Book Prelude..!!
Title: EPIC KATHA
[Stories from the Vedas, Puranas, Upanishads, Ramayana, Mahabharata , and Folklore]
Author: Deepam Chatterjee
Pages: 344
Genre: Non-Fiction [Self-Help]
Publication date: 31 Jul 2025
Publisher: Embassy Books
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
About Author..!!
Deepam Chatterjee is a retired Indian Army captain. He took up filmmaking after a debilitating spinal injury compelled him to leave the army. It was during this period that he spent time with various spiritual teachers, including the Dalai Lama. Later, he trained under Sri Sri Ravi Shankar and taught the Art of Living courses before embarking on a journey of self-exploration.
A keen researcher as well as a chronicler of oral narratives, Deepam writes and lectures on Hindu thought, meditation, spirituality, mysticism, mythology, and wellness. He has translated a significant body of Sanskrit works into easily readable literature for young readers and mainstream audiences. His work appears regularly in newspapers and periodicals across the country. You can connect with him on Instagram @deepam.chatterjee.
Book Description..!!
The Myths you thought you knew—and those you never heard..!!!
In the Hindu tradition, storytelling is seen as a sacred act. It is not merely the telling of events or the recounting of history but a way of transmitting knowledge, values, and spiritual insight. The stories are crafted to engage the listener on multiple levels—intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually. On the surface, they may appear to be simple tales of gods, kings, and sages. But as one delves deeper, the layers of meaning begin to unfold, revealing profound philosophical truths and pathways to self-realisation.
Some stories echo through the ages, shaping civilizations. Others lie hidden, waiting to be rediscovered. Both come together in Epic Katha, a thoughtfully curated collection bridging the familiar and the forgotten. Here, you’ll find cherished tales such as Krishna Lifts Govardhan Hill and Yama Enlightens Nachiketa, alongside lesser-known gems like The Princess Who Travelled Across Time, Navagunjara: The Many Within the One, and Rama Meets Shiva.
These stories aren’t just echoes of the past; they offer timeless insights into the world we live in. Whether you are revisiting legends or discovering lost tales for the first time, Epic Katha will stay with you long after you turn the last page.
NāsadīyaSuktam, The Intro…!!
नासदासीन्नो सदासीत्तदानीं नासीद्रजो नो व्योमा परो यत् |
किमावरीवः कुह कस्य शर्मन्नम्भः किमा सीद् गहनं गभीरम् ॥
The book begins with the Vedic reverence of the NāsadīyaSuktam[a philosophical reflection on the mysteries of existence and the limits of human understanding regarding the creation of the universe], the 129th hymn—a set of seven hymns from the 10th Mandala (Book) of the Ṛgveda (ऋग्वेद). It explores the subject of cosmogony, describing a state that was neither non-existence nor existence—no air, no sky beyond—what was hidden profound?
What is Epic Katha all about?
Deepam Chatterjee’s Epic Katha is composed of eight sections, each containing derivative stories from the Vedas, Puranas (Devi, Shiva, and others), Upanishads, Ramayana, and Mahabharata. Coming from an orthodox background, these folk tales were, for me personally, bedtime stories told by my ammamma (दादी). Nevertheless, as Deepam rightly mentioned, approaching these stories with an open and curious heart sets a clear tone for what he aims to offer his readers.
Book précis…!!!
As I delve into the first few stories, I can truly experience Deepam’s marvellous writing ability. His creative narrative style clearly reveals spiritual and moral lessons through the lens of contemporary chronicles. My search for thoughtful books about our ancient story collections for my cognates is very much fulfilled by Epic Katha. Deepam’s artistry in transforming complex philosophical and cultural tales into an accessible and engaging interpretation is evident throughout this work.
Book Prelude..!!!
Rather than focusing solely on the spiritual aspect, these stories provide rich details about culture, civilization, modern-day inspiration, knowledge, wisdom, and thought-provoking ideas. Infrequently heard tales about protagonists such as Durvāsā, Raikva, Ambarīṣha, Uddālaka, Saramā, Saudāgar, Kevat, Yuvanashva, Kakudmi, Navagunjara, Subāhu, Nachiketā, Vājashrava, and many more from Indian epics are fascinatingly uncovered through the author’s inspired presentation, intended for modern readers to revisit these legends.
Book Highlights..!!!
Without muddling the essence of the original texts and scriptures, Deepam Chatterjee presents this work not as mere historical anecdotes but as living teachings that offer profound insights into human nature, ethics, and life’s challenges. This book is a vibrant celebration of diligent cultural and spiritual heritage, enriched with a transformative blend of Indian mythology.
Contd..!!!
These stories help demystify the sometimes-daunting scope of Indian epics and renew understanding of the ancient mysteries and timeless wisdom they contain. Deepam Chatterjee excels in maintaining the storyteller’s heart, ensuring the epics unfold with vigor and emotional depth, making this work a valuable read for those interested in mythology, spirituality, and Indian literature.
My Pick(s)..!!!
My top pick(s) from the book are Nachiketopākhyanā (Katha Upanishad: Yama Enlightens Nachiketā) and Madhu-Kaitabha Samhara (Devi Bhāgavatam: The Slaying of Daemons), where Deepam Chatterjee’s writing stands out exceptionally well in establishing divinity and offering thought-provoking guidance to readers. His intriguing style is abundantly evident in these sections
Inquisitive Emphasis..!!
For me, the missing element in this book is a “Referential Appendage.” I wish the author had annotated the reference texts along with the respective shlokas as enduring evidence for expert readers.
Illustrative Highlight(s)..!!!
The aura of Onkar Fondekar’s drawings is very much evident in every deity outlined in this book. This is my third book as a reader experiencing his rich illustrative work. His skilful artistry brings vitality and radiance to every sketch. Rishi Kumar’s cover design resonates with and is equally vibrant, capturing the mythical emotions Deepam wished to convey to his readers.
Conclusion..!!
With an open heart and a clear slate mind, this book offers a divine expedition into the rich stories of Indian spiritual heritage and philosophical reflection. For anyone keen on exploring the depths of Indian narrative traditions and their contemporary relevance, this book is an ideal choice—especially for spiritual enthusiasts who wish to immerse themselves in the ocean of Sanatanic fables.
Quote(s)..!!
- Storytelling has been central to human civilisation since time immemorial.
- Hinduism is a tradition that has never confined itself to a single path or perspective.
- The forces of darkness may rise, but the light of truth will always prevail.
Yatra yogeshvaraḥ kṛṣṇo yatra pārtho dhanurdharaḥ ।
Tatra śrīrvijayo bhūtirdhruvā nītirmatirmama ॥
——————————————–सर्वं श्री कृष्णार्पणमस्तु ———————————————
Links & FootNote..!!
My Handle: Kiran_Kumar_Adharapuram
You can also explore my works -> Here
My Non-Fiction Book Reviews -> Here
My Fiction Book Reviews -> Here
My Self-Help Book Reviews -> Here
