Listener`s Guide

r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
The
RAMA
AMAYYAN
ANA
A
of
VALMIK
ALMIKII
Vedic Audio Knowledge Productions
presents a dramatic reading
of the unabridged
Srimad Valmiki Ramayanam
translated from the Sanskrit by
N. Raghunathan
Vighneswara Publishing House, India
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
The Ramayana of Valmiki
Introduction: A Listener’s Guide—Volume I
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
elcome to the historic first audio recording of the unabridged Ramayana. The
Ramayana is the story of one of the world’s greatest heroes — Rama — whose purpose was to purify the world of ignorance and negativity. Cognized by the illustrious sage
Valmiki, the Ramayana was chanted in Sanskrit, the language of the Vedic civilization of
ancient India. The date of composition of the Ramayana cannot be fixed, since in the tradition of Vedic knowledge, Vedic literature was handed down orally for thousands of years,
singer to singer, generation after generation. Of the many branches of Vedic literature, the
Ramayana belongs to the Itihasa branch, which also contains another great epic, the
Mahabharata.
The Ramayana was written in poetry of unsurpassed dramatic power and richness and
contains over 24 thousand couplet verses, or slokas, making it one of the longest epic
poems ever written (after the Mahabharata). The translation chosen for this recording is
the Srimad Valmiki Ramayanam, by the renowned Indian journalist, N. Raghunathan (published in 3 volumes by Vighneswara Publishing House, India). His translation is a literal
one, not a paraphrase, and with his direct and simple style, using rhythmic prose, rather
than poetic meter (which often does not translate well), he has captured the essence of the
original. His translation also adapts beautifully from the written to spoken word. The reader, Richard Ross, an artist and singer with a life-long interest in Vedic literature, was chosen
out of many for this project for his refinement of speech and beauty of voice.
We hope you will enjoy listening
to Volume
Produced
by I, which contains the first two books of the
Ramayana—Bala Kanda, the
book
of
Rama’s
youth,
and Ayodhya Kanda, — the book
Vedic Audio Knowledge
(VAK)
about Ayodhya, the capital306
city
of Rama’s
realm.
E. Madison,
Fairfield,
IA 52556 USA
W
The
RAMAYANA
of
VALMIKI
To order here
cassettes,
(888) 867-4396
For your listening enjoyment,
arecalla toll-free:
few suggestions:
International: (641) 469-2802 • www.RamayanAudio.com
• You can listen to these discs anywhere, although you might best appreciate them by lisproduction
by express permission of
tening to them in aThis
quiet,
settled is
atmosphere.
Vighneswara
House
• Pronunciation note: In most cases onPublishing
these discs,
the ‘a’ at the end of Sanskrit names
19,
12th
Main
Rd,
Malleswaram
West,
Bangalore
560of
055Rama,
India Lakshmana, and Bharata,
and terms is sounded (as in Vasishta). On the names
exclusive
copyright
holder
of
the
book
a soft or almost silent final ‘a’ is used, as is the custom in Ayodhya, Rama’s ancient capiSrimad Valmiki Ramayanam by N. Raghunathan.
tal in northern India.
• This booklet contains the Table of Contents from the text, and features a capsule
description of each canto. This will help you to see the contents of each disc, gain an
overview of the story in its entirety, and locate and re-listen to the many profound “stories within the story” (such as “Vishwamitra’s Story”) that are contained only in the
unabridged Ramayana. Enjoy!
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
Table Of Contents
Note: Each file is notated with the Kanda (book number) first, followed by the Canto (chapter
number). For example: “1-005” refers to Bala Kanda (Book I) Canto #5.
This production is organized into thematic sections with a music interlude at the end of each
section.
Book I—Bala Kanda
Book-Chapter
Kanda-Canto
1-001
1-002
1-003
1-004
1-005
1-006
1-007
1-008
1-009
1-010
1-011
1-012
1-013
1-014
1-015
1-016
1-017
1-018
1-019
1-020
1-021
1-022
1-023
1-024
1-025
1-026
1-027
1-028
1-029
1-030
1-031
1-032
1-033
1-034
Sankshepa Ramayana: The Epic In Brief
The Killing Of A Curlew: Poetry From Compassion.
Brahma Asks Valmiki To Make A Poem Of Rama’s Life
How He Composed It
How He Propagated It
Ayodhya Described
King Dasaratha And His People
His Ministers
The King’s Longing For Sons: Sumantra Recalls An Old Prophecy
The Story Of Rsyasrnga
How He Is Enticed To Anga Desa And Married To The King’s Daughter
Rsyasrnga Goes To Ayodhya To Help The King Perform
A Sacrifice For The Birth Of Sons
Dasaratha To Perform The Horse-Sacrifice
Preparations For The Sacrifice
The Sacrifice Described
The Assembled Gods Ask Vishnu To Be Born As A Man And To Slay Ravana
Rsyasrnga’s Sacrifice And The Distribution Of The Divine Milk Broth
Among Dasaratha’s Queens
The Incarnation Of Celestials As Monkeys And Bears
by
Vishnu Incarnates As Rama AndProduced
His Brothers
Viswamitra’s Request Vedic Audio Knowledge (VAK)
Dasaratha Unwilling306
To E.
Send
Rama
With Viswamitra
Madison,
Fairfield,
IA 52556 USA
Vasishta PersuadesTo
Him
Send Rama
orderTo
cassettes,
call toll-free: (888) 867-4396
Rama And Lakshmana
Go(641)
With469-2802
The Sage
International:
• www.RamayanAudio.com
At Kamasrama
This
production
is
by
express
permission of
Tataka’s Forest
The Story Of Tataka Vighneswara Publishing House
The Slaying
Tataka
19,Of
12th
Main Rd, Malleswaram West, Bangalore 560 055 India
Viswamitra Imparts Knowledge Of Celestial Weapons To Rama
exclusive
copyright holder of the book
The Siddhasrama
Srimad
Valmiki
Ramayanam by N. Raghunathan.
The Story Of Vamana
Maricha Repulsed And Subahu Slain
Rama With The Sages Starts For Mithila
The Story Of Kusanabha’s Daughters
Their Marriage To Somadatta
Viswamitra’s Family History
The
RAMAYANA
of
VALMIKI
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
1-035
1-036
1-037
1-038
1-039
1-040
1-041
1-042
1-043
1-044
1-045
1-046
1-047
1-048
1-049
1-050
1-051
1-052
1-053
1-054
1-055
1-056
1-057
1-058
1-059
1-060
1-061
1-062
1-063
1-064
1-065
1-066
1-067
1-068
1-069
1-070
1-071
1-072
1-073
1-074
1-075
1-076
1-077
The Story Of The Ganga
Uma Curses The Gods
The Birth Of The War God
Sagara’s Penance
Sagara’s Sons Dig Up The Earth
Kapila Destroys Them
Amsuman Learns Of Their Death
Bhagiratha’s Penance
The Descent Of The Ganga
The Redemption Of The Sagaras
The Ocean Churned For Nectar
Diti’s Penance
The Founding Of Visala
Ahalya’s Fall
Ahalya’s Redemption
Meeting With Janaka
Satananda Begins Viswamitra’s Story
Vasishta Entertains Viswamitra
The King Covets Vasishta’s Cow
The Cow Sabala Creates Armies And Destroys The King’s Forces
Viswamitra Destroys Vasishta’s Hermitage
Viswamitra Vanquished By Brahmic Power
Trisanku Seeks Viswamitra’s Help
Vasishta’s Sons Curse Trisanku
Trisanku’s Sacrifice
Viswamitra Defies The Gods
Ambarisha’s Sacrifice
Sunahsepa Rescued By Viswamitra
Viswamitra SuccumbsProduced
To Love by
Viswamitra Vedic
CursesAudio
Rambha
Knowledge (VAK)
Viswamitra306
Becomes
A Brahmarshi
E. Madison,
Fairfield, IA 52556 USA
History To
Oforder
Siva’s
Bow call toll-free: (888) 867-4396
cassettes,
Rama
Breaks The
International:
(641)Bow
469-2802 • www.RamayanAudio.com
Dasaratha Hears The Good News
This production is by express permission of
Dasaratha Arrives In Mithila
Vighneswara
Publishing
House
Vasishta Solicits
The Hand
Of Sita For
Rama
19, 12thChronicles
Main Rd, Malleswaram
West,
Bangalore 560 055 India
Janaka
His Family
History
Viswamitra
Asks For
The Hands
Ofof
Mandavi
exclusive
copyright
holder
the bookAnd Shrutakirti
For
Bharata
And Satrughna
Srimad
Valmiki
Ramayanam by N. Raghunathan.
