he Ramayana was first written by Valmiki and spread all over the South Asian subcontinent, to the effect that over the years, many of its local versions are not really similar to the original. Of course, there are bound to be differences in language, and the other minutiae. But even aside from stylistic details, let us look at how our very own Bhanubhakta Ramayana compares to Valmiki Ramayana in some of the major turning points of the story. Most of the times, Bhanubhakta Ramayana retains the simplicity of Valmiki Ramayana, missing out on many dramatic details.
For example, the sumptuous Swayamvar scene, in which Sita is given away in prize for breaking the Shiva dhanush, does not exist in Valmiki Ramayana. Janak is just demonstrating the bow to Ram when Ram accidentally breaks it, and the impressed Janak decides then and there to wed his daughter to this worthy man. Bhanubhakta follows suit by skipping the Swayamvar, which, according to some modern versions, was attended by Ravan himself.
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