Other Names and Versions of the Ramayana Epic

The Ramayana, one of the most revered epics in Hindu mythology, has many names and versions across different regions and cultures. This article explores the various names and versions of the Ramayana, highlighting its significance and the rich tapestry of its retellings.

Alternative Names of the Ramayana

The Ramayana is not just one story but a collection of stories with multiple names. Some of the other names include:

Kumudendu Ramayana Torve Ramayana Ramchandra Charit Purana Battleswar Ramayana

Significance and Religious Aspects

The Ramayana is often referred to as Adikavya, the first or greatest poem. Maharshi Valmiki, the author of the Ramayana, is himself considered the Adikavi (the first poet). The epic contains about 24,000 verses and 500 cantos, divided into seven chapters:

Bal Kand Ayodhya Kand Aranya Kand Sundar Kand Kishkindha Kand Yuddha Kand Lanka Kand Uttar Kand

The Ramayana was composed after Lord Shri Ram returned to Ayodhya from the forest. The main characters include Shri Rama, Laxman, Sita, Hanuman, Sugriva, Angad, Meghnad, Vibhishan, Kumbhakarna, and Ravana. There are more than 300 versions of the Ramayana popular around the world.

Different Versions of the Ramayana

Several versions of the Ramayana exist, each with unique perspectives and retellings:

Valmiki Ramayan

Considered the original and most authentic version, this Ramayana was written by Sage Valmiki, who was a contemporary of Shri Rama and Sita. It is the primary source of the Ramayana inmost Hindu tradition.

Ramcharitmanas

Conceived by Lord Shiva, this version was written by Goswami Tulsidas, an incarnation of Maharshi Valmiki. The Ramcharitmanas is deeply emotional and devotional, offering a different perspective from Valmiki's original text.

Adhyatma Ramayan

Attributed to Maharishi Ved Vyasa, this version was written during the era of the Mahabharata. It focuses on the philosophical and spiritual aspects of the Ramayana.

Adbhuta Ramayan

Also attributed to Sage Valmiki, this version portrays Mother Sita as the main character and emphasizes her divine nature. Sita is described as the source of all female deities and takes the form of Mahakali to defeat Sahastravan.

Other Known Versions

Anand Ramayan: An anonymous text from the 15th century, it includes stories like the Atma Linga of Lord Shiva and Sita's journey to Lanka with Hanuman taking a Panchmukhi avatar to defeat Ahiravan. Krittivasi Ramayan: Written by poet Krittibas in the 15th century AD. Kamba Ramayan: A Tamil version written by poet Kamba in the 12th century AD. Bhavartha Ramayan: Written in the 16th century AD by Ekanath. Katha Ramayan: The Assamese version written by Madhava Kandali in the 15th century.

Foreign Versions

As the Ramayana spread beyond India, it was adapted in different languages and forms across Asia:

Cambodia: The Reamker Thailand: The Ramakien Laos: The Phra Lak Phra Lam Myanmar: The Yama Zatdaw Malaysia: The Hikayat Seri Rama Indonesia: The Kakawin Ramayana Philippines: The Rajah Magandiri

These adaptations and retellings of the Ramayana demonstrate the epic's lasting impact and cultural significance across different regions and languages.

Conclusion

The Ramayana is more than just a story; it is a divinely crafted narrative that has evolved over centuries. From the original Valmiki Ramayan to the numerous versions, including the Adbhuta Ramayan and the numerous foreign adaptations, the Ramayana continues to inspire and resonate with people around the world.