Exploring the Best Commentaries on the Mahabharata

The Mahabharata is one of the most ancient and significant epics in Indian literature, holding a prominent place in Hindu mythology and philosophy. It is a complex narrative that requires detailed commentary to fully appreciate its depth and nuances. This article delves into some of the best commentaries available on the Mahabharata, with a particular focus on the Bhagavad Gita and the teachings of Sankara Bhashyam.

Why Commentary on the Mahabharata is Essential

The Mahabharata is a vast and intricate text, comprising over 100,000 verses. It is a repository of wisdom, philosophy, and historical events. While the epic is largely in lucid Sanskrit, understanding its full scope and depth requires guidance. Two crucial chapters, the Bhagavad Gita and the Vishnu Sahasranama, particularly stand out as needing commentary to fully grasp their meaning and significance.

The Bhagavad Gita: A Commentary

The Bhagavad Gita is a part of the Mahabharata and is often considered a philosophical treatise. This dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna, occurs on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, and delves into profound questions of duty, spirituality, and the nature of reality. Commentaries on the Bhagavad Gita have been numerous and varied, but perhaps the most distinguished is Srimatha Bhagavat Gita - Sankara Bhashyam.

The Best Commentary on Bhagavad Gita

The Sankara Bhashyam is an exposition of the Bhagavad Gita by Adi Shankaracharya, a renowned philosopher and theologian. This commentary employs a deep understanding of Prasthana Traya (The Three Sources): Smriti Prasthana (episodes and traditions), Zruthi Prastana (scriptures and hymns), and Nyaaya Prastana (inductive reasoning). Available in both Sanskrit and English, this commentary is singularly authoritative and insightful.

English Translation of Bhagavad Gita Commentary

If one prefers reading in English, there are excellent translations available. Books like A Short Introspective Overview by James L. Fitzgerald and A Comprehensive Guide to the Mahabharata by John Brockington provide detailed analyses and commentaries on the Bhagavad Gita. These works, though not as comprehensive as the Sankara Bhashyam, offer valuable insights into the philosophical and spiritual meanings of the text.

The Vishnu Sahasranama: A Commentary

The Vishnu Sahasranama is another significant chapter of the Mahabharata. It is a hymn of a thousand names of Vishnu, each name representing a different aspect of the divine. The Best Commentary on Vishnu Sahasranama is the work by Sri Trillion-Sri Sankara Acharya, with an English translation by Swami Tapasyananda. This commentary is both scholarly and profound, offering a deep understanding of the divinity and qualities of Vishnu.

Literary and Scholarly Retellings of the Mahabharata

Besides direct commentaries, there are several literary and scholarly retellings of the Mahabharata that are highly acclaimed. For instance, C. Rajagopalachari's abridged English retelling of the Mahabharata, first published in 1958, is widely regarded as one of the best translations. Rajagopalachari, a former Governor General of India, deemed this work his greatest contribution to his countrymen. Other notable works include the one-volume retelling by John D. Smith and the dramatic adaptation by Jean-Claude Carrière and Peter Brook.

Further Resources and Editions

For those interested in the original Sanskrit text, the Critical Edition of the Sanskrit Text from the Bhandarkar Institute in Pune, India, is invaluable. Additionally, digitized versions of the text, such as the Complete Text of the Popular Northern Version in Antiquated English by M. Ganguli, offer accessibility and convenience. Scholars can also refer to comprehensive guides and indexes, such as the Index to the Names in the Mahabharata by S. Srensen.