Completing Vyasa's Mahabharata

"Completing Vyasa's Mahabharata" By Abhinav Agarwal https://amzn.in/d/08pztTZW Amazon Description : "Embedded within the primary narrative of the Mahabharata lie numerous sub-tales known as upakhyaanas or upakathas. These lesser- known stories play a vital role in completing the grand tapestry of the Mahabharata, thus giving this book its apt title. Unlike verse translations found in unabridged versions, the 67 upakathas presented here serve a different purpose. While they may appear as diversions, these narratives serve as vital threads, connecting the text and offering answers to lingering questions that readers may have. For instance, why did Ambaa, the princess of Kaashi, become the catalyst for Bheeshmas demise in a later life? The Ambaa upakhyaana holds the answers. Similarly, the stories of Sage Parashuraama reveal why a brahmana like him possessed warrior-like qualities. Two upakhyaanas shed light on this enigma. Additionally, the Yayaati upakhyaana elucidates the reasons behind the Kurus descending from Puru, Yayaatis youngest son, rather than the eldest. Moreover, the intriguing dialogue between Duryodhana and Shalya, where Duryodhana persuades Shalya to become Karnas charioteer, is also explored in these Upakathas." I purchased "Completing Vyasa's Mahabharata" by Abhinav Agarwal three years ago. Glanced through the 400 plus pages and posted this brief note @Amazon : "Glancing through the 67 chapters in small print on 436 pages, one finds that the author tries to give a bird's eye view of the epic and its relationship with India's spiritual heritage and the interlinking of stories in the two major epics Mahabharata and Ramayana and the Vedic literature." After that the book remained in my personal library and I picked up for reference occasionally. Perhaps this is the fate of many well-researched books resting in many libraries. Why now? Last week when we were discussing Krishna's life and times, a friend lamented that Krishna's Bhagavad Gita is the one contribution that made him immortal. People may forget the Kurukshetra War, but will still remember Gita. M G Warrier

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