For a considerable period, time was fixed tightly on me and to be acquitted from its unholy fetters, I was running from pillar to post. Having failed to ascertain the points of the compass, I clung to the austere path of theological rigidity only to be severely chained once again in the shackle of time. In the auspicious moment of a morning. I picked up a mutilated copy of the MAHABHARAT from my book-case just to skip the pages casually since the broad structure of the illustrious mythology was more or less known to me as well as any educated Indian. The funniest thing was this that most unknowingly. I was absorb-ed in an atmosphere of bliss and serenity, the experience of which was hitherto unknown to me. Surprisingly, fetters of time were torn to pieces and the reverse action started when I settled firmly on the time for chaining it in the shackle. This was the beginning.
Now this mythology is my only companion and with this I am full to the brim since the bliss emanating from it is absolutely unthought of anywhere in other fields of the world seen around. In course of close familiarity, it convincingly transpires that it is a source of pleasure to those who aspire for it in the material world, of solace to those who are afflicted in heart, of crudition to those who feel comfortable in the air of intellect and literature, and of urging impeller to those seeking divine grace in the transcendental world. Easy elegance of humanity and sub-lime bliss of divinity have been artistically, skilfully and consummately coupled together enabling one to dive deep into it with a mind bereft of religious inclination or with a mind engrossed in the religious pursuits.
Through the MAHABHARAT-an episodic presentation, I make an attempt to distribute the pleasure I have derived from the profound acquaintance with it. All efforts are made to maintain the details of the epic as planned and executed by the supreme poet Vyasdeb, however, with an avoidance of repetitions, long declamatory speeches and stiff tenets of philosophy ordinarily incomprehensible. Since episodic interest is the only consideration, a little liberty has been taken to add colour not to the contents but in the manner of presentation with a view to transfusing literary flavour and dramatic interest. In contents I have greatly depended on the translation of the Mahabharat by Kaliprasanna Sinha and on the Mahabharat by the great local poet Kashiram Ds, and in presentation on the abridged version of the Mahabharat by the great author Rajsekhar Bose. I seek their blessings for success of this humble effort. Through my mother, 1 was familiar with the episodes of the Mahabharat in my childhood and I am exalted to dedicate it to her who is now an old devout lady of eighty-five.
Shri Netai Chakraborty who is a friend always in need help-ed me immensely at every stage right from the planning down to the production of each copy of it. This over-bold venture would not have seen the light of the world, had he not come forward with so much of active and self-less cooperation. Also I got immense cooperation from Shri H. N. Dhar of U. N. Dhar & Co. I express my sincere gratitude to both of them. My sincerest gratitude goes to Shri Amulya Nag of Prabartak Press. who in fact guided me at every stage of printing of the book having unbelievably been actuated by himself to make it absolutely free from printing errors. Despite utilisation of such an invaluable cooperation, it is still replete with several errors which can solely be attributed to my inexperience in the line. Steps may, however, be taken to make it error-free as far as possible in the next edition.
In conclusion, I like to say that my effort will be considered meaningful in the event of its appreciatory recognition by the literary mass for whom it is exclusively intended. Any kind of constructive suggestion towards the improvement of the work will be thankfully received, acknowledged and incorporated in the future edition of the book.
Vedas (1182)
Upanishads (493)
Puranas (624)
Ramayana (741)
Mahabharata (354)
Dharmasastras (165)
Goddess (496)
Bhakti (242)
Saints (1503)
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Shiva (370)
Journal (187)
Fiction (60)
Vedanta (362)
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