What is the Difference Between Ramayana and Ramcharitmanas?

Ramayana and Ramcharitmanas are two significant literary works in Hinduism that revolve around the life of Lord Rama. These epics hold immense cultural, religious, and historical significance in India and continue to captivate readers and followers worldwide. While both texts share a common theme and narrative, they differ in their language, style and the perspective from which the story of Lord Rama is presented. In this article, we will explore the differences between Ramayana and Ramcharitmanas and learn about them elaborately.

What is Valmiki Ramayan?

Ramayana was written by the sage Valmiki. It is considered one of the oldest and greatest Sanskrit epics. It is believed to be written around 500 AD and consists of 24,000 verses divided into seven chapters known as Kandas. The epic narrates the life and adventures of Lord Rama, his wife Sita and his loyal devotee Hanuman.

Ramayana is composed in classical Sanskrit, which was the language of scholars in ancient India. The text follows a poetic and highly structured style and explores philosophical and moral themes such as the concepts of duty, honour, loyalty and the nature of good and evil. Valmiki’s Ramayana is also called Mula-Ramayana. 

Also Read – Vedic Period: A Sacred Chapter of Indian History

What is Ramcharitmanas?

Ramcharitmanas, written by the saint poet Goswami Tulsidas in the 16th century and has nearly 10,902 verses. It is a popular devotional version of the Ramayana with 7 Kandas. It holds a special place in the hearts of millions of devotees and has been instrumental in spreading the message of Lord Rama’s divinity and love.

Unlike Ramayana, Ramcharitmanas is written in Awadhi, a dialect of Hindi that was widely understood by the masses during Tulsidas’ time. The use of the Awadhi language makes the text more accessible and relatable to common people and bridges the gap between the scholarly Sanskrit and vernacular Hindi. Ramcharitmanas presents Lord Rama as the supreme embodiment of divinity and love, emphasizing devotion and surrender to God. 

Major Difference between Ramayan and Ramcharitmanas

As to what is the difference between Ramayana and Ramcharitmanas is a very important question to ponder. Many people get confused with Ramcharistmanas as Ramayana, but there lies a huge difference between the two. Let’s see the difference in the listed table below – 

Feature	Ramayana	Ramcharitmanas
Written By	Valmiki is believed to be a contemporary of Lord Rama	Tulsidas, a contemporary of Emperor Akbar
Language	Sanskrit language	Awadhi language
Yuga	Composed in Treta-Yuga	Composed in Kal-Yuga
Perspective	Objective, showcasing human & divine aspects	Devotional, emphasizing Rama’s divinity
Character Portrayal	Rama – righteous & heroic, Sita – supportive	Rama – compassionate & relatable, Sita – stronger focus on virtues & trials
Narrative Style	Written in “Shlokas” format	Written in “Chaupais” format
Emphasis	Dharma (righteousness) & consequences of its violation	Bhakti (devotion) & path to salvation through faith in Rama
Structure	7 Chapters – Balakandam, Ayodhya Kandam, Aranyakandam,Kisskinda Kandam,Sundara Kandam, Yuddha Kandam and Uttara Kandam	7 Chapters with slight variations -Balakandam, Ayodhya Kandam, Aranyakandam, Kisskinda Kandam, Sundara Kandam, Lanka Kandam  (Yuddha & Lanka Kanda combined) and Uttara Kandam
Length	Longer, more elaborate description of events & characters with 24,000 Verses	Concise, retaining story essence with 10,902 Verses
Ending	Rama returned to Ayodhya and departed later when Goddess Sita went into Mother Earth and Lord Rama with Lakshmana disappeared in River Saryu.	Does not have any details about how the lives of Goddess Sita, Lord Ram and Lakshmana ended. Instead, includes the story of the birth of Goddess Sita and Lord Rama’s twin sons – Luv & Kush in the end.
Views on Goddess Sita	Goddess Sita was kidnapped by Ravana, according to Ramayana	A clone of Goddess Sita was kidnapped by Ravana, according to Ramcharitmanas. As Lord Rama handed over the original incarnation of Goddess Sita to Lord Agni much before the kidnapping event.
Views on Ravana	In the Battlefield, according to Ramayana, Ravana was defeated by Lord Rama twice, at the beginning and at the end.	In the Battlefield, according to Ramcharitmanas, Ravana came last to fight against Lord Rama. Hence was defeated only once in the end.
Views on “Agni Pariksha” (Purity Test)	According to Ramayana, Lord Rama asked Goddess Sita to prove her purity through “Agni Pariksha”.	According to Tulsidas, Lord Rama performed the Agni Pariksha to get back the original incarnation of Goddess Sita in exchange for the clone of Goddess Sita who was kidnapped.
Cultural Influence	Wider influence across Southeast Asia	Stronger influence in North Indian culture & religious practices
Views on King Dasaratha	King Dasaratha had 350 wives and 3 main wives -Kaushalya, Keikeyi and Sumitra according to Ramayana	King Dasaratha had only 3 wives -Kaushalya, Keikeyi and Sumitra according to Ramcharitmanas.
Views of King Janak	According to Ramayana, there was no organisation of Swayamvara by King Janak for his daughter Sita. When Ram visited Janak’s palace with guru Vishwamitra, he easily lifted the Bow of Shiva, that’s why Goddess Sita married Lord Rama.	According to Ramcharitmanas, there was a grand organisation of Swayamvara by King Janak for his daughter Sita. When Ram visited Janak’s palace with guru Vishwamitra, at the Swayamvar he was the only one to lift the Bow of Shiva and attach the strings to break the bow, and win Goddess Sita’s hand in marriage.
Views on Lord Hanuman	Lord Hanuman is considered a Human belonging to the Vanara Tribe.	Lord Hanuman is considered a Monkey and Not Human.
Religious Importance	Sacred text	More devotional status, used in rituals & pujas
Legacy	Grand chronicle	Living testament to Rama’s journey resonates deeply with everyone

In conclusion, Ramayana and Ramcharitmanas, though share a common theme, differ significantly in terms of language, style, accessibility, and philosophical emphasis. Ramayana, with its classical Sanskrit and moral teachings, stands as a timeless epic of ancient India. Conversely, Ramcharitmanas, with its devotional tone and simple language, has touched the hearts of millions, spreading the message of love and devotion to Lord Rama. Both texts continue to inspire, enlighten, and nurture the spiritual aspirations of countless devotees, serving as guiding lights in the path of righteousness and divinity.

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