Lessons from the epic
W. CHANDRAKANTH
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Vasu Dasa Swamy's `Sundarakanda' in Telugu lends new fervour to the much-loved episode of the epic.
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Sundarakanda - Mandara Makarandam
For the believers, the Ramayana and the Vedas are no different. If the latter speaks of the Parama Purusha as being perfect, then Sri Rama is the full embodiment of Dharma. The epic teaches one how to be perfect in the three yogas — karma, bhakti and jnana. The very basis for the Ramayana was Samkshepa Ramayanam told by Sage Narada to Valmiki when the latter wanted to get all the nuances of the epic before penning it. Valmiki later built the magnificent edifice of Ramayana with 24,000 verses. Sundarakanda is said to be the most beautiful part of the epic. It begins with Hanuman getting ready to cross the sea in search of Sita and ends with his return to the Lord with the good news. Though all along this part of the epic mesmerised the people, Vasu Dasa Swamy's Sundarakanda in Telugu, lends a new fragrance to make it more Ramyam.
Calling his Sundarakanda, Mandara Makarandam, Vasu Dasa Swamy (Vavili Kolanu Subba Rao - 1863-1939), who worked initially in the revenue department and later with the Telugu department of the Presidency College, Chennai for 16 years (1904-20), rendered the Valmiki Ramayanam in Telugu between 1900-1908 in 1461 verses.
Vasu Dasa Swamy was not only truthful to the original in retaining the original Beejaksharas in their rightful places but also added Gayatri Ramayanam and Sriramanuthi. Sundarakanda depicts the events of just one and a half day — Hanuman's long jump across the ocean to reach Lanka, locating Sita, Lanka Dahanam and his return to Sri Rama. There is another aspect to this episode. Hanuman's adventures on his mission to Lanka should be inspiring to human beings as these show us the way to succeed. The wisdom of Hanuman, his single-minded dedication to the task on hand, his sagacity, talent and strength are sure to equip the readers with the strength needed to cross their own Bhavasagaras. Both Vasu Dasa Swamy and Vanam Jwala Narasimha Rao, who rendered the verse form of Sundarakanda into prose, have done justice to the Mandara Makarandam. Cover design by Bapu is equally enchanting.
The publisher is National Information Services, Hyderabad (Ph.23547652).
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