Jaya : Devdutt Pattanaik

Published by Penguin India

High above the sky stands Swarga, paradise, abode of the gods. Still above is Vaikuntha, heaven, abode of God. The doorkeepers of Vaikuntha are the twins, Jaya and Vijaya, both whose names mean ‘victory’. One keeps you in Swarga; the other raises you into Vaikuntha. In Vaikuntha there is bliss forever, in Swarga there is pleasure for only as long as you deserve. What is the difference between Jaya and Vijaya? Solve this puzzle and you will solve the mystery of the Mahabharata.

7 reasons to buy Jaya: Illustrated Retelling of Mahabharata by Devdutt Pattanaik

The whole Mahabharata is presented systematically in 18 sections and108 chapters, restructured to facilitate easy reading and comprehension of his grand and complex meditation of the human condition.
The stories are embellished with 250 line illustrations; the style is unique, a break from standard visual formats (Amar Chitra Katha or DC comics)
It includes tales not just from the classical Sanskrit but also from regional and folk variants from across India and even South East Asia. There are women’s stories (Satyavati, Gandhari, Kunti, Draupadi) as well as queer narratives (Aravan, Budh, Ila, Shikhandi).
The story of Krishna is part of the great epic, from his birth to his death;even his song, the Bhagavad Gita, is retold in simple prose.
Every chapter has comments that draws attention to variations of the story, the intention of the story, the rituals and customs that may have emerged from the story and practiced even today. There are Duryodhan temples in Uttarakhand and Draupadi temples in Tamil Nadu, for example.
It explains why the epic is part of the grand Vedic cosmos and how it cannot be understood without appreciating Ramayana, Vishnu Purana, Shiva Purana and Devi Purana
This book has an ending that has never ever been told in any retelling of the Mahabharata. This ending is the reason the book was originally called Jaya by Vyasa.

The youtube video of the images

Price : Rs. 499/-

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http://www.shyamgovind.com Shyam Govind

Wow!!

really looking forward to it… :)

- Shyam
- aanand
  
  Have finished reading jaya.
  Brains ( and not hats ) Off!!!!!!!!!!!!
  
  Such brilliance,such long scape in hindu mythology will remain unmatched and unheralded for next 100 years
  
  Sir was very much interested in the Yaksha prashna. Need something more to ponder on this. Kindly guide
Rohith

With all this information but just 372 pages? but how? :)
vinod

I am sure Dev will do a wonderful work here too…..
Ips

Booked through Flipkart :)
Samvit Rawal

Hi,
In one of your episodes in “Business Sutra” you had said that Jaya and Vijaya was the original names of Mahabarata and now you say they are the door keeps. I am confused. Can you shed some light on this before I start drawing my own conclusions.
Thanks!
- Devdutt
  
  Both…..:-) read the book to find out
  - My3
    
    Super book. I was quite sad that it ended. What wonderful words. I loved the book. I am gifting this book to many of my friends who have not heard of this. Jaya and Vijaya, Swarga and Vaikunta. Thank you for this wonderful book. It was my young child who loves to draw, who picked up this book as he wanted to draw Ganesha :). Thanks again. Will re-read again. Wonderful interpretation of the various characters. Bhishma!! Excellent reasoning.
Yoga

I have ordered this book, the first of the books from Dr. Devdutta that am gona read. Am really exited and looking forward for this.

-Yoga
Murali

Looking forward to the book. Will order it on flipkart right away !

I have purchased some books from flipkart in the past and their service is the best, besides offering a good discount
tc

will this book be available in USA too?
- Devdutt
  
  Only if Amazon stocks it….no e-version yet.
Sujit

Congratulations on the new book! After Mithya, this is the second book of yours that I am going to read and understand.
http://---------------------------------------------------------- Ramanand Kowta

Hi and Namaste,
Looking forward to this book.With the amount of food – for the Head and also the Heart – that you are ‘ churning ‘ out, can one ever say
DUTT ‘S ALL – FOR NOW and FOREVER ! ?

