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Рамаяна Живял някога в Айодхя цар на име Дашаратха. Както Луната блести сред звездите, така блестял той сред мъдреците и страната му благоденствала. Единствената му мъка била, че нямал наследник. Накрая Дашаратха решил да направи богато жертвоприношение, на което се събрали всички богове. Тогава, в пламъците на жертвения огън се появил Вишну и поднесъл на царя чаша с божествена напитка, която трябвало да изпият трите му жени. Следвайки съвета на боговете, царица Каушаля родила Рама, Кайкейя - Бхарата, а Сумитра - близнаците Лакшмана и Шатрухна. Всички деца били прекрасни, но Рама станал любимец на баща си и на народа. Той бил най-добър, както в учението, така и в бойните изкуства и още в детството си разгонил глутница демони. Лакшмана бил предан на Рама и го следвал навсякъде като сянка. Когато навършили шестнадесет години, братята посетили двореца на Джанак. Неговата дъщеря - Сита, се родила от една бразда, когато баща й орал земята. Джанак обещал да даде дъщеря си Сита за жена на този, който съумее да огъне лъка на Шива и да му постави тетивата. Никой от многочислените кандидати не могъл даже да повдигне божественото оръжие. Накрая, преди Рама да опита силите си, се появил Равана - страшният десетоглав цар на демоните (ракши) и владетел на Ланка (Шри-Ланка - Цейлон). Той изправил лъка, огънал го с неимоверни усилия и почти успял да постави тетивата, но в последния момент тя се изплъзнала от ръката му. Вбесен от неуспеха си, той захвърлил лъка и изчезнал в облаците. Тогава излязъл Рама, огънал вълшебния лък, с поразителна лекота поставил тетивата и взел една стрела с намерение да я изстреля. Опънал мощно тетивата и в този миг, не можейки да издържи напрежението, лъкът се пречупил на две с оглушителен гръм. След като спечелил състезанието, Рама се оженил за Сита, а тримата му братя - за другите царски дъщери. След време, престарелият цар Дашаратха решил да преотстъпи трона на Рама, но Кайкейя - майката на Бхарата искала нейния син да стане цар. Тъй като Дашаратха бил обвързан от дадено някога обещание, трябвало да изпълни желанието на жена си, но нямал сили да съобщи лошата вест на Рама. Тогава Кайкейя казала на принца, че цар ще бъде неговият брат Бхарата, а той трябвало да напусне двореца и да живее в горите четиринадесет години. Възмутеният Лакшмана искал да защити брат си със силата на оръжието, но Рама приел спокойно волята на баща си и започнал да се прощава с роднините и жена си. Сита обаче, решила да сподели съдбата на мъжа си, а Лакшмана пожелал да им служи. В гората, където Рама, Сита и Лакшмана започнали новия си живот, се появила красавицата-демон Шупранадха, която се опитала да съблазни Рама. Когато Рама я отхвърлил, тя се опитала да убие Сита, но Лакшмана отрязъл носа и ушите й, защото не желаел да убива жена. Отхвърлената Шупранадха побягнала, за да потърси помощ и се върнала с цяла армия, наброяваща 14000 демони, но Рама победил всичките, заедно с вожда им. Вестта за това достигнала до Равана, десетоглавия, двадесеторък цар на демоните, който седял на златния си трон, блестящ като огън. Някога, като награда за аскетизма си, Равана бил възнаграден от Брахма с обещание, че няма да загине от ръката на бог или демон. В гордостта си забравил за хората и Брахма предрекъл, че ще бъде убит точно от смъртен човек. По заповед на Равана, демонът Марича се отправил в гората да изкуши Сита, преобразявайки се в златна антилопа. Рама убил демона, но преди да умре, той започнал да зове за помощ с гласа на Рама. Обезпокоена, Сита изпратила Лакшмана да помогне на мъжа й. Но щом останала сама, пред нея се появил Равана и я отвлакъл със златната си колесница на остров Ланка. Когато се върнали и разбрали, че Сита е отвлечена, Рама и Лакшмана започнали да разпитват горските обитатели. Понеже единствено маймуните видяли как била отвлечена Сита, Рама сключил съюз с техния цар Сугрива и заедно започнали да търсят отвлечената жена. Когато разбрали, че тя е затворена в двореца на Равана, Хануман - мъдрият съветник на цар Сугрива, който бил син на бога на вятъра Ваю и на маймуна, скочил от една много висока скала на брега и прелетял до остров Ланка. Незабележим за стражите, той намерил Сита и й предал посланието на Рама. След това й казал да се качи на гърба му, за да я отведе при мъжа й, но достойната жена отказала, защото не искала да се докосва до чужд мъж. На раздяла само помолила пратеника да каже на Рама, че го очаква, за да я освободи. Преди да потегли обратно, Хануман позволил на стражите да го заловят и да запалят опашката му. След това се отскубнал от ръцете им и започнал да скача от покрив на покрив, причинявайки огромен пожар в града. Когато приключил с това, загасил горящата си опашка в океана и се върнал благополучно при Рама. След като събрал огромна армия от животни, Рама потеглил към Ланка. Докато армията се придвижвала, в двореца на Равана спорели кой трябва да командва отбраната. Вибхишана - благородният брат на Равана, казал, че ще бъде по-добре да предадат веднага Сита с мир, вместо да воюват, но гласът му не бил чут. Възмутен, той преминал на страната на Рама. В това време животните построили през пролива мост от скали и дървета и в мига, в който Рама приближил стените на Ланка, земята се разтърсила, от небето рукнал кървав дъжд, а около слънцето се появил огнен кръг. Въпреки тези зловещи предзнаменования, Равана решил да воюва. Тогава маймуните, като лавина плъзнали по стените на крепостта и обсипвали отбраняващите се с камъни и дървета. След залеза на слънцето обаче, силата на демоните нарастнала значително и те започнали да разкъсват нападащите ги с хиляди. Индраджит - синът на Равана станал невидим и скрит зад облаците, започнал да поразява нападателите. Така успял да рани Рама и Лакшмана, но те били изцелени с вълшебни билки. Виждайки, че губи битката, Равана призовал на помощ своя брат-великан Кумбхакарна, който успял да разкъса и изяде огромно множество маймуни, докато накрая Рама успял да го убие. В това време Лакшмана убил Индраджит и то съвсем навреме, защото той започнал да принася жертва, за да добие вълшебни способности. И ето, настъпило време за последната битка - между Рама и Равана. Демонът, използвайки оръжие на Брахма, изстрелял в противника си хиляди стрели с глави на лъвове и тигри. Рама му отвърнал със стрели, подобни на слънцето, звездите и метеорите. В най-горещия момент на битката, Индра изпратил на Рама колесницата си. Стрелите на Равана се превърщали в отровни змии, бълващи пламъци, а стрелите на Рама - в ято птици, поглъщащи змиите. Разгневеният Рама посичал една след друга главите на Равана, но те израствали отново и отново. Накрая, той поставил в лъка си стрелата на Брахма. В края й вместо пера бушувал вятърът, а вместо острие блестели слънцето и огънят. Пеейки ведически химни, Рама опънал тетивата и стрелата пронизала гърдите на Равана, след което се върнала в колчана на героя. В същото време от небето се посипал дъжд от цветя и се разнесли тържествени химни. Веднага след това потърсили Сита и я открили в градините на двореца. Рама обвинил жена си, че е пребивавала в дома на чужд мъж и я отхвърлил от себе си. Тогава Сита наредила да запалят погр***лен огън и с молитви влязла в него, независимо, че боговете умолявали Рама да я пощади. Самият бог на огъня - Агни, трябвало да я изнесе на ръце от пламъците и да я предаде пречистена на мъжа й. При завръщането си в Айодхя, Рама бил приветстван от Бхарата, който обул на брат си златни сандали. Радостта била неимоверна. Радвали се и боговете, и хората, и маймуните, които помогнали на Рама в тежката му борба с Равана. Най-накрая, Рама заел полагащия му се по право престол и царувал десет хиляди години, а народът бил щастлив, защото владетелят бил готов да изслуша всеки, който идвал с молба при него. Но когато се разбрало, че Сита очаква дете, народът бил възмутен, че царския род ще бъде продължен от потомците на жена, опетнила себе си, пребивавайки в дома на чужд мъж. По волята на подданиците, Рама заповядал на Сита да се отправи в изгнание и да не се връща повече. След дълго скитане в горите, тя била приета от прорицателя Валмики. Там, в неговия дом, тя родила близнаците Куша и Лава. Валмики записал цялата история на Рама и след това я разказвал на момчетата. След време, Куша и Лава пристигнали в столицата, за да присъстват на голям празник. Всички присъстващи на празника били поразени от изключителната прилика на братята с Рама, както и от песента, която пеели, в която се разказвало за живота на царя. Рама веднага се досетил, кои са те всъщност и изпратил да доведат Сита, за да се увери още веднаж в невинността й. В потвърждение на думите, изречени от Сита, от земята се появил трон, на който седяла богинята на земята, обкръжена от змии. Богинята хванала Сита за ръка и заедно с нея изчезнала под земята, а боговете запяли химн, възхваляващ вярната съпруга. От този момент сърцето на Рама не намирало покой. Раздавайки обилни дарове, в течение на следващите хиляда години той се молел пред златната стауя на Сита. Тогава пред него се появил богът на смъртта и му предложил да избере дали да остане всред хората или да се възнесе на небето, където за него вече било приготвено място. Рама пожелал да се отправи към небето. Той преотстъпил короната на синовете си и заедно с братята си и верните му маймуни нагазил в свещената река Сарайу. Преминавайки на отвъдния бряг, всички попаднали в света на боговете, където Рама бил посрещнат с радост от самия Брахма, а всички животни се преобразили в божества, каквито били в предишните си въплъщения.
