Early Life

Vettam Mani (27 August 1921 – 29 May 1987) was born in Puthuppally, Kottayam, Kerala, India. Growing up in Kerala, he was exposed to its deep traditions of Sanskrit and Malayalam scholarship. From a young age, he developed a keen interest in Indian epics, Puranas, and cultural history, which later became the foundation of his lifelong research and writing.

Career as Scholar and Writer

Vettam Mani became widely recognized as an Indian scholar, writer, and teacher. His dedication to studying Indian epics and Puranas spanned many years. His approach combined traditional Sanskritic learning with the clarity and accessibility needed for modern readers.

He worked tirelessly for over fourteen years to compile and systematize India’s vast mythological and Puranic traditions into one comprehensive volume. This became his life’s greatest achievement.

Major Work: Puranic Encyclopedia

His most famous publication is the monumental Puranic Encyclopedia, an exhaustive reference work on Hinduism, covering epics, Puranas, and allied literature.

It presents concise yet detailed accounts of gods, sages, places, legends, and concepts drawn from Hindu scriptures.

Originally published by DC Books in Malayalam, the English translation was later published by Motilal Banarsidass.

This encyclopedia remains a standard reference for students, researchers, and enthusiasts of Indian mythology across the world.

Other Publications

In addition to the Puranic Encyclopedia, Vettam Mani authored several important works, including:

English Gurunathan (published by DC Books)

Hindi Gurunathan (published by DeAr Books, with Hindi grammar, spoken Hindi, and Malayalam-Hindi dictionary)

Selected Malayalam Poems of 2000 Years

Through these writings, he contributed not only to the study of mythology but also to literature, language learning, and cultural preservation.

Personal Life

He was married to Annamma Mani. Despite his deep involvement in scholarly pursuits, he balanced his academic life with family life, remaining connected to his roots in Kerala.

Legacy

Vettam Mani passed away on 29 May 1987, at the age of 65. His Puranic Encyclopedia continues to be published and studied, standing as a timeless testament to his devotion and scholarship.

Today, he is remembered as one of the few modern scholars who dedicated his entire life to making the vast world of Hindu mythology accessible in a systematic and encyclopedic form.