Devdutt Pattanaik’s new book Bahubali: 63 Insights into Jainism

shivendra.singh@harpercollins.co.in | 1 September 2023

Bahubali.

Who is he?

For non-Jains, it’s the name of a superhit film about a violent hero.

For Jains, he is the son of the first Tirthankar and the brother of a Chakravarti, who chose the path of non-violence.

Who is a Tirthankar? What is a Chakravarti? Who are the Jains?

This book will explain all this and more through insights into Jainism, including stories from the Jain Ramayana and the Jain Mahabharata.

HarperCollins

presents

A rich exploration of an ancient faith by India’s foremost mythologist

Bahubali
63 Insights into Jainism

by Devdutt Pattanaik

HB | Non-fiction | 288 pp | Rs 499

The philosophy of Jainism explained in easy-to-understand language showing how its tenets are still very relevant even today.

Accompanied by striking illustrations in Devdutt Pattanaik’s trademark style.

These sixty-three essays represent Devdutt’s understanding of Jain beliefs, based on twenty-five years of study of Indian and Western myths.

Releasing on 10 September 2023

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Author Devdutt Pattanaik says, “Jain stories, symbols, rituals and philosophies have much to teach the world. I learnt a lot and through this book I share 63 subjective insights with all, especially non-Jains.”

Udayan Mitra, Executive Publisher, HarperCollins India, says, “For anyone curious about Jainism and interested in the treasure trove of Jain stories and myths, Devdutt Pattanaik’s new book Bahubali is a fabulous read. We at HarperCollins are thrilled to be able to bring this wonderful book to readers – with the English edition publishing in September and the Hindi edition coming soon.”

ABOUT THE BOOK

Many historians believe that Jainism and other hermit schools were simply a reaction to Vedic ritualism. But for most Jains, their religion has no origin: it has always been around.

Jainism was rediscovered by Rishabh-dev, the first Tirthankar of this era.

Rishabh’s eldest son, Bharat, became Chakravarti, king of kings, and gave the country its name.

Bahubali, Bharat’s younger brother, renounced violence and followed the Jain path of freedom.

Rishabh was followed by twenty-three other Tirthankars. The last of them was Mahavir, who lived around 2,500 years ago.

In Bahubali, Devdutt Pattanaik explores the stories, symbols, rituals and ideas associated with one of India’s most ancient but lesser-known faiths, and shows us why the tenets of Jainism are still very relevant to all of us even today.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Devdutt Pattanaik writes, illustrates and lectures on the relevance of mythology in modern times. He has, since 1996, written over fifty books and 1,000 columns on how stories, symbols and rituals construct the subjective truth (myths) of ancient and modern cultures around the world. To know more, visit devdutt.com.

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For reviews, excerpts, interviews and more information, please contact Shivendra Singh at shivendra.singh@harpercollins.co.in