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Background

Shree Ram

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Ram is undoubtedly the most popular of all Vishnu incarnations, even more so than Krishna. He was historically popular not only in India but also in other Asian countries. He is also regarded as an inspiring and exemplary figure in Indian art and literature. The epic Ramayana tells the story of his life. It is the oldest of the epics and is considered sacred by Hindus.

Almost every language has had it translated. Aside from the original Ramayana by sage Valmiki, there are numerous versions and variations available in many native languages. Millions of Hindus worship Rama as a deity in temples and at home.

THE GANDHARVAS, SIDDHAS, AND HOLY RISHIS walked up to Brahma and said, “O venerable Lord! Because of Your blessing, the demon Ravana is harassing us in various ways with his power. We are unable to examine him. Please keep us safe.”

Meanwhile, Lord Hari had arrived. “O gods!” he exclaimed to them. Don’t be afraid. I will become a human to protect you all and to destroy the evil Ravana.”

Lord Vishnu divided Himself into four parts, and King Dasaratha was chosen as His father.

The Birth of the Lord

King Dasaratha, who was blessed with good fortune, devoted to the truth, brave and famous, was without a son. He was deeply troubled in his heart. “O my venerable master!” he said to his family preceptor Vasishtha. I have no reservations about continuing the line. “I am troubled by the sadness of being childless.”

“O righteous king!” exclaimed Vasishtha. You will have four powerful sons. Bring Rishy Sringa with you. Perform the Putrakameshti sacrifice all at once.”

Dasaratha brought the Rishi to Ayodhya and sacrificed him. The God of Fire appeared from the sacrifice’s fire. He carried a golden vessel filled with divine Payasa. “O best of kings!” he exclaimed. Take, for example, this Payasa created by the gods in heaven. Give it to your deserving wives. You will have mighty sons through them.”

Dasaratha obtained permission from Vasishtha and Rishya Sringa and divided the Payasa equally between his queens Kausalya and Kaikeyi. Sumitra went as well. She also desired a portion of the Payasa. Kausalya cheerfully gave her half of her portion. Kaikeyi was also overjoyed to give half of her share. All of the queens got pregnant.

Kausalya gave birth to a superhuman son in the tenth month. The great and prosperous Shree Rama with mighty arms, the eternal Lord, the Master of the world, the joy of Dasaratha, appeared on earth on the ninth lunar day of the bright half of the month of Chaitra, under the star Punarvasu and Lagna Karkata (the auspicious zodiacal sign of cancer), the five constellations in the ascendant. On His fair body, he bore all the auspicious marks. His form shone like a thousand suns.

Kaikeyi gave birth to Bharata. Sumitra had two sons, twins Lakshmana and Satrughna. The Gandharvas sang and the Apsaras danced in joy at their birth. A shower of flowers fell from the sky.

Brahmins received a thousand villages, gold, clothes, jewels, and cows from King Dasaratha. He performed Jatakarma’s birth ceremony.

Vasishtha bestowed the names. Kausalya’s son was named Rama because He brought joy and happiness to all, and the Munis found delight in Him through Knowledge in order to cross this ocean of ignorance.

Bharata was given this name because he protected everyone. Lakshmana was given this name because he possessed auspicious qualities. Satrughna was given that name because he was the destroyer of enemies.

Shree Rama was a Lord Hari Avatara; Lakshmana was an Adisesha Avatara, and Bharata and Satrughna were Conch and Discus Avataras. Sita was a ShreeLakshmi Avatara.

Dasaratha’s sons were all heroic and virtuous. They knew the Vedas inside and out. They were also very well trained in horsemanship, sword and shield combat, warcraft, and kingcraft.

From their childhood, these princes were extremely handsome, strong, virtuous, holy, and content. They were patient, courageous, honest, and firm. They quickly captured the public’s attention.

Shree Rama outperformed His brothers in bravery and honesty. Shree Rama was the most moral of the four brothers.

The Divine Virtues of Ram

He was talented, beautiful, and endowed with royal marks. He was the most skilled in the use of bows and arrows. He wielded power all over the world.

He had lotus-petal eyes and a full moon countenance. He spoke with a deep voice. He had perfectly proportioned limbs. His walk was graceful and slow. It was a lion’s roar. His thumb had four lines on it. He had a sharp nose.

Shree Ram had bright red eyes and sinewy arms. His gait was that of an elephant. He had long arms, broad shoulders, and curly black hair. He was valiant and radiated radiance. In battle, he was no match for Indra himself. He was well-versed in holy scriptures and wiser than Brihaspati. He was knowledgeable in all sciences. He was a source of love and reverence for all people. He had complete control over His senses. Even His adversaries were delighted to see Him. He was the dread of the wicked and the protector of the good. He possessed keen intelligence. He could never be defeated by anyone.

