Author: Usha Devi Shukla
Publisher: Motilal Banarsidass
Year: 2002
Language: English
Pages: 228
ISBN/UPC (if available): 8120818938
Description
Gosvami Tulasidasa's Ramacaritarmnasa projected the message of Ramabhakti and ideals of Ramarajya to the world through the forceful medium of Awadhi. Three hundred years following its composition, the Ramacaritaramanasa was carried to all parts of the world by indentured laborers from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. From 1860 to 1911, many thousands of these laborers arrived in South Africa with their copies of the Ramacaritamanasa as their pillar of Faith.
This book details the role of the Ramacaritamanasa in the lives of Hindi-speaking indentured laborers and their progeny in South Africa; and their perceptions of Sri Rama and the Ramacaritamanasa. It emerges that the Ramacaritamanasa continues to fulfill Tulasidasa's aim of inculcating selfless devotion to Sri Rama as the Supreme. The social and political message of Tulasidas also has gained tremendous acclaim.
The South African Hindus of Hindi-speaking origin cherish the Ramcaritamanasa as scripture, and delve deep into the lake of Sri Rama's Acts to gain solace and guidance. Its role as an agent of religion-cultural continuity amongst Hindi-speaking Hindus clearly indicates its importance in the years to come.
Contents
Preface
Acknowledgements
List of Tables
Scheme of Romanization of Words in Nagari
CHAPTER ONE:
Introduction
CHAPTER TWO:
The Evolution of the Rama Story and the Bhakti Movement
CHAPTER THREE:
Gosvami Tulasidasa and the Ramacaritamanasa
CHAPTER FOUR:
The Ramacaritamanasa and the Early Settlers in South Africa
CHAPTER FIVE:
Present Day Perceptions of The Ramacaritamanasa
CHAPTER SIX:
Conclusion
Appendices
I. Hanuman Arati by Swami Ramananda
II Invocation of Tulasidasa by Nanadasa
III Eulogy of Tulasidasa and his Ramacaritamanasa by Ruradasa
IV Eulogy of Tulasidasa and his Ramacaritamanasa by Rasakhan
V Sri Rama Bhajan by Pandit Ramnath Shukla
VI Sir Ramayanaji ki Arati by Gosvami Tulasidasa
Bibliography
Index