Devlok with Devdutt Pattanaik
Devdutt Pattanaik
Published: 2016
ISBN No: 9780143427421
Pages: 182
Price: 199
Publisher: Penguin Books
Devlok with Devdutt Pattanaik is a compilation of interviews and discussions on Hindu mythology based on the popular television show (by the same name) aired on EPIC Channel. At the start of the book, the author acknowledges that it is neither an academic exercise, nor does it claim to be factually accurate; it is his understanding of Hindu myths and like his logical analysis, there could be several interpretations and understandings. Thus, the book celebrates plurality; as the nature of myths. Myths have several meanings and contextsand one cannot claim absolute authority about its meaning, nature and origin. The author also explains myths as a means of engaging with the world by explaining its relevance and the role it plays in regulating our lives. Short and simple explanations of common Hindu myths and legends makes the book accessible and entertaining. Divided into twenty six short chapters, the book contains answers to most of the commonly asked questions regarding practices and beliefs of Hindu mythology.
The first chapter on the holy texts deals with questions on chronology of Hindu Vedic texts to their origins, issues of authenticity and authorship. The second chapter on Ramayana and Mahabharata reinterprets them as stories of family feuds over power and private property, this makes it easy for every single person(and family) to relate to it. The chapter also states that there are multiple versions of these epics and the Gita, those based on spiritual and oral traditions(beliefs) are as relevant and important as historical scientific versions. The third chapter elaborates on the nature of the holy trinity in Hinduism. The fourth chapter discusses the symbolism and significance of colour in the Hindu tradition, asserting that in contemporary times the colour prejudice and racism has affected ways in which deities are imagined. The fifth chapter is a detailed discussion on the persona of Shiva while the sixth chapter elaborates on the nature, origins, qualities and significance of different life forms(jeevjantus) that constitute the universe. The seventh chapter explains the persona of Indra and the notion of cyclical and repetitive nature of events is once again emphasized to explain eternity and timeless relevance of myths.
The eighth chapter spells out the significance of boons and curses as loopholes necessary for a narrative on life and ways to bypass unwanted events. The ninth chapter on hell and heaven claims to make a philosophical case of these places being merely states within oneself. The tenth chapter elaborates on the concept and forms of Shakti, the divine cosmic energy. Through a discussion on Ganesha , the eleventh chapter explains his popularity and the multiple traditions that explain his significance in diverse ways making Hindusim a rich tradition of diversity and inclusiveness. The twelfth and thirteenth chapter elaborates on the significance of weapons and sacred animals (as vehicles) in imagining Hindu Gods and Godesses making a case for permissible violence and reverence to nature in Hindu mythology.
The fourteenth and fifteenth chapter details the reasons why Ganga and Gita are considered sacred. Interestingly, Patnaik claims that popular imaginations donot do justice to the idea of Krishna and Gita that is actually about ones relationship and connection with the other human beings established through ones action, its consequences and responsibility. Instead Gita is popularized as a manual for life. The sixteenth section delineates the significance of pilgrimages. The seventieth section explains the importance of food in worshiping Hindu Gods and Godesses. The eighteenth and nineteenth chapter throws light on the cyclical notion of time and creation in Hindu philosophy.
The twentieth chapter deals with the importance given to directions and the important role they play in mythological texts as well as in our daily life. The twenty first chapter expounds the notion of marriage and the significance of unions of Gods and Godesses making a case that polyandry and monogamy both may be considered ethical depending on times and contexts. Twenty second chapter talks of Gods changing forms and the significance of each forms taken by divine beings.
The twenty third chapter describes different avatars of Vishnu and the controversial claim of Buddha being an incarnation of Vishnu. Twenty fourth chapter is an account of Vedic or Hindu astronomy and the impact that celestial bodies have on our lives. Twenty fifth and twenty sixth chapter details the worship of plants and significance of rituals in the Hindu tradition.
While the book may seem to be making a simple claim of celebrating plurality of meanings and traditions through a discussion of diversity within Hindu mythology (against the claim of one truth that can cause exclusions and violence), the text in a very subtle way is a version of the Hindu revivalist claim of finding solutions to all problems by nostalgically turning to tradition; specifically the Hindu tradition believed to be sanatan(eternal) . Not only does it frequently subscribe to a fallacious east –west binary, it also conveniently uses Hindu tradition as a synonym for Indian tradition! The constitution as well as circulation of Hindu myths is projected as being free from any sort of gender, caste, class, race and religious bias. Hence, it is possible to read any myth as either regressive or emancipatory; depending on ones intention. This version of tolerance and openness is problematic as it leaves little scope for a genuine debate that may be an ideal way to engage with tradition. Though a case is being made for relevance of alternative narratives, they seldom play a central role in meaning making, thus several stereotypes concerning personas of Gods are reinforced. The alternative narratives appear as simple additions to the existing stock of conventional beliefs, they donot destabilize or subvert existing oppressive meaning structures; thus they merely appear as decorations to existing narratives. Though the book makes a good and easy read for anyone interested in knowing more about Hindu mythology, it may be useful to be cautious of its limited context and relevance.
