...Ramayana, Rama is applauded for killing a scorned demon, Thataka, who was punished for her husband’s and son’s actions. Also, Rama is hesitant when he is told to kill Thataka, but Viswamithra manipulates him into thinking it is a just act to do. Although Thataka is a terrifying and destructive demon, her harsh punishment from Rama is not just because her behavior was caused by cruel and unnecessary pain and punishment inflicted by Agastya, and Rama is manipulated into killing the demon by Viswamithra, whose opinion on Thataka is single-sided. The pain inflicted on Thataka is not just because she was held responsible for harm she did not cause. Thataka used to be a woman of “valour, might, and purity” (11), who was also very “beautiful and full of wild energy” (11). However, her sons and husband enjoyed playing pranks that caused destruction on the locals. For this, Agastya, a saint, punished and killed Thataka’s husband. Like any ordinary wife, Thataka was devastated and traumatized by the death of her husband. With her anger she went “roaring revenge on the saint” (11). Agastya challenged her threat, and she and her sons were “degraded to demonhood” (12). His actions were extremely unjust because Thataka was punished for grieving for her late husband. For Thataka to be enraged at Agastya is predictable and fair because he murdered her husband. Then, Agastya punished her for the crimes she did not commit in an unjust manner. His teacher, Viswamithra, persuades Rama because...
Words: 479 - Pages: 2
...RAMAYANA The Supernatural Elements:- Every epic has got a supernatural element in it, which interfaces itself with the human element in the story. The supernatural element has been made use of in order to give more than ordinary importance to the action that takes place in the epic. In the Ramayana, the supernatural element plays a very important part in the action of the story. The nature of the supernatural beings that take part in the story and of the miraculous machines of destructions used by them as well as by the human heroes in their battles is discussed below: There are 2 classes of beings which belong to the category of the supernatural in the Ramayana. They are: 1. the raksasas and 2. the vanaras. 1. The Raksasas: The raksasas are beings of enormous power and size, and are known as premature (beyond what is nature) beings. Ravana has 10 heads, Trisivas has 3 heads. Some other raksasas and raksasas have heads of horses, wolves, jackals, lions, etc. By performing great and severe penance these raksasas had acquired great physical strength and many magical powers. They can bend the bow with such force that their arrows can break to pieces, the rocks thrown at them by their enemies. They can assume whatever shape they please. They can fly through the air with or without aerial chariots. In short, they posses all will powers and the qualities that are attributed to the Gods in the Greek mythology. The raksasas hate virtue and virtuous people and they love the...
Words: 5692 - Pages: 23
...Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana journey southward along the banks of river Godavari, where they build cottages and live off the land. At the Panchavati forest they are visited by a rakshasa woman, Surpanakha, the sister of Ravana. She attempts to seduce the brothers and, failing in this, attempts to kill Sita. Lakshmana stops her by cutting off her nose and ears. Hearing of this, her demon brother, Khara, organises an attack against the princes. Rama annihilates Khara and his demons. When news of these events reaches Ravana, he resolves to destroy Rama by capturing Sita with the aid of the rakshasa Maricha. Maricha, assuming the form of a golden deer, captivates Sita's attention. Entranced by the beauty of the deer, Sita pleads with Rama to capture it. Lord Rama, aware that this is the ploy of the demons, cannot dissuade Sita from her desire and chases the deer into the forest, leaving Sita under Lakshmana's guard. After some time, Sita hears Rama calling out to her; afraid for his life, she insists that Lakshmana rush to his aid. Lakshmana tries to assure her that Rama is invincible and that it is best if he continues to follow Rama's orders to protect her. On the verge of hysterics, Sita insists that it is not she but Rama who needs Lakshmana's help. He obeys her wish but stipulates that she is not to leave the cottage or entertain any strangers. He draws a chalk outline, the Lakshmana rekha, around the cottage and casts a spell on it that prevents anyone from entering the boundary...
