Ramayana Bridge Seen From Space
I first became acquainted with the Ramayana when someone lent me a translation many years ago, written in rhyming couplets. It was originally written in rhyming couplets, but in Sanskrit, by the sage Valmiki.
I wish I had taken note of the translator, as I have never found a more charming version. The beauty of the writing alone made tears obscure my view of the pages. The story itself is in turns intensely moving and jaw-droppingly thrilling, studded with spiritual lessons which have endured their journey through time. The heart it warms is broken on the next page, and on the next made whole again. Passages of the sweetest purest devotion sit beside almost shocking displays of heroism.
Rama was a virtuous and spiritually evolved Indian prince, forced into exile by his jealous stepmother so her younger son might take the throne. Luckily that son was quite spiritually evolved himself and wouldn’t take the throne from its rightful heir, but that didn’t stop Rama dutifully doing time in the forest.
Rama was accompanied by his wife Sita and his devoted brother Lakshmana. Much of the story revolves around the abduction of Sita by Ravana, the monstrous king of Lanka (now Sri Lanka). In order to rescue Sita, Rama built a bridge of stone from India, with the help of an army of monkeys led by his greatest devotee Hanuman (the monkey god pictured at his feet).
There are many beautiful stories surrounding the building of the bridge. Some say Hanuman wrote the name of Rama on each stone before it was laid, and that his devotion gave the bridge its strength. Some say a spider carried tiny pebbles on its back to add to the cause. Rama was delighted with the spider because it was using its full capacity, however small. Some say the gods made the stones float, others say the gods held them steady so the army could cross. There are so many versions of the story from so many countries. In one Hanuman uses his tail as a bridge, as he had magical powers allowing him to change his size.
About five years ago NASA released pictures from space which show very clearly a bridge across the gulf between India and Sri Lanka. (They’ve named it Adam’s Bridge, but whatever). This finding has sparked much controversy over the age of the bridge, and whether it is man-made or natural. It has been in the news recently because its protection by devotees of Rama is holding up a proposed ferry crossing.
I am not about to chip in to the debate, as I know nothing of geology. As with Stonehenge and other prehistoric structures, we will probably never know the truth. What I do know is the thrill I got today when I first saw the pictures! As there is no concrete evidence either way, I am holding my fond belief that this is the remains of a legend.
You can see the pictures here.
The Ramayana formed a blockbusting 78-episode TV Series in 1980s India which brought the whole country to a standstill every time an episode came out. I’ve watched the whole thing twice, and the sequel Luv Kush about Rama’s sons. It’s very dated and the effects are like something out of a 60s B-movie, but the devotional lessons shine through victoriously. Put away your Hollywood-honed sensitivities and it is deeply inspiring.
The Ramayana was also the backdrop for the 1995 film A Little Princess. Okay I know it’s a soppy film but I secretly love it. Don’t hold it against me, and definitely don’t tell anybody.
Thanks to Rathin at SriChinmoyInspirationGroup for inspiring this post.
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May 18th, 2007 at 5:56 pm
a very good translation of the Ramayana is “The Song of Ramayana” by Vanamli - available from Blue Dove Press.
Actually, it’s the only version I’ve read, but it really brings the story alive. It’s by the same author as “The Play of God”
May 18th, 2007 at 6:00 pm
Thanks for the recommendation, Richard. The Play of God by Vanamali is one of the best books I’ve ever read, so I’ll definitely look out for this.
May 19th, 2007 at 12:45 am
1995 is almost as long ago now as the Ramayana, so I can no longer recall if I knew the significance of the backdrop of A Little Princess when I saw it—either way it is a good film, although not quite as good as The Secret Garden from two years before—but that would only be my opinion.
Talking of soppy, over the top sentiment and then some, this, or the impression of such, was my initial barrier to getting into the television version of the Ramayana—I had at the time not just Hollywood sensitivities but a university degree in film criticism to overcome!
Do tell us the name of the translation you first read should you ever find it. I’ve been holding off from reading one of humanities true gems for far too long…
May 19th, 2007 at 8:15 am
I’m sure Richard’s recommendation would even surpass my version anyway, John, if The Play Of God is anything to go by.
As for the TV version, I think it’s just a question of getting used to the… um… style of it (and fast-forwarding through the flash backs from previous episodes… and the slow walking along interminable palace corridors…), but I guess that’s easy for me to say not having a film degree
May 19th, 2007 at 9:03 am
Somewhat serendipitously, today I was running with Rathin, on the way back I found a phone but it was full of Japanese characters and I looked around and saw an Asian bookshop. I took the phone in there and then asked about the Ramayana and they showed me a copy which contains rhyming couplets. Romesh C Dutt is the name of the translator:
http://www.sacred-texts.com/hin/dutt/index.htm
May 19th, 2007 at 9:41 am
Thanks Sumangali,for showing the picture of the ancient Bridge.It is a great information for me.
Best wishes.
May 19th, 2007 at 9:49 am
That is truly serendipitous, Alf, I think this is the one! What’s more, I don’t even have to go to a book shop to find it. Thanks a lot!
There you go John, you’ve got a choice now, but don’t let that be an excuse for not reading Musashi for another year. I notice it’s top of Alf’s fave books too.
May 19th, 2007 at 9:51 am
Hi Surjit, thanks for dropping by. Glad you enjoyed the amazing photos!
May 19th, 2007 at 11:29 am
Hi Sumangali,
So nice to see the pictures of Rama’s bridge. I did not realise that all that took place so long ago. If I may ‘weigh-in’ to the book discussion, my favourite is Kamala Subramaniam’s version of the Ramayana. She has also translated the Srimad Bhagavatam and the Mahabarata - beautifully written all of them.
May 19th, 2007 at 9:58 pm
Beautifully constructed, lyrical rhyming couplets are a joy to behold, and not to be lightly dismissed, which means my reading list, as informed by this well-informed readership, is lengthening by the hour: The Play of God, Romesh C. Dutt’s Epic of Rama, Prince of India with said rhyming couplets, and of course the neglected for far too long Musashi. Now I just need to conquer both sleep and procrastination…
May 19th, 2007 at 9:59 pm
Thanks Shardul. I didn’t know Kamala Subramaniam had translated the Ramayana. Can you believe I have had her version of the Mahabharata and Srimad Bhagavatam for nearly ten years and have not even started reading them yet? This is becoming a formidable reading list!
May 23rd, 2007 at 7:41 am
Your blog has a bright, clear concept to it. I found you via, Camille and glad that I did.
October 17th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
As for the TV version, I think it’s just a question of getting used to the… um… style of it (and fast-forwarding through the flash backs from previous episodes…my favorite is Kamala Subramaniam’s version of the Ramayana. Actually, it’s the only version I’ve read, but it really brings the story alive. It’s by the same author as “The Play of God”