Miscellaneous - Religion   

Intricacies of dharma

CHENNAI: The Ramayana highlights the value of dharma in many ways and reinforces the practice of good deeds at all times. When Sage Vishwamitra approached Dasharatha to send Rama to protect the Vedic rituals of the sages from the onslaught and harassment of the demons, the doting father hesitated. The sage assured the king that he and the other sages in Dasaratha’s court knew the greatness of Rama and the truth of His incarnation while Dasaratha saw Him as a son. Sage Vashishta intervened and convinced Dasaratha to send Rama with Vishwamitra, pointing out the capabilities of the sage and of his knowledge of weaponry, while also suggesting that this would serve as a valuable opportunity for Lord Rama to get initiated in this knowledge.

In a lecture, Damal Sri Ramakrishnan and Srimati Perundevi Seshadri said that the period of sojourn in the forest under the tutelage of Sage Vishwamitra proved very eventful for Lord Rama and Lakshmana because many salient happenings came to pass that enhanced and enriched the lives of the princes. If the exemplary display of guru Sishya Bhava between Sage Vishwamitra and them was a role model to all, the debate over the killing of Tataka established the supremacy of good over evil, no matter in which form it appeared. Greater glory to Lord Rama came in the release of Ahalya from her curse and in Lord Rama’s successful breaking of Siva’s bow to win the hand of Sita.

The sage was delighted to impart the sacred mantra Bala and Atibala to such ideal disciples as the princes. While Lord Rama was anxious to serve the preceptor, Viswamitra for his part, knowing Lord Rama to be the Supreme Being incarnate, was keen to serve Him. He taught them these hymns that have the potency to insulate one against hunger, thirst, tiredness, fever, demons, etc., and confer the auspicious qualities of learning, beauty, strength, valour and discernment. The sage woke up the princes with the famous “Kousalya Supraja Rama”, and he evinced great motherly love towards the Lord. Kousalya’s unique privilege of being a mother to the Supreme Being is always a subject extolled by Azhwars, sages and many others.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Cartoonscape
The Hindu Crossword 9195
Solution to Puzzle 9194
Intricacies of dharma
dated April 11, 1958: Atomic research
dated April 11, 1958: “Open skies” plan
dated April 11, 1958: Indian philosophy
Weather

Copyright © 2008, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu