Preface
Come one, come all, and witness the sacred land of eternal bliss. Experience its spiritual and celestial fervor, heritage, and ambiance. For the past 16 years, I have been selling books on interpretations of the Bhagavad Gita at my bookshop in Chennai. Over this time, I've had the privilege of hearing many scholars and sages share their diverse perspectives on the Gita. A common view among them is that, much like the Bible, the Gita should be freely distributed and its teachings integrated into school and college curricula. With pocket-sized editions available in Sanskrit, Tamil, English, and other languages, and priced between Rs. 10 and Rs. 15, the Gita is easily accessible to all. The Gita has inspired saints and philosophers around the world for centuries, and new commentaries continue to emerge. The first commentary was written by Adi Shankaracharya, followed by influential interpretations from other acharyas such as Ramanuja and Madhvacharya. The 13th-century saint Dnyaneshwar also authored a highly regarded commentary. Paramahansa Yogananda delves into the intricacies of the text, shedding light on the significance of each character, while Lokamanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak's Bhagavad Gita Rahasya (in Marathi) is celebrated for its profound philosophical insights. In an effort to further share my reflections on the Gita, I am presenting my own interpretation for the common reader, along with a detailed history of Kurukshetra. Written in a simple, accessible style, this book is intended to guide those who wish to explore the significance of Kurukshetra in greater depth.
About The Book
The Gita has inspired saints and philosophers around the world for centuries, and new commentaries continue to emerge. The first commentary was written by Adi Shankaracharya, followed by influential interpretations from other acharyas such as Ramanuja and Madhvacharya. The 13th-century saint Dnyaneshwar also authored a highly regarded commentary. Paramahansa Yogananda delves into the intricacies of the text, shedding light on the significance of each character, while Lokamanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak's Bhagavad Gita Rahasya (in Marathi) is celebrated for its profound philosophical insights. In an effort to further share my reflections on the Gita, I am presenting my own interpretation for the common reader, along with a detailed history of Kurukshetra. Written in a simple, accessible style, this book is intended to guide those who wish to explore the significance of Kurukshetra in greater depth.
About The Author
V.V.S. Manian has had an extremely successful and unique career in the fields of marketing. Communication, Journalism and Teaching. He started off as Project and Chief Marketing Manager, Modern Bakeries Ltd., New Delhi. He travelled the length and breadth of India. He moved from public sector to advertising and media and has worked at leading organizations like WS Industries and Efficient Publicities. He has worked as a freelance journalist and photographer for The Mail, Madras (Chennai). He contributed regularly to The Hindu, Deccan Herald, Bhavan's Journal and Trinity Mirror. He was the founder editor of two weeklies, Blue streak and Janamitran. He currently runs the Asian News and Features Syndicate, Chennai. V.V.S. Manian was also the Hony. Principal for the evening college, Bhavan's Rajaji College of Communication and Management, Chennai and taught Marketing and Journalism for nearly three decades. V.V.S. Manian also served as Asst to Hony. Consul for Canada and Pondicherry from 1992 to 2003. He has undergone specialised training for Honorary Consul conducted by the Department of Foreign Affairs Canada. As a writer, he has over 1000 articles to his credit on topics like politics, health and religion. He has interpreted and translated slokas like Abhirami Andadhi, Shiva Sahasranamam, Vishnu sahasaranamam, Soundariya Lahari, Bhaja Govindam and Neethi Sathagam. He has written several books, including the Dictionary on Journalism and Mass Communication, Architectural and Sculptural Beauty of Kapali Temple and Prayers for Prosperity (Ebook). Manian holds a Masters Degree in Business Administration from PSG College of Technology and BA from PSG Arts College, Coimbatore and a post graduate diploma in Public Relations and Journalism from Rajendra Prasad Institute of Communication Studies in Mumbai. He has also done online courses from Oxford, Columbia, Harvard and Berklee Universities, USA. Mr. Manian has travelled widely. He is also actively involved in politics and is currently with the BJP.
Ganga Manian is a highly accomplished individual with a background in Electronics Engineering (BE). Yet she chose to pursue a career in banking, blending technical expertise with a passion for cultural exploration. Hailing from the culturally rich town of Kumbakonam, Ganga was exposed to the study of Sanskrit from a young age, eventually mastering the language. Her deep-rooted spiritual journey began in childhood, as she avidly recited Devi Slokas, alongside an enduring passion for the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagavadam and the Bhagavad Gita. With a strong commitment to practicing the teachings of these revered epics, Ganga's life is a testament to her dedication to both knowledge and spirituality. Her extensive travels across India and abroad have provided her with opportunities to visit many Hindu temples, further deepening her understanding and reverence for the traditions and rituals. Currently based in Chennai, Ganga Manian is actively engaged in exploring and interpreting Sanskrit Slokas, sharing her profound insights and understanding with others. Her journey is one of blending ancient wisdom with modern knowledge, making her an inspiring figure in both the spiritual and intellectual spheres.
Vedas (1182)
Upanishads (493)
Puranas (624)
Ramayana (741)
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Dharmasastras (165)
Goddess (496)
Bhakti (242)
Saints (1503)
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Journal (187)
Fiction (60)
Vedanta (362)
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