Pankajnath Tiwari :
The Ramayana is an ancient Hindu epic that is attributed to the sage Valmiki. It tells the story of Prince Rama, his wife Sita, and his loyal devotee Hanuman. The epic is divided into seven books, known as Kandas, and consists of about 24,000 verses.
The story begins with the birth of Rama in the kingdom of Ayodhya. Rama is the eldest son of King Dasharatha and is known for his virtues and righteousness. He is married to Sita, the daughter of King Janaka. Rama’s stepmother, Queen Kaikeyi, influences Dasharatha to exile Rama from the kingdom for fourteen years and crown her own son Bharata as the king.
Rama willingly accepts the exile and sets off to the forest with Sita and his loyal brother Lakshmana. During their exile, Sita is abducted by the demon king Ravana, who takes her to his kingdom of Lanka. Rama and Lakshmana embark on a quest to rescue Sita. They befriend various creatures and beings, including the monkey king Sugriva and his minister Hanuman.
Hanuman plays a crucial role in the story. He is a devoted and powerful monkey warrior who helps Rama in his search for Sita. Hanuman leaps across the ocean, reaches Lanka, and discovers Sita imprisoned in a grove. He informs Rama of her whereabouts, and a mighty battle ensues between Rama’s army and Ravana’s forces.
Rama, aided by an army of monkeys and bears, fights against Ravana’s powerful demon warriors. Eventually, Rama confronts Ravana in a fierce battle and defeats him with the help of his divine weapons. Rama rescues Sita and returns to Ayodhya after completing the fourteen years of exile.
Upon their return, Rama is crowned as the rightful king of Ayodhya, and the entire kingdom rejoices. Rama’s reign is marked by prosperity, justice, and righteousness. He is considered the ideal king, known for his adherence to dharma (righteousness) and his unwavering devotion to duty.
The Role of Lord Rama’s Brothers: Rama’s younger brothers, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna, also play significant roles in the epic. Lakshmana accompanies Rama and Sita into exile and serves as their protector and confidant. Bharata, who was reluctant to become the king, remains loyal to Rama and keeps Ayodhya in Rama’s absence. Shatrughna helps Bharata in managing the kingdom during Rama’s exile.
Sita’s Test of Purity: After Rama rescues Sita from Lanka, her chastity becomes a subject of doubt among some people in Ayodhya. To prove her purity and dispel any doubts, Sita undergoes a trial by fire known as Agni Pariksha. She enters a sacrificial fire, and with the blessings of the gods, emerges unharmed, thus affirming her purity. This episode highlights Sita’s unwavering devotion to Rama and her moral strength.
Hanuman’s Exploits: Hanuman, the mighty monkey warrior, showcases incredible strength, intelligence, and devotion throughout the epic. Apart from helping Rama in the search for Sita, he performs several heroic feats. He leaps across the ocean, lifts an entire mountain, and single-handedly defeats numerous demons in Lanka. Hanuman’s devotion to Rama is revered, and he is considered an embodiment of loyalty and selfless service.
Ravana’s Character: Ravana, the antagonist of the Ramayana, is depicted as a powerful and learned demon king. He is a complex character with exceptional knowledge and supernatural abilities. Despite his strength, Ravana’s downfall is rooted in his arrogance and desire for power. His abduction of Sita ignites the conflict between good and evil, ultimately leading to his defeat at the hands of Rama.
Moral Lessons and Teachings: The Ramayana imparts various moral lessons and teachings. It emphasizes the importance of fulfilling one’s duty and upholding righteousness, even in the face of adversity. The epic highlights the significance of maintaining strong relationships, such as brotherhood and loyalty. It also underlines the consequences of negative traits like greed, pride, and ego.
Different Versions of Ramayana: Over time, the Ramayana has been retold and adapted by various cultures and communities, resulting in different regional versions. Some well-known versions include the Valmiki Ramayana (attributed to the sage Valmiki), the Tulsidas Ramayana (composed by the poet Tulsidas), and the Kamban Ramayana (written by the poet Kamban). These versions may have variations in details and interpretations, but the central themes and characters remain consistent.
Jatayu’s Sacrifice: When Ravana abducts Sita and is carrying her to Lanka, Jatayu, a noble and elderly bird, comes to her rescue. Jatayu valiantly fights Ravana but is overpowered and mortally wounded. Before his death, Jatayu informs Rama and Lakshmana about Sita’s abduction, becoming an emblem of loyalty and selfless sacrifice.
The Bridge to Lanka: To reach Lanka and rescue Sita, Rama and his army face the challenge of crossing the vast ocean. With the assistance of the monkey army, led by Hanuman, a bridge called “Rama Setu” (also known as Adam’s Bridge) is constructed. This bridge allows Rama’s army to cross the ocean and reach Lanka, showcasing the ingenuity and determination of the characters.
Vibhishana’s Loyalty: Vibhishana, Ravana’s younger brother, recognizes Ravana’s wrongdoing and defects to Rama’s side. He becomes a trusted advisor to Rama and provides valuable insights into Ravana’s weaknesses. Vibhishana’s loyalty and righteousness are rewarded, and he is crowned the king of Lanka after Ravana’s defeat.
Rama’s Exile in the Dandaka Forest: During the fourteen years of exile, Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana spend most of their time in the Dandaka Forest. The forest becomes the backdrop for various encounters, adventures, and tests of their virtues. They encounter sages, demons, and mystical creatures, each contributing to the unfolding of the epic’s events.
Rama’s Coronation and Return to Ayodhya: After the completion of the fourteen years of exile, Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana return to Ayodhya. The people of Ayodhya joyously welcome them, and Rama is crowned as the king. The city is adorned with grand celebrations, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and the restoration of righteousness.
Rama’s Departure: While Rama’s return to Ayodhya marks the end of the Ramayana, the epic concludes with an event known as Rama’s “departure” or “ascension.” In this episode, Rama learns about a washerman’s criticism of his decision to accept Sita back after her captivity. Rama, deeply hurt by the doubters, asks Sita to undergo another trial by fire. Sita, unable to bear the ordeal again, chooses to return to her mother, Bhumi Devi (Mother Earth). This event highlights Rama’s commitment to maintaining the moral code of conduct expected of a king.
