My All-Time Favourite Book: Mahabharat

Among all the books I have read, my all-time favourite is Mahabharat written by Chakraborti Rajagopalachary. The edition I own was published in India in 1995. Although the original work was written in Tamil, its popularity gradually spread across North India, leading to translations into several languages. The Nepali translation was done by Dhundiraj Koirala, a childhood friend of Bishweshwar Prasad (B. P.) Koirala, and he dedicated the book to his close friend.

This book holds a special place in my family. When I asked my father about it, he told me that he had bought the book because he wanted to understand the Mahabharata through a concise and easy-to-read version. Over the years, every member of our family has read and reread it many times. As a result, the book is now in very poor physical condition. Many pages have become loose, some are torn, and others have been carefully taped back together. It almost looks like an ancient manuscript. However, its worn-out appearance reflects not neglect but the love and respect our family has for it.

What makes this book unique is its simple and organized presentation. Instead of narrating the entire epic in one continuous story, it presents the important events in short, topic-wise chapters. Most chapters focus on individual characters, making it easy for readers to understand their lives, personalities, and contributions to the epic. Chapters on characters such as Devavrata, King Shantanu, and Bhishma are especially memorable and help readers appreciate their roles in shaping the story.

The book includes all the essential events and teachings of the Mahabharata without overwhelming the reader with unnecessary details. Its concise style makes it suitable for both beginners and experienced readers who wish to revisit the epic. Through this book, I have learned about duty, sacrifice, truth, justice, and the consequences of human actions.

For me, this book is much more than a collection of stories. It is a treasured family possession that has been passed from one generation to the next. Even though it is old and damaged, its value has only increased with time. It reminds me of my father's love for reading and of the many meaningful discussions my family has had about the lessons of the Mahabharata. That is why this book will always remain my all-time favourite.