Ramcharit Manas of Gosvami Tulsidas is undoubtedly the most popular version of Ramayan (the story of Ram) in the entire country.

This book contains an abridged form of Ramcharit Manas of Goswami Tulsidas. An effort has been made to maintain the natural flow of the story of Ram. Only the details have been pruned. In the original scripture, there are more than 1000 stanzas. In this abridged form, there are nearly 500 stanzas. While producing an abridged form, it has been kept in mind that there is no abrupt break in the story of Ram. So far as possible, side stories. intellectual discussion and very difficult portions have been left out. Even detailed descriptions have been shortened. However, all sensitive portions, quotes, inspiring episodes have been included in_ their entirety. Always keeping in mind the basic theme of the Manas, every effort has been made to ensure that the possibility of continuous upgradation of the emotions of devotion to Shri Ram remains intact.

In the busy life of today. constraint of time is being increasingly felt. This constraint may not adversely affect the regular reading of Ramcharit Manas, this abridged edition has been produced with this aim. This book shall certainly be helpful to students, youths and busy householders.

The aim of including the quotations, prayers and special themes is to frequently use these references at appropriate occasions. Faith and devotion are the foundations of Ramcharit Manas. This book is presented to you with these aspirations.

Presented herewith is an abridged form of Ram Charit Manas of Goswami Tulsidas. An effort has been made to maintain the natural flow of the story of Ram. Only the details have been pruned. In the original scripture, there are more than 1000 stanzas. In this abridged form, there are nearly 500 stanzas. If read continuously, this edition can normally be completed in seven to eight hours. So if it is read for an hour on each day, the whole book can be covered in a week.

While producing an abridged form, it has been kept in mind that there is no abrupt break in the story of Ram. So far as possible, side stories, intellectual discussion and very difficult portions have been left out. Even detailed descriptions have been shortened. However, all sensitive portions, quotes, inspiring episodes have been included in their entirety. Always keeping in mind the basic theme of the Manas, every effort has been made to ensure that the possibility of continuous upgradation of the emotions of devotion to Shri Ram remains intact.

In the busy life of today, constraint of time is being increasingly felt. This constraint may not adversely affect the regular reading of Ram Charit Manas, this abridged edition has been produced with this aim. This book shall certainly be helpful to students, youths and busy householders.

The devotees of Ram may get a taste of Ram Charit Manas and feel inspired to read the original, this is the main aim of this humble effort.

The aim of including the quotations, prayers and special themes is to frequently use these references at appropriate occasions. Faith and devotion are the foundations of Ram Charit Manas. This book is presented to you with these aspirations.

There has been significant contribution of Shri B.N. Chaudhery in the whole process. I am so grateful to him for the same. Srimati Vanita Sharma has also been helpful on several occasions and she amply deserves appreciation for her contribution.

**Contents and Sample Pages**