233-Year-Old Valmiki Ramayana Manuscript Donated to Ayodhya Ram Katha Museum

Ayodhya (UP): A rare 233-year-old Sanskrit manuscript of the Valmiki Ramayana will now be housed at the Ram Katha Museum in Ayodhya. The Ministry of Culture described the donation as a historic cultural transfer that strengthens the preservation and global reach of India’s epic heritage.

The manuscript, written by sage Valmiki and accompanied by the Maheshwar Tirtha commentary (Tattvadeepika), was presented by Shri Nivas Varkhedi, Vice-Chancellor of the Central Sanskrit University, to Mr. Nripendra Mishra, Chairman of the Executive Council of the Prime Minister’s Museum and Ram Katha Library.

A Treasure from 1792
According to the Ministry, the manuscript dates back to Vikram Samvat 1849 (1792 CE) and represents a rare and preserved textual tradition of the epic. It contains the five principal Kands (books) of the Ramayana: Balakand, Aranyakand, Kishkindhakand, Sundarkand, and Yuddhakand. The work reflects the deep philosophical and narrative richness of the Ramayana.

Previously, the manuscript had been on loan to the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. With this permanent transfer, it will now be accessible to scholars, devotees, and visitors from around the world at the International Ram Katha Museum in Ayodhya.

Shri Nivas Varkhedi noted that the donation immortalizes the profound knowledge of Valmiki’s Ramayana, while Mr. Nripendra Mishra called it a historic moment for the museum, the devotees of Ram, and the temple precincts in Ayodhya. Officials emphasized that this step will help establish the museum as a global center for the study and preservation of Ramayana heritage.