Hindu Reflections: SARVABHAUMA SRIRAMA AND INVINCIBLE AYODHYA

SARVABHAUMA EMPEROR SRIRAMACHANDRA AND THE

INVINCIBLE CITY AYODHYA

How the Ayodhya Verdict is a Covenant to Live in peace

(Compilation by N. R. Srinivasan from Various E-mails to HR Forum,

December 2019)

The Tapas of Valmiki turned a history to a poetic composition of essence of Vedas and itihasa. The Tapas of half a millennium has culminated in a civilizational landmark by Ayodhya Verdict. In reality The Ramayana as Adikavya is not a history but a historical Ballard spiritually rendered with poetic license. When one regards a historical episode from the perspective of realism, it becomes history: merely, history. However, when we regard it from the perspective of an event that has the capacity to transform our hearts, it becomes poetry—a poem that is far more effective and impactful than mere imaginative poetry. The Ramayana is a poem that has internalized history when you turn to your Inner-Net in an unparalleled, transformative fashion. This is why it has acquired global acceptance and reverence and also a real historical fact including all details. The Ramayana definitely contains historical material. But beyond this superficiality, it is also material that innately refines our heart. It is the history of a country; but more profoundly, it is the history of the Atman of our people (from the thoughts of Rashtrakavi D.V. Gundappa of Karnataka). I have purely focused on the mere historical material throufgh the vision of normal historian who is influenced by shadripus, in my review of Ramayana. Valmiki himself exposes Ramayana to these human emotions and hasty decision that I have brought to limelight!

Rama was appointed as King by Dasaratha when he had just crossed 26 years and it was 27th year of him when he was asked to leave Ayodhya for 14 years. After that he returned back at the age of 41. He then ruled for 11,000 years (some says 11,700 years on a different scale). His children Lava and Kusa ruled over globe of the Western part of Ayodhya.

The word "Ayodhya" means "not to be fought" or, more idiomatically in English, "invincible".This meaning is attested by the Atharvaveda which uses it to refer to the unconquerable city of gods. The 9th century Jain poetic composition Adi Purana also states that Ayodhya "does not exist by name alone but by the merit" of being unconquerable by enemies. Satyopakhyana interprets the word slightly differently, stating that it means "that which cannot be conquered by sins meaning Capital City of Dharmarajya or Ramarajya of the Globe. The cities of Ayutthaya (Thailand), and Yogyakarta (Indonesia), are named after Ayodhya.

There have been numerous authors who have accepted the Ramayana as a history of ancient events. For example, the first Governor General of India, Sri Rajaji, wrote on the Ramayana and called it a history, as also did the English Indologist Sir William Jones. Various other western authors have made a study of the culture and history of the Ramayana, such as Philip Ludendorff in his book Rama’s Story in Shiva’s City, California University; Joe Burk halter’s Flockier and Laurie Sears.

Is it possible that Rama was a historical figure and Ramayana based on a historical figure? Most historians doubt that there is enough evidence to say that he existed. It is true that there is not much direct evidence for Rama’s existence except for the Ramayana itself, and other ancient texts that refer to him. This however doesn’t necessarily mean that he did not exist, since we also only have textual evidence of the existence of figures like Socrates, Jesus, and Confucius, and their existence is not doubted by most historians. The lack of monuments and coins referring to Rama do not necessary make him entirely mythical. It simply makes it more challenging to explain the lack of monumental structures or coins bearing his name if he were an important king. It is also possible that archaeologists simply haven’t found any such inscriptions yet.

In the Biblical case, many scholars doubted the historicity of King David until the Tel Dan inscription was discovered which made a reference to the dynasty of King David showing that David at least had existed as an Israelite King or Chieftain. Additionally, many of the locations mentioned in the Ramayana have been found just like Biblical sites such as Jericho and Classical sites such as the city of Troy. The existence of locales visited by Rama in the Ramayana do not necessarily prove that Rama was historical or based on a historical figure, but it does lend credence to the idea since other ancient texts have been historically validated in the same way. For now, the evidence is at best inconclusive.

I call popular Sitarama as Seetalrama. Rama was cold to Sita. Seetal means cold. Even though he was a champion of rehabilitating abused, distressed and down trodden woman in society with dignity and grace as a king devoted to Prajaa Dharma he was indifferent to Patni-dharma and in the end abandoned Sita, listening to a derogatory and baseless rumor, who completely shattered and broken down gave up her ghost early in her prime of life while Rama is said to have ruled over Ayodhya for more than 10000 years solely devoted to Prajaa Dharma. He was solely wedded to his subjects.

