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Rama
Rama,
the hero of our story, is regarded as Maryada Purshottam-an
ideal person. He was an ideal son, an ideal husband, an ideal
brother, an ideal friend, an ideal warrior and an ideal king.
His rule is called Rama rajya, a Kingdom where everyone, from
the King to the commoner, was treated as equal, this was Mahatma
Gandhi's ideal and the basis of a secular and democratic India
that he dreamed of.
Rama was born to the King of Ayodhya about five thousand years
ago. He was the eldest son of King Dasharatha and his eldest
queen Kaushalya. Dasharatha had two other queens, Sumitra and
Kaikeyi who bore him three other sons, Lakshmana, Bharata and
Shatrughna. These sons were born to Dasharatha late in life
and after hard penance and yagnas. Dasharatha
grew old, he was worried at not having an heir to ascend to
the throne of Ayodhya, then a powerful Kingdom. He thoght that
the great Suravanshi dynasty would end with him. He was a just
rular and treated his people as his children, so when these
sons were born to him, there were festivities throughout Ayodhya.
All the streets and houses were decorated, flowers strewn on
the roads and perfume sprayed all over. There was great rejoicing
all through the Kingdom at the birth of the princes.
Rama,
the eldest was the apple of everyone's eye. Not only Dasharatha
and his queens, but all the king's countries and subjects loved
this handsome prince who was a reincarnation of Lord Vishnu
himself. He was blessed with all the noble qualities of head
and heart, and he doted on his brothers. Years rolled by. The
princes grew up to be handsome lads. They had not only mastered
the four Vedas and holy scriptures but also the art of warfare.
Rama was specially an expert archer.
The
sage Vishvamitra came to the royal court one day. Rama was about
fifteen then. The king, his queens and the young princes felt
honoured by the sage's visit. Dasharatha wanted to know if he
could be of any service to the holy man "I shall do my utmost
to fulfil your wishes, sir," he said.
Vishamitra replied, "I am in trouble, great king. I am unable
to say my prayers, meditate or do any yagnas because some wicked
demons defile my sacred rites. They throw blood and meat into
the holy fire. My tapasya is, therefore, incomplete. I have
come here to ask you to send Rama with me. I am sure he will
be able to rid me of these monsters who prowl in the forest
at all times".
The King was downcast when he heard this. How could Rama, a
mere child, venture out alone and face those demons? He did
not wish to send his beloved son and heir to face unforeseen
dangers in the vast forest. He, therefore, thought of a way
out.
With
folded hands, Dashartha said to Vishvamitra, "Holy sire, Rama
is but a boy. Young to face demons. I will detail my entire
army to protect you. They will see to it that no one disturbs
and pollutes your sacred yagnas. Please accept this offer because
I cannot bear to lose Rama."
But
the sage replied, "I do not require your army, Dasharatha. I
am sure Rama, a strong, young prince, can protect me all by
himself. You do not know your son's valour. Please send Rama
with me as you have promised to grant me my wish."
Dasharatha had no other way out. He pleased with the sage to
leave Rama behind as he could not part with him but Vishvamitra
was adamant. Then, he thought," Under the care of sage Vishvamitra,
what harm can come to my Rama?" So, he reluctantly gave his
consent.
Rama
was called to the court. When told Vishvamitra's wish, he was
radiant with joy of as he was getting a chance to obey his father
as well as to be under a renowned holy man like Vishvamitra.
However, Lakshmana, insisted on accompanying Rama to the forest.
From here began the adventure of Rama and his brother.
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