Dvipada.

 The Dvipada Ramayana is a unique Telugu retelling of the Ramayana, composed in the dvipada meter, a two-line couplet style that makes it rhythmic and easy to recite. It is traditionally attributed to Tikkana Somayaji, one of the greatest poets of Telugu literature, though some scholars suggest other authors may have contributed to it.

Detailed Breakdown of the Dvipada Ramayana

Like Valmiki’s Ramayana, the Dvipada Ramayana follows the same broad structure but with a unique Telugu literary and devotional touch. It is divided into Kandas (books), though the exact division varies in different versions.

1. Bala Kanda (Childhood of Rama)

Begins with the birth of Lord Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna.

Sage Vishwamitra takes Rama and Lakshmana to protect his yajna (sacrifice).

Rama slays demons like Tataka and Subahu.

Rama breaks Lord Shiva’s bow and wins Sita’s hand in marriage at King Janaka’s court.

2. Ayodhya Kanda (Exile Begins)

Coronation preparations for Rama as prince.

Kaikeyi’s two boons lead to Rama’s exile for fourteen years.

Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana leave for the forest.

Bharata’s grief and his refusal to accept the throne; he places Rama’s padukas on the throne instead.

3. Aranya Kanda (Forest Adventures)

The trio encounters sages and demons in the forests.

The episode of Shurpanakha and Rama’s rejection of her advances.

Lakshmana disfigures Shurpanakha; in revenge, her brothers Khara and Dushana attack and are slain.

Ravana’s plan to abduct Sita, leading to the golden deer trick.

Maricha, disguised as a deer, deceives Rama and Lakshmana.0

Ravana abducts Sita, carrying her away to Lanka.

4. Kishkindha Kanda (Alliance with Hanuman and Sugriva)

Rama meets Sugriva and Hanuman.

The battle between Sugriva and Vali, leading to Vali’s death.

Sugriva promises to help Rama find Sita.

Hanuman sets out to find Sita.

5. Sundara Kanda (Hanuman’s Journey to Lanka)

Hanuman’s mighty leap across the ocean.

Hanuman meets Sita in Ashoka Vatika and gives her Rama’s ring.

Hanuman wreaks havoc in Lanka and sets it ablaze.

Hanuman returns to Rama with news of Sita.

6. Yuddha Kanda (The Great War)

Rama, Lakshmana, and the Vanara army march to Lanka.

The construction of Rama Setu (bridge across the ocean).

Fierce battles between Rama’s army and Ravana’s forces.

The deaths of Kumbhakarna, Indrajit, and other demons.

Rama slays Ravana and rescues Sita.

Rama’s return to Ayodhya in the Pushpaka Vimana.

7. Uttara Kanda (Later Events)

Sita’s trial by fire (Agni Pariksha).

Rama’s return to Ayodhya and his coronation (Pattabhishekam).

Sita’s exile to the forest and birth of Lava and Kusha.

The twin sons challenge Rama in battle and later reunite with him.

Sita returns to Mother Earth.

Rama’s divine departure (Vaikuntha Gamanam).

Unique Features of the Dvipada Ramayana

1. Dvipada Meter

Unlike Valmiki’s Ramayana, which is in shloka (four-line verse) form, this version follows the dvipada (two-line) meter, making it highly rhythmic.

This style makes it easy for oral storytelling and community recitation.

2. Emphasis on Devotion (Bhakti)

The Dvipada Ramayana places a strong focus on devotion to Rama.

Hanuman, in particular, is depicted with great reverence.

It emphasizes Rama’s divine qualities rather than just his role as a king.

3. Local Telugu Influence

Some descriptions include cultural elements familiar to Telugu-speaking audiences.

The language is simple, direct, and meant for bhakti (devotional) purposes.

4. Emotional and Philosophical Depth

The dialogues between characters are enriched with bhakti rasa (devotional sentiment).

It includes moral teachings interwoven into the narrative.

The Dvipada Ramayana had a significant impact on Telugu literature.

It inspired other poets and later versions of the Ramayana in Telugu.

It remains a cherished text among devotees, often recited during religious gatherings.