Category: Ramayana

The Ramayana is a smriti text (also described as an Sanskrit epic) from ancient India, one of the two important epics of Hinduism known as the Itihasas, the other being the Mahābhārata.

Women in Ramayana

Women in Ramayana

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Women in Ramayana

The Ramayana is an epic which always gives greatest learning for all. The epic has all types of characters, emotions, lessons etc. “Ramo Vigrahavan Dharmah” means Rama is considered as Dharma personified. In Ramavatara, Lord Vishnu takes human form to uplift Dharma. Throughout the epic, Lord Rama leads a Dharmic life and protect all beings, let it be an animal or a bird or a woman or human being.

Apart from Lord Rama, there were women characters in Ramayana who were known to be “Pativratas” or “Yoginis” and who were highly respectable, knowledgeable and applaudable always. Sita is not a timid character in Ramayana, she is brave, bold, beautiful, and highly intellectual and knows how to protect herself.

That is why, one of the Tamil Acharyas hail the Ramayana in one word “Sirai Irundhavalin Eatram”, which means “Praise the one who had been in prison”. Because Sita wants to get rid of the Rakshasas and uplift the Dharma.

There are other noble women characters in Ramayana mentioned in each Kanda where one can know their sacrifice, passion, courage, service and patience.

Ahalya

Ahalya, wife of Rishi Gautama was cursed due to extramarital act. So, she lived “Adhrishya” invisible or in some versions like a stone. When Lord Rama’s dust from his feet touched Ahalya which cured the curse. This teaches us that the Lord forgives, if one feels guilty of the fault committed and surrenders at his feet.

Sumitra

Sumitra, wife of Dasaratha is the wisest Queen. She realizes that Lord Rama is “Avatar of Lord Vishnu”. She tells Lakshmana to serve Lord Rama and Sita in the forest and treat them as his parents. It was also mentioned that Dasaratha gave the “Divine Payasam” twice to Sumitra because she was highly knowledgeable.

She prayed that one child should serve the Lord and other should serve the Bhagavata (Devotee of Lord). Thus, Lakshmana served Lord Rama and Shatrugna served Bharata (Bhagavata) who was an ardent devotee. She was a true mother who enlightens the son by making right choice.

Women IN Ramayana

Urmila

Urmila, the wife of Lakshmana, sacrifices her comfort when Lakshmana goes to the forest. Though she is not spoken about in the Ramayana in many places, she is a silent performer. Whatever credits are given to Lakshmana are indirectly to Urmila. This character shows that one’s sacrifice leads to the highest service to the Lord.

Lord Rama praises Lakshmana many times for his wonderful service. This credit goes only to Urmila.

Anusaya

The wife of Athri Maharishi is a pious woman. When Sita meets her during the exile, she is given a variety of gifts that later protect Mother Sita. Sita narrates the entire wedding to Anusaya beautifully. This episode is one of the most important for every woman because she describes the duties of women (Stri Dharma). Lord Rama and Sita have a pleasant stay in her Ashram.

Sabari

She is a hermit woman who serves Rishi Matanga. She is advised by her Guru to wait for Lord Rama’s visit to Ashram before attaining Moksha. She becomes very old, but she does not give up her hope. The hope blooms one day when Lord Rama and Lakshmana come to her Ashram.

She serves them with sweet fruits with utmost devotion. Lord, who is tired in search of Sita, gets refreshed by the service of Sabari. This shows that Lord treats all as equals and accepts the service which must be only devotion.

Women IN Ramayana - Sabari

Tara

The wife of Vaali is an extraordinarily talented woman. She warns Vaali not to fight with Sugriva as she suspects some other valiant person is helping him. She is highly knowledgeable and knows how to handle situation. After Vali’s death, when Lakshmana comes with rage towards Sugriva, she cleverly puts words which makes Lakshmana to cool down immediately.

Tara’s advice in the Ramayana is commendable.

