Ganga Splits into Four Streams at Sumeru Mountain

 Bhagiratha’s journey with Ganga reaches Sumeru Mountain, where the river divides into four streams after meeting obstruction and Airavata’s involvement.

The passage from Krittivasa’s Ramayana retelling describes movement, delay, and resolution through a structured sequence of events.

Read full text:
https://writtenbybabu.blogspot.com/2026/06/ramayana-of-krittivasa-0014-descent-of.html

Tags: Ganga, Bhagiratha, Sumeru, Ramayana, Krittivasa, river flow, Indian texts

Bhagiratha's Determination and the Gift of Ganga

 This article explores a Krittivasa Ramayana version of Ganga's descent where Bhagiratha receives guidance from Indra, blessings from Shiva, assistance from Vishnu and support from Brahma.

Along with the narrative, the article examines symbolism, the origins of names such as Vishnupadi and Anghrija, and references from different Puranas.

Read the full article:

https://writtenbybabu.blogspot.com/2026/06/ramayana-of-krittivasa-0013-descent-of.html

Beyond the Standard Text: Why Medieval Bengal Rewrote the Story of Bhagiratha

 

In standard Sanskrit texts, Bhagiratha's lineage follows traditional succession. However, regional Bengali texts from the 14th to the 17th centuries introduce a significant shift, depicting him as the child of two mothers.

To understand this, I look at the historical conditions of medieval Bengal. The story provides insight into:

1. Socio-Legal Resistance: How the narrative counters the strict property blockages imposed on medieval widows.

2. Early Biological Understandings: The use of the Sushruta Samhita to explain the physical condition of the newborn child.

3. Historical Vocabulary: How concepts like svairini from historical texts describe non-normative roles outside conventional structures.

The narrative indicates that these authors were using regional variants to explore complex ideas of fertility and lineage during a shifting legal era.

Read the full analysis here: https://writtenbybabu.blogspot.com/2026/06/the-king-who-was-born-boneless.html

End of the sons of Sagara

 Sagara started a sacrifice. He sent his 60000 sons to guard the horse, but the horse got stolen. What happened when the sons found the horse?

How does this version of Krittibas differ from that of Valmiki?

https://writtenbybabu.blogspot.com/2026/05/ramayana-of-krittivasa-0010-ashvamedha.html

From Summary to Analysis: Exploring Indian Vernacular Texts

 

For over a decade, these blogs have been a home for the English translation of the [Kashidasi Mahabharat / Krittivasi Ramayan]. I am grateful to the thousands of readers who have used this space as a concise reference for these Bengali vernacular classics.

While this archive will remain online for those seeking a short, direct telling of the text, I am excited to announce a new project that takes this work much deeper.

Introducing: Written by Babu

At my new site: Written by Babu, I am revisiting these texts. Instead of a translation, I am now detailing the epics page-by-page and chapter-by-chapter, providing:

• Expanded Narratives: A more immersive retelling of the stories.
• Deep Analysis: Insights into the regional nuances of Bengali traditions.

Which site should you use?

• Stay here if you need a quick, complete summary of the chapters.
• Join me at Written by Babu if you want to explore the "why" behind the stories with three new detailed posts every week (Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday).

Thank you for being part of this journey for the last eleven years. I look forward to seeing you in our new, more detailed home.

My Krittibas Ramayana Retellings Now on Substack

 For those who enjoy my retellings of the Ramayana by Krittibas , I have news! I've started a Substack page. I'll be sharing these stories there, piece by piece, as a new way to follow along.

Come join me on Substack!

https://writtenbybabu.substack.com/

Rama goes back

Having lived a long life, Rama gave himself up. Many sages went with Rama. Many others wanted to go with Rama, but Rama asked them to stay back.
In Vaikuntha Rama showed himself as Vishnu. Sita came there as Lakshmi.
Rama said Where will the people go, who came along with me?
Brahma said I have created a part of the heaven for them. Also, all those who hear the Ramayana will go there. All vedas are one side and your name is heavier than that.
One who listens to the seven kandas of Ramayana will have the same gain as one gains from the Ashwamedha yagna.

With this the seven kandas of Ramayana end.