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Book review
Ghatotkacha was one of the finest characters in the Mahabharata – affectionate and kind, even though he was a Rakshasa. Perhaps that was because he was only half Rakshasa as the son of Bheema and the Rakshasi Hidimbaa. From his mother he learnt all the arts if the Rakshasas; from his farther he inherited the affectionate and chivalrous temperament. He was an invaluable ally to the Pandavas in times of trouble – he appeared before them whenever they thought of him.
The theme of Vatsala’s wedding, very popular in South India, is much exploited in ballads and stories. It was Ghatotkacha, who with his Rakshasa hordes and their magical powers made the wedding of Abhimanyu and Vatsala possible. This story is not found in the Mahabharata or in Sanskrit literature. It seems to have evolved at a much later date, as a legend in Telegu and Kannada. The exponents of the art of Harikatha count this story as the most popular one in their repertoire and it has been handed down by word of mouth for generation.
This Amar Chitra Katha is derived partly from the Mahabharata and partly from legend.
Ghatotkacha was one of the finest characters in the Mahabharata – affectionate and kind, even though he was a Rakshasa. Perhaps that was because he was only half Rakshasa as the son of Bheema and the Rakshasi Hidimbaa. From his mother he learnt all the arts if the Rakshasas; from his farther he inherited the affectionate and chivalrous temperament. He was an invaluable ally to the Pandavas in times of trouble – he appeared before them whenever they thought of him.
The theme of Vatsala’s wedding, very popular in South India, is much exploited in ballads and stories. It was Ghatotkacha, who with his Rakshasa hordes and their magical powers made the wedding of Abhimanyu and Vatsala possible. This story is not found in the Mahabharata or in Sanskrit literature. It seems to have evolved at a much later date, as a legend in Telegu and Kannada. The exponents of the art of Harikatha count this story as the most popular one in their repertoire and it has been handed down by word of mouth for generation.
This Amar Chitra Katha is derived partly from the Mahabharata and partly from legend.
Amar Chitra Katha
Tales from the Upanishads - By Anant Pai
In ancient literature, there used to be reference to only three Vedas - Rigveda, Yajurveda and Samaveda. Even Manu has often referre...more>>
In ancient literature, there used to be reference to only three Vedas - Rigveda, Yajurveda and Samaveda. Even Manu has often referre...more>>
Stories from the Panchatantra - By Anant Pai
The original text of the Panchatantra in Sanskrit was written about 200 B.C. by a great Hindu scholar, Pandit Vishnu Sharma. But some of...more>>
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Stories from the Mahabharata - By Anant Pai
In this volume, we have put together five Amar Chitra Katha – all based on the Mahabharata, the great epic of India. The story of Nala a...more>>
In this volume, we have put together five Amar Chitra Katha – all based on the Mahabharata, the great epic of India. The story of Nala a...more>>
More Stories from the Jatakas - By Anant Pai
The Hindus believe that all living beings die to be born again. The Buddha was no exception. Legend has it that several lifetimes as a B...more>>
The Hindus believe that all living beings die to be born again. The Buddha was no exception. Legend has it that several lifetimes as a B...more>>
Great Rulers of India - By Anant Pai
The story of Chandragupta Maurya, founder of the Maurya dynasty, opens this Pancharatna volume. This is followed by Ashoka, his grandson...more>>
The story of Chandragupta Maurya, founder of the Maurya dynasty, opens this Pancharatna volume. This is followed by Ashoka, his grandson...more>>