Jaiminiya Mahabharata (Asvamedhika Parva)- Volume II

DETAILS : 

• Publisher : Gita Press, Gorakhpur
  
• Author : Keshoram Aggarwal
  
• Publication date : 1st Oct, 2008
  
• Language: Sanskrit Text with English Translation
  
• Paperback : 402  Pages
  
• Weight : 300 g 

ABOUT THE BOOK

Jaiminiya Mahabharata (Asvamedhika Parva) - Volume II is a scholarly preservation of a rare and fascinating recension of the Mahabharata. While the standard version of the epic is attributed to Sage Vyasa, the Jaiminiya version—composed by Vyasa’s disciple, Jaimini—focuses almost exclusively and in great detail on the Ashvamedha Parva (The Book of the Horse Sacrifice).

This second volume, meticulously edited and translated by Keshoram Aggarwal, continues the narrative of the sacrificial horse’s journey across various kingdoms. What makes Jaimini’s version unique is its distinct flavor of "Krishna Bhakti" and its focus on the "heroic-devotional" genre. Unlike Vyasa’s more philosophical and political approach, Jaimini provides elaborate descriptions of the battles fought by Arjuna against various kings who challenged the horse. These episodes are filled with supernatural elements, deeply emotional prayers to Lord Krishna, and sub-plots that are not found in the traditional critical edition. This book is an essential resource for researchers of the "Puranic" tradition and those interested in the regional variations of India’s greatest epic.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Keshoram Aggarwal is a dedicated scholar and Indologist known for his work in recovering and translating obscure Sanskrit texts. His work on the Jaiminiya Mahabharata is considered a significant contribution to the field of epic studies, as it makes a "forgotten" version of the Mahabharata accessible to both the academic community and the general public.

Aggarwal’s scholarship is characterized by a commitment to linguistic accuracy and a deep respect for the textual history of the manuscript. By focusing on the Jaiminiya recension, he has helped highlight the diversity within the Sanskrit literary tradition, showing how different lineages of sages interpreted and expanded upon the core narrative of the Kuru dynasty. His footnotes and introductions provide valuable context, helping the reader understand the cultural and theological shifts between the Vyasa and Jaimini traditions.