Mythologist | Author | Speaker | Illustrator
-
Interviews
Of food and faith
Published on 26th July, 2017, in The Hindu. In the post truth world, does mythology matter? Always keen to explain myths, Devdutt Pattanaik is eager to take that. “Mythology was there before truth existed. In fact, truth is a western religious concept coming from Judeo-Christian tradition. It seems static while knowledge is expanding all the…
-
Interviews
Everybody has a voice now and so we have stopped listening
Devdutt Pattanaik on his new book, the feminine side of India and the end of metaphor and playfulness in the current debate on religion…
-
Podcasts
Listen: Devdutt Pattanaik busts common misconceptions about Hinduism, Buddhism and yoga
“A small two-bedroom flat with 20 people speaking different languages,” is how author Devdutt Pattanaik describes India. People often look for simplistic definitions and ways to explain the country’s diversity, he says, but this is missing the point…
-
Interviews
The mythology of one god is what we call religion
The interpreter of mythology explains the importance of pluralism and diversity…
-
Interviews
Devdutt Pattanaik Reveals The Queer History Hidden In Indian Mythology
Fluidity can be accommodated only with love, not anger…
-
Articles
Exploring Hanuman Chalisa
Do people reading it understand what they are reading? Or does the gentle poetic rhythm calm the nervous heart, as it prepares to face the day? Or is it simply a ritual exercise, where the point is to do, not think or feel?…
-
Articles
Why do Hindus prefer birth anniversaries to death anniversaries?
In Hinduism, memory of death prevents progress, wisdom and liberation…
-
Articles
Why Hanuman Chalisa is the most powerful expression of personal Hinduism
Devdutt Pattanaik demystifies the ancient hymn for the contemporary reader…
-
Books
My Hanuman Chalisa
Reflecting on one of Hinduism’s most popular prayer for positive energy Acclaimed mythologist Devdutt Pattanaik demystifies the Hanuman Chalisa for the contemporary reader. His unique approach makes the ancient hymn accessible, combined as it is with his trademark illustrations…
-
Articles
Is the Hindu thread ceremony same as baptism?
What then is the thread ceremony? It depends on who you ask…
-
Podcasts
Experience Delhi: On Indian mythology and rituals
We are so pleased to bring this Episode to you. Ketaki and I spoke with Devdutt Pattnaik and got his answers to common questions asked by travellers to Delhi, India…
-
Articles
The sage who hears silence
Through silence, many things can be communicated: love, hatred, acceptance, rejection, suffering, understanding…
-
Articles
Are Hindus vegetarian?
Published on 14th June, 2017, on www.dailyo.in. The idea of “vegetarian” diet has spread throughout the world, thanks to many Hindu and Jain immigrants in the USA and the UK and the popularity of yoga. However, not all Hindus are vegetarian. In fact, most aren’t. Since vegetarian practices distinguishes Hindus from other communities, and was…
-
Articles
The pea-brahmachari
At the heart of the hysteria over the peacock’s tears is Hinduism’s great discomfort with sex…
-
Articles
Did arrival of Muslim invaders a thousand years ago destroy Hindu culture?
Published on 31st May, 2017, on www.dailyo.in . The arrival of Muslim invaders a thousand years ago dramatically transformed the Hindu culture. Like in any invasion, there was destruction, mayhem and trauma. Hindu Kush in Afghanistan literally means ‘killer of Hindu (slaves)’ during early phase of this invasion and the ruins of Vijayanagara by a…
