RAMA

The life of Rama, ideal man and great warrior is the story of India’s second epic, ‘The Ramayana.’ The seventh avatar of Vishnu, Rama brings to life a quality known as ‘Maryada Purush’ ideal man.

In the 3rd century BC, Valmiki wrote the epic ‘Ramayana’, immortalising the life of Rama.

He was born as Ramachandra the eldest son to King Dashratha, who ruled the kingdom of Ayodhya in north India. Early in his life, a sage called Vishwamitra recognized Rama as an avatar of Vishnu and sought his help in the slaying of a female demon, Taraka. Right from his fight against evil Rama was victorious. This victory foreshadowed the great battle with the demon, Ravana.

First Rama would marry. His wife is his celestial partner Lakshmi, who descended in avatar as Sita. To win her hand, Rama showed his prowess as a warrior. Rama was the only suitor who could bend the great bow of Shiva, in front of the entire court of King Janaka. Rama and Sita married and returned to the Kingdom of Ayodhya.

However his step mother Kaikeyi obstructed his path to the throne. She wanted her son, Bharat to inherit the kingdom and conspired against Rama. Rama was sent into exile for fourteen years.

Sita and Lakshmana (Rama's brother), went with him into the forest where trouble soon followed. When Rama spurned the advances of a Surpa-Nagara a female demon she attacked Sita. Lakshmana defended Sita and wounded Surpa-Nagara.

Ravana, Surpa Nagara’s brother entered the fray. Ravana was the ten headed demon King of Lanka, As wily as he was vicious, Ravana tricked Rama and Lakshmana and kidnapped Sita.

While Rama was searching for Sita, a spirit called Kalabandha told Rama to go to the Monkey King, Sugriva for help. Rama and Lakshmana went to King Sugriva who was in the midst of a crisis. Bali, his brother had taken the kingdom that rightfully belonged to Sugriva.

Rama and Lakshmana took on a war with Bali and restored the kingdom to Sugriva. King Sugriva offered Rama the services of his general Hanuman, to help find Sita. Hanuman was able to discover Sita’s whereabouts. She was imprisoned by Ravana in his island nation of Lanka.

To rescue Sita a bridge was built to reach Ravana’s kingdom. Rama, Lakshmana, Hanuman and an army of warriors crossed the bridge and flooded into Lanka. In the war between good and evil, all the demons were killed. Ravana was killed by Rama and Sita was rescued.

Together Ram, Sita and Lakshmana returned to Ayodhya. Rama was crowned king and the era when he governed was called ‘Ramrajya’ in recognition of a time when democracy was given the highest dignity.