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Ramayana |
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Rama means one who is divinely blissful and who gives joy to others. Rama is worshiped as the ideal and perfect role model for every human. The legend of Rama is deeply influential and popular in the societies of the Indian subcontinent and across South East Asia. Rama is revered for his compassion, courage, duty bound and devotion.Because of epics like Ramayana, India is a culturally unified land through pilgrimage and myths, despite huge political and regional differences.
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நன்மையும் செல்வமும் நாளும் நல்குமே தின்மையும் பாவமும் சிதைத்து தேயுமே சென்மமும் மரணமும் இன்றித் தீருமே இம்மையே இராமவென் றிரண்டெழுத்தினால் (கம்பராமாயணம் - சிறப்புப் பாயிரம் 14) Ram is pranava or basic manthra like Om. Ram is a powerful unique sound which can bring goodness and wealth. The pains and the sins will disappear. Free from cycle of birth and death. That is power of two syllable word Rama. Valmiki storyVery little is known about the personal life of this sage except that before becoming a saint he was Mrigvyadha, earning his livelihood as a decoit. One day he was asked, why he committed such crimes. To support my family replied Mrigavyadha the decoit. Will they be sharing your sins also? Mrigvyadha was deeply disappointed when he received the reply in negative by his parents, his wife and the other members of his family.Narada told Valmiki about Rama. Valmiki saw a pair of Kronch birds together and was a witness to the killing of the male bird by a hunter and the female’s cries of mourning. He was seized by deepest pity and uttered in that psychological state a shloka. Sorrow felt by Valmiki found perfect expression in his perfect shloka. It is said then Brahma appeared and asked him to compile the story he was told by Narada assuring him of a clear vision of all events outward and inward visible and invisible open and secret connected with Rama’s life. Bala Kanda – Early lifeRavana had overpowered the Devas and now ruled the heavens, the earth and the netherworlds. Although a powerful and noble monarch, he was also arrogant, destructive and a patron of evil doers. Vishnu promised to kill Ravana by incarnating as son of Kosala's king Dasaratha. His eternal consort, Lakshmi took birth as Sita and was found by king Janaka of Mithila while he was ploughing a field.Dasaratha performs a sacrifice to obtain offspring by pleasing the gods. On the night of the ninth day after Amavasya, under the asterism of Punarvasu and the cardinal sign of the Crab, Rama was born in the city of Ayodhya. He is the eldest brother to Bharata, son of Kaikeyi, and the twin sons of Sumitra, Lakshmana and Shatrughna. Sage Vishwamitra takes the two princes, Rama and Lakshmana, to his ashram, as he needs Rama's help in slaying several Rakshasas that have been harassing him and several other sages living in the area. Rama has some reservations about killing a woman, but since Taataka poses such a big threat to the Rishis and he is expected to follow their word, he fights with Taataka and kills her. Vishwamitra teaches Rama the knowledge of all the weapons and their uses. Vishwamitra then tells Rama and Lakshmana to keep close watch for the two sons of Taataka, Mareecha and Subahu, who will try to defile the yagna at all costs. Rama points his bow at the two, and with one arrow kills Subahu, and with the other arrow flings Mareecha thousands of miles away into the ocean. Lakshmana deals with the rest of the demons. The yagna is completed successfully Rama also frees Ahalya, the wife of Gautama Maharishi, who was cursed to turn into stone by her husband after a displeasing incident. Gautama Maharishi was gratified that everything was back to normal again. Sage Vishwamitra then takes the two princes to the Swayamvara ceremony for Sita. The challenge is to string the bow of Shiva, and shoot an arrow with it. While attempting to string the bow, Rama breaks it in two. After Rama weds Sita and the entire royal family and the Ayodhya army begin their journey back, the great rishi Parashurama appears before them. Considering himself to still be the most powerful warrior-rishi on earth, he brings with them the bow of Vishnu, and intends to challenge Rama to prove his strength by stringing it. Rama snatches the bow of Vishnu, strings it, places an arrow and asks Parashurama what he will give as a target to