Truly enlghtening for all generations to come !
Abir Mukherjee

I’ve read your “The Pregnant King” and “Myth=Mithya”. Both of them are splendid in their own way. Now having pre-ordered “Jaya” thru Flipkart waiting for it’s release. Absolutely sure this will be a great read too.
http://anand-india.blogspot.com/ Anand

I came, I saw, I ordered…
Thats literally what happened as I visited the site today after a long break.
And this ought to make an interesting read, considering the Jaya factor. Haven’t come across this anywhere before (the claim seems highly valid) having watched the tele-serial and read the ACKs and the highly esteemed book by Rajaji.
Anxiously awaited…Good Luck!
Shashank Singh

Dev

I heard you first time on TED.com and then came across this site. I am mesmerized at your understanding of the subject.

I ordered this book(Jaya) on flipkart, the book will be delivered post release. As I read above it is due in August only. Only copule of days left in August; when is the D day. Can’t wait for that.

Regards
Shashank
Maanav

Hurrah, the book will arrive by Thursday!!!
Yoga

I have received my 1st copy of the book today. Am so exited to read it; i have already started it in my office ;)

After going through all the contents(only), I think i might have a slight idea of Dr. Devdutta’s anxiety and enthusiasm to share so much knowledge with all we commoners(there are always exceptions).

Thanks Devdutta.
Jennifer

Hi Dev

Can I buy this at Indiaplaza also? Their prices are cheaper than Flipkart.
- Devdutt
  
  Of course
prashant

I have read this book and I am pleased. I have an doubt as you said in the book the Kavravas went to swaraga only by luck as they died at holy land Kurushetra. Then how come Karna went to hell even after he died there. This book will impulse the youth to have a look at mythology in a different way. Interesting and thought provoking.
- Chandrasekhar Yechuri
  
  Hi Prashant, answer to your question lies above in sreenivasa ‘s post as well as in my reply to Reeja Nair somewhere above. Thanks.
sreenivasa

To my humble mind it seems that Kauravas went to swarga (which should not be construed as a reward for good deeds) just because of their fruits of action; in the instant case it was performing their Dharma – role of warriors well. Karna on the other hand, confused his Dharma with gratitude to Duryodhana besides restraining himself from war for first ten days till exit of Bhishma. In short, for better results, let us do what we are best at – no holds barred. – Good Luck. My respects to Shri Devdutt Patnaik, who is fulfilling his duty as a beacon of light for the generations to come.
showbhit chahal

Insane !!! loved it , again !!
Sanjay Mehta

Dear Devdutt,

I am thoroughly enjoying the parts which are so informative.A pleasant revelation. Also, my children love it when I retell them the stories with deep implications and lessons on life….amazing work,this. I hope you’ll write a full version of the Mahabharata !
Vasishta Dasika

Dear Devdutt,

Jaya is truly an unputdownable book that am reading after a very long time. One quote that I could instantly connect with is about indian customs – “ignorant of the past and insensitive to the present” – how true!

The best part is am reading it with my grandmom on my side and clarifying many doubts that I get occasionally. I wish someone translates this in to telugu so that she gets to read it as well!

Regards,
Vasishta
- Devdutt
  
  thank you
Kadambari Mehta

Dear Dr. Pattanaik,

Reading your books and articles have always been an enlightening experience! I am at the beginning of ” Jaya” and the perspectives and side stories provided are very very interesting.

I had a query. There is a story in the book that suggests that Vidura is the human form of Yama , the lord of Dharma.

Is there a connection at all, out here with the birth of Yudhisthira who is the child of kunti and Yama?

I wonder if this connection or the lack of it for that matter impacts the Mahabharat drastically considering Vidura and Pandu are brothers.