Sri Rama was not only an Indian legend but a global phenomenon. As of now, many scientists, based on astronomical data, have propounded that Rama existed around 5144 BC.

In the present days we may be said to live in a Kali Yuga, which is said to have started in 3102 BC with the end of the Mahabarata (Dwapra). This date is also considered by many Hindus to be the day that Lord Krishna left Earth and went to abode.

The astrology software (Jhora 7.66 version) reveals Rama's birth time planets on 9th Jan 5114 BCE, a day before Dr. Bhatnagar's date in his astronomy software. This is to say that the planetary combinations given in Valmiki Ramayana for Rama's birth did occur in recent past, say 7000 years ago.

It was at Rama’s behest the Sethu was made by Vanaras, Rukshyas et al. It was made in a planned and deliberate way. That was proved by Dr. Badri Narayana team. He established that Sethu bund is man-made but the date could be anytime between 5800 to 7000 years BCE. They also arrived at the date of those layers which are within the range of 7000 years and later. Around 11000 years before the present the sea level was 120 meters lower than now and the naturally available raised land due to receding waters at Sethu was a land mass connecting India with Lanka. That means the land bridge at Sethu existed by itself before 11000 years ago. It helped Rama and his army to cross the sea with the help of boulders spread on the raised land still covered with sea waters at inconvenient height.

When Ikshvaku, the progenitor of Rama's race established his kingdom, there was no Ganges - it was only after Bhagiratha, another predecessor of Rama, that Ganges started flowing across North India. So any dating of Rama can happen only after the geological existence of the Ganges. This brings the date of Ganges later to 10,000 years ago when the Himalayan glaciers started melting. The cross-checking comes from sea-level rises, which peaked around 7300 years ago.

In the epic Ramayana, Sage Valmiki mentioned that when Lord Ram was born, the sun was located in Aries, Saturn was in Libra, Jupiter & the Moon were in Cancer, Venus was seen in Pisces while Mars was located in Capricorn. Moreover it was the ninth day of the increasing phase of the moon in the lunar month of Chaitra. The two slides on the cover of the book of Pushkar Bhatnagar together display, with the help of a powerful software, that these unique astral conditions were present in the sky on 10 January 5114 B.C. This book employs the scientific advancement of the West to prove the antiquity of the East. The book also discovers the dates of a number of events of the life of Lord Ram by using the Planetarium software:

Rama Janma – 10 January 5114 BCE
Rama went to forest (Vanavas) – 5 January 5089 BCE
Khara –Rama fight (near Panchavati) – 7 October 5077 BCE
Rama killed Vali – 3 April 5076 BCE
Hanuman in Lanka – 12 September 5076 BCE
Hanuman returns from Lanka to Northern shore – 14 September 5076 BCE

Rama left, along with Vanara army, from Kishkindha towards Lanka – 19 September 5076 BCE

Hanuman and party took ONLY 6 days to arrive in Kishkindha (Hampi/Bellari, Karnataka) from Rameshwaram area! (Shri Bhatnagar agrees with this in chapter 11 of his book)

Rama killed Ravana – 4 December 5076 BCE

Rama returns from Lanka, to ashram of sage Bharadwaj – 29 December 5076 BCE

Rama meets Bharata, after returning from Lanka – 30 December 5076 BCE

Typical of India known for its controversies and conflicts studies made on these events referring to prevalent Hindu Panchangas and based on the present traditional celebration of Rama Navami in the month of April decided by astrologers, these dates are contradicted. One such comment is:

“Pushkar Bhatnagar has done some work to date the birth time of Lord Rama. According to him "By using a powerful planetarium software, I found that the planetary positions mentioned in Ramayana for the date of birth of Lord Ram had occurred in the sky at around 12.30 p.m. of 10th January 5114 BC."

To prove his theory Pushkar Bhatnagar has considered the duration of one Kali Yuga as 1200 solar years (see Yukteswara below)

According to Vedic wisdom all Yugas are cyclic and Pushkar has taken 3012 BC as the starting year of the Kali Yuga. It is well known that all planetary positions are cyclic and keep repeating in similar patterns including solar and lunar eclipses. There is no work to prove that the similar astronomical events as described in Ramayana didn't occur before 5114 BC.

One needs to look back up to 1 million solar years in the past to ascertain birth time of Lord Rama. As per Pushkar Bhatnagar, his software was capable to look back 99,999 BC in the past which is only 10% of the needed time span. Any such studies should consider all instances of similar astronomical events during last 1 million solar years.

Till we don't have any concrete historical and astronomical proofs, it would be more appropriate and accurate to say that Lord Rama was born much earlier than 869,114 solar years in the past and according to Hindu calendar it was Navami of Chaitra Shukla Paksha”.

