Myths from the Mahabharata: Study in Patterns and Symbols (Volume 2)

The present book forms part of the bigger plan of studying the Mahabharata, from a different point of view, the Vol. I being Myths from the Mahabharata – quest for immortality. The various mythical accounts, concerning awkward looking tests and Supranormal Birth, collected and faithfully preserved by the tradition of the suta-s with a belief of iti-ha-asa ("This happened so’ or "This was so’), are studied in this volume, taking into account the mythological patterns and symbols they present. The chapter on "Tests" deals with the tests taken of the disciples breathing the ‘gurukula’-atmosphere as also the tests taken of the royal personages by the whimsical sages, the chapter not leaving off the point of sexual hospitality asked by the guest as a test of the householder. The pattern of myths woven round the motif of "Supranormal Birth" is seen unfolding many an interesting symbol concerning birth-phenomenon, which had remained unearthed up to this time.