Book Review: Many Ramayanas, Many Lessons by Anand Neelakantan

 The Ramayana is an epic and a timeless guide that imparts wisdom at every turn, helping us navigate life's complexities. It offers profound insights into diverse situations, teaching us how to make righteous choices and emerge with a sense of fulfillment. And it is also true that one has read and viewed various versions of the Ramayana. If you are wondering why there are various versions with varied perspectives when the tale was simple, then you will find the answers in the book Many Ramayanas, Many Lessons by Anand Neelakantan.

Book Cover:

Many Ramayanas, Many Lessons beautifully captures the essence of the numerous versions of the Ramayana, bringing forth their unique interpretations and teachings. The book cover beautifully captures the essence of the book and color yellow signifies the piousness related to it.

Author Anand Neelakantan, known for his extensive research and compelling storytelling in mythological literature and television series such as SiyaRam, Shrimad Ramayan, and Hanuman, masterfully explores the multiplicity of Ramayana narratives. He delves into why countless versions of the epic exist and how, across regions and time, these retellings have evolved to resonate with different cultures and generations.

What's interesting about Ramayanas

With time and place, the narration of the Ramayana differs, citing dialect, culture, and even the tropical state of the place. Yes, it happens with time too, as the Ramayana was narrated as a tale through storytellers, and each one had a unique style of narration.

One of the most remarkable aspects of this book is its structured, event-wise narration. Each section seamlessly interweaves various versions of key events, offering a comparative and explanatory approach that enhances understanding. From the birth of Mandodari to the lesser-known tale of Kusha, Neelakantan brings these moments to life while preserving the faith and reverence that the epic commands. The book also delves into the Uttara Ramayana, shedding light on interpretations that deepen our comprehension of the main text.

Spanning 45 chapters, the book meticulously covers the vast spectrum of Ramayana lore. In a scholarly yet accessible manner, the author concludes with a fascinating compilation of over 150 versions of the Ramayana, encompassing diverse languages and traditions.

An interesting fact about this book is that there was never a dull moment while reading it. The narrative kept me so engaged that I even ended up narrating a few chapters to my 10-year-old child and to my delight, she enjoyed them just as much as I did. It became a shared reading experience that sparked curious questions, lively discussions, and even a few if’s but’s along the way.

Final word on Many Ramayanas Many Lessons

Reading this book will definitely give you new perspectives and encourage you to view each person involved in the events through a fresh lens. It prompts you to reflect not just on the central characters, but also on the supporting ones, whose roles often go unnoticed yet hold deep significance. Does this ignite your curiosity about the origins and variations of the Ramayana? If, like us, you yearn to explore the ‘why’ and ‘what’ behind every event within this grand epic to uncover the cultural, regional, and philosophical layers that have shaped its many versions then this book is an absolute must-read. It’s a journey that enriches your understanding and leaves you with insights to ponder long after the final page.

Book Details:

Book Name: Many Ramayanas, Many Lessons

Author: Anand Neelakantan

Publisher: Harper Collins

Genre: Culture & History

Pages: 408

Rating: 4.5/5