Revitalizing Heritage: Dr. Shanti’s Tamil Translation of “Janaki Mangal” as a Bridge to India’s Cultural Legacy.

 


Revitalizing Heritage: Dr. Shanti’s Tamil Translation of

“Janaki Mangal” as a Bridge to India’s Cultural Legacy.

                                Prof. S V S S Narayana Raju

Janaki Mangal

Tamil Translation of Janaki Mangal Written by Sant Goswami Tulasidas.

Translator: Dr. Shanti |Viswanathan.

December 2024.

          Janaki Mangal by Saint Goswami Tulsidas is a poetic masterpiece that encapsulates the sacred and joyous wedding of Goddess Sita (Adi-Shakti Bhagwati Janaki) and Lord Ram (Purushottam Bhagwan Shri Ram). Through his sweet and melodious verses, Tulsidas brings to life the blissful moments surrounding this divine union, filling the hearts of readers with devotion and delight.

          The narrative begins with the preparations for the grand swayamvar in the kingdom of Janakpur. Sage Vishwamitra, after completing the fire-sacrifice (yajna) with the help of Ram and Lakshman, takes them to Janakpur under the pretext of showing them the magnificent bow-sacrifice (dhanush-yajna). The heartwarming depiction of Shri Ram breaking the bow of Lord Shiva in the assembly of kings, and Sita gracefully adorning him with the victory garland, forms the centrepiece of this divine tale.

          The text further unfolds with rich details of the sacred wedding rituals. Maharishi Shatanand, the royal priest of Janakpur, is sent to Ayodhya with the auspicious wedding invitation and ceremonial gifts. King Dasharatha, filled with joy, travels to Janakpur with a grand procession. The wedding of Sita and Ram is depicted with deep spiritual symbolism, blending grandeur with simplicity. The union signifies the eternal bond of divine love and dharma.

          After the wedding, the story narrates the joyous departure of the wedding procession. On their way back, the group encounters the resolute sage Parashuram, leading to a dramatic yet respectful exchange with Lord Ram, showcasing Ram's unparalleled grace and humility. The epic concludes with the grand arrival of the wedding party in Ayodhya, where the people celebrate the joyous occasion with heartfelt fervour.

         

          Tulsidas’s Janaki Mangal resonates with themes of devotion, family, and societal harmony. Its lyrical beauty, emotional depth, and spiritual essence make it a mirror of his magnum opus, the Ramcharitmanas. At times, the text directly echoes the verses of the Ramcharitmanas, retaining the same divine charm and authenticity.

          Through Janaki Mangal, Tulsidas immortalizes the celestial marriage of Sita and Ram, presenting it as a source of inspiration and a pathway to spiritual awakening for generations to come. It remains a cherished gem in the treasury of devotional literature, a timeless celebration of love, faith, and divine grace.

          Dr. Shanti’s Tamil Translation of Janaki Mangal: A Beacon for the Indian Knowledge System and National Education Policy

          The Tamil prose translation of Goswami Tulsidas's Janaki Mangal by Dr. Shanti is a remarkable contribution to Indian literature and cultural integration. This translation not only brings the spiritual and poetic richness of the original text to Tamil-speaking audiences but also aligns seamlessly with the goals of the Indian Knowledge System (IKS) and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

          Dr. Shanti employs a meticulous translation methodology rooted in linguistic fidelity, cultural sensitivity, and narrative coherence. By rendering the text in prose form, she ensures that the poetic essence of Janaki Mangal remains accessible while making the narrative comprehensible for modern readers. Her approach involves:

          Retaining the spiritual and cultural ethos of Tulsidas’s work while adapting idiomatic expressions and stylistic nuances to suit Tamil sensibilities. Using lucid and contemporary Tamil prose, making the translation suitable for readers of all age groups, including young learners and scholars. Adding explanations and notes to bridge cultural and historical gaps, enabling readers to grasp the deeper meanings of the text.

          Highlighting themes of dharma, devotion, and family values that transcend linguistic and cultural boundaries, making the text relevant in diverse contexts. The translation contributes significantly to the Indian Knowledge System by:

          Promoting Linguistic Integration: Bridging the North-South cultural divide, it reinforces the unity of India’s diverse linguistic heritage. Reviving the spiritual and moral lessons embedded in Janaki Mangal, it helps preserve India’s timeless knowledge traditions. The text interweaves history, philosophy, literature, and ethics, aligning with the multidisciplinary approach of Indian Knowledge System.

          Dr. Shanti’s translation is a valuable educational tool, addressing key objectives of the National Education Policy 2020.By translating a Hindi classic into Tamil, the work underscores the NEP’s emphasis on nurturing Indian languages. The text offers insights into literature, history, spirituality, and ethics, fostering holistic learning. Students and scholars gain a deeper understanding of India’s rich heritage, encouraging pride and respect for cultural diversity.

 

 

 

          The moral and ethical lessons in Janaki Mangal align with NEP’s focus on instilling values and character building. In today’s globalized yet fragmented world, Dr. Shanti’s translation is a unifying force, resonating with modern audiences while staying true to India’s spiritual and cultural roots. It serves as a tool for:

          Educators: Enhancing curriculum content with culturally rich materials.

          Students: Providing access to classical texts in regional languages, fostering multilingual competencies.

          Researchers: Offering fresh perspectives for comparative studies in literature and philosophy.

          Dr. Shanti’s Tamil translation of Janaki Mangal exemplifies how ancient texts can be revitalized for contemporary audiences through thoughtful and methodical translation. It embodies the spirit of the Indian Knowledge System and complements the National Education Policy by promoting linguistic unity, cultural pride, and value-based education. This work is not merely a translation but a bridge between India’s past and its present, guiding future generations toward a deeper appreciation of their heritage.

          My Heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Shanti, Professor, Department of Hindi, Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Deemed to be University, Coimbatore, for this remarkable translation of Janaki Mangal. Your work beautifully bridges our rich heritage with modern audiences, inspiring pride and understanding in our cultural legacy. Best wishes for continued success in your literary journey.

 

 


 

 

 

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