Shri Ram Navami

Dear Readers,

Jai Shri Sita Ram Ji Ki,

On Chaitra Sukla Navami (the ninth day of the bright half of Chaitra), the 1^st April 2012, Shri Ram Navami will be celebrated and I wish you all a happy Shri Ram Navmi Day.

"Wherever four Hindus live, Shri Ram and Sita will be there" so said Swami Vivekananda, one of the foremost harbingers of modern national renaissance of India. The reverse also is equally true - wherever Shri Ram and Sita live, the people there will remain and live as Hindus.

The importance of Ram Naam is not hidden to human race. Every hill and rivulet of India bears the imprint of the holy feet of Shri Ram and Sita. Shri Ram reigns supreme to this day in the hearts of our people, cutting across all barriers of province, language, caste or sect. Even the tribes living in isolated valleys and jungles have names like Mitti-Ram and Patthar-Ram. In some other tribes, every name carries the proud suffix of Ram, such as Lutthu Ram, Jagadev Ram, etc. In many northern parts of India mutual greetings take the form of Jay Ramjee Ki. Shri Ram has become so much identified with all the good and great and virile qualities of heroic manhood that expressions such as 'Us me Ram nahi hai' (there is no Shri Ram in him) - meaning that a person has lost all manliness and worth – have become common usage. And when a Hindu quits the world stage, he is bid Godspeed in his onward journey with Shri Ramnam  satya hai or Raghupati Raghava raja Ram, patita paavana Sita Ram. In fact, the latter couplet has become the nation's bhajan par excellence.

Shri Ram's story, Shri Ramyana, has been sung and re-sung in all the languages and dialects of India. The tradition of writing epics centering round the saga of Shri Ram's achievements started by Sage Valmiki in Sanskrit and was continued by Goswami Tulsidas ji in Hindi, by Kamban in Tamil, by Shri Ramnujan in Malayalam, by Krittivasa in Bengali and Madhav Kambali in Assamia and in fact, in almost every Indian language. The tradition is being continued up to the present day. The Shri Ramyana Darshanam of K.V. Puttappa, the national literary awarded  by the Gyana Peeth. The enchanting Geet Shri Ramyana composed in Marathi by G.D. Madgulkar and set to tune by Sudhir Phadke is now thrilling the hearts of millions in Maharashtra.

The various tribal groups too have sung the story of Shri Ramyana in their dialects. Shri Ram, Lakshmana and Janaki mirror the ideals for millions of tribal boys and girls. The Khamati tribe in Arunachal Pradesh, which is Buddhist, depicts Shri Ramayana as the story narrated by Buddha to his first disciple, Ananda, and carries the universal message of Buddha. How deeply significant that every group and sect even in distant and far-flung parts of India should have found a radiant reflection of its own ideals in the form of Shri Ram!

The comparison of Shri Ram's fortitude to Himalayas and the grace and grandeur of his personality to the ocean - 'Samudra iva gaambheerye, dhairye cha Himavaan iva' - portrays how inseparably his personality has been blended into the entire national entity of India. Where in lay the secret of this unique greatness in Shri Ram's personality? He is called Maryaada-Purushottama - the great one who never deviated from the norms set by Dharma. In the eyes of the Hindu, the touchstone of human excellence is Dharma. Devotion to Dharma came first in Shri Ram's life and considerations of his personal joys and sorrows came last. It was his supreme commitment to putra-dharma (duty of a son) that made Shri Ram smilingly depart to the forest for fourteen years at the bidding of his father. And this he did on the very day he was to be anointed as the future emperor of India. He would not budge from the path of Dharma – righteousness, even when his own preceptor, his parents, his brothers and the whole body of his subjects tried to dissuade him. He upheld the supremacy of Dharma in every one of his human relationships and hence became an ideal son, an ideal brother, an ideal husband, an ideal disciple, an ideal friend, an ideal kind and even an ideal foe.

The one and supreme concern of Shri Ram's life was the welfare of his subjects. He would forsake everything else to uphold his kingly duties - the Rajadharma. The night previous to his scheduled coronation, when Shri Ram and Sita were alone in a happy mood in view of the next day's joyous occasion, Sita asked Shri Ram, "What is that thing which holds dearest to your heart?" Shri Ram fell serious for a moment and said, "Dear Sita, you know I love you most dearly, but I love the subjects of Ayodhya more and if their welfare demands, I would not hesitate to sacrifice even you!"

And Shri Ram did live up to his words. When he felt that the call of his royal duties - Rajadharma - demanded the forsaking of Sita, he wavered not in carrying it out. The most crucial test came when Lakshmana violated the orders of Shri Ram and admitted Durvasa to Shri Ram's presence with a view to averting the destruction of Ayodhya by Durvasa's curse. Shri Ram stuck to the law of the land and awarded death penalty to Lakshmana - one whom he loved dearer than his own life. It was with such a fiery faith that Shri Ram followed the dictates of Dharma.

