Do you sometimes question if the ethereal spectacles from the Mahabharata and Ramayana really took place? Both of these narratives are deeply woven into the cultural, spiritual, and moral fabric of our country. But are they just stories or is there truth behind it?
In Sanskrit, the Mahabharata and Ramayana are both considered Itihasa and literally translate to "so it happened". Many Hindus see these tales not as fables, but true accounts of extreme adventures . The tale has been passed down for thousands of years, both orally, and as recorded by sages such as Valmiki and Vyasa.
It is a point of view among some historians that the Mahabharata and Ramayana correlate with real events, although the events may have been embellished over time with mythical elements. For example, in the Mahabharata epic we learn of a huge war between the Pandavas and the Kauravas. Many historians believe there was indeed a battle far in the past that has become mythologized. However, some details in the Mahabharata, such as Arjuna's flying arrows obscuring the sun, were likely added to enhance the story.
Archaeologists have uncovered ancient cities, and artifacts like ancient pottery, and a war chariot, that correspond to the people and times described in the Mahabharata. Some scientists have used astronomy, and ancient calendars, in addition to determining combined time frames, to suggest when the battle might have occurred anywhere between 1500 BCE and over 3000 BCE.
For the Ramayana, there are locations in India and in Sri Lanka which correspond to the traverse of Lord Rama. There is also an ancient bridge under the ocean, Ram Setu, that some people believe was made by Rama and his army to get to Lanka. There is no definitive proof, but these markers make many believers think these stories are based on real events.
Many people believe that the Mahabharata and Ramayana happened, while many do not. Regardless of whether every detail is true or not, if we bring the lessons in these books to ourselves, they have shown many ways to be kinder, wiser, and more courageous, even if not everything in them is factual. What matters most is what we learn from them and how we choose to do what is right.
With this very purpose, Disha Publication brings you three elegant books in simple language –
👉 Explore books by author Avinash Agrawal
📘 View Collection