The Ramayana is one
of the greatest classics composed by the ‘ Adi Kavi’ sage Valmiki. It describes
the saga of Sri Rama, the son of the renowned king Dasaratha of Kosala. ‘Ramo vigrahavan dharmaha’ Rama was the embodiment of dharma –
righteousness! He was the role model for many and cynosure of all eyes. None
could point a finger towards him. He was an ideal son, loving brother,
affectionate husband, trustworthy friend and a terrible enemy of evil. Dasratha
was very happy after the birth of his sons and lost himself in total bliss
enjoying the play and company of his children He never anticipated the rude
shock that he was going to have soon!
The avatar has its purpose and everything falls in place accordingly.
The first
turning point in the Ramayana is the arrival of the sage Viswamitra to the
court of Dasaratha asking for the help of the two lads Rama and Lakshmana. He
knew the secret of the Ramavatar and what he was expected to do. Dasartha was
unnerved at the request of the sage. He said that the children were very young,
inexperienced and cannot be of any help to the maharshi. But Viswamitra was
adamant and fearing his anger, Dasaratha reluctantly agreed to send his sons
with the sage. It was during their stay with Viawamitra Rama and Lakshmana learnt Dhanurveda and protected the yaga performed by
the sage. On the way Rama kills the dreadful demon Thataka to the delight of
his Guru Viswamitra. Maricha and Subahu are introduced by the poet Valmiki and
Rama kills Subahu and Maricha is blown away to an unknown place! It is Maricha
that tells Ravana later of the invincibility of Rama. Viswamitra becomes instrumental for the
wedding of Rama and his brothers by visiting Mithila with Rama and Lakshmana!
Rama breaks the ‘Siva dhanus’ to marry Sita!
Mandara
, the maid of Kaikeyi is the villain of
the piece! She has an instant hatred for Rama as some stones hit and hurt her
while Rama and others played. She poisons the mind of Kaikeyi who was the most
affectionate of the three wives of Dasaratha. Kaikeyi was overjoyed at the news
of the coronation of Rama. But Mandara reminded Kaikeyi of the two boons
offered by Dasaratha. The King fell a victim to the schemes of Mandara and
Kakeyi Ramayana story would have come to an end
at this point if Mandara had not acted and brain washed Kaikeyi! We generally condemn Mandara and
Kaikeyi for their conspiracy and evil nature! But they are really the promoters
of the entire story of the Ramayana.
The
next character of significance that paved the way for the downfall of Ravana,
king of Lanka is his sister Surpnakha! Seeing the handsome brothers in the
forest, she fell in love with Rama and made amorous advances to him. She was
amazed to see the celestial beauty of Sita, Rama’s wife. When she insisted of
marrying Rama, Lakshmana was asked to deal with her. He promptly cut her nose
and ears and sent her away roaring in pain. Surpanakha directly went to Ravana
and complained to him of her humiliation. She praised the ethereal beauty of
Sita and prodded Ravana to have her as his wife! She said
Ravana’s life is useless if he
cannot take Sita for his wife. Thus the seed for Ravana’s destruction was sown by Surpanakha! Though all the apsarasas—heavenly
damsels were at his disposal, Ravana determined to bring Sita by any means!
Lovelorn and languid Ravana sought the help of Maricha to ensnare Sita
in the form of a golden deer! In spite of his reluctance, Maricha had to obey.
Sita wanted the golden deer and Rama was drawn away from the cottage pursuing
the deer! Ravana , in disguise, abducted Sita in the absence of both Rama and
Lakshmana. Thus Maricha was instrumental for the ignominy and death of Ravana
later! The other important character in the Ramayana is Sugriva the vanara king
of Kishkinda. But for his meeting, Rama could not have met Hanuman the
confidant of Sugriva! After his brother
Vali was killed by Rama, Sugriva offers all help to
find out the whereabouts of Sita and sends his vanaras in all directions. Hanuman thus becomes the bosom
companion and servant of Rama! It is he that crosses the sea and finally spots
Sita and brings back her ’chudamani’ to the great relief of Rama! But for Hanuman
and Sugriva things would have been different!
It is easy for us to criticize and
condemn a few characters for the villainous part they have played in the
Ramayana. But a careful analysis of the situations and the turns the story has
taken because of them, shall underline
their importance. They are very crucial for the development of the plot and
indispensable!
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