Description
Uttarasitacaritama is the first Sanskrit epic composed by Prof. Rewa Prasad Dwivedi ‘Sanatanakavi’ in 10 cantos 800 verses. First edition of this epic was published with the title Sitacaritam in 1968. The poet revised the title of the epic from Sitacaritam to Uttarasitacaritam and its text too, to some extent, in 1990 (6th ed.) presented with Hindi translation.
Uttarasitacaritam is the epic which presents later part of the episode of Ramayana from the coronation of Rama to the disappearance of Sita, when she leaves for heavenly abode herself attaining Abhyuthan Samadhi in the hermitage of Valmiki in the presence of Vashistha, Janaka & of course all the members of royal family. Sita has practiced – (1) the abandonment of Ayodhya and (2) abandonment of her own self.
The plot of Uttarasitacaritam absolutely differs from Ramayana in the depiction of the exile of Sita from Ayodhya. In this epic Sita herself propose to leave the capital when she finds Rama extremely perturbed owing to absurd public remarks against her sanctity. She gives birth to her twin sons at the pious bank of Ganges in the vicinity of Valmiki’s hermitage. Both of them are educated till the chanting of Ramayana in the hermitage itself among almost all the members of royal family.
”The theme of the epic is well chosen and its presentation is competent. The poet has portrayed Sita as a more living and noble souled character than Kalidasa in his 14th Canto of Raghuvansh. The poet has shown all around skill in the poetic art through the authority in grammar, prosody, ideal experience of emotions and the depth in thoughts. Really the Goddess of learning appears to be performing dance on the tongue of the poet”, are the words of renowned scholars Dr. C.D.Deshmukh and Dr. Suniti Krmar Chatterjee about the epic.
Nation’s good is the highest good for the poet. In this spirit Sanatana, in his foreword declares his poem as Rashtra Kavya – A poem on nation on one hand and – Mantra Kavya – a sacred poem like hymn on the other. The theme of the epic bears sentiments of global welfare, which is obviously present through out this epic of Sanantana.
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