Why the avatars can’t be of cyclic nature? The controlling demigods (devas) possess a life span that is equal to one day of Brahma (1,000 divya-yugas, or 4,320,000,000 earthly years). This category includes most of the elemental controllers as well as most of the demigods within the court of Indra. Various d gods such as Rama, Ganesha, Karttikeya, etc., are actually posts that are occupied by a particular living entity for one day of Brahma. At the end of the day of Brahma, when the dissolution waters fill the universe, they leave their respective posts and allow other living entities to fill them. For example, it is described in the Puranas that in the present day of Brahma, the post of Karttikeya (Skanda) is being occupied by Sri Sanat-kumara, the great liberated son of Lord Brahma.

another study questioning software studies and basing it on modern so called Vedic Astrology based Hindu Panchagas says Rama's Birth Date is 4th December 7323 BCE. A Hindu orthodox pundit says “Nope, According to Vedic Scripture, Lord Shri Rama was born (appeared) about 8 million year ago, on the 9th day of Chaitra (March - April)” basing it on present day celebration of Rama Navami!

In this context let me recall your memory how our astrologers claiming to be Vedic astrologers are absolutely false. Please also recall my detailed discourse on Vedic astrology based on the research work of David Frawley. Guided by our false astrologers and their Panchangas (almanacs) we believe Uttarayana Punyakala, changing of the direction of travel of Sun, starts on Makara Sankranti Day on January 14/15 every year. But astronomically Winter Solstice Day is celebrated all over the World around December 22. Gregorian Calendar regularly takes into consideration both century as well as leap year correction needed and so it is astronomically correct. Hindu astrologers have not cared to do any such correction from the beginning and hence celebrate both Uttarayana and Dakshinayana Punyakala (Hindu Winter and summer Solstice Days) on wrong days and yet claim that they are Vedic astrologers. International Yoga day falls on Summer Solstice day June 21 while we celebrate Dakshinayana Punyakala on July 16? Who is to bell the cat, nobody knows? Earlier they vehemently protested and sent the recommendations of National calendar Commission set up by Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru to archives to save the false astrologers and traditions. In this context it will be wiser to go by the scientific study of Pushkar Bhatnagar until things are set right in Hindu Religious Panchangas. Misguided by the false Panchagas we observe all religious days on wrong dates that include Rama Navami also.

In such a perplexing situation it becomes very difficult for common masses to arrive at any conclusive view regarding the existence of Rama. Hence, we have to first analyze various facts regarding Rama, and his epic, Ramayana, before arriving on any final verdict.

In Raghuvansham, Kalidasa provide details of Rama’s forefathers, and his various Santatis (successors) who ruled after him whose source is unknown?

It is a well-known fact that Rama was born during the latter part of Tretaa Yuga. Hence, if we assume that Rama was born in the present cycle of Tretaa Yuga then it means that he was born at least 1,000,000 years ago. However, Vayu Purana provides us the correct chronological period of Ramayana. If we take Vayu Purana’s period into consideration then the period of Rama becomes at least 18,000,000 years old. Hence, we can jump to conclude that the period18, 000, 000 years old. That makes us to easily conclude that the period of Rama in the time scale is at least 1, 000,000 to 18,000, 000 years.

This particular view is also supported by the fact that when Hanuman travelled to Shri Lanka in the search of Sita, over there he saw elephants having four tusks. Hence, this is now an issue for archaeologists/biologists to ascertain when did such elephants exist on earth? Gomphotheres were elephant-like proboscideans, but not belonging to the family Elephantidae. They were widespread in North America during the Miocene and Pliocene epochs 1.6 million years ago and even earlier. Gomphotheres differed from elephants in their tooth structure, particularly the chewing surfaces on the molar teeth. The earlier species had four tusks, and their retracted facial and nasal bones prompted paleontologists to believe that gomphotheres had elephant-like trunks. Another interesting fact that has been mentioned in Valmiki’s Ramayana is that the maternal home of Bharata and Shatrughna was in a country where transportations took place in the form of vehicles being propelled by dogs or deer. When the two brothers returned to Ayodhya from their maternal home, they crossed many places covered by snow, and were also dressed up in clothes made of wool. Now, the location in which this episode took place is yet to be ascertained.

One of the intriguing issues of Ramayana is that it says that Rama ruled for 11,000 years. His father Dasaratha also was said to have lived for 60,000 years while saying Rama went to forest at the age of 25 for 14 years! Information like this makes the 'rational' one dismiss the very history of Rama. There is nothing irrational or fictional about it if we know some basics of Time computation in olden days. There are 10 types of calculation of time that I will explain later.

