The “Mahagatha 100 Tales” isn’t an ancient Hindu scripture itself
It is a modern book based on the Puranas. Here’s the breakdown:
- Book Title: Mahagatha: 100 Tales from the Puranas
- Author: Satyarth Nayak
- Content: This book retells 100 stories from various Puranas, aiming to provide a captivating and accessible entry point into Hindu mythology.
Key Points about Mahagatha:
- Selection of Tales: The author curates 100 stories spanning the four yugas (cosmic ages) of Hindu cosmology.
- Focus: It delves into the realms of gods, demons, humans, and sages, offering insights into Hindu mythology, philosophy, and the interconnectedness of all things.
- Style: The book is known for its clear, concise, and engaging prose, making it suitable for readers of all ages and backgrounds.
- Structure: Uniquely, the stories are presented chronologically, following a narrative arc from creation through different yugas. This approach helps readers understand the interconnectedness of these tales within the grand scheme of Hindu mythology.
Sources for the Mahagatha 100 Tales:
The book draws inspiration and stories from various Puranas, the ancient Hindu scriptures.
If you’re interested in learning more about the source material, here are some of the major Puranas:
- Shiva Purana
- Vishnu Purana
- Bhagavata Purana
- Matsya Purana
- Kurma Purana
- Skanda Purana
Remember, the “Mahagatha 100 Tales” is a modern interpretation, while the Puranas themselves are vast and complex collections of stories and teachings.
Some insights on the types of stories you’ll encounter:
- Creation myths: Stories about the origin of the universe, often centered around a god or goddess.
- Epic tales: Retellings of famous Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, but possibly with a focus on lesser-known subplots or characters.
- Legends of gods and goddesses: These stories explore the lives, powers, and conflicts between various deities.
- Tales of sages and kings: Stories that impart moral lessons or showcase the ideals of righteous conduct.
- Myths about the underworld and afterlife: These stories explore what happens after death and the nature of karma.
The book “Mahagatha 100 Tales” also includes some lesser-known stories, according to reviews, which adds to the variety.
Here are some strategies to find out the specific stories in “Mahagatha 100 Tales”:
- Online Reviews: Search online reviews to see if readers mentioned specific stories they found interesting.
- Author Interviews: If you can find interviews with the author, Satyarth Nayak, he might discuss the stories he included.
- Physical Copy Search: If you have access to a physical copy of the book, you can try browsing the chapter titles or the index (if it has one).
Reading the book “Mahagatha 100 tales” will expose you to a wide range of captivating Hindu myths and legends.
Satyarth Nayak is a contemporary Indian author and screenwriter known for his works in various genres. Here’s a breakdown of his profile:
Background
- Born on October 29, 1981, in Cuttack, Odisha, India.
- Grew up in various Indian cities like Hyderabad, Kolkata, Lucknow, Chennai, and Delhi.
- Currently resides in Mumbai, India.
- Holds a Master’s degree in English Literature from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi.
Career Trajectory
- Worked as a correspondent with CNN-IBN from 2007 to 2011, even winning the SAARC Heal Award in 2008.
- During this period, his short stories achieved recognition, winning the British Council Award and appearing in the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” series.
- In 2011, he transitioned from journalism to become a full-time author and screenwriter.
Literary Works
- Author:
- Mahagatha 100 Tales from the Puranas (2022): A compilation of 100 retold stories from various Puranas, aiming to make Hindu mythology accessible to a wider audience.
- The Emperor’s Riddles (2014): A bestselling thriller novel that garnered comparisons to Dan Brown’s work for its blend of history and mystery.
- Venom (2020): His second thriller novel.
- Sridevi: The Eternal Screen Goddess (2019): A critically acclaimed biography of the legendary Indian actress Sridevi.
- Screenwriter:
- Scripted Sony’s historical television series Porus, considered one of the most expensive and acclaimed shows on Indian television.
Recognition
- Named one of the Top 50 Authors to follow on social media.
- A regular speaker at national and international literature festivals.
Satyarth Nayak’s diverse skillset allows him to create engaging content across genres, from mythology retellings to fast-paced thrillers.