Exploring Divergences of Three Rāmāyaṇas
Abstract
Exploring Divergences of Three Rāmāyaṇas
Ms. Bhakti S. Joshi and Dr. Kumuda Prasad Acharya
The Vālmikīrāmāyaṇa is a living and universal tradition that has continued to resonate with people and region across time. This mahākāvya has prevailed due to several adaptations and renditions in Sanskrit and various languages / scripts across Asia. The Adhyātmarāmāyaṇa, attributed to Vedavyāsa is one of the most popular Sanskrit renditions that could be viewed as a revival of the Rāmāyaṇa tradition. In the later period, this led to the adaptations of Rāmāyaṇa in languages other than Sanskrit like Ekanātha’s the Bhāvārtharāmāyaṇa was composed in old Marāṭhi. The noteworthy aspect of the Adhyātma and the Bhāvārtharāmāyaṇas is that they have supplemented the Vālmikī’s version with principles of advaita (non-dualism) bhakti (devotion). The Bhāvārtharāmāyaṇa, particularly was composed during the bhakti movement and is a distinctive text that subtly conveys the principles of dharma from Vālmikīrāmāyaṇa. Accordingly, the interlinkages between the three Rāmāyaṇas are presented through a common story line ‘The Birth of Rāma’ along with the events prior to the birth and its effects during and subsequent to the birth. Overall, the three Rāmāyaṇas are distinctive texts that attempt to stimulate self-discovery and self-awakening that could expand beyond an individual and could encompass a society.
Keywords: Advaita, Bhakti, Dharma, Vālmikīrāmāyaṇa, Adhyātmarāmāyaṇa, Vedavyāsa Bhāvārtharāmāyaṇa, Ekanātha.