Rama, embodiment of all virtues

CHENNAI, JULY 9. When there are revolutionary changes in all fields and when men have landed on the moon and life styles and attitudes have undergone unbelievable transformation, of what relevance is the Ramayana written thousands of years ago for these days? This is the oft-repeated question. Men may change, political climate may get altered and even human beings' behaviour may experience vicissitudes and they may have to don conflicting roles in their lives. But what will remain permanent, indelible and worthy are the ``values''. In different and problematic situations, a man may present contradictory views. In some instances, a person may be a lovable husband but not a good son. In others, he may lavish his affection on his mother but bestow little attention on his spouse. Can there be a perfect man, adored by all at all times?

That was what Rama, God-incarnate, demonstrated and He stands as a model for all of us as to how a man should conduct himself when thrown amidst challenges. The hero of this epic was praised by His mother. His father doted on Him, His wife was deeply devoted to Him, His brothers served Him with all reverence and in all obedience and citizens were touched by His humility.

How Rama reacted when He was very gently reminded by His wife as to why He should punish demons when they had not directly interfered with Him and the calm but firm manner in which He replied to Her, showed how He cherished certain values. That He respected the feelings of women was demonstrated when He made Sita choose a place to build a hermitage which pleased Her, next to the liking of His brother and only in the end, to Himself. Suggested by Sage Agastya, the three decided to live in Panchavati.

Srimathi Jaya Srinivasan, in her discourse, described how with his swift and deft hands the younger brother put up an attractive structure with mud walls and strong pillars and bamboo beams on which boughs of a particular variety of tree were laid, securely fastened by ropes. With the onset of spring (season), the three continued their routine austerities, propitiating gods and manes. At this juncture Lakshmana, who once suspected the intentions of Bharata told the Divine couple, how Bharata renouncing all comforts, abjuring all enjoyments, lying down on cold bare ground, was daily going to river Sarayu at a very early hour for his bath, unmindful of the chillness of the weather. The exile period was over and the events then took a dramatic turn.

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