the arrow. He accepts Rama's superiority, devotes his tapasya to Rama. Ayodhya-KandaKing Dasaratha announces to Ayodhya that he plans to crown Rama, his eldest child the Yuvaraja (crown prince). While the news is welcomed by everyone in the kingdom, the mind of queen Kaikeyi is poisoned by her wicked maid-servant, Manthara. Kaikeyi, who is initially pleased for Rama, is made to fear for the safety and future of her son Bharata. Kaikeyi demands that Dasaratha banish Rama to a forest exile for fourteen years, and that Bharata be crowned in Rama's place. She had been granted two boons by the king when she had saved his life a long time ago in battle, and the queen now used them to serve her purpose. But Rama realizes that the king must not break a solemn promise at any time, and neither should a son disobey his father's command. Lakshmana and wife Sita follow him. Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita are entertained by Guha, a hunter-chief. They cross the Ganga and meet Rishi Bharadvaja. They go to Chitrakuta on the advice of the Rishi. They build a cottage made up of grass.Dasaratha dies due to grief. Then Bharata goes to the forest and insists Rama to return to the country. Despite the reasoning of Vasishtha and the pleas of his brothers, Rama refuses to return. Rama does not bear any anger towards Kaikeyi, believing firmly in the power of destiny. Bharata finally takes Rama's sandals, places the sandals on the throne and rules the kingdom in the name of Sri Rama. Bharata himself lives at Nandigrama. Aranya-KandaRama, Sita and Lakshmana pay a visit to the Rishis Sarabhanga, Sutikshna, and Atri. Anasuya, wife of Atri, gives an inspiring discourse on the duties of a wife to Sita. Then they meet Rishi Agastya. They encounter Surpanakha in the Panchavati forest, who tries to kill Sita and marry Rama. Lakshmana cuts her nose and ears. Khara and Trisiras, supporters of Surpanakha, are slain in the battle.Surpanakha goes to Lanka and complains to her brother Ravana. Under Ravana's plan, Maricha, uncle of Ravana, assumes the form of a golden deer and appears before Sita, Rama, and Lakshmana. Sita requests Rama to get the deer for her. Rama proceeds to catch the deer and kills it. In the mean time, Ravana carries away Sita in the absence of Rama and Lakshmana. Jatayu, the king of vultures, challenges Ravana, but he is mortally wounded. Rama obtains all information about Sita from the dying Jatayu. He is very much afflicted at heart. Subsequently, Rama and Lakshmana kill Kabandha near the lake Pampa. Then they meet the pious Sabari. She offers them roots and fruits with great devotion. Kishkindha-KandaRama meets Hanuman on the banks of Pampa. They proceed to Mount Rishyamuka and make an alliance with Sugriva. Sugriva kills Vali with the help of Rama. Sugriva is crowned as the king of Kishkindha. Rama consoles Tara, wife of Vali. Thereupon, Hanuman with a party of monkeys proceeds in search of Sita. He takes with him the ring of Rama as token. He makes a vigorous search and is not able to find out Sita. Jambavan (chief of bears) finds out Sampati, brother of Jatayu, in a cave, who gives out facts. Hanuman climbs up the top of a hill by his direction and from there he leaps across the ocean to Lanka.Sundara-KandaIn Sundara-Kanda Hanuman's exploits are described. During his aerial journey, Mainaka, an island peak, invites Hanuman to rest on its top at the request of the ocean. Afterwards, Simhika, a monstress living in the ocean, drags him down by catching his shadow. Hanuman kills her. Then he gets a distant view of Lanka and enters the city at night. He finds out Sita in the Asoka grove. Hanuman hands Rama's ring to Sita, as a mark of Rama's love and his imminent intention of rescuing her.Hanuman destroys the Asoka grove. Though captured, he candidly delivers Rama's message to Ravana to immediately release Sita. The Rakshasas imprison Hanuman and set fire to his tail. Hanuman frees himself and sets fire to Lanka. He returns back to the place where Rama is staying and gives Sita's gem to Rama. Rama is highly delighted when he receives Sita's token and her message. Yuddha-KandaBefore the onset of war, Vibheeshana, Ravana's youngest brother fails in repeated efforts to make Ravana follow religious values and return Sita. Vibheeshana refuses to defend the evil of Ravana's ways and inspired by Rama's compassion and piety, leaves Lanka to join the Vanara Army. His knowledge of rakshasa ways and Ravana's mind