Latest news with #Rama
Indian Express
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Ramayana, Mahabharata, Panchatantra turn into audiobooks: Audible teams up with Amar Chitra Katha to retell timeless tales
Audio storytelling platform Audible has partnered with iconic comic book publisher Amar Chitra Katha to release a series of audiobooks featuring epics and heritage stories from the latter's vast catalogue. Founded in 1967 by Anant Pai, Amar Chitra Katha is one of India's oldest comic book companies, widely credited with opening a window into a world where gods, kings, and heroes come alive through colourful illustrations and compelling storytelling. Today, the publisher boasts a library of over 600 titles in 20 languages, covering mythology, history, fables, folklore, and classical Indian literature — and sells over five million copies annually. The English-language audiobook collection, now available on Audible, features 111 epics and folktales based on some of Amar Chitra Katha's most beloved titles. Highlights include the Ramayana series, a riveting retelling of Lord Rama's exile, Sita's abduction, and the climactic war against Ravana, and the Mahabharata series, which narrates the story of the Kurukshetra war through the lives of Krishna, Arjuna, Draupadi, Bhishma, Karna, and more. The popular Panchatantra series, which features timeless fables offering life lessons through stories of kings, sages, and animals, has also been adapted into engaging audio narratives. Just in time for Shravan, Audible has also released the Mahadeva series, which explores mystical tales of Lord Shiva and his divine family, including Parvati and Ganesha. 'For decades, Amar Chitra Katha has brought Indian stories to life through art and text. Through this collaboration with Audible, we're taking that legacy into a new dimension where voice, sound, and emotion add a rich new layer to these tales,' said Reena Puri, executive editor of Amar Chitra Katha. 'Listening to these stories is like returning to the roots of Indian storytelling, when tales were passed down orally through generations.' Actor Rana Daggubati, who is also an investor in Amar Chitra Katha, echoed the sentiment: 'This creative alliance with Audible brings them to life through voice in languages children grow up with, think in, and carry in their hearts. Through audio, we're not just sharing tales, but creating moments of wonder, comfort, and cultural belonging that children can return to anytime, anywhere.' While the audiobooks are currently available in English, Hindi versions are slated for release in September 2025, followed by editions in Marathi, Bengali, Tamil, and Telugu in 2026.
Listly
19 hours ago
- Listly
Nuwara Eliya's Hidden Wonders – Offbeat Adventures in ‘Little England'
Positioned amidst hills and immaculately kept tea estates, the Seetha Amman Temple is steeped in mythology. According to the Ramayana, this is where Sita, consort of Lord Rama, was held by Ravana, infusing the site with profound cultural resonance. The temple is adorned with vividly coloured statues of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman, and is enveloped in a tranquil atmosphere that encourages quiet reflection. Nearby, large rock formations bearing indentations believed to be Hanuman's footprints deepen the intrigue. Hotels such as Heritance Tea Factory offer guided Ramayana Trails that allow deeper exploration.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Friend and devotee
Sri. Ranganji said in a discourse that the Vedas are the oldest literature. The greatness of the Vedas lies in the fact that they are fostered well and remain intact, unchanged or unaltered, as they have been from time immemorial. The Vedas are the definitive testimony to understand dharma (Veda: pramanam dharmasya). The Vedas reside in the hearts of those who recite them by heart, like a God who dwells in the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) of the temple. The Ramayana incorporates many doctrines from the Vedas and provides further insight into the concept of dharma. Ramayana is a prejudice-free literature. The citizens of Ayodhya, who tried to stop their beloved leader, Rama, from heading to the forest, could not succeed and were left grief-stricken, torn, and wrapped in utter gloom. When Rama reached the river Ganga, the chief of the region, Guha, a hunter by profession, came running to greet Rama and extend a hearty welcome. It is but natural for people to see the face value of others and then befriend them. Rama, supreme in all aspects, did not see anything wrong in making friends with Guha. Considering Guha as a coeval, Rama gave him the status of a king (Ramasya Aatma Samassakha). Like a cow secreting milk from its udder to its calf, Rama poured his blessings on Guha. Rama introduced his beloved spouse Sita to Guha as his best friend. Acharya Periavachan Pillai states in his commentary that Rama introduced Sita to Guha so that he would receive the blessings of the Goddess. Rama introduced Lakshmana to Guha as his brother. Rama embraced Guha with a heart filled with joy. Apostle Thirumangaiazhwar prayed to Lord Ranganatha, asking if he was like Guha and whether Lord Ranganatha would embrace him and extend his blessings.
