This podcast includes an authentic Sanskrit recitation and the reading of a genuine translation in English by Gita Press, Gorakhpur, India. This is not a western translation of the Valmiki Ramayana, nor a re-telling in any form. It is translated by Hindus from within the tradition, and it is thereby recommended as the most authentic recitation and English reading available. The Ramayana recitation by Sriram-ghanapaathi HariSitaramamurti-ghanapathi is taken from archive.org. The reading is from the English version of Srimad Valmiki Ramayan translation by Gita Press, Gorakhpur, India.
Assuming the form of a golden deer, Maaricha reaches the hermitage of Rama and is caught sight of by Sita.
Recitation: 00:00 - 05:53
Translation: 05:55 - 13:06
5/29/2024 • 13 minutes, 6 seconds
Aranya Kanda Sarga 41, "Maaricho Upadeshaha" (Canto 41)
Once more Maaricha tries to deter Ravana from his purpose by picturing to him the disastrous consequences of his action.
Recitation: 00:00 - 03:29
Translation: 03:30 - 08:22
Leaving the capital early next morning, accompanied by family-priests, artisans, army and the citizens, and covering a long distance, Bharata reaches the bank of the holy Ganga at Shrngaverapura ruled by Guha and, encamping the army, breaks journey in order to do Shraaddha and Tarpana in honour of his deceased father on the bank of the Ganga and also to give rest to his followers.
Recitation: 00:00 - 04:44
Translation: 04:45 - 11:17
6/29/2023 • 11 minutes, 17 seconds
Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 70 "Kausalya Krutha Dasharatha Santhvanam" Book 2 Canto 70
When reproached in harsh words by Kausalya, though already feeling disconsolate through separation from his sons and daughter-in-law, Dasharatha falls into a swoon recalling his past sin in the form of killing a hermit boy, which was responsible for his present misfortune. On waking from his swoon he tries with folded hands to conciliate Kausalya and on the latter reciprocating his sentiments, the Emperor is lulled into a nap.
Recitation: 00:00 - 03:39
Translation: 03:40 - 09:04
5/15/2023 • 9 minutes, 3 seconds
Ayodhya Kanda Sarga 55 "Yamuna Tharanam" (Book 2 Canto 55)
Sage Bharadvaja tells Sri Rama and Lakshmana, even as they set out on their journey to Chitrakuta, the route by which they should proceed. Accompanied by Sita, Sri Rama and Lakshmana cross the Yamuna on a raft prepared by themselves. In the evening they halt on the bank of the Yamuna along with Sita, who is rejoiced to get fruits and blossoms of her liking.
Recitation: 00:00 - 05:54
Translation: 05:55 - 14:29
Having told off Sumantra and others to get together necessaries for the installation of Sri Rama, Dasharatha calls on Kaikeyi to break the happy news to her. Not finding her in her apartments, however, he makes inquiries from the portress, who tells him of her presence in the sulking-chamber. The Emperor calls on her there and, lifting her up, cajoles her.
Recitation: 00:00 - 06:41
Translation: 06:42 - 09:34
Kaikeyi, whose heart was poisoned by the malicious gossip of Manthara as aforesaid, takes a vow to see that Rama is sent into exile and Bharata installed as Prince Regent, and asks Manthara herself how to secure that consummation. Manthara tells her how in the course of a conflict between gods and demons, in which Dasharatha's help was enlisted by the gods, the queen, who had accompanied her husband to the field of operations and had rendered valuable assistance to him at a critical juncture, was offered a couple of boons, which she had kept in abeyance. Manthara now asks Kaikeyi to demand the banishment of Rama and the installation of Bharata against the two promised boons. Kaikeyi accordingly throws away her ornaments and lies down on the bare floor in the sulking-room in a sullen mood.
Recitation: 00:00 - 10:54
Translation: 10:55 - 15:59
1/19/2023 • 26 minutes, 52 seconds
Balakanda Sarga 46 (Book 1 Canto 46)
Disconsolate over the death of her sons, Diti embarks on a course of austerities at Kushaplava with the permission of her husband, Sage Kashyapa, with the object of securing a son capable of killing Indra. The latter on coming to know of her intention serves her during the period of her consecration and, taking advantage of her falling asleep on one occasion with her head in a wrong position, and thereby transgressing the rules of purity, enters her womb and carves the foetus.
Recitation: 00:00 - 03:42
Translation: 03:43 - 09:49
9/30/2022 • 9 minutes, 49 seconds
Balakanda Sarga 10 (Book 1, Canto 10)
How the sage Rshyashrnga was lured away to the capital of Romapada and married to his (Romapada's) adopted daughter, Shanta.
Recitation: 00:00 - 05:35
Translation: 05:36 - 14:16
9/5/2022 • 14 minutes, 16 seconds
Balakanda Sarga 9 (Book 1, Canto 9)
A dialogue between Emperor Dasharatha and Sumantra.
Recitation: 00:00 - 03:37
Translation: 03:38 - 9:60
9/5/2022 • 9 minutes, 59 seconds
Balakanda Sarga 8 (Book 1, Canto 8)
The king's proposal to perform a horse-sacrifice for being blessed with a son and the acclamation of the counsellors and other Brahmanas.
Recitation: 00:00 - 04:23
Translation: 04:24 - 11:02
9/5/2022 • 11 minutes, 2 seconds
Balakanda Sarga 7 (Book 1, canto 7)
The virtue and upright conduct of the eight ministers of Emperor Dasharatha.
Recitation: 00:00 - 04:23
Translation: 04:24 - 10:60
9/5/2022 • 10 minutes, 59 seconds
Balakanda, Sarga 6 (Book 1, Canto 6)
A description of the city of Ayodhya and the prosperity of its inhabitants during the reign of King Dasharatha.
Recitation: 00:00 - 05:07
Translation: 05:08 - 12:30
9/4/2022 • 12 minutes, 30 seconds
Balakanda Sarga 5 (Book 1, Canto 5)
A description of the city of Ayodhya.
Recitation: 00:00 - 04:11
Translation: 04:12 - 11:08
9/4/2022 • 11 minutes, 8 seconds
Balakanda Sarga 4 (Book 1, Canto 4)
After his ascension to the throne of Ayodhya, Sri Rama listens to his own story as sung by his sons, Kusha and Lava.
Recitation: 00:00 - 06:33
Translation: 06:34 - 17:29
9/4/2022 • 17 minutes, 28 seconds
Balakanda Sarga 3 (Book 1, Canto 3)
A brief outline of The Ramayana as given by the poet himself.
Sanskrit Recitation: 00:00 - 06:46
English Translation: 06:47 - 21:26
9/2/2022 • 21 minutes, 25 seconds
Balakanda, Sarga 1 (Book 1, Canto 1)
The celestial Sage Narada narrates to Valmiki the story of Sri Rama in a nutshell.
Recitation in Sanskrit : 00:00 - 16:23
Reading of English translation : 16:25 - 46:17