Sri Ramavatar-Part III

We see in the entire Ayodhya Kanda, Sri Rama as an embodiment of Dharma, strictly practising Dharma without any compromise under the most trying circumstances. He also effectively preaches Dharma, without fear or favour to one and all in the epic, irrespective of the relationship involved, whether it is his father, mother, brother, wife, friend, Rishis and enemies. Even the enemies of Sri Rama have recognized him as an embodiment of Dhramal

For example, the demon Maricha. while dissuading Ravana, who sought his help for abduction of Sita Devi, declares to him "Rama is an incarnate of Dharma, pious and of unfailing prowess". Again, Tara, Vali's wife refers to Sri Rama as "Sri Rama is the tree affording shelter to virtuous souls, the good and noble and the ultimate resort of those in the grip of calamity. He is the refuge of the afflicted and the unique repository of glory". Even after Valis' death, she praises Sri Rama in the famous Tara sthuthi :

'You are immeasurable beyond time, space and substance, nay difficult to approach even by yogis and have mastered your senses; you are possessed of highest virtue and enjoy undecaying fame; you are wise and endowed with forbearance like the earth and distinguished by blood-red eyes". This stotra, contains replies to all the charges levelled by her husband Vali, against the Dharmic Sri Rama!

In the Ayodhya Kanda, Sri Rama is confronted with the most difficult situation faced by anybody in his life. The denial of the rightful kingdom to Sri Rama, followed by his banishment to the forest for 14 years, even without a charge-sheet, exploded into a crisis for the entire Ayodhyal But Sri Rama, who should have been the most affected by the events, not only remained ever calm and serene throughout but also pacified and educated the militant relations and subjects! This was done through his able and convincing advocacy of the "Law of Karma" and Dharma! Sri Rama re-educates the intellect of the people and enables them, by his own example to readjust their minds.

Some of the striking incidents which elevate the glorious character of Sri Rama upholding Dharma are worthy of recital. Instigated by Manthara, the hard-hearted Kaikeyi demanded the boons from Dasaratha for Rama's exile and Bharata's coronation. When the king was helplessly placed in a terrible dilemma, she summoned Rama and cautiously conveyed the unpleasant news of his father's commands.

Contrary to her expectation, Sri Rama readily agreed but only felt pained that his father was subjected to such agony and torture on his account. He told Kaikeyi that she could have avoided this by rightfully and directly ordering him to do father's bidding! When the mean Kaikeyi became suspicious at Rama's joy to see his beloved brother Bharata's coronation before leaving for the forest, she bluffed that King Dasaratha would not take bath or eat until Rama left for the forest! Sri Rama, the Dharma Devata sensed her feeling and roared Dharma. .

"Oh Devi, I do not desire to live in the world as a slave to material gains, Know me to be strictly devoted to the path of Dharma like the Rishis"

When Sri Rama came out of the chamber there was not even a trace of change in his facial expression. He maintained the same serenity as when he entered it. For, he knew that it was providence working through Mother Kalkeyil Nobody outside except Lakshmana was even aware that a terrible disappointment awaited them; Lakshmana who heard the dialogue in the chamber erupted like a volcano, terrible anger and grief, at the injustice done to his noble brother. Consequently, he abused his father and had decided to embark on a violent revolution to install Sri Rama.

At this crucial juncture, Lakshmana received convincing sermons from his tranquil brother on Dharma, 'Law of Karma' and 'Decrees of Providence' operating in the affairs of human beingsl When one feels deeply frustrated and depressed in life at failures, which are normal, the advice of Sri Rama would provide, over the shoulders of Lakshmana, a grand perspective and immense solace to one and all even today.

To Be Continued

About the author

P.G.Ananthanarayan (Mani)

This article has been written by P.G.Ananthanarayan (Mani) for the Vedanta Vani of Chinmaya Mission.