Adhyatma Ramayana is one of the versions of Valmiki Ramayan
and it gives more importance to the teachings of Vedanta. Here are some of the
important difference between the two texts.
Adhyatma Ramayana is believed to have been composed by
Ramanandacharya. Some scholars believe it was composed by Sage Vyasa.
The text is in the form of a dialogue between Lord Shiva and
Goddess Parvati.
Rama is identified as Parabrahman in the text. Mata Sita is
identified as primordial prakrti. Important characters in the Ramayana are
aware of this truth. It is occasionally reminded to the readers that all forms
are manifestation of the Parabrahman.
Adhyatma Ramayana consists of 4,242 verses and is divided
into seven sections – Bala, Ayodhya, Aranya, Kishkindha, Sundara, Lanka and
Uttara.
The text also contains Mahatmya Adhyaya.
In the Ayodhya Kandha, Sage Narada arrives a day before
coronation of Sri Ram and informs him about the purpose of his incarnation – it
is to destroy the demons and restore Dharma on earth.
As per Adhyatma Ramayana, Sita that was carried away by
Ravana as Maya Sita. Real Sita was hidden in fire and was returned after the
defeat of Ravana.
Note – The popular version of Ramayana in Kerala written by Thunchath
Ezhuthachan is also known as Adhyatma Ramayanam Kilipattu (composed during the early part of 17th century).