Srimad Valmiki Ramayanam, the adikavya, composed by Maharishi Valmiki, the adikavi, holds much significance to Srivaishnavas. It is considered sharanagati sastra, glorifying the kalyana gunas of Sriman Narayana in his avatara as Sri Rama. The esoteric meanings of Srimad Ramayana were taught in a traditional manner. It is said in the Guruparampara that Bhagavad Ramanuja had learnt Srimad Ramayana 18 times from his Acharya, Sri Periya Thirumalai Nambi, who was his maternal uncle as well.
Sri Govindaraja, an acharya in the Srivaishnava sampradaya, had written a detailed commentary, Bhushanam, which is popularly known as Govindarajeeyam, named after the author. This commentary, according to the author himself, builds upon all the meanings that were orally transmitted and also upon the earlier commentaries that were either short or focusing on particular aspects only. With the blessings of his acharyas, Dr. Sreeram Jaganathan is making a novice attempt to explain the commentary in a basic manner, for the benefit of common people.
