Historic Manuscript of Vālmīkirāmāyaṇam Donated to Ayodhya Museum

In a significant cultural transfer, a 233-year-old manuscript of the Vālmīkirāmāyaṇam was handed over by Prof. Shrinivasa Varakhedi, the Vice Chancellor of Central Sanskrit University, to Shri Nripendra Misra, the Chairman of the Executive Council of the Prime Ministers Museum and Library. This remarkable event took place at Teen Murti, signifying a step forward in preserving India’s rich literary heritage.

The manuscript, which includes a classical commentary known as Tattvadīpikāṭīkā by Maheshvara Tīrtha, is a treasure of Indian literature written in Sanskrit using Devanāgarī script. Dating back to Vikrama Saṁvat 1849, or 1792 CE, this artifact represents a rare and preserved tradition associated with the revered epic, the Rāmāyaṇa. The text includes five main kāṇḍas: Bālakāṇḍa, Araṇyakāṇḍa, Kiṣkindhākāṇḍa, Sundarakāṇḍa, and Yuddhakāṇḍa, which together depict the profound narrative and philosophical essence of the Itihāsa.

Previously on loan to Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, the manuscript has now been permanently gifted to the Antarrashtriya Ram Katha Sangrahalaya (International Ram Katha Museum) located in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. This notable gesture is intended to bolster the museum’s status as a global hub for Rāmāyaṇa heritage, ensuring that the public can access and appreciate this essential part of Indian culture.

Prof. Varakhedi expressed, “This gift immortalizes the profound wisdom of the Valmiki Ramayana, making it accessible to scholars, devotees, and visitors worldwide in the sacred city of Ayodhya.” His comments reflect the manuscript’s significance not just for academics but for anyone deeply connected with the epic’s teachings.

In response, Shri Nripendra Misra remarked, “The donation of this rare manuscript of the Valmiki Ramayana to the Ram Katha Sangrahalaya at Ayodhya is a landmark moment for the devotees of Ram and the temple complex at Ayodhya.” His statement highlights the importance of the manuscript as a cultural artifact that strengthens the ties between devotees and their heritage.

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