The Weddings
The Encounter With Parasurama
Rama Challenged
Parasurama Acknowledges Defeat
Rama’s Happy Domestic Life
The
RAMAYANA
of
VALMIKI
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
Book II—Ayodhya Kanda
Book-Chapter
Kanda-Canto
2-001
2-002
2-003
2-004
2-005
2-006
2-007
2-008
2-009
2-010
2-011
2-012
2-013
2-014
2-015
2-016
2-017
2-018
2-019
2-020
2-021
2-022
2-023
2-024
2-025
2-026
2-027
2-028
2-029
2-030
2-031
2-032
2-033
2-034
2-035
2-036
2-037
2-038
2-039
2-040
2-041
2-042
Dasaratha Wishes To Crown Rama As Heir Apparent
Enthusiastic Approval Of The Assembly
Dasaratha’s Counsel To His Son
Rama Receives His Blessings
Observance Of Vow For The Previous Night
The Rejoicings Of The People
Manthara Loudly Laments The Proposal
Her Attempt To Rouse Kaikeyi’s Opposition
She Wants Rama To Be Exiled
Kaikeyi Falls In With Her Plan
She Insists On The Grant To Her Of Two Boons
Dasaratha Fails To Dissuade Her
Dasaratha’s Lament
Kaikeyi Twits Him
Sumantra Is Sent To Summon Rama
Rama Starts For The Court
His Arrival At The Palace
He Is Told Of His Exile To The Forest
Rama’s Great Vow
Kausalya Cries Out
Kausalya And Lakshmana Try To Dissuade Rama
Rama Speaks Of All-Powerful Destiny
Lakshmana’s Rage
Rama Attempts To Pacify Kausalya’s Grief
His Mother Invokes Blessings On Him
Rama’s Attempt To Dissuade Sita
From Accompanying
Him
Produced
by
A Chaste Woman’s Duty
Vedic
Audio
Knowledge
(VAK)
Perils Of The Forest Life
306 E. Madison, Fairfield, IA 52556 USA
Sita’s Insistence On Going
To order
Rama Agrees To Her
Wishcassettes, call toll-free: (888) 867-4396
International:
(641)To
469-2802
Lakshmana Too
Is Permitted
Go • www.RamayanAudio.com
Rama Distributes
Hisproduction
Wealth To is
The
Needy permission of
This
by express
The People Censure Dasaratha
Vighneswara
Publishing
House
Rama Consoles Dasaratha And Gives His Full Consent
19,
12th
Main
Rd,
Malleswaram
West,
Bangalore
560 055 India
Sumantra Rails At Kaikeyi
Siddharta Tries Toexclusive
Dissuadecopyright
Kaikeyi holder of the book
Vasishta’s Anger
At Kaikeyi
Tree by
Bark
Sita To Wear
Srimad
ValmikiOffering
Ramayanam
N.To
Raghunathan.
The People Enraged
Dasaratha’s Loud Lament
Kausalya Mourns Her Fate
People Denounce Dasaratha
Dasaratha Taken To Kausalya’s Chambers
The
RAMAYANA
of
VALMIKI
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
2-043
2-044
2-045
2-046
2-047
2-048
2-049
2-050
2-051
2-052
2-053
2-054
2-055
2-056
2-057
2-058
2-059
2-060
2-061
2-062
2-063
2-064
2-065
2-066
2-067
2-068
2-069
2-070
2-071
2-072
2-073
2-074
2-075
2-076
2-077
2-078
2-079
2-080
2-081
2-082
2-083
2-084
2-085
2-086
2-087
2-088
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
Kausalya’s Renewed Lament
Sumitra Consoles Her
As Citizens Cling To Them, Rama And Party Leave The Car And Walk With Them
Rama Leaves The Citizens Behind By A Simple Trick
The Citizens Return To Ayodhya
The Lament Of The City Women
The Grief Of The Countryside
Guha Comes To Meet Them
Guha And Lakshmana Keep Vigil In The Night
The Crossing Of The Ganga
Rama Laments His Fate
Arrival At Bharadwaja’s Hermitage
Crossing Of The Yamuna
They Make Their Residence At Chitrakuta
Sumantra’s Return
Rama’s Last Words To Dasaratha
Dasaratha’s Renewed Lament
Sumantra Again Tries To Console Kausalya
Kausalya Taunts Dasaratha
Dasaratha Pacifies Her By Abasing Himself
The King Recalls His Past Sin
Dasaratha’s Death
Wailing In The Women’s Apartments
Body Of The King Placed In A Tub Of Oil
The Perils Of Anarchy
Messengers Sent To Bharata
Bharata’s Bad Dream
Bharata Starts For Ayodhya
He Reaches Ayodhya
Produced by
His Grief
His Censure
Of Kaikeyi
Vedic
Audio Knowledge (VAK)
His Denunciation
Of Kaikeyi
306 E. Madison,
Fairfield, IA 52556 USA
His Vow Not To Accept The Kingdom
To order cassettes, call toll-free: (888) 867-4396
Dasaratha’s
Obsequies
International:
(641) 469-2802 • www.RamayanAudio.com
Bharata And Satrughna Bemoan Dasaratha’s Loss
This
production is by express permission of
Kubja
Disgraced
Bharata Rejects
His Ministers’
AdviceHouse
Vighneswara
Publishing
The
Roads
Safe For Travel
19, 12th
MainMade
Rd, Malleswaram
West, Bangalore 560 055 India
The Assembled Council Ask Bharata To Rule The Realm
exclusive
copyright
holder of the book
The Army
Starts For
The Forest
Bharata
For
The Forestby N. Raghunathan.
SrimadLeaves
Valmiki
Ramayanam
Guha Comes
He Voices His Suspicions
Guha Praises Lakshmana’s Loyalty
He Is Asked About Where Rama Lay For The Night
They All See The Bed Of Leaves On Which Rama Had Lain
The
RAMAYANA
of
VALMIKI
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
2-089
2-090
2-091
2-092
2-093
2-094
2-095
2-096
2-097
2-098
2-099
2-100
2-101
2-102
2-103
2-104
2-105
2-106
2-107
2-108
2-109
2-110
2-111
2-112
2-113
2-114
2-115
2-116
2-117
2-118
2-119
Crossing The Ganga
Stay With Bharadwaja For The Day
Army Entertained By Bharadwaja
They Take Leave Of Bharadwaja
The Forests On The Flanks Of Chitrakuta
Description Of Chitrakuta
Mandakini Described
Lakshmana’s Angry Outburst Against Bharata
Rama Praises Bharata’s Rare Qualities
Bharata Frantically Seeks Rama
Frantic Search For Rama
The Kacchit-Sarga — Rama Questions Bharata
Rama Is Told Of His Father’s Death
He Offers Water Libations
He Sees His Mothers
Rama And Bharata’s First Converse
Rama States His Case
Bharata States His Case
Rama Refutes Him
Jabali Presents The Rationalist View
Rama’s Panegyric On Truth
Vasishta Recounts The Story Of The Ikshvakus
Rama’s Command To Bharata
Rama’s Sandals To Rule In His Place
Bharata Takes The Sandals
His Return To Ayodhya
Rama’s Sandals Crowned
The Sages Speak Of Khara’s Hostility’
Anasuya Praises Sita’s Fidelity
She Presents Her With CelestialProduced
UnguentsbyAnd Ornaments
Rama And Party EnterVedic
The Audio
Dandakas
Knowledge (VAK)
The
RAMAYANA
of
VALMIKI
306 E. Madison, Fairfield, IA 52556 USA
To order cassettes, call toll-free: (888) 867-4396
International: (641) 469-2802 • www.RamayanAudio.com
This production is by express permission of
Vighneswara Publishing House
19, 12th Main Rd, Malleswaram West, Bangalore 560 055 India
exclusive copyright holder of the book
Srimad Valmiki Ramayanam by N. Raghunathan.
