EPIC LOVES - STORIES FROM THE ADI PARVA OF THE MAHABHARATA Paperback

Epic Loves: Stories from the Adi Parva of the Mahabharata by Ashok K. Banker delves into the rich tapestry of the ancient Indian epic, specifically focusing on five profound love stories from its opening section, the Adi Parva. While the Mahabharata is often celebrated for its narratives of war and duty, Banker, a renowned mythologist, reinterprets these foundational tales to highlight the "tender and wounding, romantic and pragmatic" aspects of love. From the classic romance of Shakuntala and Dushyanta to King Shantanu's passionate yet tragic love for Ganga, and the poignant friendship and love triangle involving Devayani, Sharmishtha, and Yayati, the book offers a fresh and accessible retelling of these timeless tales of desire, bringing them to life for a 21st-century audience.