These Hindu mythology books are sure to teach you more about Hindu culture, tradition, and history. Get reviews of our favorites, especially those inspired by The Ramayana and The Mahabharata.
Note: In this article, Hindu mythology uses the word myth in an academic sense: a traditional story that may include supernatural elements and is often rooted in cultural memory, used to explain the origins of the world, natural phenomena, religious beliefs, and social practices. Here, myth does not mean something false.
Read even more books set in India. Or, watch the best movies about India.
Classic Hindu Mythology Books
These are the two most popular epics and the basis for most retellings in modern books on Hindu mythology. There are multiple translations, editions, and authors, including versions from different countries. The version you read will depend on the kind of story you want.
The Ramayana
Description
One of the foundational epics of Hindu mythology, The Ramayana follows Prince Rama, exiled for 14 years with Sita and Lakshmana. When Ravana, the King of Lanka, kidnaps Sita, a war unfolds that tests duty, loyalty, and sacrifice.
Why Dagney Recommends Starting Here
This is essential Hindu mythology reading and the backbone of countless modern retellings. The Penguin Classic editions provide in-depth introductions and are often considered the best. However, they can be more academic. I prefer illustrated, child-friendly editions that bring the epic to life.
The Mahabharata
Description
The longest epic in Hindu mythology, The Mahabharata tells the story of two cousins’ families, the Kaurava and Pandava, during the Mahabharata War (also called the Kurukshetra War).
Why Dagney Recommends The Mahabharata
Another foundation for so many Hindu mythology books, The Mahabharata offers endless moral and philosophical depth. It examines Dharma (cosmic law or ultimate truth), loyalty, deception, and caste boundaries, including stories like the Bhagavad Gita and an abridged version of The Ramayana.
Hindu Mythology Books Based on the Ramayana
The Liberation of Sita by Volga
Description
The Liberation of Sita is a feminist collection of five stories that give voice to the women of The Ramayana, especially after the epic ends.
Why Dagney Recommends The Liberation of Sita
This book is perfect if you’ve ever found the female characters one-dimensional. It adds depth, closure, and a much-needed feminist lens. This short story collection requires some previous knowledge of The Ramayana to get the most out of the stories.
Mandodari: Queen of Lanka by Manini J. Anandani
Description
This Hindu mythology retelling reimagines The Ramayana from Mandodari’s perspective, offering insight into Ravana’s choices and ultimately the war that destroyed Lanka – or did it?
Why Dagney Recommends Mandodari: Queen of Lanka
This is a quick, light read with a feminist twist and a fresh look at a traditionally sidelined character.
Asura: Tale Of The Vanquished by Anand Neelakantan
Description
Touted as being The Ravanayana (the untold story of Ravana), Asura: Tale Of The Vanquished is The Ramayana from the point of view of Ravana and the Lankans, reframing the typically one-note villain’s life and struggles.
The book opens with Ravana dead, contemplating his funeral and remembering his final battle with Rama. From there, the book jumps back and forth in time with Ravana recalling his unhappy, impoverished childhood and his growing rage at non-Asuras.
Why Dagney Recommends This Title
Controversial and thought-provoking, Asura is highly critical of the caste system and those at the top of it.
Kaikeyi by Vaishnavi Patel
Description
A feminist Ramayana retelling following the titular character Kaikeyi, one of Rama’s three mothers, from childhood to queenhood, this engrossing novel explores her ambition, magic, and defiance of the gods.
Mysteriously abandoned by her mother and raised by a father who scorns all women, Kaikeyi is determined to change the narrative, especially since the Gods do not hear her prayers. Becoming Dasharatha’s youngest bride, she forms a Women’s Council, has an interesting relationship with Ravana, and learns to drive a chariot as well as throw a spear
Why Christine Recommends Kaikeyi
This epic story, full of two-faced gods and mortals, will leave you in tears. Watch in awe as this once-overlooked princess transforms into a powerful and soon-to-be-hated mother, deadly warrior, kind sister, and smart leader.
Indian Mythology Books Based on the Mahabharata
Along with the books listed below, we also recommend Upon a Burning Throne by Ashok K. Banker and The Krishna Key by Ashwin Sanghi. You may also enjoy The Question of Red by Laksmi Pamuntjak, a saga set in Indonesia based on the story of Amba from the Mahabharata.
The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Description
The Palace of Illusions is one of the most well-known Indian mythology books and is also one of the most accessible to those unfamiliar with the stories.
This beautifully written story is told from the point of view of Panchaali (normally called Draupadi in The Mahabharata), the wife of all five Pandava brothers. She is often blamed for inciting the entire Kurukshetra War.
Why Dagney Recommends The Palace of Illusions
The Palace of Illusions is perfect for anyone who loves reading about strong women in historical fiction books. Panchaali is a brilliant and fierce warrior in her own right. Hers is a story full of lust and vengeance, bringing to light the history of India and women’s places in it.
The Pregnant King by Devdutt Pattanaik
Description
Based on a lesser-known Mahabharata tale, this novel follows King Yuvanashva, the childless king, who becomes pregnant and must confront gender and power.
Why Dagney Recommends The Pregnant King
This is one of the best books on Hindu mythology to deal with gender fluidity, including the way Devdutt Pattanaik covers the story of Shilavati, who is withheld from attaining kingship because she is a woman.
Then, there is that of Arjuna, the castrated warrior forced to masquerade as a woman, and Ileshwar Mahadev, a god by day and a goddess by night. There are many more, too.
At every turn, the concept of gender is explored and scrutinized, especially in regard to its relationship with the ability to rule.
Adi Parva: Churning of the Ocean by Amruta Patil
Description
Adi Parva is a stunning graphic novel, told from the River Ganga as she retraces moments in all of India’s history. She starts with the river’s creation by the Vedas, leading up to the beginning of The Mahabharata and the Kurukshetra War.
Why Dagney Recommends Adi Parva
This novel will be difficult without prior knowledge of at least The Mahabharata, if not other mythical beings from the Hindu god stories. This is the first in a duology. The sequel, Sauptik: Blood and Flowers, is just as good, if not better.
More Books On Hindu Mythology
You might also enjoy Adhaata Asao’s Liege by Afroz Alam (harder to obtain in the U.S.).
The Immortals of Meluha by Amish Tripathi
Description
This Hindu mythology-inspired novel reimagines Shiva, chief of the Guna tribe, drawn into prophecy as the empire of Meluha faces destruction.
Why Dagney Recommends This Book
Hindu mythology stories are often epic in nature, and The Immortals of Meluha is no exception. Enjoy trials of love, death, destiny, duty, and heroism, with fierce battles and explosive plot twists to keep readers on their toes.
The Daughter from a Wishing Tree: Unusual Tales about Women in Mythology by Sudha Murty
Description
The book starts with more well-known goddesses, such as Saraswati and Lakshmi, and then introduces readers to lesser-known deities, like Ashokasundari and Amba. And, even amongst the more well-known goddesses, Murty brings to life some of their lesser-known exploits.
Why Dagney Recommends This Book
The Daughter from a Wishing Tree is my favorite of the series, as women are so often relegated to the background in these myths. These collections are a great introduction to different Hindu gods and goddesses with beautiful accompanying illustrations to help tell the story – and remember who is who.
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Be sure to let us know your favorites in the comments, as we are always updating our reading lists.