We all know the story of Mahabharata thanks to B.R. Chopra serial on Mahabharata and recently aired new Mahabharata on Star Plus. So we read Jaya by Devdutt Pattanaik who retells the epic in the book. Why we read something which we already know?

Dr Devdutt, a very renowned Hindu Mythological writer, has told the untold stories of Mahabharata through the book Jaya which you haven’t seen on the TV. He wrote about those sub plots which influenced the main plot of the Mahabharata. That was the ex factor of the novel Jaya.

The story telling method was also different. He kept the stories short, snappy, simple and to the point. At the end of each story are some deep thoughts and insights of the writer which are very interesting to read. Each story is also accompanied with graphics related to the story who themselves speaks about the incident.

There are many facts which he discussed liked Kauravas in spite on dharma side went to heaven while pandavas suffered in hell. He explained it at the end of the book. Names of hundred Ghandahri and Dhritarashtra sons are rare to find anywhere. In Jaya, you will find all the names. Whom Draupadi loved the most. And many such stories and there truth behind it.`

Verdict: So if you wish to know the minute details about the different incident of Mahabharata and what are the reason behind the events happening which are ignored or not shown on TV then this book is for you. After reading Jaya, My expectation for Sita: An Illustrated Retelling of Ramayana also by Devdutt Pattanaik is sky high. Sita has recently released in October, 2013.