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Rama Rama (राम Rāma) is the seventh avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu, and a king of Ayodhya in Hindu scriptures. Rama is also the protagonist of the Hindu epic Ramayana, which narrates his supremacy. Commonly it is proposed that Rama was born about 1.2 million years ago, during the Treta Yuga age that lasted 1,296,000 years. Rama is one of the many popular figures and deities in Hinduism, specifically Vaishnavism and Vaishnava religious scriptures in South and Southeast Asia. Along with Krishna, Rama is considered to be one of the most important avatars of Vishnu. In a few Rama-centric sects, he is considered the Supreme Being, rather than an avatar. - See also: - Ramayan - Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama, a film - Ravana, Rama's archenemy Contents Quotes[edit] - Lord Hanuman escorted me into the inner palace, where I gazed on Lord Rama in human form. Hanuman approached the Lord, on whose left side Lakshmana was present. I saw that Hanuman, while chanting the Lord’s praises, sometimes rotated the royal fly-whisk over him sometimes stood before him and recited spontaneous hymns, sometimes held a white umbrella over him, and sometimes massaged his feet. And sometimes he did all these things at once. - From Brihadbhagavatam quoted in: Philip Lutgendorf Hanuman's Tale: The Messages of a Divine Monkey, Oxford University Press, 13 December 2006, p. 345-46. - Rama, one of the most widely worshipped Hindu deities, the embodiment of chivalry and virtue. Although there are three Ramas mentioned in Indian tradition (Parashurama, Balarama, and Ramacandra), the name is specifically associated with Ramacandra, the seventh incarnation (avatara) of Lord Vishnu. It is possible that Rama was an actual historical figure, a tribal hero of ancient India who was later deified. His story is told briefly in the Mahabharata (“Great Epic of the Bharata Dynasty”) and at great length in the Ramayana (“Journey of Rama”). - The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica in: Rama, Alternate title: Rāmacandra, Encyclopædia Britannica - References to Rama as an incarnation of Vishnu appear in the early centuries ce; there was, however, probably no special worship of him before the 11th century, and it was not until the 14th and 15th centuries that distinct sects appeared venerating him as the supreme god (notably that of the followers of the Brahman Ramananda). Rama’s popularity was increased greatly by the retelling of the Sanskrit epics in the vernaculars, such as Tulsidas’s celebrated Hindi version, the Ramcharitmanas (“Sacred Lake of the Acts of Rama”). - The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica in: "Rama Rama, Alternate title: Rāmacandra" - Rama and Krishna (also an incarnation of Vishnu) were the two most popular recipients of adoration from the bhakti (devotional) cults that swept the country during that time. Whereas Krishna is adored for his mischievous pranks and amorous dalliances, Rama is conceived as a model of reason, right action, and desirable virtues. Temples to Rama faced by shrines to his monkey devotee Hanuman are widespread throughout India. Rama’s name is a popular form of greeting among friends (“Ram! Ram!”), and Rama is the deity most invoked at death. - The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica in: "Rama Rama, Alternate title: Rāmacandra" - In sculpture, Rama is represented as a standing figure, holding an arrow in his right hand and a bow in his left. His image in a shrine or temple is almost invariably attended by figures of his wife, Sita, his favourite half-brother, Lakshmana, and his monkey devotee, Hanuman. In painting, he is depicted dark in colour (indicating his affinity with Lord Vishnu), with princely adornments and the kirita-makuta (tall conical cap) on his head indicating his royal status. Rama’s exploits were depicted with great sympathy by the Rajasthani and Pahari schools of painting in the 17th and 18th centuries. - The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica in: "Rama Rama, Alternate title: Rāmacandra" In north India the festival [Divali] celebrates the return of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman to the city of Ayodhya, where Rama’s rule of righteousness would commence. - The Editors of Encyclopædia Britannica Diwali, Encyclopedia Britannica, 6 January 2014 - Jatayu, a divine bird, the king of the vultures. He was Sampati. According to Ramayana and Mahabharata, he was the son of Aruna and Shyeni. In the Ramayana he tried to prevent Ravana from carrying away Sita, but was wounded and killed. Rama and Lakshmana performed his last rites, and he ascended to heaven in a chariot of fire. - Roshen Dalal in: Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide, Penguin UK, 18 April 2014, p. 572. - Rama, Rama, Rama chant, this grand Lord’s name do not forget in mind With nine orifices this jam-packed city Five kings ruling there with all majesty They guard this body with all the vanity Do not get spoiled believing this mendacity. This insecure body, just a bony cage Tightly wrapped with a cover of skin Full of sewage, slush, and germs within Do not rely on this sewn up cartilage Respected by the recurring Brahmas and celestials Take Hari’s name with His supreme credentials Pray the feet of Purandara Vittala And get rid of the fear of the evils all. - This is an allegorical song in which Dasa refers to the nine openings of the body to the city and the five kings relate to the five universal elements of fire, air, water, earth and space. Degradable wastes are within the body which all binds us to this world. And to seek salvation he advises to take the name of God. - Sant Purandara Dasa in: M.K. V Narayan Lyrical Musings on Indic Culture: A Sociology Study of Songs of Sant Purandara Dasa, Readworthy, 1 January 2010, p. 87 - RĀMA, rä'mȧ: In Hindu mythology, the name of the sixth, seventh, and eighth incarnations of Vishnu, Parasurama, Ramacandra, and Balarama. Of these the Ramacandra avatar is by far the most famous, as Rama is here the hero of the Sanskrit epic of the Rāmāyaṇa. - New International Encyclopædia in: The New International Encyclopædia/Rāma, Wikisource - Though my reason and heart long ago realized the highest attribute and name of God as Truth, I recognize Truth by the name of Rama. In the darkest hour of my trial, that one name has saved me and is still saving me. It may be the association of childhood, it may be the fascination that Tulsidas has wrought on me. - Mahatma Gandhi in: Collected Works, Volume 54, Publications Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, 1973, p. 112 - To me... Rama, described as the Lord of Sita, son of Dasharatha, is the all-powerful essence whose name, inscribed in the heart, removes all suffering-mental, moral and physical - Mahatma Gandhi in: The essence of Hinduism, Farsight Publishers & Distributors, 2009, p.248 - My Rama, the Rama of our prayers is not the historical Rama, the son of Dasharatha, the King of Ayodhya. He is the eternal, the unborn, the one without a second. Him alone I worship. His aid alone I see, and so should you. He belongs equally to all. I, therefore, see no reason why a Mussalman or anybody should object to taking His name. But he is in no way bound to recognize God as Ramanama. He may utter to himself Allah or Khuda so as not to mar the harmony of the sound. - Mahatma Gandhi in: Harijan, Volume 10, Issues 1-30, Navajivan Press, 1946, p. 111 - I myself have been a devotee of Tulsidas from my childhood and have, therefore, always worshipped God as Rama. But I know that if, beginning with Omkar, one goes through the entire gamut of God's names current in all climes, all countries and languages, the result is the same. He and His law are one. To observe His law is, therefore, the best form of worship. - Mahatma Gandhi in: Gandhi's Views On God Ramanama, gandhi-manibhavan.org - His last words were Hé Ram! This is an exclamation to Ram (or Rama), who in Hindu traditions is one of the manifestations of Vishnu. 'Hé Ram' means “O! lord Ram!”. (This is invoking praise of Rama, rather than an expression of surprise.) - Charlotte Lowe commenting on the last words uttered by Gandhi after he was assassinated in: The Utterly, Completely, and Totally Useless Fact-O-Pedia: A Startling Collection of Over 1,000 Things You'll Never Need to Know, Skyhorse Publishing, Inc., Dec 13, 2013 - Bhakthi movement became prominent in later Hinduism. In the Bhakti Marga (Way of Devotion), devotion to god is a specific religious attitude and sentiment, the essential features of which are faith, love, and trust in god... Quite often, native Christian songs, hymns, and lyrics express these very same emotions of faith, love, and trust in Jesus Christ. Hindus identify with these emotions, with the difference that the object of their devotion would be Rama, Krishna and some other god. - Paul Pathickal in: Christ and the Hindu Diaspora, WestBow Press, p. 78 - The Diwali holds an imperative meaning among the Hindus, since, the day is reckoned with Lord Rama’s coronation ceremony as the King of Ayodhya after his return to the kingdom from 14 years of exile along with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman - Pramodkumar - Pramodkumar in: Meri Khoj Ek Bharat Ki, Lulu.com, 2008, p. 106 - Be not afraid. This is poetry that is coming out of your mouth. Write the life of Rama in poetic language for the benefit of the world. And that is how the poem first began. The first verse sprang out of pity, from the mouth of Valmiki, the first poet. And it was after that he [Valmiki] wrote the beautiful Ramayana, the “Life of Rama”. - R.K. Pruthi in: The Epic Civilization, Discovery Publishing House, Jan 1, 2004, p.52 - Say, for instance, 'My Rama, my Krishna.' If you must have pride, then feel like Vibhishana, who said, 'I have touched the feet of Rama with my head; I will not bow this head before anyone else. - Ramakrishna in: The Vedanta Kesari, Volume 76, Sri Ramakrishna Math., 1989 - We have often looked on that green hill [Chitrakuta] : it is the holiest spot of that sect of the Hindu faith who devote themselves to this incarnation, of Vishnu. The whole neighbourhood is Ráma's country. Every headland has some legend, every cavern is connected with his name; some of the wild fruits are still called Stáphal, being the reputed food of the exile. Thousands and thousands annually visit the spot, and round the hill is a raised foot-path, on which the devotee, with naked feet, treads full of pious awe.' - Ramayana in Calcutta Review, Vol. XXIII. quoted in:The Ramayana/Book II/Canto LVI: Chitrakuta, Wikisource - The first major legendary reference to Sri Lanka is found in the great Indian epic, the Ramayana (Sacred Lake of the Deeds of Rama), which was written around 500 B.C. It refers to a conquest of Lanka in 3000 BC by Rama, to liberate his abducted wife, Sita, from Ravana, the demon god of Lanka. It is believed that this poetic account is an indicator of the early southward expansion of Brahmanic civilization. Many place names in Sri Lanka, very especially in and around Sri Lankan cities such as Galle, and Nuvara Eliya have close resemblance and relationship with this legendary. - Manawadu Samitha in: Cultural Routes Of Sri Lankas Extensions Of International Itineraries : Identification Of Their Impacts On Tangible And Intangible Heritage, international.icomos.org - In Devanagari: राम रामेति रामेति रमे रामे मनोरमे । सहस्रनाम तत्तुल्यं रामनाम वरानने ॥ - IPA (Sanskrit):Raama Raame[a-I]ti Raame[a-I]ti Rame Raame Manorame | Sahasra-Naama Tat-Tulyam Raama-Naama Vara-[A]anane || - English Translation: Meaning:1: By meditating on "Rama Rama Rama" (the Name of Rama), my Mind gets absorbed in the Divine Consciousness of Rama, which is Transcendental, 2: The Name of Rama is as Great as the Thousand Names of God (Vishnu Sahasranama). - Lord Shiva in: Rama Rameti Rameti - in sanskrit with meaning - sloka on Sri Rama, greenmesg.org - I call him Rama. You can call him by any other name but have faith in him, surrender all worldly desires and passions to his will and without effort, become disciplined and principled. - The story of Ramachandra [Rama], as narrated in the Valmiki Ramayan and the Adhyatma Ramayan, after reinforcing and revitalizing it with the essence of whatever the Puranas, the Vedas, and other scriptures could give, I, Tulsidas, am writing for the delight of my own soul. - Tulsidas in: the invocation of his epic poetry of Ramacharitamanas. Quoted in "A Garden of Deeds: Ramacharitmanas, a Message of Human Ethics", p. 91 - Yes, there is the name of Lord Rama, The gracious, the essence of scripture, more pure, efficacious. - Tulsidas in: K. R. Sundararajan, Bithika Mukerji Hindu spirituality: Postclassical and modern, Motilal Banarsidass Publ., 1 January 2003, p. 75 - Am a servant of Rama, Accredited to His Court, What for should I Be a Courier of man? - Tulsidas's couplet composed when he refused to accept the honour as one of the Ratna’s (Jewel) as a poet in the Imperial court of Akbar|Akbar by his friend Abdurrahim Khan-i-Khana. Quoted in "A Garden of Deeds: Ramacharitmanas, a Message of Human Ethics", p. 54 - The Ramayana tells the story of the deeds of Lord Ram who, having devoted himself to fighting demons, defeats in a mighty war Ravan, the demon king of Lanka (present day Sri Lanka), who had kidnapped his wife Sita. - Valmiki’s Ramayana translated by Ralph T. H. Griffith The Ramayana of Valmiki (1870s), Wikisource - You cannot count on the physical proximity of someone you love, all the time. A seed that [[w:Sprouts|sprouts at the foot of its parent tree remains stunted until it is transplanted. Rama will be in my care, and he will be quite well. But ultimately, he will leave me too. Every human being, when the time comes, has to depart to seek his fulfillment in his own way. - Vālmīki in: R. K. Narayan The Ramayana: A Shortened Modern Prose Version of the Indian Epic, Penguin, 29 August 2006, p.9 The Ramayana The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda Volume 4, Lectures and Discourses[edit] Swami Vivekananda in:The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda Volume 4, Lectures and Discourses, Wikisource - The oldest of the epics is called Ramayana, "The Life of Râma". There was some poetical literature before this — most of the Vedas, the sacred books of the Hindus, are written in a sort of metre — but this book is held by common consent in India as the very beginning of poetry. The name of the poet or sage was Vâlmiki. Later on, a great many poetical stories were fastened upon that ancient poet; and subsequently, it became a very general practice to attribute to his authorship very many verses that were not his. Notwithstanding all these interpolations, it comes down to us as a very beautiful arrangement, without equal in the literatures of the world. - "Arise, O sage! "Thus aroused he exclaimed, "Sage? I am a robber!" "No more 'robber'," answered the voice, "a purified sage art thou. Thine old name is gone. But now, since thy meditation was so deep and great that thou didst not remark even the ant-hills which surrounded thee, henceforth, thy name shall be Valmiki — 'he that was born in the ant-hill'." So, he became a sage...." Thou art a wretch," he cried, "without the smallest mercy! Thy slaying hand would not even stop for love!" "What is this? What am I saying?" the poet thought to himself, "I have never spoken in this sort of way before." And then a voice came: "Be not afraid. This is poetry that is coming out of your mouth. Write the life of Rama in poetic language for the benefit of the world." And that is how the poem first began. The first verse sprang out of pits from the mouth of Valmiki, the first poet. And it was after that, that he wrote the beautiful Ramayana, "The Life of Rama". - After Valmiki was enlightened, he saw a hunter killing one of the doves kissing in the Ganges River which touched him and he then cried "Thou art a wretch". - There was an ancient Indian town called Ayodhyâ... There, in ancient times, reigned a king called Dasharatha. He had three queens, but the king had not any children by them. And like good Hindus, the king and the queens, all went on pilgrimages fasting and praying, that they might have children and, in good time, four sons were born. The eldest of them was Rama.... Now, as it should be, these four brothers were thoroughly educated in all branches of learning. To avoid future quarrels there was in ancient India a custom for the king in his own lifetime to nominate his eldest son as his successor, the Yuvarâja, young king, as he is called. - Now, there was another king, called Janaka, and this king had a beautiful daughter named Sitâ. Sita was found in a field; she was a daughter of the Earth, and was born without parents.... When she was of a marriageable age, the king wanted to find a suitable husband for her... There was an ancient Indian custom called Svayamvara, by which the princesses used to choose husbands.... There were numbers of princes who aspired for the hand of Sita; the test demanded on this occasion was the breaking of a huge bow, called Haradhanu. All the princes put forth all their strength to accomplish this feat, but failed. Finally, Rama took the mighty bow in his hands and with easy grace broke it in twain. Thus Sita selected Rama, the son of King Dasharatha for her husband, and they were wedded with great rejoicings. - Then, Rama took his bride to his home, and his old father thought that the time was now come for him to retire and appoint Rama as Yuvaraja. Everything was accordingly made ready for the ceremony, and the whole country was jubilant over the affair, when the younger queen Kaikeyi was reminded by one of her maidservants of two promises made to her by the king long ago...the servant suggested to her to ask from the king the two promised boons: one would be that her own son Bharata should be placed on the throne, and the other, that Rama should be sent to the forest and be exiled for fourteen years. - Rama was the life and soul of the old king and when this wicked request was made to him, he as a king felt he could not go back on his word. So he did not know what to do. But Rama came to the rescue and willingly offered to give up the throne and go into exile, so that his father might not be guilty of falsehood. So Rama went into exile for fourteen years, accompanied by his loving wife Sita and his devoted brother Lakshmana, who would on no account be parted from him. - Wherever Rama goes, there goes Sita. How can you talk of 'princess' and 'royal birth' to me? I go before you!" Sita in reply to Rama’s exclaiming "How can you, a princess, face hardships and accompany me into a forest full of unknown dangers!" - On the banks of the river they built little cottages, and Rama and Lakshmana used to hunt deer and collect fruits. After they had lived thus for some time, one day there came a demon giantess. She was the sister of the giant king of Lanka (Ceylon) [Ravana]. Roaming through the forest at will, she came across Rama, and seeing that he was a very handsome man, she fell in love with him at once. But Rama was the purest of men, and also he was a married man; so of course he could not return her love. In revenge, she went to her brother, the giant king, and told him all about the beautiful Sita, the wife of Rama. - Rama was the most powerful of mortals; there were no giants or demons or anybody else strong enough to conquer him. So, the giant king had to resort to subterfuge. He got hold of another giant who was a magician and changed him into a beautiful golden deer; and the deer went prancing round about the place where Rama lived, until Sita was fascinated by its beauty and asked Rama to go and capture the deer for her. Rama went into the forest to catch the deer, leaving his brother in charge of Sita. - Then Lakshmana laid a circle of fire round the cottage, and he said to Sita, "Today I see something may befall you; and, therefore, I tell you not to go outside of this magic circle. Some danger may befall you if you do." In the meanwhile, Rama had pierced the magic deer with his arrow, and immediately the deer, changed into the form of a man, died. - ...the giant king [Ravana], who had taken the form of a mendicant monk, stood at the gate and asked for alms. "Wait awhile," said Sita, "until my husband comes back and I will give you plentiful alms." "I cannot wait, good lady," said he, "I am very hungry, give me anything you have."