4107 - Shunahshepa
Author: Amar Chitra Katha
Description A graphic retelling of the ancient Aitareya Brāhmaṇa and Rigvedic legend of Shunahshepa—“the dog’s tail”—a young boy who volunteers to be sacrificed during a royal ritual. Facing death, he prays to the gods and recites powerful mantras taught by the hermit sage Vishvamitra, miraculously gaining his freedom and averting the sacrifice. Adapted from an early Vedic story featured in the Mahābhārata and various Briāhmaṇas. Keywords Shunahshepa (Sunashepa) Vishvamitra Aitareya Brāhmaṇa Human sacrifice ritual (ashvamedha) Rescue by mantras Divine intervention Ancient Vedic legend Amar Chitra Katha comic (#281) Ideal for Readers with interest in Vedic lore, Sage Vishvamitra, and Indian spiritual heritage Suitable for children, teens, and adults keen on mythical rescues and ritual violence reversal Classroom settings exploring ancient rituals and sacred narratives Age Group Suggested for ages 10 and up, though its mythic and dramatic elements make it enjoyable to a wide audience, including adults. Theme Faith and divine mercy — prayer and mantras save Shunahshepa Challenge of tradition — questioning ritual harshness through myth Power of speech and prayer — words hold life-saving potency Spiritual transformation — from sacrificial victim to adopted disciple Tone Dramatic & tense – life-and-death stakes in the sacrificial ceremony Spiritual & mythical – rooted deeply in Vedic ritual and divine themes Relief & uplifting – joy through miraculous salvation Traditional & reverent – respectful retelling of the Vedic narrative Book Type Single-issue, fully illustrated color comic Part of the Folktales/Mythology series in Amar Chitra Katha (likely #281) Length Approximately 32–34 pages, typical of single-issue format