Kind regards,
- Kadambari Mehta
  
  got my answer in the chapter ” house of lac” . Thank you. =)
- Devdutt
  
  there are many who have pondered on this relationship
  - rahul parab
    
    Yes..some say that Yudhistir was the son of Kunti and Vidura. This is part in mahabharata where Vidura transfers his knowledge to Yudhistira before dying..which is akeen to a dying father giving all this knowledge to his son.
Supriya

I have been waiting to read this book! I have read all the others you have written, and am a proud owner of signed copies of three of them :) Made my friends and teachers in college read them as well.
I think you are a brilliant writer. The most important fact is, I think, that your writing is not biased, nor is it judgemental. You don’t push Hinduism down on your readers, you just present mythology, stories, in a beautiful way, with a lot of insight, and then encourage readers to come up with their own interpretations. I think that is what sets you apart from other writers on Indian Mythology.

I was a student at SOAS, London this year, and was super excited to see your books in our library :) I suppose I will have to wait some more before I get to read Jaya, the book is not available on Amazon UK yet.

All the best Dr. Pattanaik :)
- http://www.thedream-catcher.blogspot.com Supriya
  
  Oh, and I forgot to add, I do hope you will write something about thee demolition of the Babri Masjid; and the militant, masculine, intolerant Hinduism that is propagated by right wing parties in India today.
  
  I am a history graduate, and the mosque demolition (A 465 year old one, for god’s sake!) was, for me, a sacrilege. Not to mention a severe blow to secularism; or perhaps a reflection of what its reality is in our country.
  
  I have a sinking feeling that in many ways and to a certain extent, Hinduism is defined in popular imagination by these parties. I wonder what Ram and Krishna would say if they saw what was being done in their name today.
  - Raghav
    
    Hi Supriya,
    I join you in saying that the demolition is indeed a sacrilege.In fact,’The Book of Ram’ touches upon how ‘Ram’ has changed to be a percieved ‘Hindutva’ icon.
    Also when you say “a severe blow to secularism”..it reminds me of what Devji had earlier said which I still find immensely appealing.here’s the link ( no offence meant guys,just that I feel there are always going to be belief systems and conflicts between them :-) )
    - http://www.rproy.com/ R P Roy
      
      Hi Supriya,
      I agree with what you say, and the damage done to the fabric by persons of myopic views. I did write on this in my blog………..do read it
      http://rproy1.blogspot.com/2011/07/blood-in-my-path.html
Parin

Hi, i bought the book and it is very very interesting cannot put it down .. i really like the illustrations… can you tell me what form of paintings / illustrations are these?

and why are your other books OUT OF PRINT … what if i want to order them ? please do let me know …Thanks.
- Devdutt
  
  Do you Dialabook services…they have some copies
Raghav

Hi Devji,
I am half-way through ‘Jaya’ and I have to say that this is the most engrossing book that I have come across..this despite hearing and reading the ‘Mahabharata’ many times.Especially the chapter ‘Song of God’ is beautifully written because of its simplicity without any pretentions at sounding profound,yet immensely thought provoking.
Also,love the way the chapters are constructed with thoughtful illustrations- every chapter starting with ‘Janamejaya..’enlightening him about his family to douse his fire of revenge.
I suspect this book will surpass the wonderful experience I had while reading the great man C.Rajagopalachari’s book(oh,the measuring scale again! ;-)).am keenly looking forward to your next book (-I noticed there’s no ‘Dr’ after Myth=Mithya books..just curious ;-) )
Prathish

Hello,

Is there any way I can get the book shipped to Dubai? I live in Dubai and waiting to read the masterpiece.
- Devdutt
  
  As of now, no…..
rahul parab

Hello Devdutt,
have you taken referenced from Yuganta by Iravati Karve ? that is also a very intresting take on Mahabharata
http://Likedtheinterviewinrediff Vasu Srinivasan

Came to know about you and this book from rediff interview. It is definitely a refreshing take.

