Ram is one of the most popular Hindu Deity and Hero from India’s epic literature Ramayana. His name is associated with various major Hindu festivals and also with sociopolitical movements in India (which we will be discussing in separate articles).
This article focuses on what Ram actually symbolizes. This is the conversation between Sages Valmiki and Narada at the beginning of epic Ramayana. This conversation thus highlights the the qualities of Ram and the very reason why Hindus worship Ram. While worshipping Ram; one actually worships the qualities of Ram and tries to imbibe the same in himself or herself.
As Joseph Campbell rightly puts it in his seminar work; The Hero with a Thousand Marks; Pain and pleasure do not enclose him, he encloses them - and with profound repose. And since he is what all of us may be, his presence, his image, the mere naming of him, helps.
Who can possibly be full of virtues in this world at present? Nay, who is possessed of prowess and knows what is right? Who is conscious of services done, truthful of speech and firm of resolve?
Who is possessed of right conduct and who is friendly to all living beings? Who is a man of knowledge? Nay, who is powerful and who has a singularly lovable appearance?
Who has subdued his self? Who has conquered anger? Who is possessed of splendor and who is above fault – finding and who do the very gods dread when his wreath has been provoked in battle?
There is one; descended in the line of Ikshvaku, and known by the name of Rama. He has fully controlled his mind, is very powerful, radiant and resolute and brought his senses under control.
He is intelligent, sagacious, eloquent, glorious and an exterminator of foes. He is distinguished with broad shoulders, powerful arms, a neck shaped as a conch and a stout chin.
He is marked with a broad chest, a mighty bow and a collar bone covered with flesh, and is capable of subduing his foes. His long arms extend right up to his knees. He has a well formed head, a shapely forehead and a charming gait.
He is of medium stature (neither very tall nor very short), has well-proportioned limbs, has an unctuous complexion, is mighty, has a rounded chest, large eyes, is full of splendor and has auspicious marks on his body.
He knows the secret of virtue, and is true to his promise and intent on the good of the people. He is illustrious, full of wisdom, pure in his dealings, a man of self-control and concentrated mind.
He is supporter of the creation like Bramha, Affluent, The slayer of his enemies, A protector of living beings, and a staunch defender of faith.
He is a vindicator of his own virtue and the protector of his own people. He knows the truth of the Vedas and the sciences auxillary to them and is a past master in archery.
He knows the real meaning of all the pious, high-minded and shrewed.
He is always sought by the righteous as the ocean is by rivers. He is noble, nay, alike to all and always wears a pleasing countenance.
He is endowed with all excellences and enhances the delight of Kausalya. He vies with the ocean in profoundity and compares with the Himalayan point of firmness.
He is replica of Lord Vishnu in prowess and is pleasing of aspect as the moon. In anger, he resembles the destructive fire at the end of creation and is a counterpart of mother earth in forbearance.
He equals Kubera in liberality and is another Dharma as it were in point of truthfulness.
Reference : - Valmiki Ramayana : Balakanda : Canto 1 : Verse 2 to 18
Bibliography: - Shrimad Valmiki Ramayana by Gita Press Gorakhpur, India – Part 1.
- Dr.Sunil Parab
On Behalf of Sindhu Veda Research Foundation.
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