Valmiki Ramayan : वाल्मीकीय रामायण

The Valmiki Ramayana, often simply referred to as the Ramayana, is one of the two great epics of ancient Indian literature, the other being the Mahabharata. Authored by the sage Valmiki, it is considered the oldest version of the Ramayana and is revered as a foundational text in Hinduism. The epic narrates the life and adventures of Prince Rama, his wife Sita, his loyal brother Lakshmana, and his devoted companion Hanuman. The Ramayana is a profound work that blends mythology, philosophy, and moral teachings.

Structure and Content

The Valmiki Ramayana is composed of approximately 24,000 verses (shlokas) divided into seven books (kandas), each focusing on different phases of Rama’s life:

1. Balakanda (Book of Youth):

• Content: This section covers the early life of Rama, including his birth in the city of Ayodhya, his education, and his marriage to Sita. It also includes the stories of his father, King Dasharatha, and the sage Vishvamitra.
• Key Events: The birth of Rama and his brothers, Rama’s breaking of the bow of Shiva to win Sita’s hand, and the early exploits of Rama and Lakshmana under the guidance of Vishvamitra.

2. Ayodhyakanda (Book of Ayodhya):

• Content: This book details the events leading to Rama’s exile, including the intrigue of Queen Kaikeyi, who demands that her son Bharata be made king and Rama be exiled for fourteen years.
• Key Events: The promise made by Dasharatha to Kaikeyi, Rama’s decision to honor his father’s promise, and the departure of Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana to the forest.

3. Aranyakanda (Book of the Forest):

• Content: The years of exile in the forest, including encounters with sages, demons, and the abduction of Sita by the demon king Ravana.
• Key Events: The meeting with the sage Agastya, the killing of the demon Viradha, and the abduction of Sita by Ravana.

4. Kishkindhakanda (Book of Kishkindha):

• Content: Rama’s search for Sita with the help of the monkey king Sugriva and his ally Hanuman. This book details the events in the monkey kingdom of Kishkindha.
• Key Events: The alliance with Sugriva, the killing of the demon Vali, and Hanuman’s leap to Lanka in search of Sita.

5. Sundarakanda (Book of Beauty):

• Content: This section focuses on Hanuman’s heroic journey to Lanka, his discovery of Sita in Ravana’s palace, and his feats of strength and devotion.
• Key Events: Hanuman’s search for Sita, his meeting with her, and his burning of Lanka.

6. Yuddhakanda (Book of War):

• Content: The climactic battle between Rama’s forces and Ravana’s army, culminating in Ravana’s defeat and the rescue of Sita.
• Key Events: The crossing of the ocean to Lanka, the fierce battles, the slaying of Ravana, and the reunion of Rama and Sita.

7. Uttarakanda (Book of the Aftermath):

• Content: The final book covers Rama’s return to Ayodhya, his coronation, and subsequent events, including Sita’s exile and the birth of their sons, Lava and Kusha.
• Key Events: Rama’s rule as king, Sita’s trial by fire, her exile, and the eventual reunion with their sons.

Key Themes and Teachings

Dharma (Righteousness):

• • The Ramayana emphasizes the importance of dharma, or righteous duty. Rama is portrayed as the ideal man and king, embodying virtues such as honour, loyalty, and compassion.
  • Unfortunately, self-proclaimed Acharya Osho Rajneesh made a lot of baseless and fallacious allegations about Shri Rama, saying that Rama was not righteous. I have refuted his arguments based on Valmiki Ramayana and Ramcharitmanas in this video:

Bhakti (Devotion):

• The epic highlights the theme of devotion, particularly through the characters of Sita, Hanuman, and Lakshmana, who exhibit unwavering devotion to Rama.

Good vs. Evil:

• The Ramayana is a tale of the struggle between good and evil, embodied in the conflict between Rama and Ravana. The ultimate triumph of good over evil is a central theme.

Moral and Ethical Lessons:

• The characters and their actions provide numerous moral and ethical lessons, offering guidance on how to live a virtuous life.

Influence and Legacy

Cultural Impact:

• The Ramayana has had a profound influence on Indian culture, art, and literature. Its stories are recited, enacted in dramas and dances, and depicted in various art forms across India and Southeast Asia.

Religious Significance:

• The Ramayana is not only a literary masterpiece but also a sacred text in Hinduism. It is revered for its spiritual teachings and is an integral part of Hindu religious practice.

Global Influence:

• The Ramayana has been translated into numerous languages and has inspired adaptations in various cultures. Its universal themes of duty, devotion, and righteousness resonate with people worldwide.

Conclusion

The Valmiki Ramayana is a timeless epic that continues to inspire and guide generations. Through its vivid narratives and profound teachings, it offers a path to understanding and embodying the ideals of dharma, devotion, and virtue. The legacy of Valmiki’s epic endures, reflecting the enduring power of his poetic genius and spiritual insight.

Hindi Translations

There are three major Hindi translations of Valmiki Ramayan:

1. Valmiki Ramayan in Two Volumes, Translated by Shri Ram Narayan Dutt Shastri Ram from Gitapress Gorakhpur
2. Valmiki Ramayan in 10 Volumes, Tr by Dwarka Prasad Sharma
3. Valmiki Ramayan in Two Volumes, Tr by Jwala Prasad Mishra
4. Valmiki Ramayan in Seven Volumes, Tr By Chandashekhar Shastri

Valmiki Ramayan : वाल्मीकीय रामायण

1. Valmiki Ramayan in Two Volumes, from Gitapress Gorakhpur (Vol 1: 871 MB, Vol 2: 846 MB)

Vol 1

Vol 2

2. Valmiki Ramayan in 10 Volumes, Tr by Dwarka Prasad Sharma (Various)

3. Valmiki Ramayan in Two Volumes, Tr by Jwala Prasad Mishra (Vol 1: 1.02 GB, Vol 2: 1.06 GB)

Vol 1

Vol 2

4. Valmiki Ramayan in Seven Volumes, Tr by Chandrashekhar Shastri

All Seven Volumes

Also, please check out this video in Hindi, from our YouTube Channel Shaastra, which examines one matter of Ramayan from various translations:

Recently, Tulsi Peethadheeshwar Jagadguru Rambhadracharya said that Uttar Kand of Valmiki Ramayan is Prakshipt (later addition). He also said that Sita was not sent to exile, Lava Kusha was born in home, Rama didn’t kill Shambook and a washerman didn’t condemn Sita. In response, Shri Bhagawatanand Guru wrote a book “Uttar Kand Prasang Evam Sannyas Adhikar Vimarsh“. It presents references from Padm, Narad, Skand, Bhavishya and other Puranas as well as Anand Ramayan, Adhyatm Ramayan, Garg Sanhita and inner proofs from other sections of Valmiki Ramayan which proves the anciency of these incidents. He has also given references from various scriptures suggesting that a blind person can’t be a Jagadguru.

After writing this book, Bhagawatanand had to listen to many caustic remarks and abuses. He was also threatened with being sent to jail. Read the book and decide for yourself:

Uttar Kand Prasang Evam Sanyas Adhikar Vimarsh