Just wanted to mention, noted journalist Mr. Cho Ramaswamy has recently written a comprehensive retelling of Mahabharata (Mahabharatam Pesugiradu – Mahabharata talks), though in Tamil. He goes into lot of details and analysis of the thoughts of the characters. Yudhishtra’s selfishness, Arjuna’s selfishness over Ekalaiva etc. are examples that Pandavas aren’t necessarily “good”. Love to read your book too.
Sunil

Hi Devdutt,

Is this available in UAE?
- Devdutt
  
  Not yet
Vivek Menon

Read the pregnant king….was blown away…i have ordered this one now…
in the end of the pregnant king….
the soul is the male, and the matter is the female…. why do the female always get such a raw deal??? like eve comes after Adam from Adam, and she is the original sin or the fall of man…and here the the male is the hermit and the female is the enchantress….Neither soul nor matter can exit without the other…. why then is the soul more important??? i would really like to know that???
- Devdutt
  
  People assume soul is more important…the scriptures do not say so
Raghav

Hi Devji,
Was thinking if there’s anything ‘new’ in this world that is happening that has not already happened.
1)Sanjay in blessed with divine vision to narrate war events to Dhritarashtra.We have satellites and web cams to show wars/violence to our own blind kings and populace.
2)the Kurukshetra war/fight among brothers for land in the name of ‘rights’.India-Pak,Israel-Palestine.
3)Drona abandoning his priestly ways for more lucrative livelihood.Graduates from various streams learning ‘software’ courses only for 5-6 figure pay packages .
I do not know if I am right,apologies if I have offended anyone.
these were few thoughts that occured whilst reading ‘Jaya’ but get the feeling that we feel smug about ‘scientific progress’ which is only leading us towards a downward spiral.(no big corporates would ever sponsor research if there’s no ROI-probably that’s why everyday we read conflicting reports on what is good for health). :-)
Maanav

This book has become an integral part of my life. Such understanding, such clarity and a superb narration. Big Fan!!!

Eagerly awaiting your next one. When would be it and what would it be on?

After movies (and my childs birth), I have never been so eagerly waiting for a book to come out!
Niraj Singh

This is the best book I have read about the Mahabharata,packed with anecdotes and superb illustrations.
http://www.chakkilaminc.com Srikanth

I first saw Dr.Pattanaik’s talks on TED a few months back when I was bored. I happened to pick this book randomly and started reading it never realizing that it was the same person who I saw on TED talks. This book is one of the best ‘random events’ of my life.
I loved the book.The super complex Mahabharath has been amazingly simplified without any bias or dilution of the philosophy in it. The author has also tried putting in contemporary views and anecdotes which made it even more interesting. Never in my life did I think that I would sit down reading the longest epic in the world with so much enthusiasm. The only problem I faced(an obvious problem for beginners like me) was remembering all the characters apart from the main characters(Pandavas,Kauravas,Krishna,Draupadi etc, though most of the relations are explained at regular intervals through family line and alliance diagrams ). I think I will read this book over and over, again and again. I loved the Chapter of Gita, and Arjuna’s/human being’s natural refusal to let go of ego even though the discourse has been delivered by Krishna(God) himself.
Dr. Pattanaik, I have no words to express as to how much this book has been an eye-opener for me. I’m not sure how many hours/days/months/years the heat of this book will last within me,But I thank you with all my heart for giving us a wonderful perception, outlook of Mahabharath. I have recommended this book to many and will continue to do so.
Also do you have any plans of expanding/writing on “The Bhagwad Gita” alone?
With Best and Warm Regards,
Srikanth
- Devdutt
  
  thank you :-D
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http://www.gea-phe.com Virendra Jhamb

Extremely accurate and scientifically conveyed story. It has given a right direction to `otherwise’ no so logical sounding great epics..may be the story telling was of different kind earlier.

I have just ordered 100 copies of the book..seems to be in shortsupply..to be distributed to my most of the colleagues.

Next hould be Bhagvar Gita..and may be `Uttishtha Jagrat’ by Swami Vivekanand.

My kindest regards

Virendra Jhamb
Aasheesh Khanna

nothing i can say which hasnt been said before by the numerous comments here …..simply superb book…excellent reading….really an ‘UN-put-downable’…my sincere congratulations to u for coming up with this gem and i salute ur research and efforts..

cant wait to read the other books by u…
keep up the good work sir..

here’s to many more from u….
Balaji

Hi Devdutt,

You have provided the essence of the epic in this book. I did not quite understand as to why the Kauravas despite all their sins go to heaven just because their life ended in a particular spot i.e Kurukshetra. So, what is the message to us? Does this mean we can commit sins and still stand a chance to go to heaven if our life ends in a holy location?
Or, is this a message to Yudhisthira that you can experience heaven if you remove anger and hatred from your system?
Can you explain this a little in detail or provide me pointers for further reading. Appreciate a response from you sir.

