Get introduced to Vālmikī Rāmāyaṇa and other prominent versions, exploring their structure, and essential shlokas along with translation & explanation that illuminates the story of Rāmāyaṇa.
Sanskrit has a very vast spectrum of Rāmakathā. Although Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa is considered the authentic version of Rāmāyaṇa, it is not the only text in Sanskrit literature to tell the tale of Rāma. There are many versions of Rāmakathā, some don’t agree with the abduction of real Sītā saying that it was her illusion (Māyā) that Rāvaṇa had captivated. Some versions say that there was a thousand-headed Rāvaṇa the elder brother of Daśānana Rāvaṇa who was overpowering Rāma and in that version, Sītā killed the Rāvaṇa! In some versions, Rāvaṇa doesn’t even exist!
On the other hand, there are many stories that we know, but surprisingly we don’t find them in the original Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇā - The Svayaṁvara of Sītā and Rāvaṇa failing to break the Śivadhanuṣya is one such example among many.
Interesting, isn’t it? In this online course, let us dive into these varieties of Rāmakathā in a live and interactive environment. We shall begin with reading the original text of Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa and get introduced to many more unknown Sanskrit Rāmāyaṇas - the stories, ślokas, and stotras from some of these texts are indeed a part of our household oral tradition of Rāmakathā.
Introduction to Rāmāyaṇa - its tradition and scope, various versions of Rāmāyaṇas spread across the globe
Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa - Understand the structure of text. Division of Rāmāyaṇa text in Kāṇḍa, Sarga, and Śloka system
Rāmāyaṇas in Buddhism and Jainism
Going through 6 books or chapters of Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa - Bālakāṇḍa, Ayodhyākāṇḍa, Araṇyakāṇḍa, Kiṣkindhākāṇḍa, Sundarakāṇḍa, Yuddhakāṇḍa, and Uttarakāṇḍa
Read of some important episodes from Rāmāyaṇa - original Sanskrit ślokas along with translation and explanation
1-Month Course
A Series of 4 Classes
Saturdays, 7 pm IST
Check your local time here
Schedule of Classes:
11th May (Sat): 7 pm to 9 pm IST
18th May (Sat): 7 pm to 9 pm IST
25th May (Sat): 7 pm to 9 pm IST
1st June (Sat): 7 pm to 9 pm IST
Make an online payment to register in the course
Join the WhatsApp group to get the class notifications
Join the Zoom live sessions using link provided through WhatsApp and email
Prerequisite: None! This is a beginners course; anyone age 15+ can join!
Interact with the tutor and ask questions in a Zoom class
1-Month duration. Live-Interactive class every Saturday 7 to 9 pm IST
Recorded lectures available for the duration of 6 months
Get a Certificate of Participation after completing the course
Day 1 Introduction to Rāmāyaṇa
Beginning of Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa
Bālakāṇḍa - ślokas about some important episodes
Ayodhyākāṇḍa - ślokas about some important episodes
Day 2 Araṇyakāṇda - Uttarakāṇḍa : ślokas about some important episodes
Day 3Adhyātma Rāmāyaṇa - Introduction, subject matter and significance, important events with original ślokas
Adbhuta Rāmāyaṇa - Introduction, subject matter and significance, important events with ślokas
Day 4Ānanda Rāmāyaṇa - Introduction, important events with ślokas
Bhuśuṇḍi Rāmāyaṇa - Introduction, important events with ślokas
Introduction to other Sanskrit Rāmāyaṇas
The Rāmāyaṇa stories that we know of today have been parts of not just the Vālmikī Rāmāyaṇa but other lesser-known versions of Rāmāyaṇa found across the Indian subcontinent. This course aims to explore the narrative, characters, and themes of prominent versions of Rāmāyaṇa-s through a structured curriculum, including lectures and discussions. We will go through key events that defined the story of Rāmāyaṇa; and read the original shlokas along with translation. One can expect to gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and literary significance of this timeless tale.
Once you confirm your participation by paying the fee for the course, you will receive a link via email to join the WhatsApp group where all the details will be communicated.
The classes will be conducted on the Zoom Meetings app/software.
This is a one-month course. The classes will happen on 4 consecutive Saturdays. The start date and class schedule are given above on this page.
At the end of each session, we will be allocating some time for questions and discussions.
The classes will be recorded and made available for later viewing for the duration of 6 months through our website.
Yes, every participant will get a participation certificate.
There are no prerequisites. This course is for absolute beginners.
Yes, you are welcome to join. There are no prerequisites for this course.
Yes, WhatsApp will be the primary source of communication. All the links, resources, and notifications will be shared on WhatsApp first. The necessary links and resources will be shared on email as well time to time.
Yes, you are welcome to join. The class notes or study materials provided are given in both Roman script/English and Devanagari script of Sanskrit.
Anyone above the age of 15 can join this course.
No, We will study along with the translation, a few select shlokas from various Rāmāyaṇa-s.
No, this course is introductory and aims to see how the story of Rāmāyaṇa that we know today, came from various versions of Rāmāyaṇa found across India.
We provide the class notes in PDF format. We will send you a list of recommended books that you can purchase/refer to online once the classes start.
The medium of instruction is English.
We will recommend a list of books or online resources that you can read after this course to continue study of Rāmāyaṇa.
No, the demo class is not available. This is just a short online course for beginners which will be there for a month.
No, the course fee is non-refundable.