help Rama and the Vanaras overcome black magic and mystical weapons.Rama performs a penance tapasya, for ocean god to help them cross. As God did not respond, Rama shoots an astra at the ocean. Scared Saagara promises that he would keep the oceans still for all of Rama's army to pass, and Nala constructs a bridge across to Lanka. Large army of monkeys cross the ocean and reach Lanka. Rama asserts his dedication to dharma when he undertakes to offer Ravana a final chance to make peace, despite his heinous actions and patronage of evil, by immediately returning Sita. In the war, Rama slays the most powerful rakshasa commanders, including Prahasta, Atikaya and with Ravana's brother, Kumbhakarna along with hundreds of thousands of rakshasa soldiers. He outfights Ravana in their first battle, destroying his chariot and weapons, and severely injuring him, but due to this, he allows him to live and return to fight another day. But as a human being, Rama also proves vulnerable on occasion to his enemies. He is put to a deep sleep with Lakshmana by Indrajit, but they recover when Hanuman obtains the magical medicine according to Vibheesana's advice. In the grand finale of the battle, Rama and Ravana compete fiercely, inflicting severe injuries on one another. Rama worships Lord Aditya, the Sun, with the famous Aditya Hridayam prayer and then invokes the most powerful weapon, the Brahmastra. Rama fires the great arrow, finally killing him Sita is rescued. Sita's honour is tested in the fire. She comes out more glorious and effulgent than ever. Vibhishana is then crowned as king in Lanka. Sri Rama with his party returns to Ayodhya in the flying car called Pushpaka. Rama is crowned as Emperor. The people of his kingdom feel extremely happy. Coronation & RuleThe end of the war coincides with the end of Rama's tenure of exile. Flying home on the Pushpaka Vimana, Rama returns to a joyous Ayodhya. Rama is invested as the King of Ayodhya, and Emperor of the World. Rama performs the holy Ashwamedha sacrifice, purifying and establishing religion across earth.During Rama's tenure as King, the people apparently had no locks on their doors as they feared no burglaries or other such misfortunes. There was perfect justice and freedom, peace and prosperity. There are no natural disasters, diseases, ailments or ill-fortune of any nature for any living being. There are no sins committed in the world by any of his people. Always attentive and accessible to his people, Rama is worshipped and hailed by all. Uttara KandaIn the Uttara Kanda, Rama banishes his wife Sita, even as she is pregnant, asking Lakshmana to deliver her safely to Rishi Valmiki's ashram. He does so when it is reported to him that some subjects of his in Ayodhya believed that Sita was not fit due to her long captivity in Ravana's city. As a king is expected to uphold moral principles, Rama reluctantly banished Sita in order to uphold his duty as a king. Some do not accept the authenticity of this story claiming that Sita was banished.According to legend, Kusha and Lava are the twin sons of Lord Rama and Sita. Born in the forest after the banishment of Sita from Ayodhya, the twins were educated and trained in military skills as their mother took refuge in Sage Valmiki's ashram, located in a forest on the banks of the River Tamsa. As Rama performed the Ashvamedha Yajna, a horse strayed into their forest, Rama sent Hanuman to retrieve the horses. Rama's sons Luv and Kush captured the horses. Hanuman, seeing Luv and Kush recognised that they were the son's of Rama. He let them capture him and tie him up. There Hanuman started meditating on the name Rama. Worried Rama sent his brothers to look for the horses. As they saw Hanuman tied up and two boys guarding him, they thought that the two boy had stolen the horses. So Ramas brothers started attacking Luv and Kush. Although Rama's brothers should have won, but Luv and Kush defeated them all, knocking them unconscious. The sage Valmiki then awoke the brothers and Hanuman, explaining to Rama that Luv and Kush were his sons. When Devi Sita found out that Lava and Kusha had defeated Ayodhya's forces, she proudly revealed their/her identity. Once she had witnessed the acceptance of her children by Rama, Sita sought final refuge in the arms of her mother Bhumidevi, the Goddess Mother Earth. In Uttara-Kanda, Sri Rama's reign is described as Rama-Rajya. There is righteousness everywhere. Everywhere there are plenty and prosperity. There