Words: 377 - Pages: 2
...struggle in multiple ways with Sita, she has a struggle of being captured by Ravana as well as the struggle of resisting his temptations and living under a tree waiting to be rescued. This brings us on a final leg of the journey from the struggle to home; this is ended with her being exiled so that Rama can keep his people happy. Sita was not born naturally. She was found by King Janaka in a freshly ploughed field after a holy sacrifice was celebrated, she comes to the world from the Earth,. This is the beginning of Sita’s life journey. Even though Sita was not King Janaka’s flesh, he loved her more then his daughter which is why when she was old enough to marry, he did not want her to merry just anyone. To find the best of the best husband for Sita, King Janaka planned the swyamvar (choosing of groom) ceremony where he invited all the princess of Bharat (now known as India). His bet was that Sita will merry the prince that will pick up and string the golden bow of Shiva (Hindu god of Death). With the blessing of a Guru (priest), Rama was able to pick up and string the great golden bow of Shiva. * Sita’s journey with Rama starts here. With in few months of marriage Rama was order to spend 14 years in the jungle by his father King Dasarath who has given this order against his will. This was done when his step mother called upon the king to repay the vachan (a promise or the boons) that were...
Words: 1579 - Pages: 7
...the peoples' voices?! Rama: Lakshmana, Is it worthwhile to sacrifice your principle for the sake of this small kingdom? Lakshmana: But are we on that account to sit still and do nothing? This sword, is it only an ornament, just a plaything?! Rama: Brother! You are part of my self, sharing the same soul with me! Please, try to understand me! Lakshmana: (tears sprang from Lakshmana’s eyes and said with a low voice) If you must go to the forest, take me along with you. Rama: (to sita) Look after my mother, Kausalya, in my absence. Sita: My Lord, heve pity on me. A wife’s position is always beside her husband. Rama: But Sita, you... Sita: A husband's duty is his wife's too. Your fate is equally mine. Don’t leave me behind. I’ll die without you. Narrator: By that evening, Rama, SIta and Lakshmana left Ayodhya on a chariot. Scene 2 Narrator: 6 months passed by, King Dasaratha’s kingdom is enveloped in darkness. King Dasaratha died crying until his last breath, “Rama, Rama, Rama!” Bharatha, kaikeyi’s som, was away visiting his grandfather, was called back to Ayodhya. Bharata immediately returned with Shatrughna. As he entered the city of Ayodhya, he realized that something was terribly wrong. The city was strangely silent. He went straight to his mother, Kaikeyi. Bharata: Mother! Mother what is this? Mother what has happened? KAikeyi: BHarata, you have home at last. Bharata: Where is father? KAikeyi: (pale) Your father is dead. Bharata: How about Rama? And Lakshmana? Where are...
Words: 1242 - Pages: 5
...pieces of literature worldwide for many years. The Odyssey and The Ramayana are two different stories that are very similar in ways people may not realize. Odysseus and Rama are both great heroic men that have love for their wives. These heroes had set voyages that had obstacles they had to conquer. The historical contexts of these two tales are similar as well. Both of these stories being so old were started by oral traditions. They were passed on from generation to generation through the oral traditions used back then. Oral traditions used to be the only way that the common people could communicate their stories. Culturally both stories came from the same background to an extent. They each were from places ruled under monarchies where kings ruled over all the people. One difference is that The Ramayana was at a state of peace whereas The Odyssey tells its story when they are not at peace they are at war. Rama is exiled into the Dandaka Forest and Odysseus has been at war and has had trouble getting back for nearly twenty years. Each one is having a hard time getting what they desire and the obstacles along the way do not help. Rama, his wife Sita, and his younger brother Lakshmana are exiled in the forest.” I cannot live without my Sita.”(Ramayana) This is when the ten-headed king of Lanka abducts Sita while Rama is away. Odysseus was on a voyage back to his home in Ithaca with his crew of men but was having major issues. He would get blown off course and land on unknown islands...