Mandodari

The wife of Ravana is one of the greatest women. Ravana is so powerful, just because of her chastity. She always tries to preach good to Ravana. Unfortunately, Ravana though intellectual, has a weakness for women. Like Tara, Mandodari addresses Lord Rama as “Mahayogi” great ascetic and recites sloka which clearly shows that Lord Rama is Avatar of Lord Vishnu.

This shows that only a scholastic person will be able to identify Lord Rama as Supreme, though the Lord is in the guise of a man.

Trijata

She is the only hope of Sita during her distress. She is with Sita in Ashoka Vatika. She is a very positive attitude lady. She has the ability to dream the future. Whenever Sita gets dejected, she gives her confidence. She also predicts that Lord Rama will win over Ravana and get back Sita. She is a saviour of Sita.

Though she is not directly related to Rama’s character, she knows that “Dharma always wins”. This character shows that not all demons are cruel. There are demons who are highly knowledgeable and follow the path of Dharma.

Sita with children

Women Addressed as Devi

In ancient times, women were addressed as “Devi” means Goddess because, they have high intellectual powers, knowledge, wisdom, sacrifice, care and many other noble qualities. Even Lord Rama is praised along with Sita mostly as “Sita Rama”, “Siya Rama”, “Sitapathi”, “Janaki Prananatha”, and “Naathaaya”.

They are “Divya Dampathi – Divine Couple”. The power of Lord Rama glitters when he is with Sita. It is seen that Lord Rama and Sita got united because of these noble women who had played a key role in their lives.

Sundara Kanda - Crest Jewel of Ramayana

Sundara Kanda – Crest Jewel of Ramayana

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“Sundara Kanda” Crest Jewel of Ramayana

Sundara Kanda is the crest jewel of all the Kandas in Srimad Ramayana. The hero of Sundara Kanda is Lord Hanuman. He plays a crucial role in Ramayana and gives hope to Lord Rama and Goddess Sita in this Kanda. So, if one reads, recites, or even listens to this Kanda will get all prosperity.

The entire Kanda strengthens our confidence. Hanuman faced many difficulties in reaching Lanka. At some point of time, he even lost his confidence, but due to Sita Ram’s grace, he was able to achieve his mission. When started his journey, he was “Rama Duta – Messenger of Lord Rama,” while coming back he was “Ramadasa – Servant of Lord Ram” by grace of Maata Sita. The complete change in Lord Hanuman is visible in this Kanda as evident in his “Dasa Bhakti” which is the highest form of devotion.

Valmiki kept the title “Sundara Kanda” for various reasons: It is a beautiful Kanda, made celebratory because Hanuman found Sita in Lanka, the hero of this Kanda being Lord Hanuman who was also called as “Sundara” by his mother Anjana Devi.Sundara Kanda - Crest Jewel of Ramayana

In the course of Hanuman’s adventure, one could discern many lessons that benefit humanity. Some of these may be summed up in this way:

Confidence is the Key

Hanuman and his team start to search Sita and reach the southern seashore. All the monkeys were less confident in crossing the ocean. Hanuman was also silent. Jambavan, the bear, ignited the strength of Hanuman and asked him that, only, he could cross the ocean.

Fly high to reach the Goal

Hanuman accepted it was Lord Ram’s will, as he only got the ring as an insignia. He saluted all Devas and rose to the sky with lightning speed. This shows that one must get the blessings of elders, ancestors and Devatas before starting the task.

Do not rest until the Goal is Achieved

On the way, “Mainaka” mountain told him to take rest for a while, but Hanuman did not.

Intelligence paves Way

Surasa, obstructed the way of Hanuman. She said that Hanuman should enter her mouth and then only proceed. The intelligent Hanuman made himself very small and entered and came out quickly. Such is the quick presence of mind as shown by Hanuman.

