10 Surprising difference between  Ramayan  and  Ram Charit Manas

Botanical study confirmed the Ramayana to be non-mythical. Devotees prioritize faith over historical fact. The popularity of the original Ramayan led to versions like 'Ram Charit Manas' by Tulsidas, which were criticized for being in Awadhi.

Despite skepticism, an incident in a temple promoted the acceptance of Ram Charit Manas among Hindus. The story, sharing its origins with the original Ramayana, introduces unique elements.

Here are the main differences between Valmiki's Ramayana and Tulsidas's Ram Charit Manas:" unique events like swayamvara, Lakshmana Rekha and an extended Uttara Kanda in Ram Charita Manas.

Ramayan

This story highlights 10 surprising differences between these two literary masterpieces.

Ram Charit Mana

Valmiki's Ramayana portrays Ram as a human who earns godly status through his actions. Tulsidas's Ram Charit Manas emphasizes Ram as a god who descends to earth, known to all as an incarnation of Vishnu.

Ram - An Incarnation of Vishnu:

Valmiki's Ramayana mentions King Dashratha having 353 wives. Tulsidas's Ram Charit Manas narrows it down to three chief queens: Kausalya, Sumitra, and Kaikeyi.

Wives of King Dashratha:

Ram Charit Manas provides a detailed account of Sita's Swayamvar, a practice absent in Valmiki's Ramayana.

Swayamvar of Sita:

In Tulsidas's version, Lord Parashuram appears during the Swayamvar, threatening consequences. In Valmiki's Ramayana, Parashuram appears at Ram and Sita's wedding, expressing his discontent.

Entry of Parashuram:

The iconic Lakshman Rekha episode is not present in Valmiki's Ramayana but is detailed in Ram Charit Manas.

Lakshman Rekha:

Tulsidas's version introduces a unique perspective, suggesting Sita was never actually kidnapped; it was a reflection taken by Ravan.

Sita's Abduction:

Valmiki's Ramayana describes mentions Varnas as forest man, leaving the form open to interpretation. Ram Charit Manas describes Hanuman as a monkey.

Hanuman as Vaner

Ram Charit Manas describes Ravan fighting Ram on the first day of the war, an event absent in Valmiki's Ramayana.

The Fight Between  Ram and Ravan:

In Valmiki Ramayana, Ram defeated Ravan with a single arrow that pierced his chest, leading to Ravan’s demise. Tulsidas's version elaborates on the killing of Ravan, involving arrows targeting his navel.

Ravana’s destruction

Ram Charit Manas extends the narrative with the exile of Sita, the birth of twins Luv and Kush, and Sita's descent to Mother Earth. This part, known as Uttar Kand, is not present in Valmiki's Ramayana.

Uttar Kand:

In the contemporary era, both the Ramayan and Ram Charit Manas continue to exert their influence. Both share a common narrative foundation, their differences in language, reception, and cultural impact make each a unique masterpiece.