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
Introduction: A Listener’s Guide—Volume II
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
ama’s epic tale continues in Volume II featuring the next three books of the
Ramayana: Aranya, Kishkindha and Sundara Kandas. As the story builds in
dynamism in these sections, it is fitting that Volume II features a new voice—that of
talented Shakespearean actor Stephen White, who adds a dramatic power and depth to
the production.
Some of the most beloved scenes of the Ramayana unfold in Volume II, beginning
with Book III—Aranya Kanda, the Book of the Forest Life—including Rama’s meeting with the wise rishis of the forest, the gaining of Agastya’s divine weapons, Rama’s
slaying of the 14,000 Rakshasas at Janasthana, the allure of the golden deer, and
Ravana’s abduction of Sita.
Next, Book IV—Kishkindha Kandas—continues with the alliance with Sugriva,
king of the monkeys, Rama’s friendship with Hanuman, the slaying of Vali, and the
world-wide search for Sita by Rama’s Vanara allies. Volume II concludes with Book
V—Sundara Kanda—including Hanuman’s great leap across the ocean, his discovery of
Sita and his faith-restoring message to her, the burning of Lanka, and Hanuman’s triumphant return to Rama with a message from Sita.
This synopsis is only the outer value of the Ramayana. The deeper action resides
at a much subtler level within our own consciousness. The impulses of the Ramayana
are actually structures of our own consciousness, our own Self. At this level, the
Ramayana can be experienced as the “blossoming of totality,” the living reality of the
absolute level of life within boundaries. All the characters in the Ramayana are then
by possibilities and tendencies. The vanaspects of our own nature, playingProduced
out all its
Audio Knowledge (VAK)
quishing of ignorance andVedic
the re-establishment
of Rama’s realm is really our own
E. Madison,
“inner” drama, within our306own
Self. Fairfield, IA 52556 USA
To order cassettes, call toll-free: (888) 867-4396
On all levels, weInternational:
hope your
experiences
and delight will continue to deepen as you
(641)
469-2802 • www.RamayanAudio.com
listen to the story of totality on the move—the Ramayana, Volume II.
R
The
RAMAYANA
of
VALMIKI
This production is by express permission of
Vighneswara Publishing House
19, 12th Main Rd, Malleswaram West, Bangalore 560 055 India
exclusive copyright holder of the book
Srimad Valmiki Ramayanam by N. Raghunathan.
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
Table Of Contents
Note: Each file is notated with the Kanda (book number) first, followed by the Canto (chapter
number). For example: “1-005” refers to Bala Kanda (Book I) Canto #5.
This production is organized into thematic sections with a music interlude at the end of each
section.
Book III—Aranya Kanda
Book-Chapter
Kanda-Canto
3-001
3-002
3-003
3-004
3-005
3-006
3-007
3-008
3-009
3-010
3-011
3-012
3-013
3-014
3-015
3-016
3-017
3-018
3-019
3-020
3-021
3-022
3-023
3-024
3-025
3-026
3-027
3-028
3-029
3-030
3-031
3-032
3-033
3-034
3-035
3-036
3-037
Hermit Settlements of Dandakaranya
The Encounter with Viradha
Viradha Tries to Carry Off Sita
The Brothers Cut Down Viradha’s Arms and Bury Him in a Pit, as He Desires
Rama Sees Indra in Sarabhanga’s Ashrama
The Sages Ask for Rama’s Protection
At Sutikshna’s Hermitage
They Take Leave of Sutikshna
Sita’s Advice Against Cruelty
Rama Insists on His Duty to the Oppressed
Mandakarni’s Under-Water Residence. Rama Sees All the Hermits
Visit to Agastya
Agastya Asks Rama to Live at Panchavati
Meeting with Jatayus
Panchavati Built
The Onset of Spring
Shurpanakha’s Coming
Lakshmana Disfigures Her
Khara Despatches Fourteen Fighters Against Rama
Rama Kills Khara’s Picked Fighters
Produced by
Shurpanakha Taunts Khara
Khara Resolves to Fight
Rama
Vedic
Audio Knowledge (VAK)
Khara’s Army on the 306
March
E. Madison, Fairfield, IA 52556 USA
Rama Singly Confronts
Khara’s
Army
To order
cassettes,
call toll-free: (888) 867-4396
Khara Marches
on Rama (641) 469-2802 • www.RamayanAudio.com
International:
Dushana’s Forces Wiped Out
This production is by express permission of
Rama Slays Trishiras
Khara’s Chariot Destroyed
Vighneswara Publishing House
Khara’s and19,
Rama’s
Verbal
Exchanges West, Bangalore 560 055 India
12th Main
Rd, Malleswaram
Rama Slays Khara
exclusive copyright holder of the book
Maricha Seeks to Dissuade Ravana from Carrying Off Sita
Srimad
Shurpanakha Meets Valmiki
Ravana Ramayanam by N. Raghunathan.
Shurpanakha Arraigns Him
Shurpanakha Incites Him to Abduct Sita
Ravana Goes to Maricha Again
Ravana Seeks Maricha’s Help
Maricha Condemns Ravana’s Plan
The
RAMAYANA
of
VALMIKI
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
3-038
3-039
3-040
3-041
3-042
3-043
3-044
3-045
3-046
3-047
3-048
3-049
3-050
3-051
3-052
3-053
3-054
3-055
3-056
3-057
3-058
3-059
3-060
3-061
3-062
3-063
3-064
3-065
3-066
3-067
3-068
3-069
3-070
3-071
3-072
3-073
3-074
3-075
Maricha Tells Him of His Own Experience with Rama
Maricha’s Earnest Advice Not to Antagonise Rama
Ravana Tells Maricha, ‘Do or Die’
Maricha Agrees Under Coercion
They Go to Rama’s Hermitage
Sita Asks Rama to Catch the Deer
Rama Kills Maricha
Lakshmana, Goaded by Sita’s Taunts, Goes in Search of Rama
Ravana in Hermit Guise Appears Before Sita
Ravana Reveals His Identity
Sita Rebuffs Ravana
Ravana Carries Off Sita
Jatayus Warns Ravana
Ravana Cuts Off Jatayus’s Wings
Ravana Takes Away Sita by Force
Sita Taunts Ravana
Sita Drops Her Jewels Among the Monkeys
Ravana Displays His Opulence to Sita
Sita Sent to the Ashoka-Vana
Rama, Hastening Home, Meets Lakshmana
Rama Reproaches Lakshmana for Leaving Sita
Lakshmana Explains Why He Left Sita
Rama’s Distracted and Vain Search
Lakshmana’s Efforts to Cheer Him
Rama Asks Lakshmana to Go Back to Ayodhya Leaving Him to Die in the Forest
Rama’s Lament
Raghava Threatens to Destroy the Universe
Lakshmana Pacifies Rama
Lakshmana on the Working of Karma
Produced by
They Come Upon Jatayus
Death and Vedic
Cremation
of Knowledge
Jatayus
Audio
(VAK)
Lakshmana
306Disfigures
E. Madison,Ayomukhi.
Fairfield, IAEncounter
52556 USA with Kabandha
Kabandha’s Arms Cut Down
To order cassettes, call toll-free: (888) 867-4396
The
Cause of His
Curse
International:
(641)
469-2802 • www.RamayanAudio.com
Kabandha Asks Rama to Make Friends with Sugriva
This production
express Place
permission of
Kabandha
Tells Themisofby
Sugriva’s
The Brothers
Meet Shabari
Vighneswara
Publishing House
The
Brothers
GoMalleswaram
in Search of
Sugriva
19, 12th
Main Rd,
West,
Bangalore 560 055 India
The
RAMAYANA
of
VALMIKI
exclusive copyright holder of the book
Srimad Valmiki Ramayanam by N. Raghunathan.
