The Ramayana, believed to be written by the sage Valmiki, is a vital Hindu epic, considered both a part of Hindu literature and a historical account. Similar to the Mahabharata, it plays a crucial role in Hinduism, illustrating the principles of familial and societal responsibilities. This epic introduces us to ideal figures like the perfect father, servant, wife, brother, and king.
The term "Ramayana" means "Rama's Journey," consisting of 24,000 verses spread across seven books and 500 sections. It tells the story of Rama, considered an avatar of Vishnu, and how his wife Sita was kidnapped by Ravana, the king of Lanka. Through this tale, the Ramayana explores human values and the concept of dharma, or righteous living. Different versions of the Ramayana exist, with over 300 variations in oral traditions across Southeast Asia.
Comparing cultural aspects like the practice of sati (self-immolation by a widow) in the Mahabharata and its absence in the main part of the Ramayana suggests that the Ramayana likely came before the Mahabharata. The cultural setting of the Ramayana reflects the period after urbanization in the eastern part of North India and Nepal. Traditionally, it is placed in the Treta Yuga, the second era in Hindu chronology, where Rama is believed to be born to King Daśaratha in the Ikshvaku clan. Maharishi Valmiki, a contemporary of Rama, even described the planetary positions during Rama's birth.
The names of characters in the Ramayana, such as Rama, Sita, Dasharatha, Janaka, Vashista, and Vishwamitra, are found in late Vedic literature before the Valmiki Ramayana. According to modern views, the idea of Vishnu as Rama became more prominent with the epics and especially during the later 1st millennium CE, known as the 'Puranic' period. The Mahabharata also includes a version of the Ramayana called Ramopakhyana, presented as a story told to Yudhishtira.
The Ramayana, a revered text in Hinduism, holds deep importance for believers. It narrates the life of Rama, a beloved deity. Pilgrims annually trace Rama's journey through holy sites in India and Nepal, finding spiritual connection. Beyond its literary value, just reading or hearing the Ramayana is thought to cleanse and bless devotees, freeing them from wrongdoing. For Hindus, Rama is not just a hero; he's an incarnation of the god Vishnu, sent to guide everyone on the path of righteousness. In simpler terms, the Ramayana teaches important lessons and offers spiritual purification to those who engage with it.
The verses in the Ramayana are written in a specific 32-syllable meter called anustubh. This epic has been a significant influence on later Sanskrit poetry and Hindu culture, much like the Mahabharata. The Ramayana is more than just a story; it incorporates teachings from ancient Hindu sages (Vedas) in a narrative form, blending devotional and philosophical elements. Characters like Rama, Sita, Lakshman, Bharata, Hanuman, and Ravana hold deep cultural significance in India, Nepal, and many Southeast Asian countries.
Other Versions and Traditions:Apart from the traditional version attributed to Valmiki, there are diverse versions like the Ramavataram in Tamil, Buddhist and Jain adaptations, and various Southeast Asian renditions. The Ramayana is considered the work of a single poet, Valmiki, who lived around the same time as Rama. The original Sanskrit version, known as Valmiki Ramayana, dates back to the 5th to 4th century BCE.
Evolution and Elements:While seen as a devotional text, Vaishnav elements appear to be later additions, possibly from the 2nd century BCE or later. The narrative doesn't heavily emphasize Rama's spirituality, and connections of Rama with Vishnu are infrequent. The Ramayana, like the Mahabharata, is regarded as historical, providing insights into past events with teachings on life's goals, following the Hindu tradition. The events in the Ramayana are believed to have taken place during Treta Yuga.
Valmiki's Ramayana:The existing version of Valmiki's Ramayana is an impressive poem with around 50,000 lines. Numerous manuscripts, some dating back to the 11th century CE, preserve the text. Two major regional recensions, the northern (N) and southern (S), have been identified. Scholars note that the Ramayana, similar to the Mahabharata, evolved over centuries but traces its main story to one creative mind.
Famous Retellings: Various retellings have emerged in different languages and regions over the years. Examples include Kamban's Ramayanam in Tamil, Madhava Kandali's Saptakanda Ramayana in Assamese, Krittivasi Ramayan by Krittibas Ojha in Bengali, Bhavarth Ramayan by Sant Eknath in Marathi, Ramcharitamanas by Tulsidas in Awadhi, and Adhyatma Ramayanam Kilippattu by Thunchaththu Ezhuthachan in Malayalam.
The Ramayana has greatly influenced art and culture in India and Southeast Asia. For over a thousand years, it inspired numerous literary works in the language used by royal courts and Hindu temples. Many poets in different languages created secondary literature based on the Ramayana, such as the Kambaramayanam by Tamil poet Kambar, Molla Ramayana in Telugu, Narahari's Torave Ramayana in Kannada, and Krittibas Ojha's Krittivasi Ramayan in Bengali. Tulsidas also wrote the Ramacharitamanas in Awadhi during the 16th century.
In Southeast Asia, the Ramayana gained popularity in the 8th century and influenced literature, dance, theatre, and temple architecture. Today, the story is performed in dramatic shows called Ramlila, not only in India but also in various places around the world with Indian communities.