The South Zone Cultural Centre (SZCC), under the Ministry of Culture has launched a comprehensive initiative to preserve and promote Kamba Ramayana recitals in Tamil Nadu.

About the program

• Inauguration: The program inaugurated by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism on 18th March 2025 at the Sreerangam Temple, Trichy.
• Objectives:
  • Revive the oral tradition of Kamba Ramayana recitals.
  • Engage the younger generation to ensure its preservation.
  • Establish a statewide program combining performances, symposia, and educational competitions.
• Long-Term Vision:
  • Annual Festival: Make the Kamba Ramayana festival an annual event.
  • Museum at Kambar Medu: Establish a museum dedicated to Kambar and his works.
  • Cultural Legacy: Ensure the epic’s legacy is preserved for future generations.

About Kamba Ramayana

• Kamba Ramayana, also known as Ramavataram, is a 12th-century Tamil epic by poet Kambar, based on Valmiki’s Sanskrit Ramayana.
• Patronage: Patronized by Thiruvennai Nallur Sadayappa Vallal, whose name appears every 1,000 verses as a mark of gratitude.
• Characteristics:
  • A Tamil adaptation of Valmiki’s Ramayana with artistic modifications.
  • One of the most significant works in Tamil literature.

About Kambar

• Also Known As: Kavichakravarthy Kamban (Emperor of Poets).
• Famous Work: Ramavataram (Kamba Ramayana).
• Era: Lived and flourished in the Chola Empire during the reign of Kulothunga III.
• Recognition: Received royal recognition and the title Kavi Chakravarthy.
• Connection to Ramanuja: Lived after the Vaishnavite philosopher Ramanuja; his works contain references to Ramanuja.

Other Works by Kambar

• Tirukkai Valakkam: Ethical and moral verses focusing on principles of good conduct and righteousness.
• Erelupatu and Silai Elupatu: Spiritual compositions reflecting Kambar’s devotion and moral philosophy.
• Kangai Puranam: A mythological narrative based on temple legends and stories, contributing to Tamil religious literature.