Question

Why are the epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana so popular even today?

Answer 1

• The Mahabharata and Ramayana are the most popular of the epics and other religious books of the Hindus. They are also famous among the followers of other religion. The causes for their popularity are almost the same.
  
• The story of the Mahabharata tells family drama followed by a great was between the two groups of the same family, the Kauravas and Pandavas. In the Mahabharata we know how much tolerance one should have, how one can fight for a justified cause, how we should respect our elders, etc. There are so many teachings of ideal life in it. The Gita, which constitute a part of the Mahabharata is in itself considered as a great epic. It unfolds all the mysteries of life, the life before and the life after.
• In the same way the Ramayana teaches us the high ideals of life. Rama, the most prominent character, shows how many should follow the ideals of life. He possesses all the virtues of a highly idealistic and realistic human being. He follows the system in a humble way. He fights for the justice and his right. This story is told in a very realistic way. It seems to be the story of a common man. So, it has a great appeal in our society till today.
• Moreover, these epics are famous even today as they contain characters like Vishnu and Shiva. These two are the gods around whom the Bhakti cult developed in the medieval period. The Ramayana is celebrated each year with the festivals like Diwali and Dussehra.