Shree Ram’s glory and power were boundless. On Earth, he had no equal. He was devoid of malice. He was gentle and protective of His people. He always spoke to the people in a gentle manner. Even when someone addressed Him rudely, he never used harsh words.

Rama was not only kind and affectionate but also generous and considerate of those around Him. He had a great physique and charming demeanor. He had a gracious demeanor. He was a noble, generous, chivalrous, and fearless man. He was uncomplicated and devoid of ostentation.

Shree Ram was wise and upright. He was as bright as the sun, as forgiving as the earth, as intelligent as Brihaspati, as strong as Vasava, and as powerful as Indra. He kept ascetic vows and revered saints. He would forget hundreds of evils done to Him, but he would gratefully remember every act of kindness ever shown to Him.

When He wasn’t engaged in His martial exercises, He talked about the Shastras with the wise and the elderly. He always did what was right in all aspects of His life and never deviated from His royal duties.

If anyone approached Him, He would speak to him first. He was extremely powerful, but he was never arrogant about it. He stood up for the four castes. He bestowed honor on others. Everyone worshipped him. He was well-versed in politics and devoted to the Brahmins.

Rama was a friend to the poor and a tormentor to the wicked. He was divine providence. He was knowledgeable about religion, social customs, and laws. He was concerned about His subjects’ well-being, and the people adored Him. He never engaged in profane or irrelevant conversation. He was an expert in Yajurveda, Dhanur Veda, and the Vedangas, among other things. When people asked Him questions, He answered them wisely, just like Brihaspati. He was skilled with all weapons. The scholars of the Vedas honored him. He was well-versed in philosophy and poetry.

Shree Rama never lied, even when he was in grave danger. He was courageous, candid, and modest. He was the fountain of all goodness. He was always respectful of His superiors. He was no longer idle. He was always on guard. He had no desire for evil. He had complete control over his anger.

He was always ready to keep a close eye on His own flaws. He was accompanied by aged and pious Brahmins.

He was a skilled rider, a fearless warrior, and a brave general. He was an expert at military maneuvers. Even the gods couldn’t defeat him.

Shree Rama was cheerful in adversity, serene in calamity, and fearless in peril.

Rama was a great hero. He was a hero among heroes. He killed great and renowned warriors like Khara and Dushana by himself. He defeated the invincible Vali.

Shree Rama’s Dedication to Truth and Duty

The hero of Valmiki’s Ramayana, Shree Rama, embodies every social and domestic virtue. His sense of filial duty is unparalleled in world history.

To fulfill His father’s words, He kicked off the throne as well as the pleasures of the senses and the world.

If Rama had desired the throne, He could have easily obtained it. He was extremely well-liked. He was the mightiest of heroes; he destroyed the Rakshasas and bent Lord Siva’s enormous bow. However, He did not use any physical force. He gladly accepted the harsh and wicked Kaikeyi’s orders. The throne held less fascination for Him than obedience to His father’s commands. He abdicated the throne and all the perks that come with it. He eagerly accepted his exile. Shree Rama’s laudable qualities cannot be adequately described.

Shree Rama’s life was one of holy obedience, pristine purity, unparalleled simplicity, laudable contentment, admirable self-sacrifice, and remarkable renunciation. He respected both His mother and stepmothers, as well as His Guru.

Maryada Purushottama is the name given to Shree Rama. He followed the Shastras’ instructions. He lived the ideal householder’s life in order to teach the world the Dharmas of a Grihastha. He never wavered from the path of truth and duty.

His dedication to duty was admirable and illustrious. To ensure the good of His subjects, he even abandoned His wife, who was His life, heart, and soul, and sacrificed His personal happiness. He was willing to give His life to ensure the happiness of His people and to fulfill His duty. He lived for the sake of His people.

Sita once advised Rama to seek refuge in a safe location and to leave the forest dwellers alone because there was much danger there. Rama’s response revealed His unwavering commitment to the truth and His kingly duty to protect those who sought refuge under Him. “O Sita, I may even give up life, or you, or Lakshmana; but I can never give up the execution of My word, given especially to helpless Brahmins,” Shree Rama said. Rama speaks only once and never breaks His promise.”

Rama Rajya

Maryada Purushottama was Lord Rama. He belonged to the Prema Murti sect. He was an ideal son, a perfect brother, a perfect husband, a perfect friend, and an ideal king. He can be said to represent all that is best in man. He lived the ideal householder’s life in order to teach humanity. He ruled His people so well that His rule became known as Rama Rajya, which means the rule of righteousness, the rule that bestows happiness and prosperity on all.

Rama was a fantastic king. He ruled the kingdom magnificently. He was righteous and just. He was brave and kind. He possessed a gentle and generous demeanour. He was polite and civil.

