The Hindu : God manifests to uphold Dharma

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Sep 18, 2002

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous - Religion

God manifests to uphold Dharma

CHENNAI SEPT.18 . The Ramayana posits Rama as the embodiment of Dharma and virtuous qualities that a human being can possibly possess, right at the outset. He was the Lord-incarnate and had manifested as the son of Dasaratha with the specific purpose of putting an end to misdeeds so that righteousness could prevail in the world. The incidents portrayed in the first canto of the epic are meant to convince that He had the necessary prowess to make short work of those who posed a threat to Dharma.

Another episode, which gives insight into Rama's valour, is His breaking of Siva's bow when Sage Viswamitra took Him and Lakshmana to Mithila. When the sage introduced them to King Janaka he expressed his mental anxiety about the condition he had stipulated for claiming Sita's hand in marriage. Only 60,000 warriors with rock-like shoulders and elephantine strength could carry the bow of Siva. Many kings had in the past tried to lift it in vain. The reason why Janaka had stipulated such a daunting condition for marrying Sita reveals the truth that she was the Divine Mother incarnate and hence no human being could hope to marry Her. Once when she was playing as a child, the ball she was holding went beneath the bow and no one could retrieve it for Her. Though the king tried to pacify Her that he would give another ball She could not be distracted. Instead, She effortlessly moved the box in which the bow was kept and reclaimed Her ball. The king was naturally awed and decided then and there that only a man of unequalled prowess could be a match to Her, said Nagai Sri Mukundan in his discourse.

Sage Sadananada who knew the king's anxiety about Sita's marriage, explained the might of the bow to Viswamitra and the princes. Reflecting on what the sage had said Viswamitra looked at Rama. No words were exchanged between them and understanding his mind Rama rose majestically and walked towards the bow. The Kamba Ramayanam describes, "With ease and elegance, Rama took the bow which lay on the ground like a big golden mountain. He held it as though it were a garland strung with flowers intended for the rare gem called Sita... Those in the assembly just saw Rama taking the bow in His hand and instantly heard the sound of the breaking of the bow." Commentators explain that Sita who was the Divine Mother had glanced at Rama's shoulder when She saw Him entering the palace and it was Her grace, which added to His strength by marriage as He had manifested to vanquish evil.

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God manifests to uphold Dharma

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dated September 18, 1952: Indian Press Commission

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