Rama is the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu. The story dates back to millions of years ago when King Dasharath’s three wives Kaushalya, Kaikeyi and Sumitra gave birth to 4 children – Rama, Bharata, Lakshmana & Shatrugna. Rama was the eldest of all and a true character depiction of peace and stability.
When it was time for Dasharata to retire, he announced Rama’s Coronation as the new king of Ayodhya. The residents of the city were overjoyed, happy and were waiting to welcome their future king, Rama. Rama by now was married to a beautiful princess named Sita. He had won her over in her Swayamvar and had shown great valour, bravery and strength in completing the challenge.
Sita’s father Janaka had set a Swayamvar for her in an attempt to find the best groom for his daughter. The participants had to pick up a Bow and tie the rope to it. Many came and failed in this challenge. The challenge was so tough that the mighty strong king of Lanka, Ravana, couldn’t complete it as well. Rama however fulfilled the challenge with such ease. It was as if their pair was made in heaven by the gods. Rama with his wife Sita proudly walked out of king Janaka’s palace making everyone else hate on him.
Before the day of the coronation, an evil and wicked housemaid convinced Kaikeyi that the coronation of King Rama is not fruitful for her son Bharata and turned him against the whole idea of Rama being the king of Ayodhya. Kaikeyi went to Dasharath and spoke of asking for the two boon that was granted to her by her husband upon saving his life. She asked for Bharata to become the king of Ayodhya and Rama to be sent in exile in the forests. Dasharatha was shocked to hear this and lost consciousness. When he regained his senses, he was disheartened by her behaviour. Being a man of his words, he had no choice but to agree to her wishes and grant them.
Rama who is considered as a Dhirprashant Nayak (someone who is calm and peaceful in any given situation) did not react aggressively. On the contrary, he agreed to all of king Dasharatha’s demands and left with his wife and younger brother for his exile journey in the Panchavati forest (Nashik in the present day). They spent their years happily and were satisfied with their life in the forest.
Things were about to change for the worse when Shurpanakha, also known as Meenakshi, set her eyes on Rama. She changed her avatar and tried to lure Rama and Lakshmana into marrying her. When she was rejected by both she rushed towards Sita to kill her. Lakshamana stepped in during the same time and cut off her nose and ears. Shurpanakha in pain went to her brother Ravana and asked to get revenge on Rama, Lakshmana and Sita. Ravana sent the demon Maricha to bring Rama and Lakshmana away from the hut leaving Sita behind. Maricha took the form of a magnificent golden deer and presented himself in front of Sita.
Seeing the beautiful deer, Sita could not resist herself and asked Rama to get it for her. Rama knew that it was no ordinary deer. When he killed the deer, it produced a signal for help in Rama’s voice concerning Sita.
Lakshman was ordered by Sita to check her husband’s whereabouts but he was bound by the oath he gave to his brother of not leaving Sita alone. He drew a line in the front yard and requested Sita to not cross it in any circumstances. When he left, Ravana entered the scene dressed as a sadhu asking for food and water. He forced her to step out of the line and grabbed her by the wrist to kidnap her. Jatayu, the vulture tried to save her and stop Ravana but he got killed in this fight.
When Rama heard of this, he became furious and decided to kill Ravana and save his wife. He ordered the army of monkeys to build a setu (bridge) for him to cross the river and reach Lanka. Rama fought aggressively with Ravana to save his wife. He killed Ravana with a magical weapon.
He returned to Ayodhya with Sita and Lakshmana. The day they returned, the entire of Ayodhya was lit by thousands of lamps. Today, we celebrate Ravana Dahan and Diwali to commemorate the bravery and power of Maryada Purshottam Shri Rama.
Click here to read about Parashurama – The Sixth Avatar Of Lord Vishnu.
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