Thank you,
Balaji
- Devdutt
  
  How many times does a sinner have to be punished……on Kurukshetra and even after that in heaven…meaning they have to be punished forever…..so there is no forgiveness….observe how readers keep asking this questions….tells us a lot about readers and a lot about the epic!
  - Balaji
    
    Thanks for your response. Was happy to see it. I guess it is beyond my understanding at this point as to how the gravity of a sin is evaluated and the consequences of such a deed.
    There is already a request before mine on this page.Could you kindly write a book on the Bhagwadgita.
    
    Thank you,
    Balaji
  - My3
    
    Very interesting book. The way I look at your question, Dhritarashtra was to be King, so his son is to become the next King. On what grounds does Bhishma give the kingship to Pandu who abdicates and walks away. Let us not get into character right now. So based on that, Duryodhana was right to fight his battle after all he is a kshatriya. He fights for what is his right as the first son of the King. Yudhishtira is wrong in expecting land. That is the argument which would lead me to agree that Dhritarashtra’s family’s right to be in Swarga.
    
    Next comes character. Since Shri Krishna has decided that Yudhishtira is the better of the two we have to bow down to His immense knowledge. With this book, I questioned if Pandus even wanted the kingdom the way Kauravas wanted it. Desperately. Why not? Why does Yudhishtira run away from his responsibility? Why is that at every point when we expect the good to win, they run away from responsibility? Why do we have to wait for such a long time for peace to descend on that land?
    
    A book which demands that we look at our own decisions and play devil’s advocate to our own decisions.
pratik shah

hey devdutt..
m pratik and i have just started mba and m big fan of business sutra..i do connect mythology with my all projects and research. and i have not read your any book but m looking forward to read it..can u tell me which of your book will b helpful to me to only understand mythology but also helps me to connect mythology with business…

regards
pratik
Amit

There is a mistake on page 18 of Jaya. It should, probably, read “no sign of recognizing her” or “no signs of recognizing her” rather than “no sing of recognizing her”.

Also, any idea when will your books be available on kindle?

Finally, you had mentioned the kids books will be available on 2011. Can we know when in 2011? Can those books be bought on amazon and/or flipkart?

Regards,
Amit
- Devdutt
  
  Thanks…..whenever Penguin India decides, books will be available in Amazon and Kindle…have no say in matter.
  - My3
    
    It is now available on Amazon.
Samrat Basu

I picked up this book at Crossword yesterday – just a random pick. Have finished almost half – I was amazed to see how you have converted the longest and most complicated of all stories into a page-turner, while maintaining accuracy and authenticity of the epic. Fantastic work – simply amazing! Thank you, Devdutt.
Manisha Pattanayak

Thank you so much for bringing in this insight. Having grown up with the conventional BR Chopra Mahabharata, we never realised or analysed the “stories” there. Your book has given me a totally different viewpoint of how I now look at this epic. And it has our entire family trying to snatch it from ne another for we now read and discuss each chapter and then our interpretations!
Thank you again!
Sudipta Sinha

Dear Devdutt sir,

I am a real fan of your articles and never misses it in the corporate dossier. I just finished reading Jaya and I was very much enlightened with the story of the Mahabharata. One interesting fact which you mentioned in the book is that Kauravas were born king, lived like a king and died in a place from where they will directly go to heaven but only one thing eluded them all through their life and that is humility and respect to others.
On the other hand the Pandavas were always in poor condition but they learnt one thing that is humility.

Another aspect during the war which you have highlighted is the breaking of rules of war. Out of the 10 rules broken 8 were by pandavas and 2 were by kauravas.
This really bring a question in mind can dharma be installed anyways???

Best Regards,
Sudipta
Nishant Bhagat

Dear Sir,

When can we expect to see the Kindle version of Jaya and other books of yours?