is neither disease nor sorrow. There are neither dacoits nor thieves. Life and prosperity are quite safe. *Uttararamacharita by Bhavabhuti (7th Century) is based on Uttara Kanda of the epic Ramayana, beginning with his coronation, the abandonment of Sita, and their final reunion. Kampan on Ramaஎண்ணிய சகாத்தம் எண்ணூற்று ஏழின்மேல் சடையன் வாழ்வுநண்ணிய வெண்ணெய் நல்லூர் தன்னிலே கம்பநாடன் பண்ணிய இராம காதை பங்குனி அத்தநாளில் கண்ணிய அரங்கர் முன்னே கவி அரங் கேற்றினானே. - [Kampan made his presentation in Thiruvarangam (திருவரங்கம்) on பங்குனி 807 Saka era before திருவெண்ணெய் நல்லூர் சடையப்ப வள்ளல்] கல்லிடைப் பிறந்து போந்து, கடலிடைக் கலந்த நீத்தம், உலகம் யாவையும் தாம்உள வாக்கலும் |
சிவனோ அல்லன், நான்முகன் அல்லன், திருமாலாம் வண்மை இல்லை ஓர் வறுமை இன்மையால் | தாய் ஒக்கும் அன்பின், தவம் ஒக்கும் நலம் பயப்பின் சேய் ஒக்கும் எண்ண அரு நலத்தினாள் இனையள் நின்றுழி | கண்ணொடு கண் இணை கவ்வி, ஒன்றை ஒன்று கண்டனென், கற்பினுக்கு அணியை, கண்களால் |தெண்திரை அலைகடல் இலங்கைத் தென் நகர் உன்பெருந் தேவி என்னும் உரிமைக்கும், உன்னைப்பெற்ற
rAman's friendship knew no boundaries and did not discriminate between friends or enemies. ஆள் ஐயா உனக்கு அமைந்தன மாருதம் அறைந்த ஆகுவது ஆகும், காலத்து, அழிவதும் அழிந்து சிந்திப் வேய்புனர் பூசமும் விண்ணுளோர்களும் | தூயகற் கடகமும் எழுந்து துள்ளவே. |
Ramakrishna is Indian geography. Rama traveled from North Ayodhya to South Lanka. Krishna traveled from west Dwaraka to east Assam Kamarupa-Narakasura Mauryas, Guptas and emperors, unified India with two great personalities. Developed few hundred versions, including many local tales. The Ramayana versionsAn older version of the Ramayana, the mula-Ramayana, previously existed but no longer exists. Many oral versions of Rama's story circulated for centuries, and the epic was probably first written down during Mauryas. Maharishi Valmiki lived in Valmikinagar, ancient Bihar. He would have created first written version from oral versions using Prakrit language or Brahmi. Alternatively, it could have been expansion of Dashratha Jatak, a Jatak story popular during that period. Original few verses expanded to current 24,000 couplet Valmiki Ramayana over time.There are about few hundred versions: Anandha; AdhyAtma; Kambha; Bhavabhuthi's MahAveera Charitham; Raghu Veera Gadhyam; Tulasi Das; Ramakien, Thai Version; Prambanan temple; Hikayat Sri Rama - malay; PatALa RamAyaNam; Yama Zatdaw - Burmese Ramayana; Reamker of Cambodia (Rama as Preah Ream);and Pra Lak Pra Lam of Laos. The Rama Leela is performed across South East Asia in numerous local languages and the story has been the subject of art, architecture, music, folk dance and sculpture. The ancient city of Ayutthaya stands in Thailand. Many ancient and medieval era kings of India and South East Asia have adopted Rama as their name. The Jataka tales are dated between 300 BC and 400 AD. Dasaratha Jataka is one of the earliest, buddhist, and may be the oldest written version. Paumacariya by Vimalasuri, also mention the details of the early life of Rama. Jain Texts also mentioned Rama as the eighth balabhadra among the 63 salakapurusas. Though many oral versions existed for many years, oldest known 4 BC Ramayana version is attributed to Valmiki. Next is 6th-century Ramayana, found by scholars at the Asiatic Society in Kolkata. The 12th-century rendition by Tamil poet Kamba as the third-oldest version. 6th century version of Ramayana was found in Kolkata (Dasa Griba Rakshash Charitram Vadha) was found to be different than Valmiki Ramayana. In this version, there are just five kandas (sections) and does not begin with the curse that drove Dasarath to send his son to exile. It begins with a curse that befell goddess Lakshmi when Shukracharya got angry with Narayan for killing Shukracharya's wife. The other curse falls on both Lakshmi and Narayan when Dharitri cannot bear the pain of the constant battle between gods and demons. In both cases, Laxmi and Narayan are told they will have to bear the pain of separation. BackgroundKosala King of Ayodhya, Raghava questioned Narada, the wise traveler about the qualities of a perfect King. He wanted an example of an ideal king who is virtuous, brave, gentle, and wise. Narada tells the story of Rama (or many Rams) known for nine (Nava) qualities: Protector of Dharma; Learned and intelligent; Virtuous and matchless beauty; an obedient son; kind brother; loving husband; faithful friend; an ideal strong king; and a merciful enemy loving all living beings. This is the concept behind Rama Navami.