Words: 683 - Pages: 3
...Purana, mention Dirghabahu as the son of Dilīpa and Raghu as the son of Dirghabahu. But the Harivamsha, the Brahma Purana and the Shiva Purana mention Raghu as son of Dilīpa and Dirghavahu as his epithet.[1] The lineage described in the Raghuvamsha mention Dilīpa as the father of Raghu. According to most of the Puaranas, as well as Kalidasa, Raghu was succeeded by his son Aja, who was the father of Dasharatha, the father of Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrughna. [edit]Life Raghu was a great donor. It is said that no one returns from his palace empty-handed. Raghu's father Dilīpa was a very pious king, and performed as many as 100 yajnas or sacrificial rituals. Until he did so, only Indra, king of the Gods, had earned that distinction. In a bid to prevent Dilipa from equaling his record, Indra placed many hurdles in the path of the successful completion of the 100th sacrifice, but Raghu was able to prevail over the forces of Indra himself, and the sacrifice was completed successfully. [edit]Legacy Raghu is best known today as the great-grandfather of Rama. There are indications that in the classical period, Raghu was a heroic personality of far greater importance than what one would imagine today. The mahakavya (epic) composed by the classical poet...
Words: 381 - Pages: 2
...Deeds of Rama”) Valmiki once was wandering through the forest along the bank of a river, when he noticed a pair of curlews hopping about on the grass, singing sweetly. Suddenly a hunter came along and killed the male bird with his arrow. As the bird was weltering in his blood and his mate mourning for him in pitiful tones, Valmiki was overcome with pity, and pronounced a curse on the hunter. But the words of the curse left his mouth in the form of a shloka-verse. Then the god Brahma appeared and bade the poet sing of the deeds of Rama in this very meter. Book I: Bala-Kanda (The Chapter on Rama as a Youth) In the land of the Kosalas (north of the Ganges), in the city of Ayodhya, there ruled a king named Dasharatha, who was mighty and wise, but still childless. The court advisor urged him to offer an imperial horse-sacrifice. The sage Rishyashringa, as the chief priest of this great sacrifice, includes an especially powerful offering rite that can cause the begetting of sons. When the offerings had been placed in the fire, the remnants were divided between the kings wives, who ate them. Just at that time the gods in heaven were much troubled by Ravana, the ten-headed demon king of Lanka. They therefore turned to Lord Vishnu, begging him to take human form in order to defeat Ravana. Vishnu agrees and resolves to be born on earth as the son of Dasharatha. So, after the horse-sacrifice was concluded, the three wives of King Dasharatha bore him four sons: Kausalya bore Rama (in...
Words: 4227 - Pages: 17
...THE RAMAYANA I. EARLY LIFE OF RAMA Scene 1: at the kingdom of Ayodhya Narrator: Dasaratha was the king of Kosala, an ancient kindom that was located in present day Uttar Pradesh. Ayodhya was its capital. Dasharatha was loved by one and all. His subjects were happy and his kingdom was prosperous. (Maraming extra kunyari ay sila yung taong bayan tas nagbibigayan sila ng prutas at nag bobow sila sa king. ) (Lalapit yung mga asawa nya, tas happy happy lol) Even though Dasaratha had everything that he desired, he was very sad at heart; (Ngingiti si Dasaratha na parang masaya tas bilang malulungkot kasi may kulang) For he had no children. (Tas blockings si Dasaratha, maiiwan sa pwesto ung queens dapat si Dasaratha ung uultaw) Dasaratha: I have a prosperous kingdom, my people are happy, I have three beautiful wives and all the riches a mighty king could have. How can I cherish all of these if don’t have an heir? I don’t have a child. Vishishtha: King Dasaratha, for you to have a child, you should seek the blessings of God. Dasaratha: How? Vishishtha: By performing a fire sacrifice. Narrator: Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, decided to manifest himself as the eldest son of Dasaratha in order to kill Ravana. While performing the fire worship ceremony, a majestic rose from the sacrificial fire. Agni: The Gods are pleased with your sacrifice. King Dasaratha, what is your wish? Dasaratha: A son! I need a son! Agni: A son? Dasaratha: Yes Agni: Distribute this payasa to your...
