WHETHER MYTHOLOGICAL EPIC RAMAYANA IS A TREATISE OF MORALS?
It was tulsidas [1532-1623], who Established larger than life Divine status of Rama, the main character of Ramayana, when he composed Ramcharitmanas in 16th century. If we go through both popular versions of mythological story [Ramcharitmanas and Valmiki Ramayan], it is beyond any logic or comprehension to believe that Rama deserved to be accorded status of Maryadha Purshotam [an epithet of 'god' Vishnu with propriety of conduct and dignity].
* According to the Ramayana, the whole world was "created by god" for the exclusive benefit and glory of Brahmins.All other castes in general and Shudra in particular were meant to serve them.Accordingly Shudras were not entitled to devout penances. When one Shudra Shambuka violated the divine code, resulting in the premature death of a Brahmin boy' just' 5000 days old, it was considered as grave administrative lapse under Ramrajya.Rama, being "ideal" king, himself took the initiative and "criminal" Shudra was located on the bank of a lake by the side of the Shavaili mountain doing rigorous tapas, standing upon his head. Without a moments hesitation Rama "with a beautiful sharp sword chopped off his head". The 'gods' in 'heaven' were so delighted at that "god like work" of Rama that they showered flowers flowers upon his head "again and again" and extolled him. [Valmiki Ramayana, part 2, uttarkandam, chapter 73-76 ].
* There was conflict of interests between two Brothers Bali and Sugreeva. Rama for his own selfish motives exploited their conflict and entered into a pact with Sugreeva, and accordingly Rama fulfilled his part of the pact by sending a deadly arrow against Bali, while the later was engaged in a duel with Sugreeva, hiding himself behind a tree unseen. Rama comes out of this EPISODE as an unscrupulous and cowardly assassin. [Ibid, Kishkinda kandam].
* Surapnakha, was the sister of Ravana. The description of her, by Valmiki, appears to be Highly prejudiced. When her brother was as handsome as' Manmatha ", she could not be so horribly ugly.When she saw Rama by chance, she fell in love with him and solicited his hand. Rama did not reciprocate her love. There was nothing wrong on both sides; but when she continued to exhibit her excessive love for Rama-at first both brothers cut jokes at her expense and then finally punished her for her impertinence by cutting off her nose and ears.It is share hypocrisy today when gullible and credulous followers of Rama, condemn Ravana for his revenge act and also condemn Muslim fanatics whenever there are reports of same type of brutality against Muslim women.
*With the defeat of Ravana,there was an end to the sorrows of Rama and there should have been an end to the sorrows of Sita as well.Any way,it was not the case.Rama,supposedly epitome of righteous deeds,against all evidence,suspected the chastity of his wife during her captivity and banished her from his kingdom to spend the last days of her life in the forests.This he did after taking her into his affection and having made her pregnant.Sita put an end to her sorrows by burying herself alive.It is ironical that thousands of people including Rishis,Devas.Kings and Brahmans gathered to witness the ghastly scene but not one of them had the courage to raise his little finger to prevent the tragedy.Sita is the personification of man's injustice to women in the country through the ages-courtesy 'Maryada Purshotam' Rama !
It was tulsidas [1532-1623], who Established larger than life Divine status of Rama, the main character of Ramayana, when he composed Ramcharitmanas in 16th century. If we go through both popular versions of mythological story [Ramcharitmanas and Valmiki Ramayan], it is beyond any logic or comprehension to believe that Rama deserved to be accorded status of Maryadha Purshotam [an epithet of 'god' Vishnu with propriety of conduct and dignity].
* According to the Ramayana, the whole world was "created by god" for the exclusive benefit and glory of Brahmins.All other castes in general and Shudra in particular were meant to serve them.Accordingly Shudras were not entitled to devout penances. When one Shudra Shambuka violated the divine code, resulting in the premature death of a Brahmin boy' just' 5000 days old, it was considered as grave administrative lapse under Ramrajya.Rama, being "ideal" king, himself took the initiative and "criminal" Shudra was located on the bank of a lake by the side of the Shavaili mountain doing rigorous tapas, standing upon his head. Without a moments hesitation Rama "with a beautiful sharp sword chopped off his head". The 'gods' in 'heaven' were so delighted at that "god like work" of Rama that they showered flowers flowers upon his head "again and again" and extolled him. [Valmiki Ramayana, part 2, uttarkandam, chapter 73-76 ].
* There was conflict of interests between two Brothers Bali and Sugreeva. Rama for his own selfish motives exploited their conflict and entered into a pact with Sugreeva, and accordingly Rama fulfilled his part of the pact by sending a deadly arrow against Bali, while the later was engaged in a duel with Sugreeva, hiding himself behind a tree unseen. Rama comes out of this EPISODE as an unscrupulous and cowardly assassin. [Ibid, Kishkinda kandam].
* Surapnakha, was the sister of Ravana. The description of her, by Valmiki, appears to be Highly prejudiced. When her brother was as handsome as' Manmatha ", she could not be so horribly ugly.When she saw Rama by chance, she fell in love with him and solicited his hand. Rama did not reciprocate her love. There was nothing wrong on both sides; but when she continued to exhibit her excessive love for Rama-at first both brothers cut jokes at her expense and then finally punished her for her impertinence by cutting off her nose and ears.It is share hypocrisy today when gullible and credulous followers of Rama, condemn Ravana for his revenge act and also condemn Muslim fanatics whenever there are reports of same type of brutality against Muslim women.
*With the defeat of Ravana,there was an end to the sorrows of Rama and there should have been an end to the sorrows of Sita as well.Any way,it was not the case.Rama,supposedly epitome of righteous deeds,against all evidence,suspected the chastity of his wife during her captivity and banished her from his kingdom to spend the last days of her life in the forests.This he did after taking her into his affection and having made her pregnant.Sita put an end to her sorrows by burying herself alive.It is ironical that thousands of people including Rishis,Devas.Kings and Brahmans gathered to witness the ghastly scene but not one of them had the courage to raise his little finger to prevent the tragedy.Sita is the personification of man's injustice to women in the country through the ages-courtesy 'Maryada Purshotam' Rama !
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