Realism of plot and epic themesIt is a factual cum historical story containing few main stories with numerous small stories. Analysis of Ramayana as a purely literary work, shows a complex story that weaves a web of heroism, adventure, romance, familial ties and Dharma (righteousness). Valmiki Ramayana too deals with Rama as a human or a mortal, called as Maryadapurusottam, the ultimate human being. Themes are:(1) Rama sacrificing his right to rule, and bharatha’s greatness and return after a stipulated period to reunite again (2) As a protector of forest tribes and protection to hermits, establishing proper dharmic systems at these places and punishing the unjust/demons (3) Fighting a strong unjust king with smaller force and strategy (4) Model story of an ideal ruler, Ramarajya. Rama’s existence was an historical fact (based on all literature), but his divinity is a matter of faith. All places in Ramayana are identifiable, fitting it into local folklore. Ramayana belongs to a period when most of India was jungle with tribal forest-dwellers with Totemism belief (a clan or tribe having a spiritual connection or a kinship with another physical being, such as an animal or plant, often called a "spirit-being" or "totem). It is a historical story with a few inevitable scenes of divine intervention and a little artistic exaggeration necessary for effect. From this view point, Ramayana looks factual. The Ramayana, may mean 'Rama's Way', or 'Rama's journey' also. Rama's route geographically links all places and traditions of Indian subcontinent. Tales of exotic Tribes of Ancient India Rakshasas, Yakshas, Vanaras, vidyadharas, Kinnaras, Kimpurushas, Salabhas and Valikhilyas, are included in every versions. There could be different species, like vanaras who coexisted with humans. There are many versions of Rama and many places in general where Ram lived.
Looking from Lanka and other countriesSri Lanka was inhabited by tribes of Yakkhas, Nagas and devas. Ravana was the son of Vishrava and Kaikesi daughter of Sumali of the Daityas. Ravana had two brothers, Vibhishana and Kumbhakarna and one sister, Meenakshi or Shoorpanakha.There were many Ravanas such as Nala Ravana, Manu ravana, Punu ravana and Dasis Ravana. Dasis Ravana means the king with 10 great talents. Ravana is also mentioned as a great scholar, a capable ruler and a devoted follower of Shiva. Rāvana was the king of Lanka and another 9 kingdoms. He was known as Dasis (or Dasa Shirsha) meaning 10 heads, because he had ten crowns, one each for his ten kingdoms. Raavan, was the poet of style and class and the musician and a very passionate of Rudra Veena, an instrument he was really good at. He had invented the ancestor of bow violin called the Raavanhatha which is played widely in Rajasthan even today. The Kumara Tantra is a complete health guide to pregnancy and child medicine of the ancient times. It has an elaborate description of causes, symptoms and treatments of over 100 diseases pertaining to motherhood and pediatrics. It’s interesting to know that the Thai version of Ramayana, known as the Ramakien, accounts Sita as the daughter of the Lankan ruler, Raavan. It is said that Sita was born to Raavan and his wife Mandodari but after a prophecy that said the daughter would be the cause of Raavan’s death, the Lankan King threw her away in the water and she was finally rescued by Janak. It does make an elfin bit of sense when we wonder why Raavan never tried to sexually exploit Sita when she was in his captivity. The Ramakirti admires Ravana's resourcefulness and learning. The Thais are moved by Ravana's sacrifice of family, kingdom, and life itself for the sake of a woman. His dying words later provide the theme of a famous love poem of the nineteenth century, an inscription of a Wat of Bangkok. |
Rama's promise to Kausalya
Kausalya tells Rama about her sufferings due to younger queens like Kaikeyi. She says that Rama should be monogamous like Vashishta.
The Golden Deer
- Mareecha who takes on the shape of a beautiful golden deer. Sita is absolutely fascinated with it and starts craving for it. Rama in his desire to please his wife, goes off to hunt the deer and ultimately kills it. Lakshmana remains the voice of reason. His reasoned arguments suggesting to Rama not to pursue an apparent illusion, or to Sita to not get worked up over what he felt was a mischievous ploy, all fell on deaf ears.
வம்பு இழை கொங்கை வஞ்சி வனத்திடைத் தமியள் வைக,
கொம்பு இழை மானின் பின் போய், குலப் பழி கூட்டிக் கொண்டீர்;
அம்பு இழை வரி வில் செங் கை ஐயன்மீர்! ஆயும் காலை,
உம் பிழை என்பது அல்லால், உலகம் செய் பிழையும் உண்டோ?
