
In this vivid retelling of the ancient epic, the brave Lakshmana ventures into the dazzling realm of the monkey kingdom, following Rama’s command. The narration sweeps listeners through an otherworldly citadel of gold‑lined streets, fragrant gardens, and towering palaces that sparkle like clouds of ivory. As he moves deeper, the listener hears the harmonious blend of flutes, lyres and harps echoing through grand courtyards, while countless monkeys in resplendent attire guard the gates with solemn reverence.
The episode captures the clash between Lakshmana’s fierce resolve and the mesmerizing splendor that surrounds him, highlighting the tension between duty and awe. Brilliantly rendered descriptions of jeweled thrones, lotus‑filled lakes, and celestial flora create a tapestry of wonder that immerses the ear in a world of mythic luxury. This first act sets the stage for a story of loyalty, rivalry, and the looming challenges that await the hero in the enchanted kingdom.
Full title
Le Râmâyana - tome second Poème sanscrit de Valmiky
Language
fr
Duration
~9 hours (556K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Zoran Stefanovic, Pierre Lacaze and the Distributed Proofreading team of Europe (http://dp.rastko.net). This file was produced from images generously made available by the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF/Gallica) at http://gallica.bnf.fr.
Release date
2007-02-21
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

Tradition remembers him as the sage-poet behind the Ramayana, one of the great epics of ancient India. His name is also linked with the very idea of poetry, making him a lasting figure in Indian literary history.
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