Sri Ranganatha Ramayana

DETAILS : 

• Publisher : B.R. Publishing Corporation
  
• Author : Shantilal Nagar
  
• Language : English
  
• Edition : 2001
  
• ISBN : 9788176461870
  
• Hardcover : 451 Pages
  
• Weight  : 1500 g

ABOUT THE BOOK

Sri Ranganatha Ramayana, translated into English by the prolific scholar Shantilal Nagar, is a monumental literary work that brings one of the most beloved regional versions of the Ramayana to a global audience. Originally composed in the 13th or 14th century by the poet Gona Budha Reddy (within the Ranganatha tradition), this Telugu version is unique for its use of the Dvipada (couplet) meter, making it rhythmic and highly accessible to the masses.

This rendering is particularly significant because the Ranganatha Ramayana includes several folk traditions and legends that are not found in Valmiki’s original Sanskrit text. For instance, it contains the famous episode of the squirrel helping in the construction of the Rama Setu and the story of Sulochana (the wife of Indrajit). Shantilal Nagar’s English translation is celebrated for maintaining the narrative vigor of the Telugu original while providing scholarly annotations that explain the cultural and regional nuances of the text. It serves as a vital bridge for those wishing to explore the "Many Ramayanas" that exist within the Indian tradition.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shantilal Nagar (1927–2010) was an extraordinary scholar and one of India’s most dedicated translators of ancient and medieval scriptures. Over his long career, he translated over 50 major works, including the Adhyatma Ramayana, Yoga Vashistha, and several Puranas. His background in archaeology and museum studies gave him a unique perspective on iconography and textual history, which he frequently incorporated into his translations. He was known for his "encyclopedic" approach, often working late into his 80s to ensure that regional masterpieces were preserved in the English language for future generations.