As someone who was brought up reading the Ramayana and Mahabharata, I can attest that the authenticity of this work is commendable. This commentary did not alter the message or the verses of the original script but rather just provided additional information, almost like a story. Despite this being a religious commentary, its unbiased nature makes it very appealing. There are several times where …. Paradise Lost, Iliad, and other texts have been used to make the commentary more relatable and easier to understand. Several literary sources from ancient and medieval India have been examined and fact-checked. The Sanskrit words and chants that may be difficult to understand and pronounce are translated and explained. I expected the book to be a little boring; however, told like a story, it was thought-provoking and entertaining. The book has been professionally edited, with only a few errors that I could find. There was nothing to dislike about the book since I found it very useful and full of information about the Ramayana. I recommend this book to people who are curious about mythology. Academic researchers will find this book to be most helpful. Though I felt that Hindus would find this book most suitable, it can be read by anyone who wants to gain a better understanding of Hinduism. Considering all the above arguments, I rate Valmiki Ramayana, A Commentary (II) Edition by Lakkaraju Ananta Rama Rao (Late) five out of five stars.

Before diving in the mainstream narrative of Ramayana, it is recommended to go through this commentary ........ Another glorious aspect of this book is it’s in between comparative study of Ramayana with West’s literature through the work of Homer, Virgil, Milton, and many more. The author’s insights and knowledge about the vast cast of characters from main to auxiliary to mega events to sparking pinpoints is all tremendous, worth applauding. You would feel that he is all encompassing. This must be revered and savored to keep our historical and cultural heritage get going. A great work for current to upcoming generations!

This book on Ramayana is based on the original Sanskrit epic by poet Valmiki. What distinguishes this book is that the author has summarized the story, for the reader’s benefit, and has gone on to give a longer commentary. He also makes useful comparisons with Western epics and classics. Rama Rao’s version is well suited to a global audience, especially the youth. I commend it to all schools, colleges and institutes, universities, and public libraries. It also deserves to be cherished as a family heirloom. It will make a wonderful gift on occasions like birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, etc. It can enhance intercultural understanding. It can foster global peace and welfare. It needs to be translated into several languages. It will be a treasure and anchor in old age.