The Hindu
5 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Rama's humility
Raghuveera Gadyam – the very title of Vedanta Desika's work in praise of Rama tells us that Rama was a veera. He was known for His valorous deeds. But in this work, Desika also says Rama sought refuge in Sugreeva, elaborated T.N. Aravamuda Thathachariar in a discourse. Desika praises this surrender of the Lord. Rama was the Supreme One incarnate, and therefore, was capable of granting moksha. That being the case, why should He seek refuge in a mere monkey? It was Desika's intention to highlight Rama's saulabhya (accessibility), and he does so by showing that even if it was a monkey, Rama was kind to him and made him feel that his service to Rama was important. Raghuveera Gadyam follows Valmiki's Ramayana, canto by canto, in praising the auspicious qualities evident in each canto. Desika uses the word 'Saranagataha', while describing Rama's approach to Sugreeva. So where is the source of this idea of Rama's surrender to Sugreeva? It is there in canto seven of Kishkinda Kaanda in Valmiki Ramayana. Rama, appreciating Sugreeva's offer of help, says that Sugreeva's effort is going to be significant in the search for Sita. Sugreeva, even while offering his help to Rama, consoles Him. Sugreeva says that weeping is of no use, and that Rama should stop crying over Sita, who will definitely be rescued. Rama replies that He is grateful for Sugreeva's advice. The whole episode shows the Lord humbling Himself before the monkey king. He does not need Sugreeva's advice, but lends him a patient hearing. That is why Desika draws attention to His swaatantrya, meaning His non-dependence on anyone for anything. For someone who acts independently, and needs no one's help for anything, His manner towards Sugreeva is a rare quality indeed. Hence Desika praises this quality of the Lord.
The Hindu
6 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Hanuman praises Rama
Hanuman narrated the story of Rama to two of His devotees, Sita and Bharatha. When Hanuman met Sita at Asokavana, she was initially perplexed, and wondered whether Ravana was playing another trick, having once appeared as an ascetic, and now posing as a monkey. Hanuman prostrated at the feet of Sita to alleviate her fears and doubts — as Ravana would not prostrate. Sita gained confidence and told Hanuman that she was the daughter-in-law of King Dasaratha, the daughter of King Janaka, and the wife of Rama, who would never injure the feelings of others, and who considered his father's words greater than his own. Sri Damodhara Dikshitar explained in a discourse that, in response, Hanuman identified himself as the messenger of Sri Rama, who had mastered all the Vedas and astras, including the Brahmastra. By this, Hanuman subtly hinted that Rama would defeat Ravana. Following this exchange, Sita told Hanuman that she felt as happy as someone who had lived happily for a hundred years, and requested that Hanuman tell her more about Rama. Hanuman then began to describe Sri Rama thus: 'Rama is radiant like the Sun, yet pleasant to behold like the Moon (hence called Rama Chandran). He is valiant like Vishnu; wise like Bruhaspati, the preceptor of the celestials; and as handsome as Manmatha, the God of love. His sense of justice is always well-directed. Rama is lotus-eyed; his gaze, like honey in a lotus, is filled with divine grace. He enthrals all beings, is compassionate, and matches Mother Earth in patience. Though immensely strong, he remains serene and calm, steadfastly adhering to righteousness. Since your absence, he has observed utmost celibacy.' The poet Bharthru Hari says that four qualities accrue to few people by birth — giving in charity, speaking politely, remaining courageous, and adapting one's speech to the prevailing circumstances. Rama possessed all these unique qualities.
