कम्ब रामायण Kamba-Ramayana in Two Volumes)

Book Detail:

• Title: Kamba-Ramayana
• Volume: Two volumes
• Volume One: Bala Kanda, Ayodhya Kanda, Aranya Kanda, Kiskindha Kanda.
• Volume Two: Sundra Kanda, Yuddha Kanda (1st Half), Yuddha Kanda (2nd Half)
• Publisher: Not mentioned
• ISBN: N/A
• Pages: N/A
• Dimensions: N/A
• Binding: Hardbound
• Weight: N/A
• Packing: N/A

About the Book
The Kamba-Ramayana, composed by the Tamil poet Mahari Kamban, is one of the regional versions of the great Ramayana. Unlike the seven Kandas of the Valmiki Ramayana, the Kamba-Ramayana consists of six Kandas, offering a unique regional take on the epic story. It is considered one of the most significant contributions to the Ramayana tradition in South India.

Kamban was a master of the Tamil language and was well-versed in the southern reception of Valmiki's Ramayana. His rendition of the epic blends elements of southern traditions with the core themes of the Valmiki Ramayana, highlighting the virtues of Rama, his devotion, his duty, and his devotion to Sita.

In this version, Kamban includes several unique episodes not found in the Valmiki text, including:

1. The churning of the ocean and Vishnu's appearance in the form of Mohini.
2. The conversation between Lakshmana and Tãrã.
3. The destruction of Dhrumkulya.
4. The battle between Sugriva and Ravana.
5. The journey of the she-monkeys to Ayodhya.
6. A dialogue between Kumbhakarna and Vibhishana.

This translation provides English readers access to Kamban's masterpiece, allowing them to explore the distinctive elements of his work while still retaining the essence of the original epic.

Preface
The Ramayana has been central to the spiritual and cultural life of India for millennia. Originally composed by Sage Valmiki, it has inspired numerous regional versions across the subcontinent, each adding local flavor to the narrative. The Kamba-Ramayana is one such contribution, written in Tamil by Kamban, who is believed to have lived during the 9th to 12th century CE.

Kamban’s work, although based on Valmiki’s Ramayana, includes several new elements and takes liberties with the story, which adds depth and complexity to the characters and episodes. Kamban’s dedication to the poetic form, intricate details, and devotion to the divine nature of Rama make this version of the Ramayana an essential part of India’s cultural heritage.

The translation provides a detailed account of Kamban’s verses and attempts to stay true to the spirit of the original Tamil text. It also reflects the influence of other great works in the Ramayana tradition, including the writings of Kalidasa and other regional poets, thereby contributing to a broader understanding of how the Ramayana has evolved through time.

The two volumes of this English translation aim to bring this extraordinary Tamil epic to a wider audience, ensuring the legacy of Kamban’s Ramayana continues to inspire generations.