To such a one, how could power and pelf hold any fascination? When India came to him in the forest and implored him to return to Ayodhya and become the emperor, Shri Ram firmly refused. Here was enacted a scene unparalleled in the annals of world history - each of the two brothers trying to out-argue the other to make him accept the emperorship of a great and mighty kingdom.

Shri Ram's role as one of the first and foremost national unifiers of India is also unique and extraordinary. He embraced Guha, the forest King and ate in his house without the least hesitation. No sense of high or low ever touched his all-embracing love of his people. He even enjoyed a fruit tasted and offered with devotion by Shabari, a tribal lady in the far south. The Vanars or the forest-dwellers too felt that Shri Ram was their own. He endeared himself to them so intimately that they became, in fact, his chief allies against Ravana. All over India, the dear, little squirrel with its three brown stripes bespeaks the devotion to Shri Ram even among the animal world. Along with the Vanars, a solitary squirrel had played his humble part in carrying sand for the construction of bridge to Lanka and Shri Ram's caressing of the little one on the back had left those indelible stripes for all future generations.

Shri Ram's intense adoration for the motherland has been immortalized by a legendary couplet which is playing on the lips of millions even to this day: Janani janmabhoomischa swargaadapi garreyasi (the mother and the motherland are to me greater than the heavens themselves).

The story of Shri Ram is not that of a single towering personality dwarfing all others. The other characters like Sita, Lakshmana, Bharath and Hanuman too shine in their own greatness. All of them are so closely interwoven with Shri Ram's life and achievements that it is well-nigh impossible to think of anyone without the other. In fact, the most popular picture of Shri Ram, i.e., of Shri Ram Pattabhisheka includes Sita, Hanuman and all his brothers. And in the bringing out of the greatness of all these partners of his life-dShri Ram, Shri Ram's instinctive recognition of their merit and virtues played no mean part. He would always be the first to openly appreciate the unique and noble traits in others' character. Even for Kaikeyi, who was responsible for his banishment to forest, Shri Ram had only words of kindness. And as for Ravana, the abductor of his wife, Shri Ram's unstinted praise of his erudition and prowess at once lifts the story of Shri Ramyana to heights unsurpassed in the annals of human history.

No wonder, the story of Shri Ram has crossed the boundaries of India and inspired by many a distant people, their culture and literature. Indonesia - with Muslims forming 80% of her population - continues to adore Shri Ram and Sita as her great cultural standard-bearers, and Shri Ramyana as her national epic par excellence. Indonesia also prides herself in having the biggest Shri Ram stage in the world – with Shri Ramyana as its chief attraction. And the credit goes to that country for celebrating the very first grand World Shri Ramyana Festival some years ago.

The birthday of Shri Ram, indeed, signifies an event worth of remembrance by everyone, whatever his country or race or religion, who cherishes the time honored sublime values of human culture and civilisation.

"Raama Raama Raameti Rame Raame Manorame.

Sahasranaama Tattulyam Raamanaama Varaanane."

|| Sri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram ||

Lord Shri Ram

Shri Ram is regarded as one of the major Avatars of Vishnu, second in importance only to the Krishna Avatar. Originally however, he was a great Culture-Hero of the Aryan people. He is considered as an ideal of human perfection, a hero who is fearless, invincible, intelligent and compassionate, quick to forgive and slow to anger, but never compromising on what is right. He believed in Ekam patni vrata, Purushottama. In the polygamous royal society of the time this was unthinkable heroism and formidable self-control.

He showed example as a model king and Hindus expect Shri Ram rajya to come for the welfare of everyone. Shri Ram is the hero of the epic named after his exploits, the Shri Ramyana. It is one of the most popular stories ever told in the world. The story of Shri Ram is complete only with that of Sita and Hanuman.

"Hari Anant Hari Katha Ananta, Gavein Sune Bahu Vidhi Sab Santa!"For the benefit of readers I narrate the story of Shri Ram as under: -

Shri Ram was the son of Dasharatha, king of Ayodhya. He belonged to solar dynasty and born after many years of childlessness. Since his mother Kaushalya was the chief queen, he automatically became crown prince. That did not prevent him from deeply loving his half-brothers, the twins Laxmana and Shatrughana, born to queen Sumitra, and Bharath, born to his father's favorite queen, Kaikeyi. The family guru, Vashistha, one of the most important rishis in mythical India, taught them the science of arms.

When he was sixteen, the great Vishwamitra arrived calling help. The sage had been trying to perform some fire sacrifices for a long time, but vicious demons were perpetually putting out the fires with aerial attacks. Not willing to waste the power of his austerities on cursing such scum, he comes to ask for Shri Ram and Laxmana to defend his sacrifice. The two boys were eager to go, as Vishwamitra was an unusually inspiring sort of personality. He teaches them the celestial weapons and makes them invincible.

