Friday, April 15, 2016

A FEW CHARACTERS FROM THE RAMAYANA



                                       
 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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