Words: 2077 - Pages: 9
...Ramayana is a great Indian epic that takes place around 1000 BCE, and tells the life of India during that time. Rama is the main character; he is the hero of the story. Growing up he was a prominent child, excelling in all aspects of his life. Once he became a grown man, he was a perfect husband to his wife Sita, as well as being one of the fiercest warriors in the land. He was looked up too and admired by the people in his kingdom. Being the brave hero that Rama is, he was able to rescue Sita from her kidnapper Ravana.1 He was also forced to kill Vali in a non-honorable way in order to rescue Sagreeva’s wife. I don’t believe he was justified in doing this, but he sure was forced to considering the circumstance. One day, Sita was captured by a demon called Ravana because he wanted to marry her. Rama was enraged so he put together a small army to go confront Ravana in his kingdom. They built a bridge across to Ravana’s kingdom of Lanka, and took Sita back and brought her back home safely. In order to take Sita back as his wife, Rama asked her to prove her purity to him and she was able to do so.2 During Ramas quest to rescue Sita, he met Sugreeva. He had just been exiled from his older brother Vali’s kingdom because of an incident that occurred between them. Sugreeva and Rama made an agreement that if Rama helps Sugreeva defeat Vali and place him in the king’s throne, then Sugreeva would help him on his quest to kill...
Words: 1295 - Pages: 6
...SRIMAD BHAGAVAD GEETA – HSS F334 ASSIGNMENT - 1 VIBHUTIES AND THEIR ROLE IN SPIRITUAL PURSUIT OF VARIOUS YOGIS Instructor: Dr.Aruna Lolla Name : Monica Adusumilli Id No :2014A7PS005H Date of Submission:30-October-2015 Introduction Bhagavad-Gita might have been delivered in the setting of a battle field, but illumined minds have found it very relevant in the past, present and future as well. "Here I am present as the Supreme Personality of Godhead. I am the Supreme”, says Krishna in Bhagavad-Gita. Understanding, knowing and experiencing the supreme in total magnitude is beyond the capabilities of humans. In an attempt to advance as a spiritual being, it is essential that we understand the divine opulence. What is a Vibuthi? A Vibuthi might be a person, place or an object in which the divine manifests himself to a greater extent. The opulences (Vibuthies) of the Lord are infinite. Indeed, the Lord alone knows his internal potency and his manifestations are innumerable and countless. Only by the grace of the Supreme Person, origin of all, Lord of all beings, God of gods, Lord of the universe, one can try and understand the opulences of the Lord. Role of Vibhuties in Spiritual Pursuit: Lord SriKrishna in Vibuthi Yoga of Gita elucidates about some of his Vibuthies knowing about which, the supreme absolute can be easily attained. A lot of Yogis have identified...
Words: 2198 - Pages: 9
...World Literature I October 21, 2014 The Story of Jesse The Story of Jesse of Harnett is one of the most profound pieces of literature in the American culture. It is a religious Hindu text and is one of the two most famous epics written in US. The Story of Jesse is considered an epic and does contain a lot of action, but at the core of it, it is a love story. Were it not for love none the actions in The Story of Jesse would have taken place. This tale became almost like an epidemic that spread throughout the U.S. Shows on television about The Story of Jesse were aired and when they came on almost all of the U.S. shutdown to watch this show. The Story of Jesse had a huge moral impact on the U.S. and became a way to pass down Jesse ideals to younger and more modern generations. Young boys and girls were told to follow in the footsteps of the righteous Jesse. The Story of Jesse is a timeless American text that portrays the religious beliefs of the Jesse religion through its characters; these idealistic behaviors can be seen clearly in characters such asJesse, Sita, and Laksmana. Jesse is one of the main characters throughout the story and is supposed to be portrayed as the hero of The Story of Jesse. Jesse is a noble prince and is seen as the epitome of righteousness throughout the tale. When Jesse is banished by his stepmother, Kaikeyi, and father, King Dasaratha, to the forest he accepts this without any hesitation or negative emotions. He stays calm and “understands...
