Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Mahabharata
Thought to have been composed around 1000 BC, the Mahabharata focuses on the ex-
ploits of Krishna. By about 500 BC the Mahabharata had evolved into a far more complex
creation with substantial additions, including the Bhagavad Gita (where Krishna proffers
advice to Arjuna before a battle).
The story centres on conflict between the heroic gods (Pandavas) and the demons
(Kauravas). Overseeing events is Krishna, who has taken on human form. Krishna acts as
charioteer for the Pandava hero Arjuna, who eventually triumphs in a great battle against
the Kauravas.
Unravelling the basic tenets of Hinduism are two books both called
Hinduism: An Introduction
- one is by
Shakunthala Jagannathan
,
the other by Dharam Vir Singh.
The Ramayana
Composed around the 3rd or 2nd century BC, the Ramayana is believed to be largely the
work of one person, the poet Valmiki. Like the Mahabharata, it centres on conflict
between the gods and the demons.
The story goes that Dasharatha, the childless king of Ayodhya, called upon the gods to
provide him with a son. His wife duly gave birth to a boy. But this child, named Rama,
was in fact an incarnation of Vishnu, who had assumed human form to overthrow the de-
mon king of Lanka (now Sri Lanka), Ravana.
As an adult, Rama, who won the hand of the princess Sita in a competition, was chosen
by his father to inherit his kingdom. At the last minute Rama's stepmother intervened and
demanded her son, Barathan, take Rama's place. Rama, Sita and Rama's brother, Laksh-
mana, were exiled and went off to the forests, where Rama and Lakshmana battled
demons and dark forces. Ravana's sister attempted to seduce Rama but she was rejected
and, in revenge, Ravana captured Sita and spirited her away to his palace in Lanka.
Rama, assisted by an army of monkeys led by the loyal monkey god Hanuman, eventu-
ally found the palace, killed Ravana and rescued Sita. All returned victorious to Ayodhya,
where Rama was welcomed by Barathan and crowned king.
