Shree Rama
Vadiraja Bhat | Dec. 30, 2023, 3:25 p.m.
About Ramayana (Rāmāyaṇa)
The Ramayana (Rāmāyaṇa) one of the greatest Hindu ancient epics composed by Sage Vaalmeeki. The Ramayana has been loved by people for centuries.
The Ramayana begins with the birth of Shree Rama, the prince of Ayodhya. Shree Rama’s life takes a turn when He exiled to forest for fourteen years with his wife Seetha and loyal Brother Lakshmana.
The demon king Ravana kidnaps Seetha from the forest to Lanka, leading to a battle between Shree Rama and Ravaṇa’s forces. Shree Rama, along with his brave friend Hanumaan, gathers an army to rescue Seetha. In the end, Shree Rama defeats Ravana and rescues Seetha, restores peace and righteousness.
The Ramayana teaches us an important and valuable lessons. It emphasizes the values of love, truth, sacrifice, loyalty, kindness and righteousness. Shree Rama’s unwavering devotion to his duty and his respect for his parents and elders inspire us to be honorable and dutiful in our own life.
The characters in the Ramayana symbolize various qualities. Shree Rama represents righteousness, Seetha symbolizes purity and loyalty and Hanumaan exemplifies devotion and strength. Each character teaches us valuable lessons about how to live a meaningful life.
The story of Rama, Seetha, and Hanumaan continues to inspire people of all ages and backgrounds.
The epic Ramayana is traditionally divided into seven sections or Khandas or Cantos. These sections are as follows:
Bala (meaning Childhood) Kanda: The Bala Kanda is the first section of the Ramayana. It focuses on the early life of Shree Rama, His childhood, and His marriage to Seetha.
Ayodhya Kanda: The Ayodhya Kanda narrates the events that unfold in the kingdom of Ayodhya, including the exile of Shree Rama, the grief of His Father King Dasharatha, and the subsequent events leading to Shree Rama's departure from Ayodhya to the forest.
Aranya (meaning forest) Kanda: The Aranya Kanda, describes Shree Rama's life in the forest during His 14-year exile. It includes encounters with Sages, devotees of Shree Rama like Shabari, Jataayu, the golden deer incident and the abduction of Seetha by Ravana.
Kishkindha Kanda: The Kishkindha Kanda focuses on Shree Rama's alliance with the Vaanara king Sugreeva and His search for Seetha. It includes the friendship between Shree Rama and Hanumaan, the killing of Vaali and the formation of the army of Vaanaras.
Sundara Kanda: The Sundara (meaning Beautiful) Kanda, narrates the adventures of Hanumaan and his journey to Lanka in search of Seetha. It includes Hanumaan's encounters with various demons and His interactions with Seetha in Ashokavana, setting fir to Lanka (Lankaadahana).
Yuddha (meaning Battle or War) Kanda: The Yuddha Kanda, depicts the war between Shree Rama and Ravana. It describes the battle strategies, the heroic deeds of Shree Rama, Hanumaan, and other warriors, and the ultimate victory of Shree Rama over Ravana.
Uttara Kanda: The Uttara Kanda is the final section of the Ramayana. It focuses on the events that take place after Shree Rama's return to Ayodhya, including the exile of Seetha, the birth of their twin sons Lava and Kusha.
These seven sections collectively form the epic Ramayana, with each section contributing to the story of Shree Rama's life, his triumphs, and his ideals.