Book IV—Kishkindha Kanda
Book-Chapter
Kanda-Canto
4-001
4-002
4-003
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
The Pampa Described
Sugriva Sends Hanuman to Meet Rama
Rama Praises Hanuman’s Eloquence
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
4-004
4-005
4-006
4-007
4-008
4-009
4-010
4-011
4-012
4-013
4-014
4-015
4-016
4-017
4-018
4-019
4-020
4-021
4-022
4-023
4-024
4-025
4-026
4-027
4-028
4-029
4-030
4-031
4-032
4-033
4-034
4-035
4-036
4-037
4-038
4-039
4-040
4-041
4-042
4-043
4-044
4-045
4-046
4-047
4-048
4-049
Rama and Sugriva Become Friends
Rama and Sugriva Form a Compact
Sugriva Promises to Search For Sita
Sugriva Cheers Up Rama
Rama and Sugriva Exchange Views
Vali and Mayavi
The Cause of Vali’s Enmity
Sugriva Has Proofs of Rama’s Strength
Sugriva’s First Encounter with Vali
The Hermitage of the Seven Saints
Sugriva’s Second Challenge
Tara Fails to Dissuade Vali from Fighting
Vali Struck Down by Rama
Vali Reproaches Rama
Rama’s Justification
Tara Comes to the Battle-Ground
Her Mourning
Hanuman Consoles Her
Vali’s Last Message to Brother and Son
Tara’s Lament
Sugriva’s Grief
Vali’s Cremation
Sugriva’s Coronation
The Brothers in the Prasravana Cave
The Rains
Hanuman Reminds Sugriva of His Duty
Autumn Comes. Rama is Angry with Sugriva
Lakshmana Sent to Sugriva to Remind Him of His Duty
Sugriva Consults His Ministers
Tara Goes to Lakshmana to Pacify
Him by
Produced
Lakshmana ThreatensVedic
Sugriva
Audio Knowledge (VAK)
Tara Pacifies Lakshmana
306 E. Madison, Fairfield, IA 52556 USA
Sugriva’s Apology
To order cassettes, call toll-free: (888) 867-4396
Sugriva Directs Hanuman to Send Out Recruiters
International: (641) 469-2802 • www.RamayanAudio.com
Sugriva Meets Rama
production is by express permission of
Billions of ApesThis
Arrive
Panasa to Search for Sita
in the EastPublishing House
Vighneswara
Angada is Sent to the South
19, 12th Main Rd, Malleswaram West, Bangalore 560 055 India
Sushena Goes to the West
copyright holder of the book
Shatavali is Sent toexclusive
the North
Rama Gives Srimad
Hanuman
His Ring
Valmiki
Ramayanam by N. Raghunathan.
The Apes’ Enthusiasm
How Sugriva Came to Know All the World
Three of the Search Parties Return
Angada’s Party Faces Difficulties
Angada Enthuses Them
The
RAMAYANA
of
VALMIKI
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
4-050
4-051
4-052
4-053
4-054
4-055
4-056
4-057
4-058
4-059
4-060
4-061
4-062
4-063
4-064
4-065
4-066
4-067
The Rikshabila
Svayamprabha’s Hospitality
The Apes Get Out of the Cave
The Apes, Having Exceeded Their Time Limit, Resolve to Starve to Death
Hanuman Dissuades the Apes
Angada Starts on His Fast
Sampati Sees the Apes’ Dharna
Angada Tells of the Apes’ Plight
Sampati Grieves for Jatayus
Sampati Tells How His Son Met Sita and Ravana
Sampati Relates His Fall
Sampati Tells of Nishakara’s Sympathy
Nishakara’s Advice
Nishakara’s Prophesy Comes True
The Apes Debate on Who is to Cross the Sea
The Chief Apes Say What They Can Do
Jambavan Persuades Hanuman
Hanuman Agrees to Cross the Sea
The
RAMAYANA
of
VALMIKI
Book V—Sundara Kanda
Book-Chapter
Kanda-Canto
5-001
5-002
5-003
5-004
5-005
5-006
5-007
5-008
5-009
5-010
5-011
5-012
5-013
5-014
5-015
5-016
5-017
5-018
5-019
5-020
5-021
5-022
5-023
Hanuman Leaps Across the Sea
Lanka’s Beauty
Hanuman Impressed by Its Strength
Its Lovely Mansions
The Sleeping Apartments
Ravana’s Palace
Produced by
Mansions Won from Kubera
The Pushpaka
Described
Vedic
Audio Knowledge (VAK)
Ravana’s Opulence
306 E. Madison, Fairfield, IA 52556 USA
Hanuman
Sees cassettes,
Ravana call
Asleep
To order
toll-free: (888) 867-4396
Hanuman
Recommences
His• www.RamayanAudio.com
Search
International:
(641) 469-2802
Vain Search in the Private Grounds
This production
by express
permission
of
Hanuman
Resolves to is
Search
the Ashoka
Pleasance
The GroveVighneswara
and the Shimsupa
Tree House
Publishing
Hanuman’s
Sight of Sita
19, 12th MainFirst
Rd, Malleswaram
West, Bangalore 560 055 India
Hanuman on Sita’s Virtues
exclusive
copyright
holder of the book
The Ugliness of the Rakshasas
Srimad
Valmiki
Ramayanam
bySee
N. Raghunathan.
Ravana
and
His Women
Come to
Sita
Sita’s Fright
Ravana Speaks Enticingly
Sita Rebuffs Him
Ravana’s Renewed Threat
The Rakshasis Frighten Sita
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
5-024
5-025
5-026
5-027
5-028
5-029
5-030
5-031
5-032
5-033
5-034
5-035
5-036
5-037
5-038
5-039
5-040
5-041
5-042
5-043
5-044
5-045
5-046
5-047
5-048
5-049
5-050
5-051
5-052
5-053
5-054
5-055
5-056
5-057
5-058
5-059
5-060
5-061
5-062
5-063
5-064
5-065
5-066
5-067
5-068
Their Brutal Badgering
Sita Grieves that Even Suicide is Impossible
Sita Contemplates Suicide
Trijata’s Dream
Sita Seeks to Hang Herself
But She is Deterred by Auspicious Omens
Hanuman’s Dilemma
Hanuman Attracts Sita’s Attention by Praising Rama
Sita Finds It Unbelievable
Hanuman Gets Down from the Tree
Sita Still Doubts Hanuman’s Words
Hanuman Answers Her at Length
He Gives Her Rama’s Signet Ring
Sita Says It Would Not Be Becoming of Her to Go with Hanuman
The Episode of the Crow
Sita Gives the History of the Jewel
Hanuman Takes Leave of Sita
He Lays Waste the Ashoka Pleasance
Ravana’s Household Troops Slain by Hanuman
Hanuman Proclaims His Purpose
He Slays Jambumali
He Slays the Ministers’ Sons
He Slays Five Army Chiefs
The Great Fight with Aksha Kumara
Indrajit Sent Against Hanuman
Hanuman Impressed by Ravana’s Personality
Hanuman is Questioned
Hanuman’s Exhortation to Ravana
Vibhishana’s Advice Against Killing Hanuman
Hanuman Breaks His Bonds Produced by
The Burning of LankaVedic Audio Knowledge (VAK)
Hanuman is Satisfied that Sita is Safe
306 E. Madison, Fairfield, IA 52556 USA
He Takes Leave of Sita
To order cassettes, call toll-free: (888) 867-4396
Hanuman Returns
International: (641) 469-2802 • www.RamayanAudio.com
Hanuman Tells of His Doings in Lanka
ThisTaking
production
is byThem
express permission of
Hanuman Favours
Sita with
Jambavan Does Not Agree
with Hanuman
and Angada
Vighneswara
Publishing
House
The Apes Ravage the Honey-Grove
19, 12th Main Rd, Malleswaram West, Bangalore 560 055 India
The Drunken Apes Beat Up the Guards
exclusivetocopyright
the book
Sugriva Tells Dadhimukha
Send theholder
Apes toofHim
Hanuman and
OthersValmiki
are Back
Srimad
Ramayanam by N. Raghunathan.
