Curses and Boons (In The Valmiki Ramayana)

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About the Book

The two epics - the Ramayana and the _ Mahabharata have been studied in India and other countries from various angles. But the systematic study of curses and boons in Ramayana is, I think, done for the first time in Marathi by the learned author Prof. S.R. Bhide. He has carried on the studies in the classical Sanskrit epic-epics of growth-on a very large canvas. His books on the characters having mysterious births and the suicide in the Ramayana have already attained a great name in Marathi literature. This is an attempt of translating his original Marathi book on curses and boons in the Ramayana into English. It is hoped that this book will start new trends in the epic studies.

About the Author

Dr. P.G. Lalye, born on 27-6-1928, M.h. (Sanskrit and Hindi) Ph.D. He is winner of Natu Prize for securing the highest rank in M.A. He retired as Professor & Head, Dept. of Sanskrit, Osmania Univer- sity, Hyderabad, 1988. He got award from Govt. of Maharashtra in 1999 and was awarded President's Certificate of Honour on 15th August 2000. He remained Chairman, Executive Board of the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute, Pune from 1999-2005 and had written seven books and published about 70 research articles. He is closely acquainted with English, Sanskrit, Marathi, Hindi and Telugu. He visited about twenty five universities for deliver- ing lectures, evaluating Ph.D. thesis and conducting Viva-voice examinations. His latest publication is a book on Mallinatha, published by Sahitya Academy, New Delhi.

Preface

'Translation is an art which cannot be easily developed or mastered. Though I have some experience in doing translation, I cannot proudly say that I have mastered the art of translating. It is out of reverence that I became ready to undertake the work of rendering the Marathi work entitled 'Ramayanatil Sapa ani varadana' written by Prof. S.R. Bhide into English, an eminent scholar of Sanskrit and Marathi epics. I conceded to his request of translating the book into English. I hazarded to undertake the translation of the work. I got it examined by Prof. Bhide. I incorporated all the suggestions and modifications suggested by him. When I was thinking of getting the book published, I was extremely shocked to hear the sad demise of Prof. Bhide. I am now trying to get this translated version published with a desire to offer it as an humble tribute to the great scholar. It is now published with the benedictions and silent blessings of Prof. Bhide. I am indebted to Shri C.P. Gautam of Bharatiya Kala Prakashan, Delhi who has undertaken the task of printing and publishing this work.

The scholars of both the epics. The Ramayana and the Mahabharata, are aware of the fact that the story of both the epics takes many twists and turns, owing to the curses and boons which constitute, as it were, as it wharfs and whoofs of the fabric of the epics.

I am aware of my own shortcoming. I always keep in mind the rules formulated by Briston and Thorndyke for writing a translatable is generally supposed to be beautiful and faithful. I do not speak about the first but I can say with humility that I have tried my level best to be faithful to the assigned work. It is advisable for any translator to remember Bassnett's remark. "Translation is therefore a particularly special activity since it enables a text to continue life in another context and the translated text becomes an original work by virtue of continued existence in that new context. The scholars may decide about my fidelity for the original text."

I found that the book written by Prof. Bhide is first of tis work in Marathi. He has given vent to his original thinking on the subject matter. His introduction describing multi-dimensional aspects of curses and boons are his subtle analytical acumen, is the outstanding asset of the book. He has categorized curses and boons quite logically. He has shown deep insight into the epic events, based on various curses and boons. His knowledge of Indian Mythology is suprisingly thorough. These are some of the merits of his masterpiece that urged or inspired me for this modest English translation. I think that the psychology and methodology behind boons and curses which the events are woven into the epic structure, ably studied by Prof. Bhide should be made available to the non-Marathi knowing students and scholars. I do not arrogate any speciality to myself.

I have not omitted any portion from the text barring a few lines. In the title, the names of those who received boons/curse and who gave them are mentioned. This is the pattern adopted by Prof. Bhide. There are many peculiarities which deserve encomiums, are those of Prof. Bhide only. I am alone responsible for any defect like being lose or being too liberal.

For this enormous work, many scholar friends have rendered valuable help to me. I extend my sincere thanks to the publisher who has done his work satisfactorily according neatness and grandeur to the printed book.

I dedicate this book to the sacred and loving memory of Prof. S.R. Bhide. I hope this topic of curses and boons will inspire scholars to do further studies. Shri R.A. Kadam has prepared a Xerox copy of my work. I am very much thankful to him My wife, Mrs. Sindhu Lalye, has undertaken the tasks of preparing a press copy and going through the proofs carefully. Thanking her will be like thanking myself.

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