Primary Texts

Hinduism Resources

Primary Texts
Bhagavad Gita | Mahabharata | Panchatantra | Ramayana

This poem "synthesizes both rational analysis and religious inspiration in answering the fundamental questions of the meaning of life and death."
~B. Srinivasa Murthy

Herman, A.L., trans. The Bhagavad Gita: A Translation and Critical Commentary. Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas Publishing, 1973.
Davis PK3633 .B5 H4

This is an excellent translation, providing the physical and philosophical context of the poem. Notes are held until the end to avoid distracting the reader. A pronunciation guide and indexes are also included in the text.

Murthy, B. Srinivasa, trans. Bhagavad Gita. Long Beach, CA: Long Beach Publishing, 1985.
Davis BL1138.62 .E5

This is an excellent translation for those unfamiliar with the text. It provides an explanation of the religious context of the poem and summaries of key concepts such as the self, karma, human nature, the system of yoga, and the paths of action, knowledge, and devotion. Containing notes, a glossary, and a bibliography, this is an excellent resource.

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Mahabharata

This is the epic poem of the struggle between the Pandavas and the Kauravas.
It contains teachings on honor, duty, respect, and faith.

Buck, William. Mahabharata. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1973.
Davis PS3552 .U335 M3

This prose version of the story contains no alterations to the text, but is rendered more readable by simplification of the language. It has more popular appeal than other texts, and will be appealing to those unfamiliar with the story or those interested in the highlights.

Rajagopalachari, C. Mahabharata. Bombay: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, 1953.
Davis BL1138.25 .R33 1953

This version of the epic cuts most of the introductory material and moves tothe center of the conflict between the Kauravas and Pandavas. The simple translation makes the book easy to read, and the family tree eliminates confusion that could arise from the uncertain origin of several characters.

Roy, Pratap Chandra. The Mahabharata of Krishna. Calcutta: Oriental Publishing Company.
Davis PK3633 .A2 R623

This a translation of the original Sanskrit text into English prose. This version of the text will be more appropriate to scholars; it does not contain commentary or an index.

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Panchatantra

...a textbook of the wise conduct of life.

Ryder, Arthur W., ed. The Panchatantra. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1925.
Davis PK3741 .P3 E5 1925a

This book is a series of fables assembled under five separate framing stories. They embrace the noble ideal of "harmonious development of the powers of man, a life in which prosperity, resolute action, friendship, and good learning are so combined to produce joy" (10).

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Ramayana

This story chronicles the life of Rama, an avatar of the god Vishnu. Rama is born into the mankind to vanquish the demon Ravana, who is destroying the Earth and heavens.
Like the Mahabharata, it teaches honor, duty, and respect towards all.

Rajagopalachari, C. Ramayana. Bombay: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, 1965.
Davis PK3653 .R3 1965

This is an excellent prose version of the story, one that will appeal to scholars and general readers. It provides a glossary of commonly used Sanskrit terms at the end of the text.

Venkatesananda, Swami. The Concise Ramayana of Valmiki. Albany: State University of New York Press, 1998.
Davis BL1139.22 .E54 1988

This is a condensed version of the original text. All omitted chapters are indicated in the text. It is an excellent translation, appropriate for both scholars and advanced readers.

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Last Updated: Sunday, March 18, 2001.