Ramayana
Published
2016
Pages
687
Language
English
ISBN
9789351182115
About this book
One of India’s greatest epics, the Rāmāyaṇa pervades the country’s moral and cultural consciousness. Believed to have been composed by Vālmīki sometime between the eighth and sixth centuries BC, it recounts the tragic and magical tale of Rāma, the wrongfully exiled prince of Ayodhyā, an incarnation of the god Viṣṇu, born to rid the earth of the terrible demon Rāvaṇa. An idealized heroic tale about the struggle between good and evil, the Rāmāyaṇa is also an intensely personal story of family relationships, love and loss, duty and honour, 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. Widely acclaimed since its first publication in 1996, Arshia Sattar’s stellar translation is an absolute delight, successfully bridging time and space to bring us the wisdom, adventure and eroticism of this enduring classic.
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Arshia Sattar's translation of the Ramayana is a captivating journey into one of India's foundational epics, offering timeless wisdom and thrilling adventure. It's a must-read for literary and mythology enthusiasts seeking a deeply impactful and entertaining experience. However, its length and cultural depth might be daunting for casual readers.
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Arshia Sattar's translation of the Ramayana brings to life India's ancient epic. It recounts the tragic and magical tale of Prince Rama, an incarnation of Vishnu, exiled from Ayodhya, who battles the demon Ravana to rid the earth of evil. Beyond a heroic struggle, it's a deeply personal story of family, love, loss, duty, and honor, set in a universe of gods, humans, and demons, bridging time and space with its enduring wisdom and adventure.
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