As a result, His subjects adored Him. During His reign, not a single man was dissatisfied. “I will do anything and everything to please My subjects; and, if necessary, I can even abandon My dear wife for their sake,” he used to say. That is why His reign was dubbed “Rama Rajya.” During His reign, there were no dacoits. They all lived virtuous lives. Nobody said anything false. Even on the main street, anyone could leave a bag of gold or jewels. Nobody would even touch it.

Rama Rajya was founded on the truth. Its foundation was Dharma. The guiding principles were the Shastras. The guiding lights were Rishis, Yogis, Munis, and Brahma Jnanis. The Vedas were revered and adhered to. As a result, Rama Rajya survived and thrived. It is still regarded as the most ideal form of government.

Shree Rama’s administration was ideal. Rama’s kingdom was free of evildoers, thieves, and swindlers. People did not install locks or bars on their doors or windows. Even on the highways, a gold bag could be kept secure. Nobody ever suffered a misfortune. The elderly never performed the young’s funeral rites. Nobody hurt anyone else. Every one devoted themselves to Dharma, righteousness, or duty. Shree Rama’s stories were always told by everyone. They were always saying Rama, Rama. The Name of Rama echoed throughout the universe.

Rain and shine arrived in their season. The air was clean and refreshing. The trees were overflowing with fruit. There were plenty of fragrant flowers. There were numerous crops in the fields.

Every man lived a long time. He had a family and grandchildren. Wives were completely devoted to their husbands. They were pure and chaste.

Everyone appeared to be in good health. They were wealthy, content, and moral. They were free of disease, greed, and sadness. They were honest, righteous, and self-controlling. They lived a clean and tainted life.

The Vedas were well-known to the Brahmins. They were moral. They stayed focused on their individual responsibilities. The Kshatriyas were courageous. Svadharma was performed by the Vaishyas and Sudras. They lacked passion, greed, and envy. The twice-born adhered to the rites and scriptures. They were sincere in their words and actions. They were devout Christians. They adored all living things.

The troops were extremely powerful and brave. They were as hot as fire. They never went backward in battle. They did a good job of guarding the ramparts.

There was no want, fear, or pain anywhere. The sons were noble and manly in every way. The daughters were attractive, modest, and pure.

There was plenty of gold and corn in every town and province. Fathers never lost children, and wives never lost their husbands.

Poverty did not exist in Rama’s kingdom. Everyone possessed horses, cattle, gold, and grain. Nobody said anything false. Nobody envied the wealth of others. Even the poorest man was endowed with wealth and knowledge.

The dominion of Shree Rama was free of fire, flood, storm, fever, famine, and disease.

Who can describe Rama’s empire’s glory? As a result, it was given the name Rama Rajya.

Why Lord Rama Behaved Like a Man?

“Shree Rama is just an ordinary man,” some say. He is not a manifestation of God. When He lost His wife, He wept bitterly. When Lakshmana collapsed unconscious on the ground after being struck by Indrajit’s arrow, his sobs pierced the clouds. Why did Rama, the Supreme Being, lose touch with His true divine nature? At Sita’s ordeal, he was submerged in an ocean of grief. If Rama always knew His true Self, why did He grieve for the loss of Sita?”

The answer to this question is that Rama was, in fact, the Supreme Self. He didn’t move or do anything. He never experienced joy or sorrow, birth or death, pleasure or pain. Shree Rama lived his entire life as an ordinary man. He had no choice because Ravana had a boon that prevented him from being killed by Devas, Asuras, Rakshasas, Yakshas, serpents, bears, and so on. In his arrogance, he dismissed man’s strength. A man was the only one who could kill Ravana. So Shree Rama had to demonstrate that He was just an ordinary man. Otherwise, if He demonstrated Himself to be a God, He would be disqualified from destroying Ravana, according to Brahma’s boon.

The Transcendent Divinity That Is Rama

Rama is not just a good and great person to a devotee; he is God Himself. Rama is the divine, omnipresent God; Self, Atman, or Brahman; and the son of Dasaratha, the King of Ayodhya. Rama’s annihilation of the ten-headed Ravana represents the annihilation of the mind with the ten senses. Rama worship is worship of the Virat Purusha Himself. Read the prayers offered by Mandodari and Brahma in the Valmiki Ramayana’s Yuddha-Khanda. Rama is referred to as the one and only Creator of the universe, the God of all, and the Ruler of all.

Shree Ram Navami

Rama Navami occurs on the ninth day of Chaitra’s bright half (March-April). Shree Rama, the seventh divine Incarnation, celebrates his birthday today. This is the most important Hindu festival for the Vaishnava sect. All Saivites participate in the celebration. Some people observe a strict fast. Temples are decorated, and Rama’s image is adorned with priceless ornaments. The Ramayana is read aloud in temples. On this day, a large bathing fair is held in Ayodhya, Fyzabad.

Shree Rama Navami Utsava is celebrated for nine days in the south of India with great fervor and devotion by Lord Rama devotees.

Built in Kashi for the World

ॐ सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः