Miscellaneous - Religion   

Upholding Dharma

CHENNAI: Rama and Krishna Avatars reveal the truth that the Lord chooses to be born, grows up, lives and struggles like every Jivatma if only to alleviate the sufferings of human beings. Despite the pathos and tragedy in the Ramayana, what is striking is the tendency of the people from all walks of life to try to uphold Dharma and lead noble lives. The Vedas hold the key for the wellbeing of the world and the people and the importance of upholding the daily obligatory duties (Nithya) and occasional duties (Naimittika Karma) is reinforced in the Ramayana, said Sri R. Krishnamurthy Sastrigal in a lecture. Lord Rama followed all the requirements as ordained in the scriptures for every Jivatma through the various stages of life. He did so to serve as an example for posterity in this regard. Along with His brothers, the Lord studied the various arts, skills, archery, scriptures, etc., as befitting their birth under Sage Vasishsta.

The advent of Sage Vishwamitra in Lord Rama's life is significant, timely and eventful. Dasaratha is genuinely happy to see the sage and is eager to please the Raja Rishi who has come to his palace. He promises the sage that he would do anything the sage wished him to do. Sage Vishwamitra was desirous of conducting a Vedic ritual to attain a spiritual goal and two demons, namely Maricha and Subhahu, were constantly causing disturbances. So he requested Dasaratha to send Lord Rama, who alone has the capacity to eliminate them and thus help him in the successful completion of the ritual.

He advised Dasaratha not to be blinded by paternal fondness that prevented him from seeing what Vishwamitra, Vasishta and other realised souls were able to see — the identity of Lord Rama as Supreme Being incarnate, the very embodiment of truth and whose commitment to truth is His valour.

Besides, the sage, a qualified preceptor, also wanted to impart the sophisticated skills of archery (that would be necessary for Lord Rama in the encounter with Ravana later), esoteric mantras (Bala and Atibala) and also visit hermitages enroute their visit to Mithila when He would win the hand of Sita.

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