Volume IV Special Issue VIII October 2024

Name of Author : Smt. Vatne Jaimala Shirish

Title of the paper : Understanding Indian Mythology in Devdutt Pattnaiks Select Texts

Abstract: Mythology offers a window into the depth of an ancient culture, showcasing rituals, practices, and more. It examines both real and fictitious narratives, offering insight into ancient customs and traditions. Indian Mythology is rich in stories about gods, goddesses, supernatural agents, artistic elements, folklore, and other fascinating elements. The ancient epics are reimagined with the same grandeur and value through his retellings. It also showcases how retellings can deepen appreciation and integration of myths into life. Besides, these folktales and myths address various enigmas, such as Queer identity and the principles of karma, among others. Through the ages, certain mythological tales have lost their essence, but novelists have kept their significance alive by recreating them in various literary forms. The paper, explores a unique retelling of mythology in the selected texts of Devdutt Patnaik, namely, Shiva An Introduction, Shiva to Shankara Giving Form to Formless, Shiva The Destroyer, etc.

Keywords : Mythology, Symbolism, Ganas and Bhutaganas, Cultural Relativity

DOI :

Page Number : 97-99