Rama: The Seventh Avatar of Vishnu & Hero of the Ramayana

Lord Rama is one of the most beloved and widely worshipped Hindu gods. He is considered to be the seventh avatar of the great god Vishnu and is a deity worshipped by millions of people around the world. Rama’s story, as told in the epic Ramayana, written by Valmiki, is a source of inspiration and guidance for Hindus of all ages and backgrounds. Rama is considered as the “Maryada Purushotthama” or Perfect Man. From his birth to his coronation as king, Rama’s life serves as a testament to the power of virtue, righteousness, and devotion.

Lord Rama is often referred to as Sri (or Shri) Rama. The honorific prefix Sri (or Shri) before Rama’s name is a title of veneration, signifying adorning and majesty.

Featured Image: Photo Dharma from Penang, Malaysia, Candi Prambanan – 067 Rama and Sita, Brahma Temple (12042201913), CC BY 2.0

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Table of Contents

Ramayana: The Story of Rama

Rama, the hero of the Ramayana — ^{Photo by Pavan Kumaar on Unsplash}

The Ramayana is an ancient Indian epic poem that tells the life story and adventures of Rama. It was composed by the sage Valmiki and is one of the two most important Indian epics, the other being the Mahabharata. The poem consists of about 24,000 verses and is divided into seven books or kandas. There are various versions of the Ramayana depending on region and tradition, however, Valmiki’s versions is considered as the most authoritative. Below, you may find a synopsis of Rama’s story as narrated in the great epic.

The Early years

According to legend, Rama was born to King Dasaratha and Queen Kaushalya in Ayodhya, the capital of the kingdom of Koshala. As a child, Lord Rama showed signs of great wisdom, strength, and courage. He received a rigorous education in various fields, including archery, warfare, and governance. Rama’s skills in these areas would later prove invaluable in his battles against demons and in his rule as a king.

The Marriage to Sita

The marriage of Rama and Sita is one of the most beautiful love stories of all time. Sita, who is also called Janaki, was the daughter of King Janaka, the ruler of Mithila, and was renowned for her beauty, wisdom, and virtue. To determine who would marry her, King Janaka held a competition. The winner would have to lift and string a mighty bow that once belonged to god Shiva. Although, many princes and warriors tried to lift it, they all failed. However, when Rama arrived at the competition he easily lifted the bow, strung it, and then broke it in half.

The exile to the forest

Rama, along with his wife Sita and younger brother Lakshmana, was forced to exile due to a plot by his stepmother. Kaikeyi, the second wife of King Dasharatha, wanted her son, Bharata, to be heir to the throne instead of Prince Rama. She managed to banish Rama, who had to leave his home in Ayodhya and live in the forest for fourteen years. While in the forest, Rama and his companion faced many challenges and suffering.

The meeting with Surpanakha

In one of their journeys, the demoness Surpanakha, who was the sister of Ravana, the ten-headed ruler of Lanka, fell in love with Rama. Surpanakha tried to seduce Rama, but remaining faithful and devoted to his wife, Rama refuses her advances. Enraged, Surpanakha tried to attack Sita in revenge, but Laksmana reacted quickly and cut off her nose and ears. Surpanakha then tells her demon brother Ravana about Rama’s wife, and he plots to abduct her.

The Abduction of Sita

Ravana, who was attracted to Sita’s beauty, disguised himself as a beggar and approached her while she was alone in the forest. He attempted to seduce her, but Sita declined his advances. Ravana then revealed his true identity and abducted Sita, taking her back to Lanka, today’s Sri Lanka.

The Quest for Sita

With the help of the monkey-god Hanuman, Rama discovered that Sita had been abducted and held captive at Ravana’s palace. So, without hesitation, Rama and Laksmana set out on a mission to rescue her. Hanuman helped Rama enlist an army of monkeys and together they crossed the ocean to reach Lanka and mount a rescue mission.

Rama Kills Ravana

The battle with Ravana was fierce and lasted for several days. Rama was supported by an army of monkeys led by the monkey-god Hanuman, while the demon king of Lanka had a powerful army of demons.