Hanuman Relates His Adventures
Rama Asks for More News of Vaidehi
Hanuman Relates All that Sita Had Told Him
Sita’s Last Words
The
RAMAYANA
of
VALMIKI
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
Introduction: A Listener’s Guide—Volume III
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
fter seven years in production, this project is now complete with this final volume
of the grand epic that is the Ramayana. Never did we imagine that this production
would take so long to complete, but never did we imagine the extraordinary richness,
power and depth that would unfold within us during the retelling of Rama’s sublime
drama. Perhaps you have had similar experiences as you have explored the pathways
of the Ramayana.
Now it is time for Rama to come home—home, victorious, to Ayodhya and home to
our full acknowledgment of the wholeness of his (and our) Being. The Ramayana
builds to a stunning climax in Book VI — Yuddha Kanda, where Rama and his allies
battle Ravana and his seemingly undefeatable forces. The battle waxes hot and long,
but you may enjoy listening to each wave of the battle as waves of purification of some
aspect of yourself. As this process unfolds, your own invincibility is cultured.
Then the final seventh book, Uttara Kanda, elevates the entire story to cosmic
dimensions. This book reveals all the secrets — who the characters really are, and
their purpose in playing out their roles in the divine play of Rama Lila. In the process,
you may also gain deeper insights into your own role in this grand play of life.
And so Rama’s story comes to an end. Or does it? The epic began as Rama’s
unknown sons, Kusha and Lava, sing to Rama his history. In the end, the story curves
back upon itself as Rama asks his sons, whom he now knows, to unfold the rest of his
story — a circular loop, bringing out the never-ending, eternal play of the Ramayana.
Perhaps, as it has been said, the Ramayana is an ever-present reality happening at
Produced
every point in creation. If so, we hope
youbyfind this “cosmic biography”, which nourVedic
Audio
Knowledge
(VAK)
ishes the light of life, inside
your
very
own Self.
Enjoy!
306 E.
Fairfield, IA 52556 USA
Volume III also features
a Madison,
new voice—Michael
Sternfeld—who was the producer
To order cassettes, call toll-free: (888) 867-4396
and director on Volumes
I
&
II.
His
extensive
knowledge
International: (641) 469-2802 • www.RamayanAudio.comand experience of the
Ramayana enriches this final stroke of the production.
A
The
RAMAYANA
of
VALMIKI
This production is by express permission of
Note: Volume III includesVighneswara
supplementalPublishing
material called
House“Interpolations.” They are called
Interpolations since 19,
it 12th
is uncertain
whether
they
were
part560
of 055
author
Main Rd, Malleswaram West, Bangalore
IndiaValmiki’s original cognition.
There are three groups of Interpolations
that holder
appearofinthe
Book
VII, after Canto 23, 37, and 59,
exclusive copyright
book
respectively. Each canto
in the
interpolated
groups
is notated
differently than other tracks, by use of
Srimad
Valmiki
Ramayanam
by N.
Raghunathan.
a letter suffix. For example: 7-023A refers to Canto 1 in the first group of Interpolations; 7-023B
refers to the Canto 2 in that group, and so on.
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
Table Of Contents
Note: Each file is notated with the Kanda (book number) first, followed by the Canto (chapter
number). For example: “1-005” refers to Bala Kanda (Book I) Canto #5.
This production is organized into thematic sections with a music interlude at the end of each
section.
Book VI—Yuddha Kanda
Book-Chapter
Kanda-Canto
6-001
6-002
6-003
6-004
6-005
6-006
6-007
6-008
6-009
6-010
6-011
6-012
6-013
6-014
6-015
6-016
6-017
6-018
6-019
6-020
6-021
6-022
6-023
6-024
6-025
6-026
6-027
6-028
6-029
6-030
6-031
6-032
6-033
6-034
6-035
6-036
6-037
Rama Embraces Hanuman
Sugriva Begs Rama Not to Give Way to Depression
Hanuman Describes Lanka’s Defences
Rama Gives Marching Orders
Rama Again Bemoans the Loss of Sita
Ravana Consults with the Chief Rakshasas
His Advisers’ Ignorant Boast
Prahasta Also Talks Boastfully
Vibhishana Alone Counsels Amity with Rama
Vibhishana’s Private Advice
Ravana Holds a Council
Kumbhakarna Censures Him for His Precipitate Action
Ravana Explains Why He Cannot Coerce Sita
Vibhishana Reiterates His Advice
Indrajit Taunts Him
Ravana Reprimands His Brother
Vibhishana Denounces Ravana and Seeks Rama’s Friendship
Rama Answers the Monkeys’ Objection and Gives Vibhishana Asylum
Vibhishana Advises Propitiating the Ocean
Ravana Seeks to Win Over Sugriva
Produced
by
Rama’s Three-Day Fast to Propitiate
the Sea
Nala Builds the Bridge
Vedic Audio Knowledge (VAK)
The Army Crosses Over
306 E. Madison, Fairfield, IA 52556 USA
Rama in Lanka To order cassettes, call toll-free: (888) 867-4396
Shuka and Sarana
Spy Again
International:
(641) 469-2802 • www.RamayanAudio.com
The Chief Apes Described
This
production
More Apes and Bears Described is by express permission of
Shuka Points Out Rama
and Lakshmana
Vighneswara
Publishing House
Ravana Abuses
HisMain
Spies
Praising the
Enemy
19, 12th
Rd,for
Malleswaram
West,
Bangalore 560 055 India
Shardula Adds to His Fears
exclusive
copyright
holder
of the book
Ravana Deceives Sita
Srimad
Valmiki
Ramayanam
by
N.
Raghunathan.
