Ghosts Paperback

"Youth: The Balakandam Of Kampan’S Ramayana" is a skilled and lyrical English translation by Blake Wentworth of the Balakandam, the first book of Kampan's Ramayanam. Composed in the 12th century by the celebrated Tamil poet Kampan, this is arguably the most magnificent regional retelling of Valmiki's Sanskrit epic, deeply rooted in Tamil culture and drawing from local lore and literary traditions. This volume focuses on the boyhood of Rama, detailing his tutelage under Vishwamitra, his acquisition of divine weapons, his protection of sacred rituals, and his fated encounter and falling in love with Sita in Mithila. The book vividly portrays the joyful wedding procession and concludes with Rama's first significant test of strength against Parashu Rama, offering a unique and sensuous glimpse into the lyrical beauty and rich narrative that fully embraces Rama's identity as a human avatar.