... But the mendicant monk after many persuasions prevailed upon her to bring the alms to him, assuring her that she need have no fear as he was a holy person. So Sita came out of the magic circle, and immediately the seeming monk assumed his giant body, and grasping Sita in his arms he called his magic [[w:Chariot|chariot, and putting her therein, he fled with the weeping Sita. Poor Sita! She was utterly helpless, nobody, was there to come to her aid. As the giant was carrying her away, she took off a few of the ornaments from her arms and at intervals dropped them to the grounds. - When Rama and Lakshmana returned to the cottage and found that Sita was not there, their grief knew no bounds.... After long searching, they came across a group of "monkeys", and in the midst of them was Hanumân, the "divine monkey". Hanuman, the best of the monkeys, became the most faithful servant of Rama and helped him in rescuing Sita. His devotion to Rama was so great that he is still worshipped by the Hindus as the ideal of a true servant of the Lord...the "monkeys" and "demons" are meant the aborigines of South India. - So, Rama, at last, fell in with these monkeys. They told him that they had seen flying through the sky a chariot, in which was seated a demon who was carrying away a most beautiful lady, and that she was weeping bitterly, and as the chariot passed over their heads she dropped one of her ornaments to attract their attention. Then they showed Rama the ornament....the monkeys told Rama who this demon king was and where he lived, and then they all went to seek for him. - ...the monkey-king Vâli and his younger brother Sugriva were then fighting amongst themselves for the kingdom. The younger brother was helped by Rama, and he regained the kingdom from Vali, who had driven him away; and he, in return, promised to help Rama. They searched the country all round, but could not find Sita. At last Hanuman leaped by one bound from the coast of India to the island of Ceylon, and there went looking all over Lanka for Sita, but nowhere could he find her....he found Sita under a tree, pale and thin, like the new moon that lies low in the horizon.... Hanuman came nearer to Sita and told her how he became the messenger of Rama, who had sent him to find out where Sita was; and Hanuman showed to Sita the signet ring which Rama had given as a token for establishing his identity....she gave him a jewel from her hair to carry to Rama; and with that Hanuman returned. - Learning everything about Sita from Hanuman, Rama collected an army, and with it marched towards the southernmost point of India. There Rama's monkeys built a huge bridge, called Setu-Bandha, connecting India with Ceylon. In very low water even now it is possible to cross from India to Ceylon over the sand-banks there.... Rama was God incarnate, otherwise, how could he have done all these things? He was an Incarnation of God, according to the Hindus.... believes him to be the seventh Incarnation of God. - The monkeys removed whole hills, placed them in the sea and covered them with stones and trees, thus making a huge embankment. A little squirrel, so it is said, was there rolling himself in the sand and running backwards and forwards on to the bridge and shaking himself. Thus in his small way he was working for the bridge of Rama by putting in sand.... Rama saw it and remarked: "Blessed be the little squirrel; he is doing his work to the best of his ability, and he is therefore quite as great as the greatest of you." Then he gently stroked the squirrel on the back, and the marks of Rama's fingers, running lengthwise, are seen on the squirrel's back to this day. - ...when the bridge was finished, the whole army of monkeys, led by Rama and his brother entered Ceylon. For several months afterwards tremendous war and bloodshed followed. At last, this demon king, Ravana, was conquered and killed; and his capital, with all the palaces and everything, which were entirely of solid gold, was taken.... all these golden cities fell into the hands of Rama, who gave them over to Vibhishana, the younger brother of Ravana, and seated him on the throne in the place of his brother, as a return for the valuable services rendered by him to Rama during the war. - Early during the period of exile, Bharata, the younger brother had come and informed Rama, of the death of the old king [Dasharatha] and vehemently insisted on his occupying the throne. During Rama's exile Bharata would on no account ascend the throne and out of respect placed a pair of Rama's wooden shoes on it as a substitute for his brother. Then Rama returned to his capital, and by the common consent of his people he became the king of Ayodhya. - Rama passed a few years in happiness with Sita, when the people again began to murmur that Sita had been stolen by a demon and carried across the ocean. They were not satisfied with the former test and clamoured for another test, otherwise she must be banished. - In order to satisfy the demands of the people, Sita was banished, and left to live in the forest, where was the hermitage of the sage and poet Valmiki. The sage found poor Sita weeping and forlorn, and hearing her sad story, sheltered her in his Âshrama. Sita was expecting soon to become a mother, and she gave birth to twin boys. The poet never told the children who they were. He brought them up together in the Brahmachârin life. He then composed the poem known as Ramayana, set it to music, and dramatised it. - Valmiki dramatised "The Life of Rama", and taught Rama's two children how to recite and sing it. - There came a time when Rama was going to perform a huge sacrifice, or Yajna, such as the old kings used to celebrate.... Now Rama's wife was not with him then, as she had been banished. So, the people asked him to marry again. But at this request Rama for the first time in his life stood against the people. He said, "This cannot be. My life is Sita's." So, as a substitute, a golden statue of Sita was made, in order that the; ceremony could be accomplished. - They arranged even a dramatic entertainment, to enhance the religious feeling in this great festival. Valmiki, the great sage-poet, came with his pupils, Lava and Kusha, the unknown sons of Rama.... Under the direction of Valmiki, the life of Rama was sung by Lava and Kusha, who fascinated the whole assembly by their charming voice and appearance. Poor Rama was nearly maddened, and when in the drama, the scene of Sita's exile came about, he did not know what to do. Then the sage said to him, "Do not be grieved, for I will show you Sita." Then Sita was brought upon the stage and Rama delighted to see his wife. - ...the old murmur arose: "The test! The test!" Poor Sita was so terribly overcome by the repeated cruel slight on her reputation that it was more than she could bear. She appealed to the gods to testify to her innocence, when the Earth opened and Sita exclaimed, "Here is the test", and vanished into the bosom of the Earth. The people were taken aback at this tragic end. And Rama was overwhelmed with grief. - A few days after Sita's disappearance, a messenger came to Rama from the gods, who intimated to him that his mission on earth was finished and he was to return to heaven. These tidings brought to him the recognition of his own real Self. He plunged into the waters of Sarayu, the mighty river that laved his capital, and joined Sita in the other world. The Rámáyana of Tulsi Dás: Children[edit] Tulasīdās, Frederic Salmon Growse in: The Rámáyana of Tulsi Dás: Children, North-western Provinces Government Press, 1877 - They grow up, and the king is thinking where to find suitable brides for them, when Visvamitra comes, and after a long colloquy takes away with him Rama and Lakshmana to protect him at the time of sacrifice from the demons that persistently assail him. - In: p. iii Abandoning a spot which Rama had made so peculiarly his own; of the thieves who were prevented from breaking into the poet's [Tulsidas] house by Rama himself acting as watchman; of his visit to Brindaban and his interview with Nabhti Ji, and of his persistence in preferring the worship of Rama to that of Krishna, though the latter assured him in person that there was no difference between the two - all these legends as given in the Bhakta-Mala, whatever their foundation, are still popularly accepted as verities and are in dissolubly connected with the poet’s name. - In: p. xii - With this having purified the eyes of my understanding, I proceed to relate the actions of Rama, the redeemer of the world. First I reverence the feet of the great Brahman saints, potent to remove the doubts engendered by error. - Valmiki in: p. 3 - The most elegant composition of the most talented poet has no real beauty if the name of Rama is not in it; in the same way as a lovely woman adorned with the richest jewels is vile if unclothed. But the most worthless production of the feeblest versifier, if adorned with the name of Rama, is heard and repeated with reverence by the wise; like bees gathering honey; though the poetry has not a single merit, the glory of Rama is manifested in it. - Tulsidas in: p. 9 - Before the strong wind that could uproot Mount Meru, of what account is such a mere flock of cotton as I am? When I think of Rama's infinite majesty I tremble as I write. - Tulsidas in: p. 11 - Whoever in a devout spirit, with intelligence and attention, hears or repeats this lay of mine, he shall become full of true love for Rama, and cleansed from worldly stains shall enjoy heavenly felicity. - Tulsidas in: p. 13 - Thus there are in the world four kinds of Rama-worshippers, all four good, holy, and beneficent; but of these four sages who trust in the name they are the most dear to the lord who understand his mysteries. His name is great