Eco Dharma and Environmental Ethics in Amish Tripathi’s Shiva Trilogy

Abstract

In The Shiva Trilogy, Amish Tripathi weaves a rich tapestry where mythic narrative collides with contemporary environmental concerns. This article explores how the trilogy embeds principles of Eco Dharma rooted in Indian religious-philosophical traditions and constructs a compelling environmental ethic. Through an analysis of natural imagery, character interactions with ecosystems, and mythic motifs such as Shiva’s connection to the wilderness, the article argues that Tripathi invites readers to reimagine environmental responsibility through a heroic mythos. Drawing upon ecocritical theory, Indian philosophical concepts such as ahimsa, dharmic duty, and cosmic interdependence, and literary narrative strategies, the study illuminates how the trilogy enriches environmental discourse in Indian popular literature. The trilogy functions not merely as entertainment but as a vehicle for ethical reflection, suggesting that mythic imagination can foster ecological consciousness. Major key elements of the paper include, the portrayal of forests as sacred spaces, the ethical imperatives against exploitation, and the hero’s spiritual connection with nature. The conclusion emphasizes that Eco Dharma, as exemplified in the trilogy, offers a potent framework for re envisioning India’s ecological futures, marrying tradition with urgent environmental ethics. This melding of narrative and ethics underscores the potential of popular mythic fiction to shape cultural attitudes toward environmental stewardship.