The world’s greatest epic poem Valmikiramayana, composed over 2,500 years ago, is loved by countless millions of men and women of all religions. The present book is the first condensed version in English of the most reliable version of Valmikiramayana, the Critical Edition prepared by Baroda Oriental Research Institute, India.
Ramayana is the story of Rama, the prince of Ayodhya. Poet Valmiki describes Rama as a dutiful son, loving brother, devoted husband, fierce warrior and wise statesman, of pleasant manners and speech. Rama is above all an upholder of Dharma so it is no wonder that he is hailed as an avatar or incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
One of India’s greatest epics, the Ramayana pervades the country’s moral and cultural consciousness. For generations it has served as a bedtime story for Indian children, while at the same time engaging the interest of philosophers and theologians. Believed to have been composed by Valmiki sometime between the eighth and sixth centuries BCE, the Ramayana tells the tragic and magical story of Rama, the prince of Ayodhya, an incarnation of Lord Visnu, born to rid the earth of the terrible demon Ravana. An idealized heroic tale ending with the inevitable triumph of good over evil, the Ramayana is also an intensely personal story of family relationships, love and loss, duty and honor, of harem intrigue, petty jealousies, and destructive ambitions. All this played out in a universe populated by larger-than-life humans, gods and celestial beings, wondrous animals and terrifying demons. With her magnificent translation and superb introduction, Arshia Sattar has successfully bridged both time and space to bring this ancient classic to modern English readers.
A delightfully straightforward and lyrical retelling of the ancient Indian epic of loyalty, betrayal, redemption, and insight into the true nature of life -- one of history's most sacred ethical works, rendered with completeness and sterling accuracy for the modern reader. Here is one of the world's most hallowed works of sacred literature, the grand, sweeping epic of the divine bowman and warrior Rama and his struggles with evil, power, duplicity, and avarice. The Ramayana is one of the foundations of world literature and one of humanity's most ancient and treasured ethical and spiritual works. Includes an introduction by scholar Michael Sternfeld.
"Valmiki’s Ramayana is the saga of Prince Rama who was born in Ayodhya in the Kosala Province of India. It is a narrative of the forever righteous Lord Ramchandra, an incarnation of the Supreme Lord Vishnu who descended on earth to eradicate all evil. Valmiki’s Ramayana - The Saga of a Scion Born in Ayodhya is a depiction of strong family and social values: - bonding between Father and Son, Brothers and Siblings, Husband and Wife, Teacher and Pupil, King and his Subjects and the Lord and his Devotees. Each character in the epic makes immense sacrifice with utmost dedication, rising above the self. The selflessness reflected in the narrative is a lesson to be imbibed by all in a society which is infected with ‘I, Me and Mine.’ A glimpse of the rich Indian Culture and heritage is a ‘must know’ for children and young adults. The knowledge and wisdom which is conveyed by this Saga can also serve as panacea to overcome all obstacles and challenges in the hour of adversity. Hope you enjoy reading the text depicted in an interesting and engaging summary form."