in the four Vedas and in the four ages of the world, but in this fourth age [Kali Yuga] especially there is no other hope. - Rama assembled a host of bears and monkeys and had no little trouble to build his bridge; his name can dry up the ocean of life; meditate thereon, 0 ye faithful. Rama killed in battle Ravan and all his family and returned with Sita in his own city, a king to Avadh his capital, while gods and saints hymned his praises, but his servants, if only they affectionately meditate on his name, vanquish with ease the whole army of error, and move, absorbed in interior ecstasy, without even a dream of sorrow. - As Narsinh was manifested to destroy the enemy of heaven, Hiranyakasipu, and protect Prahlad, so is Rama's name for the destruction of the world and the protection of the pious. By repeating this name, whether in joy or in repose, bliss is diffused all around. - Thus the very crime for which he like a huntsman killed Bali, was in turn the sin of Sugriva, and again of Vibhishan; but in their case Rama did not dream of censure, but honoured them both at the meeting with Bharat and commended them in open in court. - The story of Rama is a resting-place for the intellect; a universal delight; a destroyer of worldly impurity; an antidote to the venom of passion; a match to enkindle the fire of wisdom; the cow of plenty of this [[w:Iron age|iron age; flowers of ambrosia to make men immortal; a stream of nectar of the face of the earth; destroyer of death; a snake to devour toad-like error; befriending good by the destruction of hell in the same way as Parvati befriended the gods by destroying the army of demons; like Lakshmi rising from the sea in the assembly of saints; immovable as the earth that supports all the weight of creation; like the Jamuna, to put to shame the angel of death; like Kashi, the saviour of all creatures; as dear to Rama as the pure Tulsi; as dear to Tulsidas as his own heart's desire; as dear to Shiva as the daughter of Mount Mekal (i.e., the Narmada), bestower of all perfection and prosperity; like Aditi, gracious mother of all the gods; the perfect outcome of love and devotion to Raghubar - The heart is as it were a deep place in a land of good thoughts, the Vedas and Puranas are the sea, and saints are as clouds, which rain down praises of Rama in sweet, grateful, and auspicious showers; the sportive actions related of him are like the inherent purity and cleansing power of rain-water, while devotion is beyond the power of words to describe is its sweetness and coolness. - The story of the marriage of Shiva with the daughter of the snowy mountains is like the winter; the glad rejoicings at the Lord's birth are like the dewy season; the account of the preparations for Rama's wedding are like the delightful and auspicious spring; Rama’s intolerable banishment is like the hot weather, and the story of his journeyings like the blazing sun and the wind; his encounters with fierce demons, by which he gladdens the hosts of heaven, are like the rains that refresh the fields; the prosperity of his reign, his meekness and greatness are like the clear, bountiful, and lovely autumn; the recital of the virtues of Sita, that jewel of faithful wives, is as the undefiled and excellent water; the amiability of Bharat as its unvarying coolness. - Although Bhawani did not speak out, Mahadev can read the heart and knew her thoughts, and said: Listen to me, Sati; you are just like a woman; but you should not entertain these doubts; this is that Rama, my special patron, whose story was sung by the Rishi Agastya; in whom I exhorted the saint to have faith, and who is ever worshipped by seers and sages. - He, the heavenly king, detected the deceit; for he sees all things alike and knows the heart, the all-wise lord Rama, the very thought of whom disperses error. Yet even him Sati attempted to deceive — see how inveterate woman's nature is. But Rama acknowledging the effect of his own delusive power, with a sweet smile and folded hands saluted her, mentioning both her own name and that of her father, and added where is Mahadev, and why are you wandering alone in the [[w:Forest|forest? - The anguish of my heart is beyond words, but I take comfort when I remember Rama, whom men call the lord of compassion, and whom the Vedas hymn as the remover of distress. Him I supplicate with folded hands. May this body of mine be speedily dissolved. As my love for Shiva is unfeigned in thought, word, and deed, and as his word cannot fail. - From the day when Sati's spirit left the body he [Shiva] became a rigid ascetic, ever telling his beads in Rama's name, and attending the public recitations in his honour. - None is so bold but Love steals his heart, and only they whom Rama protects can then escape. - Then Shiva, after bowing to the Brahmans, took his seat, remembering in his heart his own lord, Rama. Then the sages sent for Uma, who was brought in by her handmaids, richly adorned. All the gods beholding her beauty were enraptured. - ... to whom Gauri's lord is dear as life. He who loves not Shiva's lotus feet can never dream of pleasing Rama; a guileless love for Shiva's feet is the surest sign of faith in Rama. For who is so faithful to Rama as Shiva, who for no fault thus left his wife Sati and made a vow, the pledge of unswerving fidelity? And whom does Rama hold more dear than Shiva? - Instruct me, my lord, with regard to him who is the passionless, all-pervading, omnipresent god. Be not wroth at my ignorance, but take steps to remove it. In the wood, though I was too awe-stricken to tell you, I beheld the majesty of Rama, yet my mind was so dull that I did not understand, and I reaped a just reward. - Vision of the true faith. They utter doctrines repugnant to the Veda, with no understanding of loss or gain; their glass is dim, their eyes are naught; how then can such hapless weights see the beauty of Rama? - First I will relate the manner of their exalted converse, after which you shall hear of Rama's incarnation and his all-glorious and sinless deeds. Hari's virtues and names are infinite, and his history and his manifestations beyond number or measure. - This then was the cause of one birth and the reason why Rama then assumed a human form. Each avatar has its legend, which the poets have sung in various ways and according to tradition. On one occasion it was Narad's curse that caused him to be incarnate. - Intoxicating liquor was the demon's share, and the poison was for Mahadev; but for yourself Rama and the Kauntulha jewel. You have ever been selfish and and perverse and treacherous in your dealings. - The lord gladly accepted the curse, thus working the will of the gods, and in his compassion withdrew the influence of his deceptive power. When this was removed, there appeared neither Rama nor the princess; and the saint fell in great fear at the feet of Hari, ever ready to heal the sorrows of a supplicant crying: May my curse be of no effect Energy, queen of beauty, mother of the world; of whose members are born countless Umas and Ramas and Brahmanas, all alike perfect; by the play of whose eyebrows a world flashes into existence, even Sita, enthroned at Rama's side. - Shameless, pitiless, and ever bent on mischief, the ten-headed miscreant [Ravana] thought to conquer Rama. Hearken, Bharadwja; if god is worth with a man his diamonds turn in bits of glass that are not worth a cowry. - Auspicious was the conjunction of the planets in an auspicious house; auspicious the moment; auspicious the day of the week and of the month; and full of delight was all creation, animate and inanimate, when Rama, father of delights, was born. - There was not one who observed the strange event, and at last the sun set, still chanting Rama's praises. The gods, saints, and Nagas too, who had witnessed the spectacle, returned home congratulating themselves on their good fortune. - One day his mother, after washing and dressing him put him to sleep in his cradle. When the service was over and she had made her oblation, she returned to the place where she had dressed the food; but when she came there she beheld Rama in the act of eating. In a great fright she ran to the nursery and there found the child again sleeping; but coming back once more she still saw the baby. Then she trembled and was much disturbed in mind for she saw two children, one here and one there, and was utterly bewildered, saying, Are my own senses at fault or is something else the matter? When Rama saw his mother’s distress he broke into a merry laugh. - On seeing Rama the saint [Vishvamitra] forgot his detachment from the world and was as enraptured with his lovely face as is the chakor with the full moon. Then said the glad king: "Reverend sir, this favour is unparalleled: what is the cause of your coming ... - Worship him, says poor Tulsi Das, and cease from all wrangling and hypocrisy. Rama and Lakshman accompanied the saint [Vishvamitra] to the world- purifying Ganges. Both the lord and his younger brother reverently saluted it, and Rama was delighted beyond measure, as the son of Gadhi (Vishvamitra) told him the legend how the heavenly stream had come down to the earth. - Rama smiled to himself on hearing this. "They are the sons of Dasarath, the glory of the line of Raghu, and the king has sent them to help me. Rama and Lakshman by name, these two brothers, as strong as they are good and beautiful, with their companions, protected my sacrifice and vanquished all the demons in battle. - The maidens peeping from the windows of the houses at once fell in love with Rama's beauty, and in amorous strain addressed one another: They surpass in beauty a thousand Loves: neither among gods, nor men, nor demons, nor serpents, ... - When they perceived that Rama was won by their devotion, they lovingly explain the different places, each according to his own fancy calling away the two brothers, who in their kindness are ever ready to come. Rama shows Lakshmana, still