChannelIndia
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durga, i so wish i could see this one. the vast vast store of writing and thoughts that has grown around us, making us in many ways who we are… wish epic would start in singapore. thanks for this one.
Indi, sorry for the absolutely late reply. As you know, things are looking up for international viewers. Once this series reaches you, please watch every episode – very interesting points in there, some soothing, some shocking; but nevertheless, an eye opener to a totally different aspect of mythology.