|
Ramayana (Gujarati Translation Of The Original In English By C Rajagopalachari)
Ramayana retold by C. Rajagopalachari from the original epic written by saint Valmiki, is one of the greatest epics of the Hindu religion. It is the basis for the rituals, practices, and dharma of Hinduism. It tells the story of Lord Rama, one of the most prominent Gods in the Hindu culture.
The story is told in seven parts, or seven kandas, each explaining the different stages in Rama’s life. Bala Kanda talks about how Rama established himself to be an incarnation of the Supreme Being, by destroying demons as a child. He had three brothers, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughan, who worshipped Rama as their hero. Ayodhya Kanda is the stage of adolescence where he was indicated as the prospective King of Ayodhya. This was the time where King Janaka, sought Rama’s hand for his daughter, Sita. Aranya Kanda is where Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana are on an exile for 14 years in the forest of Chitrakootam, where Rama provides salvation to all the demons, servants of the demon king Ravana, residing in the forest.
During one of their hunts, Lakshmana warns Sita not to cross the threshold of the house as danger loomed large in the forests and draws a line called Lakshmana Rekha, which she was not supposed to cross. Ravana takes advantage of the situation and with the help of demon Maricha, who takes the form of a golden deer, captures the attention of Sita who crosses the line, only to be captured and kidnapped by Ravana, and taken to Lanka. Kishkindha Kanda gives the introduction of Hanuman, the monkey God. This Kanda describes how Rama befriends Sugriva and the monkey clan, and how Vali, the brother of Sugriva did not deserve his friendship. Sundara Kanda is all about how Lord Hanuman helps Rama and Lakshamana in finding where Sita is, and establishing that he is a servant of Lord Rama, thus buying Sita’s trust and conveying to Rama that he has found Sita in Lanka.
The last two Kandas, Yuddha Kanda and Uttara Kanda are all about how Rama and his army wage a war against Ravana and defeat him, thus bringing glory to the good and celebrating the erasure of evil.
|