They massacred the demon hordes and killed their chief female demon Tadaka and her son Subahu. The other son Maricha was send flying a few leagues away with the impact of a blunt arrow. So great was the shock that he was defeated and Maricha turned over a new leaf and begins a life of meditation! Shri Ram became a genuine hero under Rishi Vishwamitra. The wily Vishwamitra took the young men to Mithila to attend the swayamvara of Sita, daughter of Janaka. Shri Ram and Sita fall in love at first sight, but there was a contest - old heroic chestnut - to be won first to marry her. This was a bow of Shiva, which was proving to be too heavy to lift. Shri Ram not only raised it, he also broke the divine bow while stringing it. The aging King Dasarath decided to crown Shri Ram as king. It was a very popular decision, even amongst the queens. Kaikeyi's initial jubilation at the news was soon poisoned by a spiteful servant, and she resurrected old promises made by Dasharath and demanded the throne for her son and banishment into forest exile for Shri Ram. Shri Ram abandoned the throne and set out to the forest for the larger social good. Both Sita and Laxmana accompanied Shri Ram to the forest. The people of Ayodhya saw them off with tears in their eyes. Dasharath could not stand to the shock and he passed away after Shri Ram left Ayodhya. Shri Ram, Laxmana and Sita had already entered the deep forest when Dasharath breathed his last.

They stayed at different places in the forest and finally made a small hut in Panchavati near modern Nasik in Maharashtra on the banks of Godavari, in the Dandakavana. In the meantime Shurpanakha came there to create troubles for them but Laxmana clipped off her ears and the nose. She complained to her brother Ravana. Ravana of Lanka came in disguise to the forest where Shri Ram and Sita lived and kidnapped her to Lanka. Shri Ram and Laxmana started the search for Sita in the deep forest. On their way they encountered with Jatayu, the vulture king, who said, "Yes, I've seen her being kidnapped by Ravana, the king of Lanka. I tried to stop him but he cut off my wings and escaped in the south." Moving towards the south, they arrived at Mount Rushyamuka. Here they met the monkey-king Sugriva. Sugriva offered them his help and Hanuman soon became a devotee of Shri Ram. Sugriva's elder brother Bali was the king of Kishkindha. He had abducted Sugriva's wife and deported him. Shri Ram-Laxmana helped Sugriva to defeat Bali and when Bali was killed, they made Sugriva the King of Kishkindha. Bali's son Angada was made Sugriva's chief counselor to bring reconciliation in the family. Sugriva joined Shri Ram in the search of Sita with Hanuman and Angada as his lieutenants. Hanuman crossed the ocean and visited Lanka. Giving Shri Ram's ring to Sita he informed her, 'Shri Ram will arrive here soon and set you free after defeating Ravana.' Knowing that Sita was in Lanka all preparations were quickly made for the war with Lanka. Vibhishan, the youngest brother of Ravana had an arguments with him on the entire episode and advised him to return Sita with respect to Shri Ram. But Ravana did not agree to his brother's advice, rather gave him exile. Vibhishan sought refuge from Shri Ram, who gladly declared him the king of Srilanka. 

 A bridge was required to be constructed over the ocean to invade Lanka. The monkeys of Sugriva began the work quickly. The bridge was ready and the troops of Shri Ram arrived on the outskirts of Lanka. All the efforts for reconciliation failed. Ravana chose to fight out. First he sent his generals to fight. When they were all killed he sent his own sons in the battlefield. Indrajit exhibited great valour in the battlefield by attacking Laxmana bravely and making him swoon. Indrajit also was killed at last. Ravana, then, sent his mighty brother Kumbhakarna to fight against Shri Ram. But he was also killed in the battle. Now Ravana himself came to battlefield in his chariot. He used deadly weapons against Shri Ram and Laxmana but none of them could hurt them because they had truth and justice on their side. At last he was killed and Shri Ram and Sita were reunited.

Shri Ram along with Sita and Laxman returned to Ayodhya in the Pushpak Viman of Ravana. The whole of Ayodhya welcomed Shri Ram by lighting lamps all over. Diwali is celebrated, according to one legend, on the day Shri Ram was crowned after his return to Ayodhya with Sita. Diwali is the most important festival of Vaishnavites.

Shri Ram's unquestioning obedience to his father's wishes, his moral uprightness in war, his deference to the wishes of his people, his generosity in the face of personal loss and his marital fidelity has made him Vishnu's most august and venerable incarnation.

Lord Shri Ram: An Ideal

The Ideal son: He always obeyed His parents; at times even advised the elders.

The Ideal brother: Shri Ram-Lakshman's love is cited as the ideal of brotherly love.

The Ideal husband: He was devoted to His one and only wife. Kings, then, use to have many wives.

The Ideal friend: He helped Sugreev, Bibhishan and many others during their difficult times.

The Ideal King: He followed all codes of conduct for Kings as laid down in our scriptures.

The Ideal Enemy: Vibhishan refused to perform the last rites of Ravan, his brother. Lord Shri Ram said to him, ''If you do not do it, I will. He was my brother too!''

Maryadapurushottam: He represents the Supreme extent of Righteousness.

Let us follow the footsteps of Shri Ram in our life and pray to Him for the Love, Peace and Happiness.

May the Blessings of Shri Ram be with you,

With Love and Blessings!

Jai Shri Ram!

Vinod Khurana
00971 55 7149983
heavenlyblessings@suvik.ae