Over the past 25 years, Devdutt Pattanaik has written extensively – over 50 books and 1,000 columns. Among the greatest authorities on Indian mythology today, he has used his deep fascination and understanding of the mythological tradition to unlock its secrets and share how the lessons hidden in these obscure stories can be an antidote to the modern problems of all. days.

After writing extensively about Hinduism – gods, goddesses, strange tales, symbols, rituals, calendar art, illustrated tales of popular scriptures – Pattanaik eventually turned his focus to other religions. In his latest book Edenit examines Judaism, Christianity and Islam through its unique Indian perspective.

Here the 51-year-old talks about his need to explore beyond Hinduism, how he became an author after training in medicine and working in the pharmaceutical industry for 15 years, why he illustrates his own books, his writing routine, his take on fictional mythological tales, and more.

Why was it important to look at Judaism, Christianity and Islam through an Indian prism?

Since I’m an Indian, I guess the only prism I can look at is through an Indian prism. This prism also applies to Islam, Christianity and Judaism. What is unique about these three religions is that they originated in the Middle East. Jainism, Buddhism and Hinduism originated in South Asia, particularly India. About 20% of India is influenced by Islam and Christianity, but we know very little about the histories of these traditions. I felt we needed to have access to these stories. Because stories are the way we can expand our minds and develop empathy for others.

Any interesting facts or stories you came across while writing Eden?

The most interesting fact is realizing how the same story changes across three religions. Christians regard Jewish stories as the Old Testament and insist that the Gospels are the New Testament. Muslims regard Christianity as an outdated revelation and feel the need to update it with that given to the Prophet Muhammad. It’s something that keeps coming back.

For example, the idea of ​​original sin, which we all know, is a Christian idea and not an Islamic one. In Islam, God forgives humanity for all original sin. But Adam and Eve must leave paradise, Eden. They ate the forbidden fruit. Their bodies are now producing gas and excrement, so they cannot be part of heaven. I found that very interesting. It’s a story you don’t hear often. I’m sure kids would love to learn these stories.

Which myth about Islam do you find the most bizarre?

In a world where prejudice is rampant, we have to be careful about talking about any religion and pointing out what we find bizarre. I will therefore refrain from answering. However, what I find interesting, not weird, about Islam is what it considers the forbidden fruit. In Christian traditions, it is the apple. In Jewish traditions, it is the pomegranate. What is the forbidden fruit in Islamic traditions? To find out, you’ll have to read the book.

You have undergone medical training. How did this shift to exploring and writing mythological stories for a contemporary audience come about?

I trained in medicine and worked in the pharmaceutical industry for 15 years. Mythology was something I studied in my spare time as a personal hobby. Over time, it became my passion, and little by little my vocation. I realized there was a thirst for mythological stories in the Indian community. More importantly, how do we apply the knowledge locked away in these stories in the practical realm? I’ve done that quite successfully. What was once a hobby has become a mainstream vocation. My scientific background somehow helps me navigate this complex world. I approach the subject very differently perhaps from a student not trained in science.

Your illustrations have an inherent folk vibe, and yet they feel modern. How did you start drawing illustrations for your own books?

As a science student, you make diagrams to explain concepts. In medical science, one must know the art. You have to draw to explain things via diagrams. I discovered that people need to understand ideas not only through words, but also through visual forms. Therefore, my art is an integral part of my work. I rarely create art independently of my writing; They complete each other.

The style is shaped by Jamini Roy, Mario Miranda and Aubrey Beardsley. It is an easy art to draw. It’s fast, like scientific diagrams. So it’s very fun. I illustrate all my books since my first one which came out 25 years ago.

Do you find it riskier to write about mythology, given the rise in religious volatility and polarization?

I wrote about mythology before this polarization, and I will write about it after this polarization.

Polarization happens because we don’t listen to other people’s stories. My job is to help people access other people’s stories.

So, in fact, it is the antidote to the wickedness of ignorance. We should never fear Saraswati, the goddess of learning and knowledge.

What is your opinion on fictional accounts of mythological traditions?

Mythological fiction is a popular genre around the world. For example, Nikos Kazantzakis wrote The last temptation of Christ, Iravati Karve wrote Yugantawrote Shivaji Sawant mrityunjay. These are literary pursuits that should be enjoyed. Here we are not seeing what the scriptures tell us but what the author is trying to see in the scriptures. The problem arises when we start believing that mythological fiction is history.

Over the past 25 years you have written prolifically. Do you have a routine?

Yes. Every morning, I spend four to five hours writing columns. These columns become books. I illustrate in the afternoon. It happens every day without fail. I feel very restless if I don’t write or illustrate every day. It is the curse of capitalism that we need to make us productive. I may need a break, but I don’t know when it will be.

What can we do to make mythological stories more prominent in Indian lives and conversations?

Parents can buy these books and read them to children. It can help them see mythology as someone’s truth. A truth that is different from fact, which is everyone’s truth, and from fiction, which is nobody’s truth. I think that’s the key. This is the role of parents in the education of their children. They can develop their own mind as well as that of their children.

When she’s not reading books or watching movies, Sneha Bengani writes about them. She tweets at @benganiwrites.