Sanskrit Diwas, 6 popular books that were originally written in the classical language

Sanskrit Diwas (August 26) aims to revive the classical language and is celebrated on Shravana Purnima (full moon day in the month of Shravana according to the Hindu calendar). The day was first celebrated in 1969 and features various events that talk about the impact and importance of Sanskrit. While the language is often associated with pujas and religious functions, there is also a wealth of popular literature associated with the language. Here are 6 such works that were originally written in Sanskrit and have become hugely popular in other regional languages as well:

* Panchatantra: The Panchatantra translates to ‘five Treatises’ and is an ancient Indian collection of animal fables written in Sanskrit verse and prose. The author of the Panchatantra is believed to be Indian scholar and author Vishnu Sharma, and it may have been written in the 3rd century BC.

* Kama Sutra: The classic text on sensual pleasure was written by Vatsyayana in the 2nd century BC and has now been translated in various languages and read all over the world. It is an integral part of Sanskrit literature.

* Yoga Sutra: Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras is hugely popular around the world and was written in 400 AD. It has been translated in various languages all around the world. Yogasanas are practised today based on the Sutras which were originally composed in Sanskrit.

* Bhagavad Gita: Ved Vyasa’s Hindu scripture the Bhagavad Gita was written in Sanskrit. It offers spiritual guidance and is part of the epic Mahabharata.

* Shakuntala: Kalidasa’s iconic texts such as Meghadutam, Kumarasambhavam and Abhijnanashakuntalam are renowned for their lyrical poetic beauty and were all originally composed in Sanskrit.

* Arthashastra: Who has not heard of Chanakya’s Arthashastra, the text on governance and strategy? It remains popular even today, and was originally composed in Sanskrit.

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