The Golden Mongoose

THE GOLDEN MONGOOSE

Tales of duty from the Mahabharata


The stories in this Amar Chitra Katha are retold from the Mahabharata, which is an Indian epic that has had a profound influence on the culture and philosophy of people over the ages. Besides the main story of the feud between the Pandavas and the Kauravas, there are smaller tales found in this epic, which reflect the value systems prevalent in that age. Atithidevo bhava, or 'may your guest be a god to you', is an essential value mentioned in one of the Upanishads.


The three stories in this book bear testimony to the extent of importance placed on hospitality as one's primary dharma or duty. 'The Golden Mongoose' tells a story of the ultimate sacrifice, where a Brahmin family risks starvation and death to fulfill the hunger of a guest. 'The Enlightened Butcher' speaks of duty and virtue and the inseparable link between the two in one's quest for truth. 'The Pigeon's Sacrifice' is a simple story of hospitality as one's foremost duty, beyond all else.