Itihasa (Ramayana and Mahabharata) and Purana are collectively called the fifth Veda. 'Essence of the Fifth Veda' builds on the narration of Ramayana and Mahabharata with over 265 related geographical locations identifiable even today. This fast-paced book blends many lesser-known legends like God Hanuman carrying a mountain with lifesaving herbs not once but twice; and Maya Sita's relation with Sita and God Tirupati Balaji.

Mahabharata beautifully unfolds with the Devas and Asuras reincarnating on planet Earth to a series of forest exiles of the Pandavas. The Mahabharata as a World War is vividly described with tribes like the Turkic-Greeks and Chinese siding with the Kauravas. Dharma is subtle but always wins!

The many exciting miracles of God Krishna should arouse awe and Bhakti in your heart. The book also explains in simple language the path of moksha as beautifully recited in Yoga Vasishtha, Mahabharata and the eternal Bhagavad Geeta.

GAURANG DAMANI has a Bachelor's degree in Electronics Engineering, is an Entrepreneur and a Civic activist.

I feel truly blessed that Paramatma (the Supreme Soul) granted me an opportunity to read several Vedic scriptures. I am extremely aware and sensitive to the fact that many people would like to read these texts, but may be unable to do so due to time or other constraints.

Therefore, I felt it was my Dharma (my duty, my reason to be) to summarize the vast Vedic knowledge through a series of books written in simple language viz.:

• This current Booklis a blend of the Itihasa (Ramayana and the Mahabharata) and the Purana, and hencethe title 'Essence of the Fifth Veda'.

• Book II will help one go deeper within, based on the prescribed Vedic path to happiness and spirituality.

• Subsequent books will describe the Vedic legends from the beginning of time, with the historical chronology, geography and scientific parameters.

It is well-known that the Ramayana and the Mahabharata demonstrate the victory of good over evil. In addition to that, this book traces the relatively lesserknown geographies of our legends through many maps. These maps, reinforced by local folklores, illustrate the vastness of the Vedic reach.

Further, the miracles of God Krishna are summarized. Different aspects of Dharma (righteous living for all humanity), Bhakti (devotion) and moksha (freedom from the endless cycle of birth and rebirth) are covered through a summary of Ramayana, Yoga Vasishtha, Bhagavata Purana, Mahabharata as a moksha-shastra, and the eternal Bhagavad Geeta.

**Contents and Sample Pages**