Adhyatma Ramayana: The Spiritual Version of the Rama Saga

Great contribution to Ramayana.

This book is a translation by Swami Tapasyananda, Ramakrishna Math, of the east Indian mythological text called Adhyatma Ramayana. It contains the Sanskrit verses plus a lucid translation of a nonsecterian type. Although it's intersting to read it is still a long-winded story. But for most Hindus this is a very important sacred text and there is no way around reading it, if one wants to understand Hinduism.

For those without the time or the inclination to read the full Valmiki Ramayan the Adhyatma Ramayan is a good short substitute. It is traditionally said to be a more spiritual rendition of the Ramayan story; but the spirituality consists mainly of paeans to Rama as Vishnu incarnate interspersed throughout the book. This is a pretty good translation, and enjoyable to read.