சீதையை கவர்ந்து சென்றபின், குற்றுயிராக கிடக்கும் ஜடாயுவை ராமன் காண்கிறான். சீதையை கவரும்போது, ஜடாயுவிற்கு துனையாக, ராவணனுடன் போரிடாமல் வேடிக்கை பார்த்ததற்காக, தேவர்களையும், முனிவர்களையும் முனிந்து அவர்களை தண்டிக்கப்போகிறேன் என்கிறான் ராமன். ஜடாயு, ராமனிடம், தேவர்களோ, முனிவர்களோ ராவணனை எதிர்த்திருந்தால், தனக்கு ஏற்பட்ட நிலையே ஏற்பட்டிருக்கும். தவறு தேவர்களிடமோ, முனிவர்களிடமோ இல்லை. சீதையை வனத்தில் தனியே விட்டுவிட்டு மானின் பின்போன உன்னிடத்தில். ஆகவே, உலகை பழிசொல்லவேண்டாம் என்று ராமனுக்கு அறிவுரை வழங்குகிறார்.
When Rama blames all surrouding things for not protecting Seetha from ravan, Jadayu points out his error in leaving her alone and going behind illusory deer. If others have attacked Ravana, they would have been dead like Jatayu.
Killing Vali
Vali was the king of the monkeys at Kishkindha. He was a renowned warrior of great valor who had bested even the mighty Ravana at one point. His feud with Sugreeva started after his brother had sealed the entrance to a cave in which Vali was fighting a rakshasa named Mayavi. Sugriva had mistaken the blood flowing out of the cave to be his brother’s, blocked the entrance to the cave with a boulder and left for Kishkindha, assuming that his brother was dead. When Vali had emerged victorious over the rakshasa, and had then discovered Sugriva ruling in his place. Vali then takes back his kingdom and exiles Sugreeva who takes refuge in the forest, where he met and formed an alliance with Rama. Sugreeva challenged Vali to a fight. Rama got involved in a fair fight and blindsided Vali and killed him was an act uncalled for and showcases his moral and ethical grey areas.
தார் குலாம் அலங்கல் மார்பன், தாயரை நினைந்து நைந்தான். 50
மங்கல அணியை நீக்கி, மணி அணி துறந்து, வாசக்
கொங்கு அலர் கோதை மாற்றி, குங்குமம் சாந்தம் கொட்டாப்
பொங்கு வெம் முலைகள், பூகக் கழுத்தொடு மறையப் போர்த்த
நங்கையைக் கண்ட வள்ளல், நயனங்கள் பனிப்ப நைந்தான். 51
‘ஆண்டு போர் வாலி ஆற்றல் மாற்றியது அம்பு ஒன்று ஆயின்,
வேண்டுமோ, துணையும் நும்பால்? வில்லுனும் மிக்கது உண்டோ ?
தேண்டுவார்த் தேடுகின்றீர், தேவியை; அதனைச் செவ்வே
பூண்டு நின்று உய்த்தற்பாலார், நும் கழல் புகுந்துளோரும்.’ 58
என்று அவள் உரைத்த மாற்றம் யாவையும் இனிது கேட்டு,
நன்று உணர் கேள்வியாளன், அருள்வர, நாண் உட்கொண்டான்,
நின்றனன்;…59
[கம்பன்] குறைந்த ஆடைகள் அணிந்த வானர பெண்கள் சூழ தாரை வருகிறார். வாலி இறந்ததால், மங்கல அணி, நகைகள் அணியாமல், குங்கும சந்தன குழம்புகள் பூசப்படாத மார்புகளும், பாக்குமரம் போன்ற கழுத்தும் மறையும்படி மேலாடை போர்த்தி வந்த தாரையை கண்டவுடன், லட்சுமணனுக்கு கணவனை இழந்த தன் தாய் சுமித்திரை நினைவுக்கு வர கண்கள் பனிக்கிறான். சுக்ரீவனின் பிழை பொறுக்குமாறு வேண்டியபின், லட்சுமணனிடம், “சீதையை தேடுவதற்கு, வாலியை கொன்ற அம்பும், வில்லும் போதாதோ? வேறு துணையும் வேண்டுமோ? தேவியை தேடுவதற்கு ஆட்கள் தேடுகிறீர்களே” என்று சொல்வதை கேட்டும் லட்சுமணண் நாணுகிறான்.
