The Ramayanam is an ancient epic of profound importance, often hailed as the first poem ever written. Created by the sage Valmiki during the time of Lord Rama, this epic has deeply influenced poets, dramatists, artists, and philosophers throughout the ages. Its impact on music, dance, sculpture, and textiles is immeasurable, while its rich layers of philosophy and theology continue to inspire generations.

In a fresh take on this timeless tale, Vedic scholar and author Dushyanth Sridhar has reimagined the Ramayanam for modern readers. His two-volume book, Ramayanam, presents the epic as a conversation between Valmiki and Narada, making it both engaging and accessible, especially for younger audiences. With creativity and respect for traditional interpretations, Sridhar’s retelling weaves together both well-known and lesser-known details, offering readers a new way to experience the ancient story.

Dushyanth Sridhar, an engineer turned religious speaker and writer, has earned a reputation for his insightful discourse on ancient texts. His latest work, published by HarperCollins India, opens with the Uttara Kanda, where Sita eagerly awaits the birth of her child with Sri Rama, unaware of the exile that is about to change her life forever. Sridhar also takes time to introduce Valmiki’s backstory, setting the stage for the epic events that follow. Through lively and thoughtful dialogues between Valmiki and Narada, Sridhar provides a deeper understanding of the Ramayanam.

The book explores key events such as the births of Sri Rama and his brothers, the marriage of Rama and Sita, and the adventures of Rama and Lakshmana with the sage Vishwamitra. In one chapter titled Peerless Rajakumaras are Born , Sridhar describes the celestial signs surrounding the births of Rama and his brothers, painting a vivid picture of the celebrations in Ayodhya as the city rejoices with dancing and gifts.

What sets this edition apart is the addition of beautiful illustrations by the renowned artist Keshav and detailed drawings of rare artefacts by Upasana, which enhance the storytelling and bring the epic to life in a unique way.

Beyond simply retelling the Ramayanam, Sridhar also draws from the Ramcharitmanas and the Puranas, where many of the epic’s themes are explored in greater depth. This holistic approach ensures that readers can find all the information they need in one place, without having to sift through multiple sources.

The second volume of Ramayanam is eagerly awaited, as it will cover the remaining parts of the epic. As many readers today struggle with the original Sanskrit or older translations, Sridhar’s accessible version provides an essential bridge to this ancient text, allowing the Ramayanam to continue inspiring new generations in an engaging and meaningful way.

About The Author
Dushyanth Sridhar is one of the most sought-after public speakers in Sanatana Dharma who renders discourses in English and Tamil. He has rendered over 3500 discourses in 125 cities across 23 countries. His discourses are featured regularly in regional TV channels.