Srimad Bhagavad Gita is perhaps the most read and translated spiritual work of India, second only to Bible in terms of religious literature of the world. But even as we question the need for another translation adding to the already existing plethora, Rao’s version of the Gita breathes fresh life into this original Sanskrit text and renders a new translation unlike any before it. Her courageous attempt not only regenerates the ancient philosophy of the text, it also restores power and grace to its poetry as well.
Mani Rao’s playful approach to the most important religious work of India provides us with a new way of experiencing the all-powerful words of the Gita without really changing the words themselves. The narration is fluid, simple and graceful rendering it eminently readable without compromising the central complexity of the philosophy presented in the original. It captures the awe and grandeur of Arjuna’s experience in uniquely stark poetic language that makes the text comprehensible and opens it up to a new generation of readers. Even with her contemporary lyrics and relaxed tone, Rao manages to match up to the original, keep pace with every stride and every revelation. The verse which reveals Lord Krishna as a God has traditionally stuck to a word by word translation of Arjuna’s reaction; but Rao ventures into a more colloquial rendition of his awe and terror depicted by his faltering, mumbling speech making it more real and relatable to the present readers.
Mani Rao takes up this daunting task of translating a work that is so central to Hinduism and achieves it with a finesse that has been lacking in translations of the Gita in the last couple of decades. The penetrating insights into the ancient philosophy of the text coupled with a lucid, poetic diction revitalize the Bhagvad Gita while holding onto its power and majesty making this latest translation of it worth a read.
Book Details:
| Author: | Mani Rao | ||
| Publisher: | Fingerprint! Publishing | Year of Publication: | 2015 |
| ISBN-13: | 9788175993020 | ISBN-10: | 8175993022 |
| Binding: | Paperback | No of Pages: | 176 |
| MRP: | Rs 250 | Buy From: | Flipkart.com Amazon.in  |
