Rama

Introduction

Lord Rama is the seventh avatar of Vishnu and the most revered exemplar of righteousness in Hinduism. He is called Maryada Purushottam, meaning the supreme person who upholds moral boundaries. He was the son of King Dasharatha and Queen Kausalya of Ayodhya.

The story of Rama is narrated in detail in Maharishi Valmiki’s Ramayana and Goswami Tulsidas’s Ramcharitmanas. Rama’s life stands as the highest example of dharma, duty, sacrifice, and ideal conduct. His reign, known as Rama Rajya, is the paradigm of just and perfect governance.

Form and Iconography

Rama has a dark complexion, often described as the colour of rain clouds. He wields a bow (Kodanda) and unfailing arrows. He wears yellow garments (Pitambara), a crown, and a tilak on his forehead. He is typically depicted alongside Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman. His expression is serene, composed, and compassionate.

Mythological Stories

Exile and Sita’s Abduction: Honouring his father Dasharatha’s word to Queen Kaikeyi, Rama accepted fourteen years of exile in the forest. During the exile, the demon king Ravana abducted Sita through deception.

Victory over Lanka: With the aid of Hanuman and the vanara (monkey) army led by Sugriva, Rama built a bridge across the ocean, attacked Lanka, and slew Ravana to rescue Sita. This victory symbolizes the triumph of truth over falsehood.

Breaking of Shiva’s Bow: At the Swayamvara in Janakpur, Rama broke Lord Shiva’s great bow Pinaka, which no other prince could even lift, thereby winning the hand of Sita in marriage.

Major Temples

• Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, Ayodhya — Grand temple built at the birthplace of Lord Rama
• Ramchaura Mandir, Sitamarhi, Bihar — An ancient temple dedicated to Rama
• Bhadrachalam Temple, Telangana — A renowned Rama temple in South India
• Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu — Where Rama installed a Shiva linga before crossing to Lanka

Associated Festivals

Ram Navami is celebrated on the ninth day of the bright half of Chaitra as Rama’s birthday. Dussehra (Vijayadashami) celebrates Rama’s victory over Ravana. Diwali marks Rama’s joyous return to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile. Vivaha Panchami commemorates the marriage of Rama and Sita.

Associated Mantras and Prayers

• Taraka Mantra: “Shri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram”
• Rama Beej Mantra: “Om Ramaya Namaha”
• Ramcharitmanas: The retelling of the Rama story in Awadhi by Tulsidas
• Ram Raksha Stotra: A protective hymn composed by Sage Budhakaushika