Sita Laments the Imagined Death of Rama
Sarama Tells Her It Is All a Trick
Sarama Overhears Ravana’s Plans and Reports to Sita
Ravana Makes Ready for a Sortie
Ravana Rejects Malyavan’s Advice
Both Sides Make the Army Dispositions
The
RAMAYANA
of
VALMIKI
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
6-038
6-039
6-040
6-041
6-042
6-043
6-044
6-045
6-046
6-047
6-048
6-049
6-050
6-051
6-052
6-053
6-054
6-055
6-056
6-057
6-058
6-059
6-060
6-061
6-062
6-063
6-064
6-065
6-066
6-067
6-068
6-069
6-070
6-071
6-072
6-073
6-074
6-075
6-076
6-077
6-078
6-079
6-080
6-081
6-082
6-083
Rama Ascends the Suvela Mountain
Rama and the Monkeys See Lanka
Sugriva’s Surprise Attack on Ravana
Rama Remonstrates with Sugriva. His Ultimatum to Ravana
The Assault on Lanka
Single Combats
The Fierce Night-Battle
Indrajit’s Magic Weapon, the Nagastra
Rama and Lakshmana Bound by the Nagastra
Sita Shown the Bodies of the Brothers
Sita’s Lament
Rama Grieves Over Lakshmana
Garuda Comes to the Rescue
Dhumraksha Ordered to Fight Hanuman
Hanuman Slays Dhumraksha
Angada Fights with Vajradamshtra
Angada Slays Vajradamshtra
Akampana Attacks Angada
Hanuman Slays Akampana
Prahasta Gives Battle to the Monkeys
Prahasta Slain by Nila
Ravana Leads the Attack
Ravana Orders His Men to Wake Up Kumbhakarna
Kumbhakarna’s History
Ravana’s Appeal to Kumbhakarna
Kumbhakarna Pacifies Ravana Who Is Provoked by His Reproaches
Kumbhakarna Is Rebuked by Mahodara
Kumbhakarna Rebukes Mahodara
Angada Persuades the Ape Chiefs to Fight the Giant
Kumbhakarna Slain Produced by
Ravana’s Lament
Vedic Audio Knowledge (VAK)
His Sons Proceed
to Fight—Narantaka
306 E. Madison,
Fairfield, IA 52556Killed
USA
Devantaka and Others Slain
To order cassettes, call toll-free: (888) 867-4396
Atikaya
Slain by(641)
Lakshmana
International:
469-2802 • www.RamayanAudio.com
Ravana Tightens the Security of Lanka
ThisUses
production
is by express permission of
Indrajit
the Brahmastra
Hanuman Fetches
the Mountain
of Herbs
Vighneswara
Publishing
House
Ravana
Orders
andWest,
Others
to Attack
19, 12th Main
Rd,Kumbha
Malleswaram
Bangalore
560 055 India
Kumbha and Other Rakshasas Slain
exclusive
copyright
holder
of
the
book
Nikumbha Slain
Khara’s
Son
Goes Out
to Fight by N. Raghunathan.
Srimad
Valmiki
Ramayanam
Makaraksha Slain by Rama
Indrajit Goes into Action Again
Indrajit Slays the Phantom Sita
Hanuman Retreats to Report to Rama
Rama’s Grief at Hearing of Sita’s ‘Death’
The
RAMAYANA
of
VALMIKI
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
6-084
6-085
6-086
6-087
6-088
6-089
6-090
6-091
6-092
6-093
6-094
6-095
6-096
6-097
6-098
6-099
6-100
6-101
6-102
6-103
6-104
6-105
6-106
6-107
6-108
6-109
6-110
6-111
6-112
6-113
6-114
6-115
6-116
6-117
6-118
6-119
6-120
6-121
6-122
6-123
6-124
6-125
6-126
6-127
6-128
6-129
Vibhishana Tells Them It Is Trickery
Lakshmana to Fight Indrajit
Lakshmana Interrupts Indrajit’s Black Magic
Vibhishana Rebukes Indrajit
The Fight Begins
The Duel
Vibhishana Takes Part in the Fight
Death of Indrajit
Lakshmana Healed of His Wounds
Ravana Dissuaded from Killing Sita
Rama Uses the Gandharva Astra Again
The Rakshasis’ Lament
Ravana Again Goes Out to Fight
Sugriva Slays Virupaksha
Mahodara Also Slain
Angada Slays Mahaparshva
Ravana’s Asura Missile Foiled
Lakshmana Pierced by Javelin
Hanuman Fetches the Medicinal Herbs Again
Indra Sends His Car to Rama
The Great Battle
Ravana Retreats
He Blames His Charioteer for Withdrawing
Hymn to the Sun
The Chariot Duel
Fight to the Death
Rama Cuts Down a Hundred Heads of Ravana
Death of Ravana
Vibhishana Laments His Brother’s Death
The Rakshasis’ Grief
Produced by
Mandodari’s Lament Vedic Audio Knowledge (VAK)
Vibhishana Crowned King of Lanka
306 E. Madison, Fairfield, IA 52556 USA
Hanuman Sent to Maithili
To order cassettes, call toll-free: (888) 867-4396
Sita Sees Rama
International: (641) 469-2802 • www.RamayanAudio.com
Rama Repudiates Sita
This
production
is by
Sita, Stung to the
Quick,
Falls into
theexpress
Fire permission of
The Great Gods WaitVighneswara
Upon Rama Publishing House
Fire Delivers Up Sita Safely
19, 12th Main Rd, Malleswaram West, Bangalore 560 055 India
Mahadeva’s Exhortation
exclusive
copyright holder of the book
Indra Revives All the
Dead Vanaras
Rama Takes Srimad
Leave of
Vibhishana
Valmiki
Ramayanam by N. Raghunathan.
Rama Leaves for Home
Rama Shows Sita the Principal Places on the Route
Rama Reaches Bharadwaja’s Hermitage
Rama Sends Hanuman to Bharata
Bharata Questions Hanuman
The
RAMAYANA
of
VALMIKI
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
6-130
6-131
The Reunion of the Brothers
The Coronation of Sri Ramachandra
Book VII — Uttara Kanda
Book-Chapter
Kanda-Canto
7-001
7-002
7-003
7-004
7-005
7-006
7-007
7-008
7-009
7-010
7-011
7-012
7-013
7-014
7-015
7-016
7-017
7-018
7-019
7-020
7-021
7-022
7-023
1st Interpolation
7-023A
7-023B
7-023C
7-023D
7-023E
7-024
7-025
7-026
7-027
7-028
7-029
7-030
7-031
7-032
The Sages Wait upon Rama
The Story of Ravana’s Origin
The Birth of Vaishravana
Ancient History of the Rakshasas
The Birth of Malyavan and His Brothers
Narayana Resolves on Destroying the Rakshasas
Mali Slain
Malyavan Routed Retires to Patala
Sumali’s Daughter Solicits Vishravas
The Brothers Practise Austerities
Sumali Instigates Ravana to Demand Lanka of Kubera
Marriage of Ravana, His Brothers and Sisters
Ravana Kills Kubera’s Messenger
Ravana Invades Kailasa
Kubera Defeated by Ravana
Ravana, His Hands Caught under the Kailasa, Propitiates Shiva
Ravana is Cursed by Vedavati
Ravana’s Encounter with Marutta
Many Kings Submit to Ravana
Urged On by Narada Ravana Goes to Fight Yama
Ravana Routs Yama’s Forces
Brahma Saves Ravana from Yama’s Death-Dealing Rod
Produced
Ravana Makes Friends
with thebyNivata-Kavachas
The
RAMAYANA
of
VALMIKI
Vedic Audio Knowledge (VAK)
306Bali
E. Madison, Fairfield, IA 52556 USA
Ravana and
The Sun-God
Defeat
To orderAcknowledges
cassettes, call toll-free:
(888) 867-4396
International:
(641) 469-2802 • www.RamayanAudio.com
Fight
with Mandhata
The Litany in Praise of Pashupati
This production is by express permission of
He Beholds Narayana in Patala
Vighneswara Publishing House
Surpanakha
19, 12th Main Widowed
Rd, Malleswaram West, Bangalore 560 055 India
Ravana Makes Friends with Madhu
exclusive
copyright holder of the book
Ravana Coerces Rambha
Srimad
Valmiki Ramayanam by N. Raghunathan.
