India, July 23 -- By Dr. Devdutt Pattanaik - Author, Speaker, Illustrator, Mythologist

Kambaramayanam is one of the most celebrated works of Tamil literature. Composed by the poet Kamban around the ninth century in Tamil Nadu, in the time of Chola kings, it is a lyrical retelling of the Ramayana filled with rich poetry, elaborate metaphors and deep moral reflection.

Though inspired by Valmiki's Sanskrit Ramayana, Kamban's work is not a translation but an independent epic that follows the broad narrative of Valmiki while reshaping the story to reflect Tamil culture, devotional sensibilities and ethical values. As per legend, it was first narrated in the Srirangam temple, located on an island of the Kaveri River.

Valmiki presents Rama pr...