Can Hindus and non-Hindu scholars of Hindu philosophy answer this question on versions of the Ramayana?

Question

How does MorariBapu's rendering of the Ramayana compare with Valmiki's original?
I have been presented with both versions, both in Gujarati translation, and both are very massive. What essential differences may I expect between the two books?
I ask this because I cannot decide which version to read first. Not being a Hindu, my knowledge of Ramayana is extremely sketchy and inadequate, limited to a few Gujarati stories I learnt at school.

Answer 1

Sorry to say I'm unfamiliar with MorariBapu. But, if you read Gujarati, I might advise reading the translation of the original version first. Any translation of Valmiki's Ramayana is going to be massive as his original poem consists of 24,000 verses.

Now, if you're interested in an English translation, you will find several good abridged versions that can give you a further knowledge of the text before attempting the read of the extensive original version. I would recommend the translation by Romesh Chunder Dutt for such. There are even some that have been rendered into story form for Westerners that will at least give you the basics of the story. For example, William Bucks rendition.

Namaste

Answer 2

Important is that people practice their own religion peacefully and have respect for other religions. The practice of bashing other religions is nothing but a poor attempt to satisfy our own Ego. And when the Ego is satisfied temporarily then we again bash other religions to satisfy our Ego more and this cycle continues until one becomes mentally unstable or fanatic and destroys himself.