Sumali
Slain
Indrajit Fights the Gods
Brahma Intercedes for Release of Indra
Brahma Gets Indra Released
Ravana Worships Shiva
Kartaviryarjuna Humiliates Him
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
7-033
7-034
7-035
7-036
7-037
2nd Interpolation
7-037A
7-037B
7-037C
7-037D
7-037E
7-038
7-039
7-040
7-041
7-042
7-043
7-044
7-045
7-046
7-047
7-048
7-049
7-050
7-051
7-052
7-053
7-054
7-055
7-056
7-057
7-058
7-059
3rd Interpolation
7-059A
7-059B
7-059C
7-060
7-061
7-062
7-063
7-064
7-065
7-066
Ravana Released
Vali and Ravana
Why Hanuman Did Not Know His Own Strength
Brahma Grants Hanuman Boons
Rama’s Daily Routine
Who Was Rksharajas?
Ravana Asks Sanatkumara About the All-Highest
Sanatkumara Foretells Rama’s Incarnation
Narada Concludes the Story
Ravana’s Discomfiture at Shveta-Dvipa
Rama’s Friends and Allies Return Home
Apes and Bears Enjoy Themselves
The Apes and the Bears Go Home
The Pushpaka Placed at Rama’s Service
Sita, Pregnant, Wishes to Visit the Hermitages
Rama Hears of the City Folk Blaming Him for Accepting Sita
Rama Summons His Brothers
Sita Exiled
Sita and Lakshmana Cross the Ganga
Lakshmana Tells Sita of Rama’s Order
Sita’s Charge to Lakshmana
Valmiki Takes Sita to His Hermitage
Sumantra Tells Lakshmana What Durvasas Had Foretold
Durvasas Tells Dasharatha About the Future of His Family
Lakshmana Back in Ayodhya
Rama Tells the Story of Nrga
Nrga Expiates
The Tale of Nimi and Vasishta Produced by
How They Had to Give
Up Audio
Their Bodies
Vedic
Knowledge (VAK)
How They Got Bodies
Again
306 E. Madison, Fairfield, IA 52556 USA
Yayati’s Story
To order cassettes, call toll-free: (888) 867-4396
Puru Takes upon Himself His Father’s Premature Old Age
The
RAMAYANA
of
VALMIKI
International: (641) 469-2802 • www.RamayanAudio.com
This production is by express permission of
A Dog Appeals to Rama for Justice
Vighneswara
Publishing House
Its Case Against the Brahmana
Mendicant
The Owl and
the Vulture
19, 12th
Main Rd, Malleswaram West, Bangalore 560 055 India
exclusive
holder of the book
Sages from the Yamuna
Waitcopyright
upon Rama
Valmiki Ramayanam by N. Raghunathan.
Shiva’s BoonSrimad
to Lavana
Lavana’s Atrocities
Shatrughna Ordered to Slay Lavana and Rule Madhuvana
Rama Tells Him How to Fight Lavana
Shatrughna in Valmiki’s Hermitage
The Birth of Rama’s Sons
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
7-067
7-068
7-069
7-070
7-071
7-072
7-073
7-074
7-075
7-076
7-077
7-078
7-079
7-080
7-081
7-082
7-083
7-084
7-085
7-086
7-087
7-088
7-089
7-090
7-091
7-092
7-093
7-094
7-095
7-096
7-097
7-098
7-099
7-100
7-101
7-102
7-103
7-104
7-105
7-106
7-107
7-108
7-109
7-110
7-111
Shatrughna Intercepts Lavana’s Entry into His City
Shatrughna Challenges Lavana to a Duel
Lavana Slain
Shatrughna Goes to See Rama after Twelve Years
Shatrughna Listens to the Singing of Rama’s Story
Shatrughna Returns after a Week
A Brahmana Child’s Death
Narada Says that the Cause is Shambuka’s Tapas
Rama Questions Shambuka
The Erring Shambuka Slain
Agastya Tells How He Got the Jewel
Sveta Tells of His Transgression
History of Ikshvaku’s Son Danda
Danda Misbehaves with Bhargava’s Daughter
How the Dandaka Came to be Cursed
Rama Returns to Ayodhya
On Bharata’s Advice Rama Decides Not to Offer the Rajasuya Sacrifice
Lakshmana Recounts Vrittra’s History
Ashvamedha as Expiation for Brahmana-Murder
How Indra was Redeemed
Rama on the Story of Ila
Ila’s Transformation
Ila and Budha
Ila Recovers His Manhood by Ashvamedha
Rama Invites Brahmanas and Kings to the Asvamedha
A Year of Feasting
Valmiki and Disciples Come to the Sacrifice
The Boys Sing the Ramayana
Sita to Swear to Her Innocence
Produced
by
Valmiki Testifies to Sita’s
Chastity
The Earth Vedic
OpensAudio
and Sita
Enters (VAK)
Knowledge
Rama in His
Is Consoled
306 Grief
E. Madison,
Fairfield,by
IABrahma
52556 USA
The Passing of Dasharatha’s Queens
To order cassettes, call toll-free: (888) 867-4396
Yudhajit’s
Message
International:
(641) 469-2802 • www.RamayanAudio.com
Bharata’s Sons Conquer the Country of the Gandharvas
by Lakshmana’s
express permission
Two This
Citiesproduction
Establishedisfor
Sons of
Time, the Destroyer,
Waits
upon Rama
Vighneswara
Publishing
House
Brahma
AsksRd,
Rama
to ComeWest,
BackBangalore
to Heaven
19, 12th Main
Malleswaram
560 055 India
Durvasas Comes to See Rama
exclusive
copyright
holder
of
the
book
Lakshmana Departs for Vaikunta
AllSrimad
Ayodhya
Wishes
to Go with by
Rama
to Heaven
Valmiki
Ramayanam
N. Raghunathan.
Shatrughna Sent For
Rama and His People Start on the Last Journey
A New World Made for Rama’s Devotees
Epilogue
The
RAMAYANA
of
VALMIKI
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
Biographies
The Translator: N. Raghunathan (1893 — 1982)
r. N. Raghunathan was a brilliant writer, a profound scholar in
English and Sanskrit, and the doyen of Indian journalism. After
thirty years as Assistant Editor of The Hindu, the well-known national
English daily of Madras, he retired as Chief Editorial Executive in
1957. At the age when most individuals would have retired comfortably,
Mr. Raghunathan undertook the monumental task of translating both
Srimad Bhagavatam and Srimad Valmiki Ramayanam from Sanskrit into
English. After a decade of work and well into his eighties, and with
failing health, Mr. Raghunathan devotedly completed his translation of
the Ramayana shortly before passing on at age 89.
There is perennial vitality in the Ramayana, and N. Raghunathan’s translation in English,
faithful to the original and attuned to modern ears, should help to enliven the age-long tradition
of Vedic knowledge and inspire those outside the tradition with the secret of the eternal charm
of Sita and of the hero in whom goodness and greatness were uniquely combined.
M
The
RAMAYANA
of
VALMIKI
The Producer/Director: Michael Sternfeld
rt inspired from the depths of consciousness has been Michael
Sternfeld’s life-long passion. Michael began his performing career
as a professional dancer with the Chicago Moving Company, and over
the next twenty years went on to produce, direct and/or perform in over
four hundred theater, music, dance, video and performance art events.
After returning to graduate
school
Produced
by to earn an M.A. in Vedic Studies, he
discovered the
Ramayana.
He went on
to co-direct a full theatrical proVedic
Audio Knowledge
(VAK)
duction of the
Ramayana,
created
an
educational
program for students
306 E. Madison, Fairfield, IA 52556 USA
called RamQuest,
and developed
Hero’s Quest, an outdoor theme
To order cassettes,
call toll-free:The
(888) 867-4396
park based
upon (641)
themes
from• www.RamayanAudio.com
the Ramayana. He has also produced
International:
469-2802
numerous
books, isincluding
collection of
of stories from the
Thisaudio
production
by expressa permission
Upanishads and several volumes of Panchatantra stories for children. His work on this producVighneswara Publishing House
tion was awarded the “2004 Outstanding Project of the Year” by the National Endowment for
19, 12th Main Rd, Malleswaram West, Bangalore 560 055 India
the Humanities and Humanities Iowa. Michael continues to lecture, teach, and publish in the
areas of myth and world literature. exclusive copyright holder of the book
A
Srimad Valmiki Ramayanam by N. Raghunathan.