Regards,

Nishant
- Devdutt
  
  currently only one book “7 secrets of Hindu calendar art” is available on Kindle via Amazon…rest by end of this year
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http://ChelseaFCForums.com Rahul Malik

You sir are a legend.. Hats off to you really..
I picked up your Book “Myth=Mithya” last week and finished it in one go as it couldnt just put it down. Yesterday i finished “The book of RAM” and started “JAYA” today and ordered “The Pregnant King” from flipkart as well. The books are really well written and hard to put down once started.

I just have couple of suggestions:

1. Itl be great if you can write a detailed book on Lord Krishna (throwing some light on his raas leela and ineration with gopis and radha and later as a strategist and then life post mahabharata) or maybe a book comparing and contrasting Rama and Krishna

2. Itl be great if your books are available in HINDI. I cannot guarantee for rest of the people but ill suerly buy a couple of copies of each of those in hindi.

And i just two questions
1. Can you name your 5 fav books in your collection (can be in any order of priority).

2. Can you name other authors whose work regarding Indian Mythology you like.

Regards
Rahul Malik
http://businesssutra Manisha

hi
i was listening to your explanation of raghukul rit sada chali aayi……. in business sutra and was tryin to connect it with paanchali chapter in mahabharatta where kunti told her son whatever u have got share it with all, so, the pandavas married draupadi bt then it was all about obeyin the rules…. can you throw some light on this
Pallavi

Devduttji,

Refer pg. # 336 (Fall of Dwaraka)
Why didn’t Karna go to Swarga? The reasoning mentioned in the para is that Karna is paying for breaking his friend’s trust. But due to King Kuru anyone dying on the battlefield should have attained Swarga, like the Kauravas did. So even if he has broken a friend’s trust, the word given to King Kuru should have been uphold… Why is there an exception here in the Karmic Cycle?

-Pallavi
- Chandrasekhar Yechuri
  
  Pallavi ji, I have shared my observation on a similar question posed by ‘Reeja Nair’. Please check that out.
http://mybookshelf.wordpress.com/ Anamika

Devduttji, I recently finished reading your book and found it to be thought-provoking. I have posted a review on my website and took the liberty of using one of your illustrations. I hope that is okay. (http://mybookshelf.wordpress.com/2011/03/21/jaya-by-devdutt-pattanaik/)

I had a question regarding the book. Kauravas take the path of adharma to try to snatch the kingdom from Pandavas. In the dharma-yuddha, Krishna uses tactics (to kill Bhishma, Drona, Duryodhana etc.) to help Pandava win. Even Krishna’s tactics should be labeled as ‘adharma’, isn’t it? Being an avatar of God himself, how could Krishna take the path of adharma?
- Devdutt
  
  No problem….by the way in response to your question “Did I miss reading it?” the answer is YES….read once again without presumptions
http://www.oscontract.com Balakrishnan

Had been reading ‘Jaya’ past many days and just today I finished reading it.
Its a very good work. Illustrations are beautiful.
I would like to share what I have decoded here.
Five senses united in the human body fight the 100 illusions created by the ignorant mind using intelligence and re-gain their widsom.
Five senses – 5 Pandva brothers
Body – Draupadi
Intelligence – Krishna
100 illusions – The Kaurava brothers.
Ignorant mind – Dhritarashtra and Gandhari, blindness is a symbolism.
Every individual is a Dhritarashtra and a Gandhari.
Today we can find Dhritarashtra type of persons who are devoid of intelligence, Gandhari are type of persons who will follow anything blindly.

In Treta yuga the enemy was far away on the other side of the ocean.
The Enemy was no ordinary person but a man who had performed penance.

In Dwapara yuga the enemy is one’s own cousin and a very ordinary less talented person.

In Kali yuga I guess we are our own enemies.
- Chandrasekhar Yechuri
  
  A very good observation and decoding. I like it.

Devdutt Author, Speaker, Illustrator, Mythologist

Jaya

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Devdutt Author, Speaker, Illustrator, Mythologist

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