talking in light and merry tone... - Sita...wearied with gazing upon Rama's charms, her eyelids forgot to wink, and her whole frame was fulfilled with desire, as is the partridge when it sees the autumnal moon. Receiving Rama into her heart by the pathway of vision, she craftily closed upon him the doors of her eyelids. When her companions saw her thus overcome they were too much abashed to utter a word. Sita was more glad of heart than words can tell ; and as an auspicious omen, her left side, the seat of good fortune, began to throb. The two brothers returned to their Guru, inwardly praising Sita's loveliness ; and Rama related all that had taken place, being simplicity itself and utterly devoid of all guile. - Wherever the two gallant princes turned, all men's eyes were dazzled ; each saw in Rama what he himself most admired, nor did any one comprehend in the least the special mystery. The saint [Vishvamitra] told the king [Janaka] the arrangements were perfect, and the king was thereby gratified. - [Royal Announcement] Here is now the great god's massy beam, and whoever in this royal assembly shall to-day bend it shall be renowned in heaven and earth and hell, and at once without hesitation shall receive in marriage the hand of the king's daughter [Sita]. With flushed face and many a close look, they essay the divine bow; but though they put forth all their strength in a thousand different ways, they cannot move it. Those, indeed, who had any sense at all did not go near it. When w:JanakaJanak]] saw the kings thus dismayed he cried aloud as it were in anger: "Hearing the vow that I had made, may kings have come from diverse realms, with gods and demons in human form, stalwart heroes staunch in fight. A lovely bride, a grand triumph and splendid renown, but God it seems has not created the man who can break the bow and win it. - Yet at last, bowing his head at Rama's lotus feet, he thus spoke in dignified tones: " May there never be repeated in any assembly, where even the lowest of the family of Raghu is present, such a scandalous speech as that now uttered by Janak in the presence of the greatest of the clan. - Ye elephant warders, ye tortoise, serpent, and boar, hold fast the earth with a will that it shake not, for Rama is about to break the great bow; hearken to my order and be ready." When Rama drew near to the bow, the people all supplicated the gods by their past good deeds. - Earth, hell, and heaven were pervaded with the glad news: Rama has broken the bow and will wed Sita. The men and women of the city light votive torches, and, regardless of their substance, scatter gifts in profusion. Sita by Rama's side was as resplendent as if beauty and love had met together. Her companions whisper: Embrace your lord's feet; but in excess of fear she dares not touch them. - Next came Viswamitra to salute him, and placed the two boys at his feet, saying : "These are Rama and Lakshman, Dasarath's sons." He admired the well-matched pair and blessed them, with his eyes long fixed upon Rama's incomparable beauty, which would humble the pride even of Love himself. - Hearken, Rama; whoever it was who broke Shiva's bow is as much my [Parashurama] enemy as was Sahasrabahu. Separate him from among the assembly, or else every one of these kings shall be killed." When Lakshman heard the saint's words, he smiled and told him in atone of contempt: I have broken many a bow as child, and your never before this angry; why were you so fond of this bow in particular? - Hearken, Rama; whoever it was who broke Shiva's bow is as much my enemy as was Sahasrabahu. Separate him from among the assembly, or else every one of these kings shall be killed." When Lakshman heard the saint's words, he smiled and told him in atone of contempt: I have broken many a bow as child, and your never before this angry; why were you so fond of this bow in particular? - Said the son of Gradhi [Vishvamitra], smiling to himself : "Everything looks green to the saint's eyes; though Rama has to-day broken the bow as though it were a stick of sugarcane, still he has not the sense to understand. - As Bhrigupati [Parashurama]] heard his fearless words, his whole body was on fire with rage, and he became quite powerless and in a tone of entreaty cried to Rama: " See if you can manage this little brother of yours; so fair without and foul within, he resembles a golden jar full of poison. - Parashurama, called Brighupati, a saint considered the sixth avatar of Vishnu, is peeved that the Shiva's bow has been broken, and he picks up heated arguments with Lakshmana who infuriates him with his impudent talks. Finally, Rama appeases him, and he is reconciled when Rama strings the bow of Vishnu as a challenge posed by Parashurama. With this turn of events, 'Parashurama' meaning "Rama with an axe" is appeased, recognizes the power of Rama, blesses him and goes away to the forest to continue his penance. (abstract from p. 150-157) - The king made obeisance before Viswamitra, saying : It is by my lord's favour that Rama has broken the bow. These two brothers have given me the victory: tell me now, reverend sir, what it becomes me to do. Said the saint : "Hearken, wise king; the marriage was dependent on the bow, and took effect directly the bow broke; this is well known to every one, whether god, man, or Naga. - Who, 0 king [Dasharatha], can be more blest than you, who have a son like Rama? nay, four heroic sons, all equally obedient, religious, and amiable. Happy indeed are you for all time. Prepare the marriage procession to sound of music. - Here were rhapsodists chanting songs of praise; here were Brahmans muttering Vedic spells; while lovely women carolled joyous songs, ever dwelling on the names of Rama and Sita. The joy was so great that the palace was too small for it, and it overflowed on all four sides. - Every good and auspicious omen was ready at hand for him whose glorious son was the incarnate god, for a bridegroom like Rama and Sita his bride, and the pious Dasarath and Janak, the two parents. When they heard of the marriage, all the good omens began to dance and say: "Now at last the Creator has made us to be what our name denotes". - Rama alone recognized the influence of Sita, and rejoiced at this proof of her love. When the two brothers heard of their father's [Dasaratha] arrival they could not contain themselves for joy, but were too modest to speak to their guru, though they longed greatly their sire again. - Seeing the auspiciousness of the time, the deities rained down flowers and beat their drums. Shiva and Brahma and all the host of heaven mounted their chariots and came in crowds to see Rama's wedding, their heart and every limb throbbing and quivering with excess of love. They were so charmed with Janak's capital that their own realms seemed to them as nothing worth. - After the lustral rite and the oblation Rama proceeded to the pavilion. So great was the splendour and magnificence of Dasarath and his retinue that Indra was put to shame by it. From time to time the gods rained down flowers, while the Brahmans repeated the appropriate propitiatory texts. - When he saw the gods the all-wise Rama assigned them what seats they fancied; and the heavenly powers were delighted to behold the gracious manner of their lord. As the partridge drinks in the light of the moon, so their eyes reverently drank in the beauty of Rama’s face with the utmost rapture. - With their own hands the glad king and queen take and place before Rama golden vases and costly jewelled trays full of holy water and delicious perfumes. The saints with auspicious voice recite the Veda, and at the proper time the heaven rains flowers, while the father and mother of the bride look on in rapture and begin to wash the holy feet. - The lovely images of Rama and Sita were reflected in the jewelled pillars, and sparkled like incarnations of Kamdev and Rati, who had come to witness Rama's glorious weddings, and, from mingled curiosity and bashfulness, at one moment showed themselves openly and at another retired out of sight. - Then came the joyous Rama, the glory of the Solar race, with his brothers to Janak's palace to take leave. All the people of the city, whether men or women, ran to see the four brothers so lovely and so unaffected. - Courteously the king dismissed the burglars and reverently bade all the mendicants and approach and bestowed upon them ornaments and clothes and horses and elephants, and affectionately cherishing them made them stand up before him. After again and again reciting his praises they turned home with Rama in their heart. Lord Rama[edit] S.P. Bansal in: Lord Rama, Diamond Pocket Books Pvt Ltd, 22 October 2014Issues covered in earlier sections have been excluded here. - Of all the boys, Rama was the brightest and the most valiant. He possessed the gift of soothing everyone's heart like the spotless moon. Rama was highly skilled in the art of archery and was constantly engaged in perfecting this art through practice. Rama was also a filial son. - A major portion of my yagna has been completed. However, feeling threatened, demons like Maarich and Subahu are hell-bent on disrupting it in its final stages... Hence, O King [Dasharatha], I request your help for the protection of this Yagna [Siddhiyagya]... Hence, O King! I request you to press your able, brave, eldest son [Rama] into my service for a few days... In return for his help, I will bless him with the knowledge of Pashupatastra and several other weapons. - O, Muni!, after an agonizingly long wait, these sons were born to me in my old age. In addition, Rama being the eldest of my sons, is especially dear to me. Further these Rakshasas are very able too – in addition to being physical giants. My concern is how an ordinary human like Rama be able to face them. - Do not doubt Rama's ability to fight the demons. I will train Rama personally in the art of breaking through the spells and magic of the Rakshasas. I will transform him into an exceptionally able warrior. - When I myself am feeling incompetent to fight these evil souls how can the young boy Rama stand up to him? Moreover he is not that familiar with skills of warfare. He is too young right now. Hence, I am fearful for his safety and security. - Dasaratha - Lakshman was like Rama's shadow; hence it was sure that he would follow Rama whenever he went. Standing in the royal assembly, Rama could read worry written on his father's face. But he also knew that his father had won over himself. He had succeeded in showing preference for his dharma over affection for his son. Rama rejoiced over this fact. - Just as Ashwini Kumars walk behind Brahma, in the same way, the two brothers Rama and Laxman gracefully followed the Muni [Vishvamitra]. - Dearest Rama! Kindly wash yourself now with the water from the River Saryu. After that, receive this holy mantra in the name of Bala and Atibala. The effect of this mantra upon you would be extraordinary – you would never experience tiredness or illness and there would be no distortion in your appearance. Even when you are asleep or in a state of inattentiveness, the Rakshasas won’t be able to harm you. No one on this earth would be able to stand up to your strength. - Vishwamitra, in: p. 28 - O Rama! I command you to clear this region of Tadaka's interference. I desire that this region regains its past glory and becomes truly free from all troubles. That fearsome witch has wrought great damage to this area with her reckless exploits. - Vishwamitra, in: p. 30 - O Illustrious Prince! May you be blessed. Now I take the pleasure of presenting you with those promised weapons with which you would be able to defeat any any enemy of yours. These weapons have magical powers and can change their appearance. These are the rewards for the destruction of Tadaka. You have pleased me immensely - Vishwamitra, in: p. 31 - ..and, all these weapons immediately presented themselves before Shri Rama and folding their hands, addressed him, "O ever generous Raghunandan! May you be blessed. Consider all of us your slaves. We are fully prepared to give. - Taking this opportunity, Rama promptly used his Agneya Astra and aiming it at Subahu's chest, ended his life. On completing his yagya when Maharshi Vishwamitra saw that Rama had killed all the demons, who used to disturb his yagya, he was thrilled. - Maharishi Vishvamitra narrated to them the story of Ahalya and Indra. The amorous Indra deceived Ahalya and raped her. When Muni Gautam came to know of this he cursed Indra to become hundred eyed and cursed Ahalya to survive on air and and lie in ashes for thousands of years. O, Rama! This is the forlorn ashram of that accursed Ahalya. Now that you have arrived here, I request to bless Ahalya and release her from her curse. On entering the ashram Rama came across Ahalya engaged in deep meditation. Ahalya was invisible to both humans and devas. Rama was the only person who could see her in all the three worlds. - On seeing Rama, Ahalya's curse ended. Now she became visible to everybody. Recalling Maharshi Gautam's words, Ahalya received the princes with great affection. Ram accepted her hospitality wholeheartedly. With her powers of meditation Ahalya regained her true appearance. She was reunited with Maharishi Gautam with the intervention of Rama. - Here [Mithila], two weddings were solemnised - one of Rama with Sita and the other of Laxman with Urmila. After consultations with Maharshi Vishwamitra, the daughters of King Janak's younger brother, Kushdhwaj- Mandavi and Shrutikirti were also selected as brides for Bharat and Shatrughan. In this way the marriage of all the four sons of Dasharath was solemnized' - Rama has proceeded to the forests and now Bharat is heir apparent to this kingdom. However, I doubt whether I would be able to live long enough to see Bharat's coronation. - Dasharatha in: p. 44 - Kaikeyi was in a predicament. It now seemed to her that she had made a big mistake. She felt that sending Rama into exile for fourteen years was probably too bitter and tough a condition. - Advancing thus [in his exile], Rama came upon a kingdom, known for its prosperity. Here, he had a vision of goddess Ganga. How attractive was this place! In the waters of river Ganga, the Devas took holy dip. A king named Guh]] ruled over this region called Shrigaverpur. He was a devotee and fast friend of Rama.... When Raja Guh that Rama had entered the boundaries of his kingdom , he was delighted…rama rejected the royal welcome extended to him by Guh and proceeded to rest under a tree on a mat of mere straw. - Sumant [he had been ordered to back by Rama] had witnessed Rama's every stage of growth. Today, he was watching the same Rama go off into exile, but he also had no powers to redeem the situation. He, too, was bound by his commitments. This was Rama's first day outside his kingdom without Sumant. - Maharshi Bhardwaj was sitting with his disciples, after completing his yagna. Rama, Laxman and Sita greeted him and touched his feet. Rama said, "O great Muni! This is my younger brother Laxman. This is my wife Sita and I am Rama, Dasharath’s son. In obedience to our father’s command we have come to the forests. - Saint Agastya presented Rama with the bow made by Vishwakarma. This bow was made of gold and studded with diamonds. Along with this, there were two quivers gifted by Indra, which never became empty. He also gave Rama a golden sword. While handing over all these weapons to Rama, Agastya said, “Kindly receive these as gifts. These will help you in gaining victory over the demons. - Ravana: It seems that Rama has come to Janstana accompanied by the might of all Devas and Devraj Indra. Akampan: No Maharaj! Rama lives alone, accompanied by his wife and younger brother. Ravana:Then I will proceed there right now to kill them and thus prove that it is not just child’s play to gain victory over the Rakshasas Akampan: Don’t be agitated , O King! No one can defeat Rama. He has the power to prevent the earth from sinking into the ocean; he can stop the flow of a mighty river by his arrows; he can destroy all the inhabitants of the earth in a moment and create a new universe. It is my estimate that all the combined might of the Devas and the Asuras cannot destroy Rama. But Maharaj I have an alternate plan... You can deceive Rama through magic and abduct Sita. - Akampan told me that this Rama is a very powerful man and possesses divine qualities. It may not be possible to defeat him in personal battle. Hence, I have decided to deceive them first through magic and then abduct his wifeSita. - Ravana in: p. 71 - Vibhishan, concerned for his brother's safety, summoned up courage and said to [[w:Ravan|Ravan, "My respected elder brother and king of Lanka! It is the height of folly to show enmity towards those who have amply displayed their prowess by hurting Surpanakha, killing Khar, Dhhosana, Maarich and by destroying the entire army of demons. I suggest that you return Rama’s wife to him. - Ravan, greatly angered, said, ”If any one else had uttered these words I would have put him to death. It is in your interest to go away from here. - Rama said, "Hanuman had told me about Vibhishan on returning from Lanka. This is the right occasion for him to come here. He has sought the company of good by dissociating himself from evil influences. Hence, we should welcome him. I, for one, will not reject him under any circumstances. On receiving Rama’s signal, Vibhishan descended from the skies, fell at Ram’s feet, wept and said “Master! I am Ravan’s younger brother. I have come to seek refuge with you after being oppressed and insulted by him. Kindly accept me as your servant. Maharaj! Through Brahma’s blessings, Ravan is protected eternally from the attacks of the Devas, Gandharvas, Yakshas and Asuras. Our middle brother, Kumbakaran, is also mightily blessed. Ravan’s Commander-in-Chief, Prahast, had defeated Kuber’s commander, Manibhadra, in a battle at [[w;Mount Kailash|Mount Kailsah. Ravan’s eldest son is named Meghnad Indrajeet. He knows the art of vanishing on the battlefield, confusing his opponents. - Overwhelmed with emotion, Rama brought some water from the ocean and crowned Vibhishan as the future king of Lanka. When the issue of crossing the ocean was raised, Vibhishan said, "Rama! For this, you will have to ask the ocean itself to show you a way. - After reaching the enemy's territory, Rama and his supporters were making consultations with each other as regards the course of action to be taken. Vibhishan showed the topography of Lanka to Rama from the peak of Mount Subet. - Hearing this [On giving one last chance for Ravan to repent], Vibhishan replied, “O Maharaj! Your suggestion is sound, but will that evil man have the grace and wisdom to repent?” Rama said, “O Lankapati! I know in my heart of hearts that Ravan may reject my offer. If he was made of the right material, he would not have abducted Sita in the first place - Shouting sky-rending slogans praising Rama, these monkeys descended upon the demons with all their might. Rama was stationed, along with Laxman and Sugreev, at the northern gate. They were accompanied by one crore [ten million] monkeys. The Oracle of Rama[edit] David Frawley in: The Oracle of Rama , Lotus Press, 1 November 2000 - From its first success, the book became treasured by devotees of Rama and its fame spread throughout the country. Many people in India still use it today. The Tulsidas Ramayana itself can be used as an oracle. There are various methods of selecting verses from it to answer questioners. - Meditate upon Rama's brother Bharata, on the Wisdom Goddess Sarasvati, on elephant-headed Ganesha who removes obstacles, on the wise planet Mercury, on Rama's brother Shatrughna, and the Guru's name. Knowledge, wisdom will come to you on Wednesday. - In your heart worship the lotus feet of Rama, the Lord of compassion, the protector of the sages' holy practices, then give