Destroy the evil on your way

Simhika, the demon wanted to eat Hanuman. She pulled Hanuman which made him unable to fly. Hanuman used his full strength and killed Simhika. After all these hurdles, he finally reached Lanka, the Golden City of Ravana.

Move towards the goal with keen Observation

Hanuman reduced his size to that of a cat and observed Lanka and its activities waiting for the right time to find Maata Sita. Observation is the first step to achieve the goal.

Good Speech is key to success

Lankini, the guardian of Lanka stopped Hanuman. Hanuman talked in sweet words. Lankini was impressed with the speech of Hanuman but did not let him in. Hanuman banged her with his fist. She realized that if she was defeated by a monkey, it is an indication of fall of Lanka. Thus praised Hanuman as “hari shreshhTha- Best among the Vanaras” and let him in.

Hanuman was amazed to see the glowing city of Lanka. But he did not get distracted or lose hope, he was looking in and around the corner of the city and palaces hoping for Maata Sita.

Composure of mind enables one to make the right Decisions

When he reached Ravana’s chamber, he found a beautiful woman who Hanuman mistook as Sita. He then, put a stop to his wavering mind and prayed, which cleared his mind and showed that it cannot be Sita. He said to himself that he should be steady-minded and not wavering.

Negative Thoughts hamper the Journey

After moving long, he could not find any clue about Sita for a long time. He felt discouraged and thought that Sita would have died and the thought depressed him for a moment.

Sundara Kanda - Crest Jewel of Ramayana

Do not give up

Hanuman thought of others who were eagerly waiting to hear the good news from him. His news would give hope to many. Thinking that, he did not give up. He decided to keep searching until he sees Sita. He also prayed to Maa Sita to show up her presence.

Reached the Goal

After a long search, Hanuman reached Ashoka Vatika hoping Sita would be there. He saw a huge tree where Sita glowing surrounded by demon ladies.

Right Time matters

Ravana entered and threatened Sita to marry him soon. Sita rejected it and decided to give up her life. Hanuman thought that there was no time now, to wait. Hence, chanted “Rama Prabhavam – Qualities of Lord Ram” which rekindled Sita’s hopes.

The Signet Ring

Hanuman described the incidents of Rama and gave the ring given by Ram. He also gave hope that Ram would win the battle against Ravana and get back her. He also asked if he could carry Sita on his shoulders to Rama. But Sita refused.

The Choodamani

Sita gave her “Choodamani – Crest Jewel from her head” as an identity to Ram. She also blessed him with “Ajar-Amar-Chiranjeevi”.

640px Sita at ashokavana
Ravana is meeting Sita at Ashokavana. Hanuman is seen on the tree.

Implement the Strategy

Hanuman thought that he must inform Ravana and his army that he is the messenger of Lord Ram. He destroyed the garden which made him arrested and presented before Ravana. Another strategy to meet Ravana was implemented.

Convey the message to rethink

Hanuman warns Ravana that if Sita was not handed over, his defeat would be imminent.

Execute the plan correctly

Ravana punished him by putting fire to his tail. Due to the blessings of Maata Sita, fire did not burn him. Instead, Hanuman burnt the entire city of Lanka. Lanka was destroyed to ashes.

Task Accomplished

The successful mission should always be told to the subordinates. Thus, Hanuman after reaching from Lanka, describes the incidents of how he met Maata Sita, and other valorous deeds done to achieve the desired goal. All the monkeys became inspired so that they would also take part in future mission.

Success stories should always be shared by the leaders which is part of confidence-boosting measures among followers.

Sundara Kanda - Crest Jewel of Ramayana

Celebrating Success

The Vanara team enjoyed the success of spending time in Madhuvana. Hanuman as always uses the words that are important for conveying. To overcome their curiosity, he said “Saw Sita or Found Sita”.

The choice of words is very important for the auspicious moment. Hanuman was praised by Rama “Nava-Vyakarana -Pandit – Scholar in nine knowledge systems”, so he used the words that pacifies Lord Ram. He narrated the incidents that happened in Lanka, conveyed the message from Sita and gave the identity “Choodamani”.