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
The Readers
Richard Ross (Volume I)
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
ichard Ross is an artist, singer, and actor whose work celebrates the
revival of Vedic knowledge — knowledge which, when applied to the
arts, illumines the link between the higher states of consciousness and artistic fulfillment. For the past twenty five years he has been a member of
Purusha, a group o single men dedicated to creating enlightenment for
themselves and peace and prosperity for the world.
R
Stephen White (Volume II)
SThe
tephen White is a graduate of the Trinity Rep. Theatre
Conservatory in Providence, Rhode Island, and the British
American Acting Academy in London. He has worked as an actor,
director, and stage combat fight choreographer with the Camden
Shakespeare Co., the National Shakespeare Co., the Montana
Shakespeare Co., Washington D.C.,’s Arena Stage, Seattle’s Group
Theatre and many others, including three of his own theater companies
in Fairfield, Iowa. Stephen, a long-time practitioner and teacher of
Transcendental Meditation®, is originally from Los Angeles, where his
father was a cameraman for Cecille B. DeMille and his uncles were pioneer film producers and
directors in the “Golden Age” of Hollywood.
RAMAYANA
of
VALMIKI
Produced by
Michael Sternfeld (Volume III)
Vedic Audio
Knowledge
(VAK)
fter being the Director of Volumes
I and
II of this production,
Michael switched to the other side
E. Madison,
Fairfield,III
IA(see
52556biographical
USA
of the microphone as the306
Reader
on Volume
notes at left).
To order cassettes, call toll-free: (888) 867-4396
International:
(641)(Volume
469-2802 • www.RamayanAudio.com
Director
III): Scott Smith
A
This production
by express
of between art and the nature of
s an ardentisexplorer
of permission
the relationship
Vighneswara
Publishing
life, Scott Rodman
SmithHouse
has expressed his talents in the fields of writ-
A
19, 12thing,
Mainvisual
Rd, Malleswaram
West, Bangalore
560 055and
India
arts, performing
arts, music,
the pure spoken word. He has
performed
on stage and
film,
during an eight -year sojourn in Hong
exclusive copyright
holder
of and
the book
Kong,
directed
the dubbing
Asian films into English. He has also voiced
Srimad
Valmiki
Ramayanam
by N.ofRaghunathan.
several ESL proficiency tapes for Oxford University Press and Macmillan
Publishers Limited. A longtime practitioner of the Transcendental
Meditation® program, Scott became a teacher of the program in 1975. Scott
is currently flexing his creative muscles in the visual arts and working to foster a deeper appreciation of art in society as a necessity for spiritual transformation.
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
Credits
ith deepest gratitude to Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, who has kindled the Light of Life within
us, and inspired us to experience the truth of the Veda and Vedic literature in our own
hearts.
W
Producer/Director
Digital Remastering/Project Mentor
Audio Consultant
Project Consultant
Production Assistant
Mastering
Graphic Design
Michael Sternfeld
Allen Cobb
Tim Britton, Pied Piper Productions
Jeffrey Hedquist, Hedquist Productions Inc.
Richard Rosen
RSRT Inc. & World Media Group
Richard Ross & Allen Cobb
Acknowledgements
The
n memory and honor of my mother, who inspired greatness…and to my father, who taught me
the value of perseverance.
I
RAMAYANA
VALMIKI
This production made possible, in part, by major grants by Humanities Iowa and the National
Endowment for the Humanities.
of
Vedic Audio Knowledge (VAK) wishes to give heartfelt thanks to all those who have helped
to make this production possible. Most special thanks goes to Allen Cobb for his extraordinary
patience throughout the digital remastering process, and to Rick Rosen for his continued service
way beyond the call of duty during the entire production. Deep appreciation goes to Katherine
Lawrence for all her love and support, and to the many supportive people behind the scenes—
Cherie Sampson, Lu Wiggins, Shanti Iskra, Bruce Grady, the Bargerstocks, Michael Chelnov,
Gary Todt, Heavenly Mountain Resort, Dr. Tom
Egenesbyand Amita Nathwani for pronunciation
Produced
coaching, David Sykes for legal counsel,
Eileen
Elsinger
for grant
Vedic Audio Knowledge
(VAK)writing, Royal Scanlon at
RSRT and Bill Kardokus at World Media
Group
for
superb
engineering,
and to the entire Hoose
306 E. Madison, Fairfield, IA 52556 USA
family for graphic and technical support,
especially
Scott
Smith
for preserving direction.
To orderand
cassettes,
call toll-free:
(888)
867-4396
Also thanks to Marc LindenInternational:
and the Fairfield
Film• www.RamayanAudio.com
Society for supporting the NEH grant of
(641) 469-2802
Volume III, to Maharishi University of Management, and to the Purusha program for their
This production is by express permission of
silence and support. Special thanks goes to Mr. R. Sethuraman of Vighneswara Publishing
Vighneswarawho
Publishing
House
House and the memory of Mr. N. Balasundaram,
graciously
helped VAK to license and pro19,
12th
Main
Rd,
Malleswaram
West,
Bangalore
560 055 India
duce this historic recording.
exclusive copyright holder of the book
Volumes I and II of the Ramayana were recorded at the Spiritual Center of America and Heavenly
Srimad Valmiki Ramayanam by N. Raghunathan.
Mountain Resort in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Volume III was recorded at Rukmapura
Park Hotel in Vedic City in Fairfield, Iowa.
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
To Order:
Contact
Vedic Audio Knowledge (VAK)
Toll free: 888-867-4396
From outside the USA, call: 641-472-8697
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.RamayanAudio.com
Or write
The
VAK, 306 E. Madison, Fairfield, IA 52556 USA
RAMAYANA
of
VALMIKI
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
For a complete Glossary of Terms used in this recording, send a self-addressed, stamped
envelope and $2.00 to above address.
Under license, Vedic Audio Knowledge holds exclusive production rights to the audio
recording of the book Srimad Valmiki Ramayanam.
This production is by express permission of Vighneswara Publishing House—19, 12th Main
Rd., Malleswaram West, Bangalore 560 055 India—who holds the exclusive copyright on the
book Srimad Valmiki Ramayanam, by N. Raghunathan, published in 3 volumes.
The Ramayana, Volume III, has been
produced
Produced
by under the auspices of the Fairfield Film
Society, a non-profit organization.
Vedic Audio Knowledge (VAK)
Duplication of these tapes
is Madison,
prohibited
by law;
no part
306 E.
Fairfield,
IA 52556
USA of this program may be reproduced
in any form without permission
thecall
producer
and867-4396
the copyright holder.
To orderfrom
cassettes,
toll-free: (888)
International:
(641) in
469-2802
• www.RamayanAudio.com
The views or findings
expressed
this production
do not necessarily represent the view of
production
is by express
permission
of
Humanities Iowa or theThis
National
Endowment
for the
Humanities.
Vighneswara Publishing House
19, 12th Main Rd, Malleswaram West, Bangalore 560 055 India
Notes:
Minor changes in the textexclusive
were made
to accommodate
between the written and spoken word.
copyright
holder ofthetheshift
book
Also, the original Sanskrit
‘tapas’
was used
often in the
of the word ‘austerities’.
Srimad
Valmiki
Ramayanam
byplace
N. Raghunathan.
r;m r;m r;m r;m r;m
Booklet Design: Tara Winkler