Essentials of Hinduism - Salient Features Of Srimad Ramayana

Essentials of Hinduism

Salient Features Of Srimad Ramayana

Dharma:

The Greatness of Rama throughout Ramayana is, He practiced Dharma throughout His Entire Life and He never gave up. He was a living example for all of us to follow – how we should practice Dharma throughout our Life.

Difference between Sri Rama and Sri Krishna:

The important difference between Sri Rama in the Rama Avathara and Sri Krishna in the next Krishna Avathara is: in the Rama Avathara, Sri Rama was a Human like all of us and He never knew that He was indeed the Paramatma. However, in the Krishna Avathara, Sri Krishna came down from the Vaikunda declaring At All Times that He is the Paramatma.

Suprabhatha:

Sage Visvamitra takes Rama and Lakshmana to his Hermitage. They spend their first night on the beds of grass. When it is time to get up in the morning, the Sage speaks with sweetness.

Wedding of Sita:

Read King Janaka’s Words to Sri Rama in reference to Sita.

At the time Rama decides to leave Ayodhya and live in Dandakaranya, Sita reminds Rama that He is Her Life, Light and Love. She would Follow Him as a Shadow, as Dharmacharinee, that is, partner in Righteous Conduct. Rama had to accept the Argument. He smiles and agrees to take Her with Him.

Advice of Sumitra:

Rama has agreed to take Lakshmana with Him to the Forest. Lakshmana pays obeisance to Sumitra, his Mother, and takes leave of her. Sumitra says to Lakshmana: “My boy, think of Rama as your Father and Sita as your Mother. Think of the Forest as Ayodhya and have a nice and happy Journey.

Lakshmana’s exemplary Conduct:

Lakhmanana has been always with Rama in childhood, and their closeness has continued on their growing up. Throughout their stay in the Forest, Lakshmana has looked after Rama’s comforts and has served Sita with due respect. When Sugriva hands over the bundle of ornaments dropped by Sita, and Rama shows them to Lakshmana, he says to Rama: “the Anklets are surely Sita’s. I do not know about the rest of the Ornaments.” This shows Lakshmana’s exemplary Conduct.

Acceptance of the Padukas:

Bharatha is an Embodiment of the Saranaagathi (Total Surrender to God) principle. Surrender everything to God and He will look after you. Be neither elated when Prosperity comes, nor, be depressed when Adversity comes. Saranaagathi is a basic Principle of Vaishnavism.

Chivalry of Rama:

When Rama meets Ravana in the Battle, at one time Rama succeeds in killing the Charioteer and the horses, and, wounding Ravana in the chest. Ravana in pain, drops his bow and stands helpless on the field. Rama calmly tells Ravana, “You have fought with tremendous vigor in the battle. You are tired. Inru Poye Naallai Vaa (in Tamil)! Feel free to go back, take rest and come when you feel alright.” A brave action indeed!

Rama is just Human:

War is over. Sita has proved her Purity. All Devas have Assembled. Now Brahma speaks, “You are Narayana. Sita is Lakshmi. Why the hesitation.”

Sundara Kanda – why considered Special?

All Kanda names seems appropriate except this Sundara Kanda. Probably based on the other Kandas this should have been named Lanka Kanda. This is not the name. Because of the underlying Beauty this is named as Sundara Kanda. However, Sita Devi was surrounded by Rakshasis’ who made Her life miserable – then why this Name is appropriate. Let us go in-depth and check this out – a few incidents justifies this Sundara Kanda Name – (1) Anjaneya uses his wisdom, patience, valour, skill, strength and humility talents, overcame all obstructions, crossed the Sea and arrived in Lanka safely. There is a Beauty in his actions and so this Name is quite appropriate; (2) Just before climbing down the tree, Anjaneya bowed and showed his respects mentally to Sri Rama and Sita Devi sitting under the Tree. For this humble act of Beauty, Valmiki gave this Name; (3) With Her Tapas strength it would have been possible for Sita to have burned down Ravana to ashes. However, She took pity on him and saved him. From the top of the Tree Anjaneya witnessed with surprise Sita’s conversation with Ravana filled with Divineness and Humbleness – this is another reason for this Name; (4) Ravana brought Sita to Lanka by force and tortured Her through the Rakshasis. They tried to convince her that She would enjoy all the luxury and comfort in the Palace of Ravana. However, none of them attracted Sita and all She wanted was to unite with Rama. Due to Sita’s Purity and Divinity, this section of Ramayana got the name of Sundara Kanda; (5) Anjaneya offered to carry Sita on a wooden plank safely to Rama. However, She rejected this offer and wanted Rama to wage and win the War against Ravana and then take Her. Anjaneya accepted politely the forceful Speech and Decision of Sita. Sundara Kanda name is appropriate due to the beauty of Sita’s reasonings; (6) Hanuman closely watched the eyes of Ravana and studied his inner feelings and appreciated Ravana’s capacity to study the Messenger. This section is another reason for this Name; (7) Above all these reasons for this name is the beauty hidden in this Bachelor Anjaneya’s capacity to complete any formidable task with success.

Ramayana’s interesting Features:

1) Rama Jayam Sri Rama Jayam Nambinorukku Edu Bayam! The word Rama is so powerful, that if a person chants Rama and prays with total faith in Him (Rama), he has nothing to fear. Sri Sankara the master of wisdom has said that if one keeps in one’s heart Sri Rama and Meditates on Him with reverence, one’s sins will be burned up.

2) In this Epic of Ramayana: Rama is the incarnation of Vishnu, Sita of Lakshmi, Hanuman is the incarnation of Shiva, Lakshmana is the representation of Adhisesha, Bharata represents Vishnu’s Chakra and Satruguna is Vishnu’s Shanka.

Chapter Re-cap:

1) Act Righteously; do not Deviate from the Righteousness.

2) We have to Remember that the direct Authority for Dharma are the four Vedas. Therefore, Learn the Vedas to understand the Dharmas.

3) If you preserve the Dharma, the Dharma will Protect You.

4) Read the Sections of Ramayana and understand how Lord Rama, Sita and Anjaneya practiced the Dharmas when they were tested by Circumstances. Apply these Dharma Practices for your Personal Life Problems.

This article is a snippet from the Book Essentials of Hinduism, Authored by G.S Nilakantan. Hinduism for All is available online at www.giri.in and across Giri Trading Agency Private Limited, A chain of Speciality Stores dealing in all kinds of products needed in Indian Culture and Tradition.