Lord Ram, seeing this, though incarnation of Lord Vishnu, embraced Hanuman with affection. There is no other gift in this world than the Supreme Personality of Godhead, himself praising, acknowledging, and embracing his devotee. Such a gift was given to Hanuman by Lord Ram.

The above described are not mere incidents, these are the life skills marked with moral values that one should cultivate during times of distress.

Hanuman overcomes all the hurdles and successfully accomplishes his task. If one does that, Lord himself will acknowledge our success.

“Rama Lakshmana Janaki Jai Bholo Hanumanki”

Birth Place of Hanuman

Greatness of the RAMAYANA

Greatness of the RAMAYANA

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RAMAYANA

Throughout the ages, it has been said that the Ramayana is not simply the life story of Sri Rama but an exquisite piece of literature in Sanskrit verse of peerless beauty containing seven Kandas, six hundred Sargas, countess appealing similes, metaphors, allegories, and flights of imagination—all of which make it a supreme piece of literature of matchless elegance for all times.

Elite hailed it as an encyclopedia of ancient Aryan life and wisdom, portraying an ideal civilization to which humanity has yet to aspire.

Some ranked it amongst the noblest monuments of poetic genius whether we judge it by the grandeur of the theme or by the tone of idealism or by the appeal that it makes to devout hearts and comments that its uniqueness lies in its exaltation of Dharma’’.

Another remarked that “Ramayana has been an agent of almost incalculable power in molding the cultural mind of India”. ‘Dharma’, understood in terms of the twin concepts of Satya and Tyaga so perfectly personified in one exalted as “Vigrahavan Dharmah’’ is one unique constituent of the pattern of life handed to us by our ancients which is valid for all times or all people”.

Rama Rajyam

‘The Rama Rajya’, is a system of governance where the character is the determining factor of life, where virtue takes precedence over wealth, where the spirit of service and not the exercise of power inspires those in authority, where piety is adored and pelf despised, where the meanest is equal to the highest.’

At a time when moral forces are making havoc on our lives, distorting our views, and disrupting our foundations, we cannot do better than hearkening to the voice of Sri Rama uttered through his several actions signifying the eternal ideals of our Sanatana Dharma.

Greatness of the Ramayana

The Ramayana is a beautiful melange of the divinely human and the humanly divine… Were Rama all divine, humanity would have left him severely alone. The kinship we feel with Sri Rama is because he is so human. Sri Rama himself says ‘‘Atmanam manusham manye’’ As remarked by many sages and scholars ‘’The Ramayana is not truth in the ivory tower that Valmiki hold up the mirror to.

It is truth at the secular and most liberal level as it applies to the common man in his everyday life to his society, to economics, politics, ethics and morality, to war and peace, ends and means’’.

Ramayana – Noblest Epic

Truly, the Ramayana is the noblest epic and an exemplary document of socio-religious life, humane diplomacy, cultural traditions, and spiritual foundations of the people of our Bharat.

It is a mirror of the highest ideals of Indian culture, forming the very warp and woof of our Sanatana Dharma. As the Ramayana is a sublime classic of deepest spiritual significance, devotees have to read it between the lines.

Dasaratha represents the merely physical while his three queens are personifications of the three Gunas-

  1. Satwa,
  2. Rajas, and
  3. Tamas.

His four sons are the four goals of life—the Purushardhas.

Lakshmana is the Intellect. Sugreeva is Viveka or Discrimination. Vaali is Despair while Hanuman is the embodiment of self-effacing devotion and loyalty.

The three Rakshasas –

  1. Ravana,
  2. Kumbhakarna, and
  3. Vibhishan

are personifications of Rajasic, Tamasic, and Satwic qualities. Sita is the Brahmajnana while Sri Rama is the very embodiment of Dharma of all the codes of morality that hold mankind together in love and unity.