Myth = Mithya: A Handbook of Hindu Mythology

What Is Myth? What Is Truth? In Hindu Thought, They May Be the Same Thing.

Devdutt Pattanaik is India's most beloved mythologist — and Myth = Mithya: A Handbook of Hindu Mythology is the book that introduced millions of readers to the extraordinary depth, symbolism, and wisdom of Hindu mythology. Published by Penguin Random House India, this is the essential guide for anyone who wants to understand the stories, symbols, and ideas that have shaped Indian civilisation for thousands of years.

What This Book Explores

• The Nature of Myth — Pattanaik's groundbreaking argument that myth is not falsehood but a subjective truth — a way of making sense of the world that is no less valid than science
• The Hindu Cosmos — understand the structure of the Hindu universe, from the Trimurti to the cycles of creation and destruction
• Gods, Goddesses & Demons — explore the rich cast of Hindu mythology with clarity and insight, from Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva to Lakshmi, Saraswati, and Durga
• Symbols & Rituals — decode the deeper meaning behind the images, rituals, and stories that permeate Hindu culture and daily life
• Philosophy Made Accessible — discover how Hindu mythology encodes profound philosophical ideas about dharma, karma, and the nature of reality

Who This Book Is For

Anyone curious about Hindu mythology, Indian philosophy, or the cultural foundations of one of the world's oldest living traditions. Whether you're a student, a seeker, or simply someone who grew up with these stories and wants to understand them more deeply — this is the book to start with.

Published by Penguin Random House India. Paperback, 300 g. ISBN: 9780143423324.