Words: 2483 - Pages: 10
...another read later, my first instinct was to reject Rama’s apparent chink in the armour. Now, I seem to find consolation in the fact that most Hindu divine figures are fallible, Rama being no exception. To sum up, the Ramayana narrates the abduction of Sita by Ravana, the demon king. Rama follows him with his monkey army to rescue her from Lanka. At the end of the war, Sita undergoes a test of chastity at Rama’s behest. The Agnipariksha, or test of fire, requires her to throw herself into a blazing fire. However, despite having passed the test, she is banished from Ayodhya, an act instigated by public suspicion. Years later, after finding Sita in the forest with her sons, Rama asks her to go through another Agnipariksha. This time though Sita does not comply and instead asks Mother Earth to receive her. The story of Ramayana is centered on Sita, yet she is only seen in a supporting role throughout the epic. It is clear that Rama and Sita, in which ever version you read it (although I refer to Valmiki’s most often), are portrayed as the ideal couple. Their relationship is characterized by close companionship, beginning at Sita insisting on accompanying Rama to the forest for his fourteen year exile. However, there is a dichotomy at the end of the epic that portrays the two figures separately: Rama as the ideal man and Sita as the ideal woman. Today, as I reflect on my denial of Rama’s inconsistencies (I’d rather not use shortcomings) in behaviour towards his wife, I mirror...
Words: 494 - Pages: 2
...the place in society for both men and women. An epic called “The Ramayana” details the life of Rama and his wife Sita, ultimate examples of right behavior according to the social norms. Both “The Laws of Manu” and Valmiki’s “Ramayana” portray the roles of women in the Classical Period of Hinduism (ca. 500 B.C.E.-500) from different perspectives, but in the end set fort the same rules and ideals, including the dominance of men over subservient women. In the Ramayana, Sita, the wife of Rama, is portrayed as an ideal Hindu woman, beautiful, chaste, and fully aware of her duties. During the wedding, her beauty is extolled in phrases like “the sweet-eyed Sita”, with the “bridal blush upon her brow” (Valmiki, 64). Her father Janak gives his “beauteous daughter” to Rama in marriage, pronouncing in the wedding vows that she is “the best of women” (Valmiki, 64). Sita’s beauty in the Ramayana is surpassed and eclipsed by her complete submission to her duty as wife. In her wedding vows, Sita is given to Rama by her father, with the father telling Rama that she is to be “henceforth sharer of thy virtue,” “faithful wife,” and “of thy weal and woe partaker” (Valmiki, 64). She is thus bound to her husband, and released from her father’s care into Rama’s. Her sense of duty is again shown upon Rama’s banishment into the wilderness. Although Sita is not required to go into exile with Rama, she wishes to do so. She feels that “the faithful woman follows where her wedded lord may lead...
Words: 1452 - Pages: 6
...used to be afraid of crackers. Now I have got over the fear of bursting crackers. My parents tell me that I have to be very careful while bursting. I followed their advice and there was no fire accident also. Sparklers, Rockets, Ground Chakkars and Flower pots were our favorites besides the Thousand thousand sparks bomb. The third rejoicing aspect of Deepavali is the eating of sweets. We visit relatives and friends with sweets and snacks. They also visit us with sweets and snacks. We seek their blessings on the festival day. Gulab jamun, Laddoos, Halwas and Kaju cakes were my favorites. My grandmother tells me that the victory of Good over Evil is the reason for this celebration. She also says that the festival is to mark the return of Rama to Ayodhya after his defeat of Ravana. Lots of people also start new ventures on this day after performing Lakshmi Puja. This is marked by lighting of lamps, candles and diyas by the women folk in the family. The light and colour add to the celebrations. In all, I can say that Deepavali is the brightest festival to be celebrated in India. The delicious food associated with the feast makes us feel that this festival must come more often in a...
Words: 332 - Pages: 2
