Devdutt Pattanaik is an Indian mythologist, speaker, illustrator, columnist, and author. His books reflect the modern outlook on the Hindu scriptures. Thus, making it relevant and alluring for the contemporary readers of modern times. Some of the popular ones include My Gita, Sita, Jaya, which became the bestseller books.
Pattanaik made a profound contribution to Indian literature. His writing covers vast areas such as religion, management, governance, politics, and leadership.
He got buddle of stories for the young generation kids too. Some of the popular children books are: An Identity Card for Krishna, Pashu: Animal Tales from Hindu Mythology, Fun in Devlok: Omnibus, and more.
Pattanaik is an Odia, born and brought up in Mumbai. He graduated in medicine (M.B.B.S.) from Grant Medical College, Mumbai. Later completed a course in Comparative Mythology from Mumbai University.
He worked in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industry for more than 14 years. He loved writing and would spend his spare time writing articles. Eventually, choose writing as his full-time profession.
In this post, you will find the list of best Devdutt Pattanaik books that are a must-read for every Mythology lover. These books are entertaining and insightful as well.
1. Jaya
First Published On: 16 August 2010
Devdutt Pattanaik retells the story of India’s greatest epic, the Mahabharata, originally known as Jaya. He presented the tales in a fascinating way that makes them relevant for contemporary readers.
He weaves the plot from the Sanskrit classic. Also, used many folks and regional variants, including the Pandavani of Chattisgarh, Gondhal of Maharashtra, Terukkuttu of Tamil Nadu, and Yakshagana of Karnataka.
2. My Gita
First Published On: 5 November 2015
My Gita, one of the best Devdutt Pattanaik books, highlights all the key lessons from the Bhagavad Gita in a much simpler way.
It’s a practical guide for people lost in life. Reading this book can help them to understand what is right for them.
3. Sita
First Published On: 20 October 2013
Devdutt Pattanaik narrates the epic story of the Ramayan through this book. He retells the powerful story of Sita and her inspiring journey.
The book shares details about women’s world. Pattanaik has not only narrated the stories but also provided his analysis and perspective on them.
4. 7 Secrets Of Shiva
First Published On: 1 November 2016
Devdutt Pattanaik introduces the readers to the varied aspects and representations of Lord Shiva.
Pattanaik explains the different conflicts in beliefs about the Indian God, Shiva. He shares the reason behind the symbolism and rituals behind Hindu worship.
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5. Aranyaka: Book of the Forest
First Published On: 20 October 2019
Aranyaka is about the great forests within us. It is about food, feeding, and love.
This book is the stories of three spirited Rishikas—Katyayani the Large, Maitreyi the Fig, and Gargi the Weaver. It explores the fears and hunger that underpin all human interactions.
6. Myth = Mithya
First Published On: 11 October 2006
Pattanaik decodes Hindu mythology through this book. He retells sacred Hindu stories and decodes Hindu symbols and rituals.
The author empowers the readers using a unique style of narration, illustrations, and diagrams. You will be able to unravel an inherited truth about life and death, nature and culture, perfection and possibility.
7. Olympus
First Published On: 20 September 2016
In this book, mythologist Devdutt Pattanaik retells Greek Mythology. Through the ancient Greek tales, he has shared vivid stories with the world.
He talks about Olympus, the home of the Greek gods. He narrates the Greek epic of a husband sailing across the sea with a thousand ships to bring his wife, Helen, back from Troy.
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8. Yoga Mythology
First Published On: 21 June 2019
The popular names of many yogic asanas such as Virbhadra-asana, Hanuman-asana, Matsyendra-asana, Kurma-asana, and Ananta-asana are based on characters and personages from Indian mythology.
This is one of the best Devdutt Pattanaik books, retelling the fascinating tales from Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain religious texts. The book provides insights into yogic asanas.
9. Leader: 50 Insights from Mythology
First Published On: 25 June 2017
The book consists of four different types of Leadership Sutras named Significance, Property, Rules, and Stability. Each of these sutras consists of several chapters. Each chapter has an example of Indian mythology either from Mahabharata, Ramayana, or Vedas.
Pattanaik shows what today’s leaders can learn about the art of leadership from stories written thousands of years ago. The book presents the insights that no management course can teach on what makes a good leader.
10. Dharma Artha Kama Moksha
First Published On: 19 March 2021
Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha are the four Hindu shastras. These shastras make a framework showing the difference between right and wrong in this human world. Every action has its reason and consequences attached to it.
In this book, Devdutt Pattanaik uses his unique understanding of mythology to create awareness about these Hindu Sastras. The author has explained the complex concepts with the use of short essays and simple stories.
Which books are you adding to your reading list?