The battle ultimately ended with Rama’s victory. Ravana was slain, and after killing the demon king, Sita was rescued. Rama, together with Sita, Laksmana and Hanuman, return triumphant to Ayodhya.

Rama Returns to Ayodhya

Upon his return to Ayodhya, after fourteen years of exile, Rama becomes king and rules the kingdom with wisdom and justice. However, after his crowning there are rumors and gossip about his wife’s virtue. Determined to prove her innocence, Sita undergoes the trial of fire (Agni Pariksha), where she escapes the flames unharmed.

However, over time the rumors about Sita’s loyalty continue and Rama exiles her to the forest. Sita, who was pregnant at the time, bears Rama twin sons, Kusa and Lava. After twelve years in exile she returns to Ayodhya only to have her loyalty challenged yet again.

Sita invoked Mother Earth to take her home as proof of her faithfulness to Rama. The earth shook, opened up and swallowed Sita. From that moment Rama realized that he would never see Sita again. He continued to rule the kingdom for many years until one day he drowned himself, only to join Sita in afterlife.

Celebrations Associated with Rama

The most important festivals and celebrations associated with Rama, are Ram Navami, Diwali and Vijayadashami or Dussehra.

The spring festival of Ram Navami celebrates the birth of Lord Rama and is one of the five major holy festivals of Hinduism. During the celebrations there are chariot parades (Ratha Yatras) and open stage re-enactments of Rama’s life (Ramlilas).

After the end of the Ramlilas, in the central, western and mainly northern parts of India they celebrate Rama’s victory over Ravana in the festival of Vijayadashami or Dussehra. During the festival towering effigies of Ravana are burnt to mark the victory of good over evil.

Diwali or the Festival of Lights is one of the most important festivals in Hinduism, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness. Depending on tradition, the festival celebrates a number of mythological events such as Rama’s return to Ayodhya after defeating the demon Ravana.

Lord Rama in Art & Literature

Lord Rama has been a popular subject of art, architecture and works of literature for centuries. His images can be found in many temples, paintings, and sculptures throughout India and other parts of Asia.

In traditional Hindu art, Lord Rama is always youthful, usually depicted with a light blue skin color, often wearing a crown or turban on his head. He is represented as a standing figure, holding the Kondanda bow in his left hand and an arrow in his right hand, often alongside his wife and brother, and also his devotee Hanuman.

There are numerous Hindu temples dedicated to Rama in the regions of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, and they constitute important pilgrimage sites. One of the most famous depictions of Rama’s story is carved into stone as an 8th-century relief artwork in the largest Shiva temple of the Ellora Caves, in western India.

The Meaning of Rama’s Blue Skin

Lord Rama is often depicted as having blue skin. However, this is not unique to Lord Rama; Lord Krishna, another Hindu deity, is also depicted with blue skin.

According to Hindu mythology, the supreme god Vishnu is blue skinned. Blue is a color associated with the sky and the ocean, which are both vast and seemingly endless. Since both Rama and Krishna are incarnations of Vishnu, they are also depicted with blue skin.

Temples Dedicated to Rama

Rama: Lord Rama Temple, Hampi — *^{Ravibhalli, Hazara rama temple,hampi, CC BY-SA 3.0}*

The Rajiva-Locana temple, in Raipur, is the oldest Rama temple and an important pilgrimage for devotees, especially on Ram Navami. There are many temples dedicated to Rama all over India, however, the most revered ones include:

