RAMAYANA

The epic Ramayana was written in the 4th century BC. By sage Valmiki. Aryan means journey, so Ramayana means Lord Ram's journey.

Rama, the virtuous king of Ajodhya is said to be the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who took the human form of Rama to put an end to the life of Ravana, the King of Lanka.

Ravana was learned and brave, but he was deeply immersed in the fatal sin of pride.

After performing severe penance for ten thousand years, Lord Brahma, pleased with Ravana, blessed him with a boon that he could not be killed by either gods, or demons. However, Ravana did not realize that he could be killed by men and animals.

Lord Vishnu took birth in the human form of Rama to kill the cruel Ravana.

In Ramayana, Lord Rama is depicted as an ideal man, the Sat Purusha. He is shown as an obedient son, a loving husband and a just king in whose reign righteousness and prosperity prevailed.

Lord Rama is often referred to as Raghunandan, Maryada Purshottam, Siyawar and Ramchandra.

      Valmiki sent the message that he and Sita would come to the court. Rama was glad to hear his. On the appointed day, Valmiki came to the court with Sita. Before the assembled people, Valmiki said, "O Rama! These twin children are your sons, and Sita is pure and innocent. I shall give up the fruits of all the austerities I have practiced if Sita is impure."

Rama replied, "O virtuous Stage, I recognize these two children as my sons and I have no doubt about Sita's purity. But Sita must prove her innocence by taking an oath so that no doubt remains in the mind of the people of Ayodhya."