Significance of Uttarakanda
Uttarakanda is recognized as the last book of the Ramayana, encompassing the events following the main narrative of Rama's life. It discusses themes of power, mercy, and liberation, and ties together loose ends while providing additional character information. Opinions vary on its authorship and structure, with some considering it a spurious addition due to its complex textual history. Critics like M. Sen and Sri Aurobindo Ghose view it as a later addition, focusing on supernatural elements.
In Dutch: Uttarakanda; In German: Uttarakanda; In Finnish: Uttarakanda; In Spanish: Uttarakanda
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Uttarakanda'
Uttarakanda in Hinduism is interpreted as the last book of the Ramayana, addressing events post-main narrative, tying together loose ends, and exploring themes of power, mercy, and liberation within Valmiki's epic structure.
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Part of the Shri Ramayana that discusses events and implies the continuing themes of power, mercy, and liberation.[1]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The last book of the Ramayana, which contains verses that discuss events after the main narrative.[2]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) The concluding section of an epic, in this case referring to the traditional structure of Valmiki's work.[3] (2) The final section of the Ramayana, which deals with the later events in Rama's life.[4]
From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)
(1) The last book of the Ramayana, considered an appendix that deals with incidents prior to those in the main poem.[5]
The concept of Uttarakanda in local and regional sources
Uttarakanda, the seventh book of the Valmiki Ramayana, is a controversial ending section that, according to various scholars, includes themes of miracles, interpolations, and analogies of human senses, reflecting late additions to the epic.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A late addition to the Ramayana, according to Sri Aurobindo Ghose, which Narayanan studied in close detail.[6] (2) The second canto of the Ramayana, similar to the Bala Kanda, considered by some to have interpolations.[7] (3) A section of the Ramayana that is cited to illustrate the analogy of human senses and their control.[8] (4) The latter section of the Ramayana, which M. Sen considers a later addition to the epic with a focus on miracles and supernatural elements.[9] (5) The concluding Kanda of the Valmiki Ramayana, which is a subject of controversial authorship.[10]
From: History of Science in South Asia
(1) This term represents the seventh book of the Valmiki Ramayana, which is the National Epic of India, and is edited by U. P. Shah, according to the reference.[11]