SHODASI : SECRETS OF THE RAMAYANA
ENGLISH HINDI
AND TELUGU ORIGINAL
AUTHOR
: SESHENDRA SHARMA
Seshendra
: Visionary Poet of the Millennium
http://seshendrasharma.weebly.com
Books
:
https://kinige.com/author/Gunturu+Seshendra+Sharma
Contact
: Saatyaki S/o Seshendra Sharma
, +91 9441070985 , 7702964402
Ramayana, a replica of Vedas
S. VARADARAJAN
There are several versions of the Sri Ramayana, one of the two
greatest epics. Following Sri Valmiki Ramayana several editions have been
published in various languages, besides scores of commentaries written across
centuries. Late. Gunturu Seshendra Sharma, scholar poet of 20th Century
unearthed secrets of the Ramayana through his popular Telugu book “Shodasi”.
The novelty of nomenclature Shodasi , called Sri Vidya is reflected
, in the 16th Chapter . Sharma’s intellectual depth comes forth in analyzing
Sundara Kanda specially through Kundalini Yoga . The author highlights hidden
truth in Valmiki’s thought that is similar to Vedas and says that Trijata’s
dream in Sundara Kanda reflects Gayatri Mantra of 32 Syllabi in 4 lines. Sharma
pays rich encomiums in the description of Lanka surrounded by three impregnable
borders. He compares these three borders with Trikuta viz... Shakti ,
Kaamaraaja , Vagbhava Kutas with those of Sri Vidya in Kundalini . A staunch
believer of Vedas, the author feels that Ramayana is a replica of Vedas and
oriented towards the character of Indra . He concludes that in Ramayana the
mentioning of the supreme God is Indra and not Vishnu, as the presiding deity
of valour in Vedas. Utterances of the word Vishnu were considered to be
imaginary overstatements in the author’s view.
This book lends a new perspective to the Ramayana by adding the
dimension of Kundalini Yoga .
The foreword by Vishwanatha Satyanarayana adds credibility to the
book. The current work is an English translation of the original by Gurujada
Suryanarayana Murthy , a scientist by profession . His proficiency in the
subject is evident in the translation throughout that doesn’t swerve from the
original’s purport.
The Hindu
(Friday Review: 2nd October 2015)
A Resplendent Icon of all Arts
This is an exemplary book which elevated the status of Indian
Literary Criticism to the peaks of the world literature. Shodasi is a name
associated with a great hymn. The title suggests that it’s a book on spiritual
discourse. A reading of this book suggests that the spirit of scientific temper
is critical to comprehend Valmiki’s Srimad Ramayana. Besides this, command on
Vedic or Scriptural knowledge is essential. What does a layman has to say when
a towering personality like Viswanatha Satyanarayana himself extolled the
critical acumen and serious scholarship of Seshendra Sharma.
Sharma has made it crystal clear that unless one has an apparent
understanding of the plot’s context, psyche of the characters, and the milieu
of the bygone days supplemented by extraordinary scholarship, sound knowledge
of phonetics and awareness on contemporary issues; one cannot easily comprehend
the poetic diction of Valmiki. The debate on the phrase “Netraturaha” is a
fitting example. The uniqueness of the title, Sundara kanda, Kundalini Yoga,
Gayatri Mantra secretly hidden in Trijata’s dream sequence, considering The
Bharatha as an image of The Ramayana.... this book is a repository of many such
critical discourses. It is replete with inconceivable and unfathomable issues.
This magnum opus is an invaluable gift to the Telugu literature.
- VIPULA, Viswa Katha Vedika: May 2014
(An exclusive Telugu Monthly Magazine for stories)
Valmiki Ramayana – Greatest Medicine for Mankind
The story of Ramayana is prescribed as textbook for students. Sita
and Rama are worshiped as prime couple. No need to mention about reciting it.
Whether Valmiki was satisfied with simple narration of the story? Seshendra
Sharma denies it.
He analyzed it mentioning that to understand the inner meanings of
Valmiki Ramayana, the scientific knowledge is essential.
The underlying secret of the sage’s mind will be known through the
knowledge of science.
It is the firm opinion of Seshendra that the argument that “the
sciences are for scholars only” is a conspiracy hatched by Selfish scholars and
lazy uneducated persons.
Seshendra who has democratic ideology and conviction on science and
literature informs the public about the secrets of Ramayana expounded by
Valmiki. He explains that Valmiki dedicated ambrosia (The Greatest Medicine)
named “Kundalini Yoga” to the mankind. The poetry in the metre of Anushtup
Sloka is the honey coating to the medicine. It was explained with great
introspection and exemplary scholarship. He concludes that the Ramayana is
older than the Maha Bharatha and it is another form of Veda. Valmiki introduced
the system of meditation in Ramayana. The Introspection and research bent of
mind of Seshendra are spread over in the book in two streams. The exuberant
fragrance of scholarship is experienced throughout the book.
The present generation can understand the scholarship of Seshendra
in Vedas and Mantra Sastra. Seshendra is a poet who has composed unique Ruthu
Ghosha (Cry of the Seasons: Metrical Poetry) and revolutionary free verse
–Mande Suryudu (The Burning Sun).
- Andhra Prabha (Telugu Daily), 24th August 2014.
