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Sublime values religion

CHENNAI: The emotional appeal of the Ramayana is as strong as its moral undercurrent and the trajectory of the story line is gripping enough to consolidate both human sentiment and ethical content. There is no room for filial affection in Dasaratha’s moral dilemma when he is caught unawares by the compulsion of granting the two boons to Kaikeyi most unwillingly, pointed out Nagai Sri Mukundan in a lecture on the Kamba Ramayana. The higher value of keeping up one’s word stood above all other personal considerations. Angry at the helpless situation, Dasaratha vehemently disowned both Kaikeyi and Bharata.

Lord Rama remained unruffled when Kaikeyi pronounced the exile order (thankfully) on behalf of a shattered Dasaratha at a time when the preparations for the coronation were in full swing.

Such equanimity of mind is beyond human nature and the poet Kamban never loses an opportunity to establish the identity of Lord Rama as the Supreme Being incarnate and this instance is one such. Lord Rama’s face reflected the glow and beauty of a newly blossomed lotus as He listened with attention to Kaikeyi’s words. There was no hesitation or regret, and only a readiness to abide by the order as He looked upon Kaikeyi with the same regard as He bestowed on Kousalya or Dasaratha.

But the inner significance is that Lord Rama is happy and grateful that Kaikeyi has helped Him to fulfil the purpose of His incarnation by this order. Lord Rama finds an opportunity to return this help at a later stage when after the killing of Ravana, He is blessed with the vision of His father Dasaratha, who is eager to grant Him boons.

Though the Supreme Lord did not require anything from anybody, He was anxious to restore the status that Dasaratha had denied Kaikeyi and Bharata, while also keen to emphasise the noble quality of forgiveness. Dasaratha is moved to forgive his wife and son when Lord Rama’s phrases (carefully chosen by Kamban) reveal that He worships Kaikeyi as His own mother and loves his brother Bharata.

The perennial value of the epic lies in the moral conviction and idealism that continue to inspire humanity.

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