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Molla Ramayanam is a Telugu language epic poem composed by the 16th-century poet Atukuri Molla, based on the Sanskrit Ramayana by Valmiki. Written in accessible Telugu, this version is notable for its extensive use of kandam-style verse, which led to it also being called "Kanda Ramayanam." Molla's Ramayanam is considered the first condensed Ramayanam in Telugu.
The Molla Ramayanam is distinguished by its simplicity and devotional tone, reflecting Molla’s belief that her poetic talent was a divine gift rather than a product of scholarly learning. Although Molla claimed no formal expertise in classical poetry, her familiarity with Sanskrit and Telugu poets is evident in her compositions, where she occasionally praises these earlier poets. According to literary historian Nidadavolu Malathi, Molla’s claims of lacking scholarly knowledge were rooted in humility, a value traditionally upheld in Telugu culture, especially for women writers of the period. The introductory verses of her work suggest that Molla did not undergo formal training from a guru, instead attributing her poetic inspiration to the blessings of Srikantha Malleswara, the deity she revered.
Despite her lack of formal education in the technical aspects of classical poetry, Molla’s verses display a keen understanding of the works of earlier Telugu poets like Nannayya and Tikkana. Her verse structure and style, particularly in her descriptive passages, show influences from the Bhagavatam of Pothana, as seen in her attribution of inspiration to divine sources in a manner similar to Pothana. Molla’s work is known for its simplicity, evident in her choice of words and her avoidance of complex grammatical structures.
Molla’s skill in vivid character depictions and settings is often compared to Tikkana. For instance, in describing Hanuman’s leap across the ocean, she creates a visually immersive scene, detailing Hanuman’s intense expression, his firm stance, and the sheer force of his jump, using words that vividly convey the power of the moment:
Molla’s decision to emphasize brevity and clarity in her writing made her Ramayanam accessible to a broad audience, appealing to readers of all backgrounds. Her work remains celebrated in Telugu literature as an enduring example of devotional literature, reflecting regional literary traditions while upholding the spiritual values central to the Ramayana.
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