'Translation is an art which cannot be easily developed or mastered. Though I have some experience in doing translation, I cannot proudly say that I have mastered the art of translating. It is out of reverence that I became ready to undertake the work of rendering the Marathi work entitled 'Ramayanatil Sapa ani varadana' written by Prof. S.R. Bhide into English, an eminent scholar of Sanskrit and Marathi epics. I conceded to his request of translating the book into English. I hazarded to undertake the translation of the work. I got it examined by Prof. Bhide. I incorporated all the suggestions and modifications suggested by him. When I was thinking of getting the book published, I was extremely shocked to hear about the sad demise of Prof. Bhide. I am now trying to get this translated version published with a desire to offer it as a humble tribute to the great scholar. It is now published with the benedictions and silent blessings of Prof. Bhide. I am indebted to Shri C.P. Gautam of Bharatiya Kala Prakashan, Delhi who has printed and published this work.
The scholars of both epics. The Ramayana and the Mahabharata, are aware of the fact that the story of both the epics takes many twists and turns, owing to the curses and boons which constitute, as it were, wharves and whoofs of the fabric of the epics.
I am aware of my shortcoming. I always keep in mind the rules formulated by Briston and Thorndyke for writing a translatable are generally supposed to be beautiful and faithful. I do not speak about the first but I can say with humility that I have tried my level best to be faithful to the assigned work. Any translator should remember Bassnett's remark. "Translation is therefore a particularly special activity since it enables a text to continue life in another context and the translated text becomes an original work by continued existence in that new context. The scholars may decide about my fidelity to the original text."
I found that the book written by Prof. Bhide is the first of this work in Marathi. He has given vent to his original thinking on the subject matter. His introduction describes multi-dimensional aspects of curses and boons, and his subtle analytical acumen is an outstanding asset of the book. He has categorized curses and boons quite logically. He has shown deep insight into the epic events, based on various curses and boons. His knowledge of Indian Mythology is surprisingly thorough. These are some of the merits of his masterpiece that urged or inspired me for this modest English translation. I think that the psychology and methodology behind boons and curses in which the events are woven into the epic structure, ably studied by Prof. Bhide should be made available to the non-Marathi-knowing students and scholars. I do not arrogate any specialty to myself.
I have not omitted any portion from the text barring a few lines. In the title, the names of those who received boons/curses and who gave them are mentioned. This is the pattern adopted by Prof. Bhide. Many peculiarities that deserve encomiums, are those of Prof. Bhide only. I am alone and responsible for any defect like being lost or being too liberal.
For this enormous work, many scholar friends have rendered valuable help to me. I extend my sincere thanks to the publisher who has done his work satisfactorily according to the neatness and grandeur of the printed book.
I dedicate this book to the sacred and loving memory of Prof. S.R. Bhide. I hope this topic of curses and boons will inspire scholars to do further studies. Shri R.A. Kadam has prepared a Xerox copy of my work. I am very much thankful to him My wife, Mrs. Sindhu Lalye, has undertaken the tasks of preparing a press copy and going through the proofs carefully. Thanking her will be like thanking myself.