Lakshmana complains that Sugriva forgets his promise to rama and he is enjoying. Tara replies, "Why Rama is not using bow and arrow used to kill Vali, to find Seetha? She makes fun of killing Vali behind the back
Sugriva forgets his promise
When Rama in his despair fears that Sugriva has forgotten his promise to help him trace Sita, Lakshmana goes to Kishkindha to remind the complacent monarch of his promise to help. Lakshmana is unable to tolerate Sugriva breaking his vow to Rama while enjoying material and sensual pleasures while Rama suffers alone. It is only through the diplomatic intervention of Queen Tara, that Lakshmana is pacified.
In another poem, Tara replies, "All human beings are ruled by Kama. If Dasaratha had gone to Kausalya instead of Kaikeyi to announce Rama's coronation, there would not have been opportunity to ask for boons.
Agnipravasam by Seeta
At the end of the war, Sita comes before him in great excitement and happiness. He tells her that he had fought the war only to avenge the dishonour that Ravana had inflicted on Raghuvamsa, and now Sita was free to go where she pleased. Sita walks into the flames, but she is completely unharmed, proving her purity. This section of the Ramayana has been used often by feminists to highlight the traditional mistreatment of women in the classic literature. There is a version of Tulsidas's Ramacharitamanasa, which states that Rama had Sita under the protection of Agni God. After Sita was released it was necessary to bring her out of security of Agni god.
Rama goes to dandakaranya forest to look for places, he lived. But the forest was missing. Then sages say that women have used all wood in the forest to make fire, to prove their chastity. So, no more forest left.
Caste Issues: Found in later additions
Sometime into his reign, the death of a child occurs in the kingdom. He is told that calamities such as this occur when Dharma is not followed in a kingdom. Rama tries to find out the reason and comes to know that a person of the lower caste, called Shambuka is performing penance which he is strictly not supposed to do. He is executed, by beheading, personally by Rama.
Rama banishes his wife Sita, even as she is pregnant, when it is reported to him that some subjects of his in Ayodhya believed that Sita was unchaste due to her long captivity in Ravana’s city. One would also expect the noble king to not be swayed by mere public opinion when he knew the truth of the matter.
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nara (author of this page) visited places mentioned below from 1980 to 2014. Rama was born in Ayodhya and married in Mithila. Sita was found in Sitamarhi. At Sringverpurthey crossed the River Ganga and went to Chitrakoot hill or Dandak-Aranya in Central India Nasik, on the River Godavari, with sites such as Tapovan, Ramkund and several caves in the area associated with their lives in the forest. Panchavati is near Bhadrachalam (AP) Kishkinda, near Hampi, Anjanadri, near Hospet, Rishyamukha on the banks of the Pampa (Tungabhadra) are places of vanara tribes Different folk tales are popular in Ramayana related places Sigiriya, Raavana Cave, Galle, Rhumassala Kanda hills for medicinal herb, Ravana Kotte, Asoka Aramaya, Nuwara Eliya, Ravana Ella falls, Maligawa Tenna and Ganakamadhana Hill. DeviDolu Kanda – Sanjeevani drops; Divurumpola (place of oath or “Agni” test); Kelaniya (Vibishana Temple); Ravana Cave & tunnels for the architectural brilliance; Other places are: Dhanushkodi to Talaimannar in Sri Lanka; Munneswaram Temple dedicated to lord Shiva; Sitha Amman Kovilin Nuwaraeliya; Hakgala Botanical Garden (Asoka Vatika); Sita Kotuwa or Sita’s Fort; During 1980-2000, many places were not accesible and many ruins instead of temples etc. Over the time, more temples have been created in these places, with new stories. |
After Rama:
65. Kusa
66. Atithi
67. Nisadha
68. Nala
69. Nabhas
70. Pundarika
71. Ksemadhanvan
72. Devanika
73. Ahinagu
74. Paripatra
75. Bala
76. Uktha
77. Vajranabha
78. Sankhan
79. Vyusitasva
80. Visvasaha II
81. Hiranyabha
82. Pusya
83. Dhruvasandhi
84. Sudarsana
85. Agnivarna
86. Sighra
87. Maru
88. Prasusruta
89. Susandhi
90. Amarsa
91. Mahashwat
92. Visrutavant
93. Brihadbala
94. Brihatksaya
Ramarajya or Utopia
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Great empire does not mean a large empire or a populous empire. It has to do with quality of life. It does not matter what type of government is good or suitable (democracy or monarchy or dictatorship etc.) Stable, Just and Strong government which has a vision and can establish law and order with support from citizens. Civil service which is not corrupt, but capable. Government need not give handouts or charity, but all citizens irrespective of beliefs, race and birth, will have opportunities to earn their livelihood, based on their skills alone. They are motivated to save and take care of themselves, with out becoming burden to themselves and society. Such country is Ramarajya or Utopia.