up all fear. This action will protect you from all evil and sorrow. - Along his journey Rama freed Ahalya from her curse. The grace of God is so strong it can free us from the most difficult situations. Through it our inner wisdom, symbolized by the sage's wife, can be released from the stone of ignorance and materialism in which it is trapped. But for this to occur, we must open ourselves to the Divine Will. Otherwise obstacles will arise that we cannot possibly overcome by our power. - At Rama’s great victory, evil kings were filled with envy and jealousy. Like swans enthralled with delight, Virtuous kings were overjoyed in their hearts. - At that very moment in Ravana’s capital of Lanka, evil omens appeared everywhere. Repeated happenings of fear, death, grief, misery and destruction occurred in all parts of the city. - Like the two months of spring, the two Kings Janaka and Dasharatha happily greeted one another. Good omens were as abundant as trees in the forest. Good deeds were as abundant as fruit and flowers on the great forest trees. - The exiled party first took rest near the sacred Ganga river, where a forest chieftain served them with love and care. This sign is both good and bad. Happiness and sorrow are often mixed and one turns into the other. - Sita, Rama and Lakshmana met the venerable ancient seer Agastya in their travels to the south. The company of the wise brings joy: seeing the three holy wanderers the yearnings of the heart are naturally fulfilled. - ...to the narration of the Ramayana with Hanuman still in Lanka having to fight his way out of the city. He returns across the sea and helps Rama prepare his forces for the coming battle. - Rama was crowned king of Ayodhya according to the most sacred rites. Thus began the sacred reign of Rama, when peace dwelled on Earth. Of all verses, this is the foremost to give triumph and success. - Rama, representative of the Divine is established as the king of the world. The Divine Will is again honored by people, which brings peace and blessings. - All people lived in peace and happiness, engaged in their appropriate work and performed the worship appropriate to their temperaments and stage of life. The image of Rama 's reign brings the fruit of rituals, mantras and yogic practices - Lava and Kusha, now grown, visit the court of Rama. Long-estranged associates or kinsmen appear with important new tidings and knowledge or old events. One's children or protégés will gain honor and recognition. - We are encouraged to action on these days much life at the beginning of the oracle, but here the results are more certain. - Perform your actions remembering the four holy brothers Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrughna. You will gain success in your endeavours, profit, love, and all good fortune. - Meditate with deep respect upon the teacher, upon elephant-headed Ganesha who removes obstacles, upon Lord Shiva, the ruler of the universe and his consort Mother Uma, and upon Sita, Rama, Lakshmana, and Hanuman. This is the way to the oracle. The Book of Ram[edit] Devdutt Pattanaik The Book of Ram, Penguin UK, 21 October 2008 - Ram's calm repose in the face of all adversity, so evident in the Ramayan, has made him worthy of veneration, adoration and worship. Ram's story has reached the masses not through erudite Sanskrit texts but through theatre song and dance performed in local languages. All of these retellings of Ramayan have their own turns and twists, their own symbolic outpouring, each one valid in their respective contexts. - In: p. vii - The Ramayan, one of the most revered texts in Hinduism, tells the story of a prince called Ram. Dashrath, king of Ayodhya, had three wives but no children. So he conducted a yagna and invoked the gods who gave him a magic potion that was divided among his three queens. In time the queens gave birth to four sons. Ram was the eldest, born of the chief queen, Kaushalya, Bharat was the second born to Dasharath’s favourite queen Kaikeyi. Lakshman and Shatrughna were the twin sons of the third queen Sumitra. - In: p. 3 - The twentieth century saw Ram on celluloid with films like Bharat Milap (1942), Ram Rajya (1943 film) andSati Sulochana (1961). Ramanand Sagar's television serial Ramayan, with Arun Govil starring as Ram, made history in the late 1980s. - The Ramayan also happens to be part of the Mahabharata, dated between 300 BCE and 300 CE, where it is called the Ramopakhyan. When the Pandavas bemoaned their thirteen years of forest exile, Rishi Markandeya retorted by telling them how Ram suffered for fourteen years and while the Pandavas deserved their punishment for gambling away their kingdom, Ram did not deserve his fate – he was simply obesing his father. The Collective Dream Of A Continent[edit] Anil De Silva in: The Collective Dream Of A Continent, unesco.org - The Ramayana is an epic poem of love and beauty and tells the story of the princely hero, Rama, who fights a battle to bring back his kidnapped wife, Sita, from the demon king of Lanka (Ceylon). - Valmiki's Sanskrit poem Is filled with lyrical descriptions of Nature. Rama and Lakshmana are tricked into leaving Sita unprotected in the forest and when they return they find her vanished. She has been kidnapped by Ravana. Rama, in his despair, runs madly from thicket to thicket calling Sita's name. In each ray of sunlight, in each golden flower, he thinks he recognizes her yellow robe. - Sweet Kadambara, have you seen my fair one? Speak, Basil, you must know, for her limbs are like your graceful branches. Sweet Tila, fairest of all, where is she who loved your flowers? Gentle deer, has she played with you? Is your moon-faced friend hiding behind some tree? Have pity. Speak to me. Where are her soft limbs, her moon bright face, her shapely neck, her red lips... - Rama invoking the trees cries in: p.14 - Later, wandering in the forest, Rama and Lakshmana come to the grove by the Pampa Lake. It is Spring and Rama and Laskhmana bathe in the crystal waters of the Pampa ablaze with white and red lotus buds. The trees are proudly crowned with flowers along the banks and long creepers fall from them laden with blossoms. Screaming parrots make shrill music and Rama feels his whole being filled with languorous desire for Sita. - Somewhere under alien skies it must be Spring too, and my imprisoned love mourns for me. My spirit knows she can never live without me. Every gentle breeze that stirs the blossoms on the trees fans the fury of my desire. Where are you, Sita, my fawn-eyed love? - Rama wandering through the forest in: p. 14 - One of the dramatic episodes in the Ramayana is the abduction by Ravana, the demon-king of Ceylon, of Sita, wife of Rama exiled in the forest. Rama is lured into the forest in pursuit of a deer (a demon in disguise), and his brother Lakshmana, guarding Sita, is tricked into leaving her. Ravana then appears, sweeps Sita off in his aerial chariot. A great vulture, Jatayu, tries to rescue her and though mortally wounded lives long enough to tell Rama of Sita's abduction. - Ravana woke to a new day to the strains of music as the solemn hymn of praise to the dawn was sung. The thought of Sita came to his heart, he could not control the passion that absorbed his soul. Laying aside his bow and arrow, he put on a spotless white robe embroidered with flowers and gold and entered the Asoka grove impatient to see her. A sudden fear and trembling took hold of Sita when she saw Ravana in his pride; she folded her arms' over her breasts trying to screen their beauty from his bold and amorous glances. She lay prone like a severed branch on the earth, her thoughts flying to Rama to give her courage. - Valmiki's Ramayana has Ravana as the villain, but in South India and the Jain versions, Ravana is the great tragic figure for his love for Sita carries with it his own death; he catches our imagination and the idea that his passion bears its inevitable disaster follows the spirit of Greek tragedy. - The first non-Indian version of the Ramayana was produced in Chinese and dates from about the fifth century. In Tibet, Nepal and Chinese Turkestan local versions appear to be well known from about 700 A.D. In Cambodia an inscription dated 600 A.D. tells that a sage presented the Ramayana to a temple and made arrangements for its recitation. We know that in the tenth century a Sanskrit scholar expounded both epics at the Cambodian court. - The Ramayana has a special place in India and South Asia because of the purity of Rama and Sita and their love symbolizing fidelity. The ideal of chivalry in the epic corresponds to that of Europe in the Middle Ages, for Rama is the protector of the oppressed, of widows and orphans; he is the perfect knight valiant in face of danger, protective and tender to all women while loving Sita alone. - Many scholars have frequently found comparisons between Homer's Iliad and the Ramayana for they share the basic plot of a husband who goes forth to battle to rescue a kidnapped wife; and the story of Jatayu, the vulture, whose brother burnt his wings on going too near the sun recalls the [[w:Greek myth|Greek myth of Icarus. Many other characters in the, Greek and Indian epics have points in common: Agamemnon and the monkey king Sugriva, Hector and Indrajit, the son of Ravana who abducted Sita, Nestor and Hanuman. Other details recall the Bible: Hanuman and Joshua both order the sun to stop in its course; and Hanuman, like Jonah, enters the mouth of a sea monster. - The three colossal figures dwarfing the ordinary mortals at their feet are pasteboard effigies of the principal demons of the Ramayana ten-headed Ravana flanked by Meghdana and Khumbhakarna. They figure in the celebration of the Indian festival of Dusserah. After celebrations dedicated to the Goddess Durga who helped Rama against Ravana, giant effigies, erected in a northern Indian cities, meet a fiery fate when flaming arrows shot by Rama ignite explosives packed inside them.