Study of Importance of Mahabharata in Indian Culture

Abstract

The Ramayana and the Mahabharata (Mahabharat in Hindi) are considered the greatest epics ever in the history of human civilization and will remain so forever. There is a saying among the Telugus, historically known as Andhras, that if you want to eat something you should eat garelu (a traditional snack), and if you want to listen to something, you should listen to the epic Mahabharata. Until the modern era, the two epics were the main sources of folk entertainment and ancient history (Itihasa) to the people in the Indian subcontinent. They not only entertained the masses, but also enlightened them about duty, morality, and salvation and served as the starting point for religious practice.