வண்மை இல்லை ஓர் வறுமை இன்மையால் |
திண்மை இல்லை ஓர் செறுநர் [enemies] இன்மையால்|
உண்மை இல்லை பொய் உரை இலாமையால் |
வெண்மை இல்லை [ignorance] பல கேள்வி மேவலால். [kamba Ramayana]
In ramarajya, there is no philanthropy because there is no one to accept; there is no heroism because there are no enemies, there is no such thing as truth because no one utters lies; there is no ignorance because everybody is well read. Kamban had seen examples of great tamil kings like Rajaraja, when he wrote this.
Ram Rajya described in Valmiki Ramayana:
न पर्यदेवन्विधवा न च व्यालकृतं भयम् | न व्याधिजं भयन् वापि रामे राज्यं प्रशासति || निर्दस्युरभवल्लोको नानर्थः कन् चिदस्पृशत् | न च स्म वृद्धा बालानां प्रेतकार्याणि कुर्वते || सर्वं मुदितमेवासीत्सर्वो धर्मपरोअभवत् | राममेवानुपश्यन्तो नाभ्यहिन्सन्परस्परम् || आसन्वर्षसहस्राणि तथा पुत्रसहस्रिणः | निरामया विशोकाश्च रामे राज्यं प्रशासति || रामो रामो राम इति प्रजानामभवन् कथाः | रामभूतं जगाभूद्रामे राज्यं प्रशासति || नित्यपुष्पा नित्यफलास्तरवः स्कन्धविस्तृताः | कालवर्षी च पर्जन्यः सुखस्पर्शश्च मारुतः || ब्राह्मणाः क्षत्रिया वैश्याः शूद्रा लोभविवर्जिताः | स्वकर्मसु प्रवर्तन्ते तुष्ठाः स्वैरेव कर्मभिः || आसन् प्रजा धर्मपरा रामे शासति नानृताः | सर्वे लक्षणसम्पन्नाः सर्वे धर्मपरायणाः || दशवर्षसहस्राणि रामो राज्यमकारयत् | |
ந பர்யதேவந்விதவா ந ச வ்யாலகரிதஂ பயம் | ந வ்யாதிஜஂ பயந் வாபி ராமே ராஜ்யஂ ப்ரஷாஸதி || நிர்தஸ்யுரபவல்லோகோ நாநர்தஃ கந் சிதஸ்பரிஷத் | ந ச ஸ்ம வரித்தா பாலாநாஂ ப்ரேதகார்யாணி குர்வதே || ஸர்வஂ முதிதமேவாஸீத்ஸர்வோ தர்மபரோஅபவத் | ராமமேவாநுபஷ்யந்தோ நாப்யஹிந்ஸந்பரஸ்பரம் || ஆஸந்வர்ஷஸஹஸ்ராணி ததா புத்ரஸஹஸ்ரிணம் | நிராமயா விஷோகாஷ்ச ராமே ராஜ்யஂ ப்ரஷாஸதி || ராமோ ராமோ ராம இதி ப்ரஜாநாமபவந் கதாஃ | ராமபூதஂ ஜகாபூத்ராமே ராஜ்யஂ ப்ரஷாஸதி || நித்யபுஷ்பா நித்யபலாஸ்தரவஃ ஸ்கந்தவிஸ்தரிதாஃ | காலவர்ஷீ ச பர்ஜந்யம் ஸுகஸ்பர்ஷஷ்ச மாருதஃ || ப்ராஹ்மணாம் க்ஷத்ரியா வைஷ்யாஃ ஷூத்ரா லோபவிவர்ஜிதாம் | ஸ்வகர்மஸு ப்ரவர்தந்தே துஷ்டாஃ ஸ்வைரேவ கர்மபிஃ || ஆஸந் ப்ரஜா தர்மபரா ராமே ஷாஸதி நாநரிதாஃ | ஸர்வே லக்ஷணஸம்பந்நாம் ஸர்வே தர்மபராயணாம் || தஷவர்ஷஸஹஸ்ராணி ராமோ ராஜ்யமகாரயத் | |
There were many ramas like (seetha)ram, parasuram, balaram etc. But (Seetha) Ram stands out. Rama’s memory lives on because of his extraordinary life and his reign, making Ramarajya a reference point.
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