My love for Hindu Mythology books is thanks to fellow Book Rioter, Senjuti. Last year, she shared a list of 15 of The Best Indian Mythology Books for Children. Senjuti’s list was built on careful consideration for the tone and historical representation in stories she had grown up with. Books such as We Come from the Geese by Ruby Hembrom and Boski Jain lift the voices of the Indigenous peoples of India, shining a light on stories previously absorbed into the mainstream. I fell in love with her list and have spent the last year soaking up everything from old epic tales to contemporary retellings. While my offering isn’t a complete list, it is a great starting point for anyone wanting to read more Hindu mythology books and immerse themselves in the ancient wonders of Hinduism.
Retelling The Rāmāyana
I asked around a lot. Almost everyone suggested I start at the beginning and read The Rāmāyana, a Sanskrit epic with nearly 24,000 verses interspersed with the teachings of human life. The Rāmāyana tells the life of Sita, the Princess of Janakpur in Nepal and Rama, a prince of Ayodhya city in the Kingdom of Kosala. During Rama’s 14-year exile to the forest, Sita is kidnapped by King Ravana. Her abduction provokes one of the greatest wars of all time.
More of The Mahābhārata
The Mahābhārata is the second of the great Hindu epics and the longest poem ever known, with over 200,000 verses. It is a war-torn story narrating the fight between two groups of cousins during the Mahābhārata War — the Kaurava and the Pāndava princes. Like The Rāmāyana, The Mahābhārata has been a staple for Hindu mythology books with its philosophical and devotional material. Every element of the Hindu faith and guidelines for a good human life is shared across these two tales.
Other Great Hindu Mythology Books
Hindu mythology books share such an amazing and wide array of stories. The offering of such vibrant characters gives us plenty of opportunity to explore alternate views and fresh perspectives. You can also gain a better understanding of Indian history and Hinduism’s influence with Senjuti’s comprehensive reading list, as well as this examination of Hindu epics and whether they should be considered myths.
