The Ramayana: A historical social and philosophical reflection of the times
The Ramayana is said to be the second largest epic on Hinduism, the first being the Mahabharata. The Ramayana was originally written by the sage Valmiki around 400BC and the second version of the same tale was by saint Tulsidas called the Tulsi Ramayan around 1532 AD. Both the texts showcase the society at the time of Rama’s birth and rule, the beliefs and values of the people, the system of monarchy and family life of the commoners.
At the time of the birth of Lord Rama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, there were many kingdoms in North India like Kishkinda, Anga, Danda, Gandhara, Kasi, Kosala and many more. King Dashratha, was the king of the Kosala dynasty, whose capital was at Ayodhya, present day Faizabad, UP. Rama was born to king Dashratha, and queen Kausalya. He was the quintessential prince destined to become the king of his land, but because of the politics and enmity of his step-mother Kaikeyi, mother of Bharat, Rama was banished to the forest with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman for a period of 14 years. At Ayodhya, the prince brothers were taught the scriptures and archery by the sage Vishwamitra who led them to Mithila, the capital of Videha, whose king Janak, married off his daughter Janaki or Sita to the prince of the Raghu or Sun clan, Rama.
The Ramayana talks about the trials and tribulations faced by an ideal, ethical man, represented by king Rama, how he keeps his word, attends to duty, fulfills all his responsibilities, fights for the honour of his wife and ultimately triumphs over evil. The evil is represented in this epic by Ravana, the Asura or demonic king of Lanka. Ravana, who has been incited by his sister Shoorpanika, decides to acquire Sita as his own wife and gets his uncle Maricha to lure Rama away from the hermitage so that he can kidnap Sita. The plan is successful, now both Rama and his brother Lakshman, have to combat demons, devils and bring peace to the land and also save Sita from the demonic clutches of the mighty, egoistic king of Lanka, Ravana.
There are many other famous characters in the story that bring out the sense of goodness and idealism. Vibhishana, the brother of Ravana, although being a demon, was secretly party to Rama’s deeds. Hanuman, Shiva in the form of a monkey with supernatural powers, was hopelessly devoted to Rama and played a major role in reuniting Rama and Sita. Jatayu, the vulture king, gave up his life trying to save Sita from the evil clutches of Ravana. Sugriva, the monkey king warrior of Kishkinda, befriended Rama and helped him to look for his beloved. Finally, Rama reached Lanka with his allies, killed Ravana and returned to Ayodhya. The return of Rama to Ayodhya is celebrated to this day as Deepawali and an effigy of Ravana is burnt to ashes, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.
The story of Rama is symbolic of the path of virtue or ‘dharma’ that each Hindu or human being should follow. Jai Ho!
Neha Singh
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