We are pleased to share that Gūḍhapāda Rāmāyaṇam, a new Sanskrit citrakāvya by Dr. Shankar Rajaraman (Director of CAHC, JAIN Deemed-to-be University), was formally released on 6th June 2026 at Mangala Mantapa, NMKRV College, Jayanagar, Bengaluru.

The book launch was part of Rasaradhane, a grand series of cultural programs organized as a tribute to the legendary multifaceted scholar, poet, and orator Satāvadhānī Dr. R. Ganesh (Padma Bhushan Awardee), celebrating the prestigious national honor recently conferred on him. Dr. R. Ganesh introduced the newly launched books to the audience.

Books Released at the Event

Four significant works were launched during the event:

  1. Gūḍhapāda-rāmāyaṇam – A Sanskrit citrakāvya with a Sanskrit commentary and English translation by Dr. Shankar Rajaraman (Published by Praharsha Publications). The work is a retelling of the Rāmāyaṇa (Bālakāṇḍa through Yuddhakāṇḍa) in 181 Anuṣṭubh verses under the gūḍhapāda constraint: in each verse, one pāda (quarter-verse) is hidden inside the other three via exact syllabic frequency.
  2. Chaff and Draff – The Personal Diary of Prof. M. Hiriyanna, edited by Sri Shashi Kiran B. N.
  3. Raghuvīra-gadyam – A Sanskrit stotra in rhythmic prose by Vedāntadeśika, with an English translation by Dr. S. Ramapriya.
  4. Madhura-vijayam – A modern reprint of the historical epic poem in Sanskrit by the queen-poetess Gaṅgādevī.

Event Highlights

The book launch was followed by a magnificent Bhāratanṛtyam performance by the legendary artiste and scholar Dr. Padma Subrahmanyam (Padma Vibhushan Awardee). The Guest of Honour for the event was Sri M. P. Kumar (Founder Pro-Chancellor of Chanakya University and President of Rashtrotthana Parishat).

The event was co-organized by Abhinava Arts Company, Padyapaana, Praharsha Publications, Prekshaa Pratishtana, and the Ragavalli Fine Arts Foundation.

We congratulate Dr. Shankar Rajaraman and all the authors/editors on their valuable contributions to classical Sanskrit literature and scholarship!

View details of Gūḍhapāda Rāmāyaṇam on the Books Page

Rasaradhane Event invitation

Rasaradhane Event Invitation

Book Launch Details

Details of the Books Launched