The Rama Temple at Hampi. Located at the Hampi group of monuments, a UNESCO heritage site
Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, in Ayodhya, believed to be built on the birthplace of Lord Rama in Ayodhya. It is considered to be one of the holiest shrines for Hindus
The Rama Temple at Ramtek, Maharastra
Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram, located in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, is believed to have been built by Lord Rama himself and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the twelve Jyotirlinga temples and a major pilgrimage site for Hindus.
Kothandaramaswamy Temple, Rameswaram – This temple is situated on the banks of the Cauvery river and is dedicated to Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and his brother Lakshmana.
Bhadrachalam Temple, Telangana – This temple is located on the banks of the Godavari river and is dedicated to Lord Rama. It is believed to be the place where Lord Rama spent time during his exile
Ramaswamy temple in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu is one of the most prominent Rama temples in India
Kodandaramaswami Temple in Karnataka, a 14th century dravidian architecture temple
The Kodandarama Temple in Vondimitta, an example of Vijayanagara architecture
The Vijayaraghava Perumal Temple in Tamil Nandu, believed to have been built by the Pandya kings
Kothandaramar Temple located in Tiruvarur, Tamil Nadu, with great religious significance
Rama’s Temple at Raghunath Temple complex
The Sita Ramachandraswamy Temple, at Bhadrachalam

Was Rama a Real Historical Figure?

Many historians doubt the Rama story or that Rama was a historical figure. However, many Hindus believe that there was a warrior named Rama and the legends surrounding him are based on actual facts.

What is so Important about Rama?

The significance of Rama in Hinduism cannot be overstated. He represents the ideals of a just ruler, a devoted husband, a loving son, and a faithful friend. The life of Rama is full of valuable lessons that continue to be relevant today. His teachings on dharma, karma, and bhakti, form the foundation of Hinduism. Rama’s story is an inspirational and timeless reminder of the importance of leading a life of integrity and purpose. Here are some of the key teachings from Lord Rama’s life:

Upholding Dharma

Lord Rama is known for his commitment to upholding dharma, the natural order of the universe. His devotion to dharma is seen in his willingness to sacrifice his own happiness and comfort to do what is right.

Courage & Perseverance

Lord Rama’s journey is marked by courage and perseverance. He faces numerous challenges throughout his life but continues to fight for what is right, never giving up in the face of adversity.

Love & Devotion

Lord Rama’s love and devotion to his wife Sita is a powerful example of the importance of love and commitment in relationships. His unwavering dedication to rescuing Sita from Ravana’s clutches is a testament to the power of love.

Loyalty & Brotherhood

Lord Rama’s relationship with his brothers, particularly his bond with his loyal brother Lakshmana, is an example of the importance of loyalty and brotherhood in relationships.

Forgiveness

Lord Rama’s forgiveness of his stepmother Kaikeyi and his brother Bharata is a powerful example of the importance of forgiveness and letting go of grudges.

Humility

Lord Rama is known for his humility, despite his status as a prince and later a king. He is respectful towards everyone he meets, regardless of their social status.

Service to others

Lord Rama’s dedication to serving his people is an example of the importance of service and leadership. He rules with justice and fairness, always putting the needs of his people above his own.

How is Rama Relevant To India Today

By symbolizing the values that are critical for building a just and equitable society, Rama’s epic story has been an integral part of Indian culture and identity. The Ramayana has been a source of cultural unity in India, bringing together people from different regions, religions, and castes. It is a part of the cultural heritage of not just Hindus, but also Jains, Buddhists, and Sikhs.

The Ramayana plays a catalytic and highly relevant role in today’s Indian society. It manages to unite people of all backgrounds and beliefs, who draw inspiration from the values embodied by Lord Rama

What is the Spiritual Meaning of Rama?

Lord Rama is revered as the Perfect Man, the “Maryada Purushottama”, serving as an ideal of virtue for humans to follow. The word Rama in Sanskrit translates to “the light of the self”, so Rama is the eternal divine light within us. Similarly, Sita, symbolizes the mind, and when the two are in harmony then there is blissful existence. Moreover, Ayodhya, Lord Rama’s birthplace, which translates to “invincible”, represents one’s self.

The story of the demon Ravana abducting Sita, is a metaphor for the ego (Ravana) taking over the mind (Sita). When this happens it leads to frustration and defeat. As a result, Ayodhya falls.

By dissolving the ego and letting go of all earthly attachments, one may experience true bliss and connect with the divine. When following the path of dharma, free from distractions, one can attain purity of mind and heart.