If You Enjoyed Reading Amish Tripathi’s Shiva Trilogy, You’ll Love These Indian Mythology Books
If you’re a fan of Indian mythology books, you’re in for a treat. The movie Kalki 2898 AD has ignited a renewed interest in mythological fiction, bringing the epic tales of the Mahabharata and other ancient texts into the limelight.
From epic battles to divine heroes, these stories will take you on an exciting journey into the world of Indian mythology.
The Rise of Indian Mythological Fiction
Indian mythological fiction gained immense popularity about 10 years ago, thanks in large part to Amish Tripathi’s Shiva Trilogy. This genre blends ancient Indian myths with modern storytelling packed with action and adventure to create stories that resonate with contemporary readers. The success of these books has paved the way for other authors to explore India’s rich mythological heritage, unearthing stories and characters to craft stories that are both familiar and new.
The Connection Between ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ and Indian Mythology
Kalki 2898 AD, the recently released blockbuster, is a futuristic retelling with deep roots in the Mahabharata. The film presents a dystopian world where the concepts of good and evil are blurred, and the timeless struggle between the two takes on a new form.
The story follows a group of rebels in the dystopian city of Kasi in 2898 AD who must protect an unborn child, said to be Kalki, the final avatar of Vishnu. As the world teeters on the brink of destruction, Kalki must be born to combat the forces of evil, while parallels are drawn with the epic battles of the Mahabharata.
Though a futuristic dystopian movie replete with modern weapons and technology, this connection to Indian mythology has drawn fans of the genre to the movie, making it a perfect gateway to explore similar books. Take your pick!
Must-Read Indian Mythology Books
Amish Tripathi reimagines the tale of Shiva, a tribal leader destined to become the most revered deity in Indian mythology. The story begins with The Immortals of Meluha, where Shiva is drawn into the conflicts of the Suryavanshi empire, discovering the power of the Somras and his role as the prophesied saviour. In The Secret of the Nagas, Shiva’s quest deepens as he uncovers dark secrets about the Nagas, a mysterious race linked to his own destiny. The trilogy reaches its thrilling conclusion in The Oath of the Vayuputras, where Shiva faces the ultimate battle between good and evil, making a fateful decision that will change the course of history. The trilogy blends myth, history, and philosophy, delivering a saga of heroism, sacrifice, and the eternal struggle between light and darkness.
By Kevin Missal
The Narasimha Trilogy is a powerful retelling of one of Hinduism’s most dramatic myths. The saga begins with Narasimha, where the man-lion avatar of Vishnu rises to challenge the tyrannical demon king Hiranyakashyap. As the battle between these two forces escalates, the second book, Hiranyakashyap, delves into the demon king’s motivations and ambitions, painting a complex portrait of a ruler determined to overthrow the gods themselves. The trilogy concludes with Prahlad, focusing on the devout son of Hiranyakashyap, whose unwavering faith in Vishnu sets the stage for an epic showdown. The series offers a richly detailed narrative that combines action, moral dilemmas, and deep spiritual insights, bringing new life to an ancient legend.
The Aryavarta Chronicles is a masterful reimagining of the Mahabharata, set in a world of political intrigue, warfare, and moral dilemmas. The saga begins with Govinda, where Govinda Shauri, a brilliant strategist, navigates the treacherous politics of the region of Aryavarta, seeking to bring peace to a land divided by ambition and power. As the series progresses into Kaurava, the conflict between the Kauravas and Pandavas intensifies, leading Aryavarta to the brink of chaos. The trilogy culminates in Kurukshetra, the climactic battle that will determine the fate of Aryavarta. With its richly layered narrative, trilogy offers a fresh perspective on a timeless epic, exploring heroism, sacrifice, and the enduring struggle between good and evil.
By Akshat Gupta
The Hidden Hindu series by Akshat Gupta is a thrilling saga that intertwines modern-day intrigue with ancient Hindu mythology. In Book 1, we follow Prithvi, a young man searching for Om Shastri, a mysterious aghori who claims to have lived through all four yugas and witnessed events from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Captured and interrogated, Om’s revelations about his past and his quest to find other immortals leave the world reeling. As the series progresses, Book 2 unveils a battle over the Book of Mritsanjeevani, with Om joined by legendary warriors while facing powerful enemies with hidden agendas. In Book 3, the stakes escalate as Nagendra, resurrected and more powerful than ever, seeks to complete a hidden verse that could alter the fate of gods and demons alike.
Unravel the mysteries of The Krishna Key, a thrilling adventure that takes you on a roller-coaster ride through history, mythology, and modern-day intrigue. When a murder points to a secret hidden in ancient relics linked to Lord Krishna, historian Ravi Mohan Saini is thrust into a dangerous quest to uncover the truth. From the temples of Vrindavan to the ruins of Dwarka, this fast-paced novel weaves together clues from the Mahabharata, Vedic texts, and ancient Indian history to reveal a secret that could change the world. As Saini races against time, he must outwit deadly adversaries who will stop at nothing to protect the secret. Packed with twists and turns, The Krishna Key is a must-read for fans of mythological thrillers.
By Saksham Garg
Samsara is a spellbinding debut novel by Saksham Garg, blending modern-day India with the mysticism of ancient Hindu culture. The story follows Aman Chandra, an ordinary young man whose life takes a dramatic turn when he and ten others are mysteriously transported to a hidden valley deep. As he delves deeper into this enigmatic, mystical world, Aman’s initial quest to uncover the truth about his missing father transforms into something far more significant. He finds himself entangled in a divine conspiracy, forced to confront his destiny and make decisions that could alter the fate of an entire nation. Garg’s novel is a captivating mix of adventure, spirituality, and suspense, set against the backdrop of the Rig Veda.
This captivating collection of forty tales explores the immortal journey of Hanuman, the beloved monkey-god, after the end of Lord Rama’s reign. Grieving the loss of his divine friend, Hanuman who is blessed to live on Earth as long as the Ramayana is told, begins to travel all over the world. He comes across thrilling and unexpected adventures across the world from vanquishing the thousand-headed Ahiravana to racing with Garuda and battling a giant wasp-demoness. Majmudar continues the folk tradition of inventing new tales for Hanuman, reimagining the monkey-god’s eternal quest with action, magic, and heart. The Later Adventures of Hanuman is a must-read for lovers of mythology and adventure.
