Introduction:
The great epic Ramayana, which narrates the story of Lord Rama, has been adapted into various languages across the Indian subcontinent. One such adaptation is the Tamil version of Ramayana, known as 'Ramayanam'. This version was made by the famous Tamil poet Kamban.

Kamban - The author of Ramayanam:
Kamban, also known as Kambar, was a Tamil poet who lived in the 9th century. He was a devoted follower of Lord Rama and undertook the task of translating the original Valmiki Ramayana into Tamil. His version, known as 'Ramayanam', is considered a masterpiece of Tamil literature.

Significance of Kamban's Ramayanam:
Kamban's Ramayanam is highly regarded for its poetic beauty, lyrical language, and vivid descriptions. It is not a mere translation but a creative adaptation of the original Valmiki Ramayana. Kamban added his own touch to the story, embellishing it with his poetic genius.

Key features of Kamban's Ramayanam:
- Poetic Excellence: Kamban's mastery over the Tamil language is evident in his poetic expression. He used rich metaphors, similes, and wordplay to enhance the narrative and engage the readers.

- Cultural Context: Kamban's Ramayanam reflects the cultural nuances and values of the Tamil society during his time. He incorporated elements of Tamil culture, customs, and traditions into the story, making it relatable to the Tamil-speaking audience.

- Divine Devotion: Kamban's deep devotion to Lord Rama is evident throughout the epic. He portrayed Rama as the embodiment of divine virtues and emphasized the importance of dharma (righteousness) in one's life.

- Expanded Storyline: Kamban expanded certain episodes and characters in the Ramayana, providing a more detailed account of the events. He introduced new subplots, additional dialogues, and elaborate descriptions, making the epic more captivating.

- Poetic License: While Kamban remained faithful to the core narrative of Valmiki Ramayana, he exercised poetic license to modify certain incidents and characters. This artistic liberty allowed him to infuse his own creativity and imagination into the epic.

Conclusion:
Kamban's Ramayanam stands as a testament to his literary genius and devotion to Lord Rama. It has become an integral part of Tamil literature and continues to be celebrated for its poetic brilliance and spiritual teachings. The Tamil version of Ramayana, 'Ramayanam', made by Kamban, remains a cherished cultural and literary treasure for the Tamil-speaking community.

‘Ramayanam’ the Tamil version of the great epic Ramayana was made by Kamban. Ramavataram, popularly referred to as Kamba Ramayanam, is a Tamil epic that was written by Kamban during the 12th century. Based on Valmiki’s Ramayana in Sanskrit, the story describes the life of king Rama of Ayodhya. However, Ramavataram is different from the Sanskrit original in many aspects – both in spiritual concepts and in the specifics of the story line.