Version of the Ramayana for a beginner - Abridged vs Gitapress set

[confused16]

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Namaskaram, has anyone here read rajaji's Ramayanam, Mahabharatam in Tamizh? On a recent visit to my anestral home, I brought back copies of his Ramayanam and Mahabharatam . On a whim I have purchased gita-press' 2 volume shrimadvalmikiya ramayana set since then.
I have been wondering which to start with, as this is my first time reading one of our epics. Should I start with the abridged ones, or dive into the gitapress set without being 'spoiled' by the abridged books.
(Also, I can read hindi much better than I can tamizh, so that is also a factor in my decision)

 

[OKO]

Namaskaram, has anyone here read rajaji's Ramayanam, Mahabharatam in Tamizh? On a recent visit to my anestral home, I brought back copies of his Ramayanam and Mahabharatam . On a whim I have purchased gita-press' 2 volume shrimadvalmikiya ramayana set since then.
I have been wondering which to start with, as this is my first time reading one of our epics. Should I start with the abridged ones, or dive into the gitapress set without being 'spoiled' by the abridged books.
(Also, I can read hindi much better than I can tamizh, so that is also a factor in my decision)

Any abridged piece is always a secondary source. However, if you want to learn the underlying meaning then start with C. R's version as it does a pretty good job in highlighting the main points and then move to the gita press. This will help you know what is relevant (particularly for the world we live in, this is mainly for ramayanam as it was not meant for this yuga in its entirety).

 

[confused16]

I see what you mean. I am basically particular about not getting spoiled by 'spoilers' in modern literature and art. It's the same thinking which is carrying over, when I worry about my first reading of ramayana being CR's abridged ver., and the thoughts/way he describes the story making the initial impression in mymind, thus keeping me from percieving any nuances when reading the original's commentary.

this is mainly for ramayanam as it was not meant for this yuga in its entirety).

And what if my desire to read the ramayana transcends yugas? What would you recommend I do then haha

 

[OKO]

I see what you mean. I am basically particular about not getting spoiled by 'spoilers' in modern literature and art. It's the same thinking which is carrying over, when I worry about my first reading of ramayana being CR's abridged ver., and the thoughts/way he describes the story making the initial impression in mymind, thus keeping me from percieving any nuances when reading the original's commentary.

This will end up happening regardless. Even if we want to write something that sounds neutral, the choice of words used along with the way a sentence is strung gives us away.

If you want an "authentic" experience (I'm using it quite liberally), the best bet would be to read it in Sanskrit, however, let us go with the assumption that you cannot read Sanskrit. Based on your message and the earlier post, I would urge you to read the gita press's version as it seems like you do lean towards it a bit more.

And what if my desire to read the ramayana transcends yugas? What would you recommend I do then haha

Probably to read it. The idea of saying that was not to stop you from reading it but to caution you to not imbibe everything that has been relayed.

 

[confused16]

If you want an "authentic" experience (I'm using it quite liberally), the best bet would be to read it in Sanskrit, however, let us go with the assumption that you cannot read Sanskrit.

You have assumed correct. But due to the format of the gitapress ver, shloka and then commentary, I believed that the essence of the text would be preserved better than a separate abridged text

Probably to read it. The idea of saying that was not to stop you from reading it but to caution you to not imbibe everything that has been relayed.

Now you have roused my curiosity