Look at Rama's life line. From Sita's version in Sundharakanda, we know that Rama went on Banishment in his 25th year. 25+ 14 years in exile = 39. He ascended the throne on his 39th year. If he is to have ruled for 11,000 years, then according to Ahoreva samvatsara, it comes to 31 years. Add 31 years to 39 when he ascended the throne. That means he ruled till his 70th year! (Here again the year is not what we think as 365 days. The solar year has 360 days. (The sun travels a degree a day and completes one round of the zodiac of 360 degrees in 360 days). How do we explain this moving away from the conventional thinking of Kaliyuga of 432, 000 years Dwaparyuga of 864, 000 years, 1,296, 000 years of Tretayuga and 1, 728, 000 years of Krityuga? The four Yugas of Krita, Treta, Dwapara and Kali taken together are called Divya Yuga. According to Puranas, Rama appears only once in the Day of Brahma that is 4.32X10 raised to the power 9.

The precession (caused by gradual rotation of the Earth’s axis) of the equinoxes is the period of time that it takes the Earth’s axis to pass through one complete cycle of the zodiac. It takes the planet 72 years to pass through one degree of the zodiac and 25,920 years to complete one full circle of 360 degrees. One half of the journey takes 12,960 years and covers the four yugas. Satya Yuga lasts 5184 years. Treta Yuga lasts 3888 years. Dwapara Yuga lasts 2592 years. Kali Yuga lasts 1296 years. These four yugas taken together come to a total of 12,960 years. (All in modern concept of years)

There is one more reference that we get from Hanuman Chalisa
"yuga sahasra yojana par bhanu"
1 Yuga - 12,000 years
1 sahasra - 1000
1 yojana - 8 miles
yuga X sahasra X yojana = par bhanu
12,000 X 1000 X 8 miles = 96000000 miles (is conflates with science)
This is the distance between the earth and the sun (Bhanu)
So 1 yuga is 12,000 years in present terms which is divided into 4 (chathur) yugas.

Yukteswara arrived at a figure of 12000 years for Chaturyuga based on Padma Purana and Jain concept. Yukteswar also clarified in the book The Holy Science (1894), that a complete Yuga Cycle takes 24,000 years, and is comprised of an ascending cycle of 12,000 years when virtue gradually increases and a descending cycle of another 12,000 years, in which virtue gradually decreases. Hence, after we complete a 12,000 year descending cycle from Satya Yuga -> Kali Yuga, the sequence reverses itself, and an ascending cycle of 12,000 years begins which goes from Kali Yuga -> Satya Yuga. Yukteswar states that, “Each of these periods of 12,000 years brings a complete change, both externally in the material world, and internally in the intellectual or electric world, and is called one of the Daiva Yugas or Electric Couple.” The 24,000 year duration of the complete Yuga Cycle closely approximates the Precessional Year of 25,920 years, which is the time taken by the sun to “precess” i.e. move backwards, through the 12 zodiac constellations. Interestingly, the Surya Siddhanta specifies a value of 54 arc seconds per year for precession, as against the current value of 50.29 arc seconds per year. This translates into a Precessional Year of exactly 24,000 years! This raises the possibility that the current observed value of procession may simply be a temporary deviation from the mean. (Satya=4800 solar years; Treta=3600 solar years; Dwapara=2400 solar years and Kalki 1200 solar years making 12000 solar years in Chaturyuga)

Across South-East Asia wherever you go, Lord Rama is revered as a Hero. Ramayana is glorified throughout the region as a model of ethical behavior, devotion to duty, respect for parents, gurus etc. Most of the countries have their own versions of Ramayana(please see appendix), a story that is embedded in their daily lives and culture. It is unofficially the national epic of many countries. Even in Islamic states like Indonesia, “Rama Kakavin” or “Rama Kavya” is known to many (played in Indonesian ballet). Here is the list of various versions of Ramayana across the world, particularly South and South-East Asia. The Deccan Herald, on 15th December 1972, on its front page gave the news in which it stated that a story relating to Ramayana was published in Elista, capital city of Kalmyk, in Russia. In Leningrad, a great number of books dealing with stories of Ramayana are still available and preserved even today in Russian and Mongolian languages. That makes to think that Bharata’s maternal home was somewhere in Russia.

Several kings in the Ayutthaya and Thonburi periods are best known by the title Ramathibodhi ("Overlord Rama"). Ayutthya itself was borrowed from the name of Rama's capital Ayodhya. All kings in the current Chakri Dynasty of Thailand often referred to as Rama. The name Rama was adopted from the name of Rama, the King of Ayodhya in Tretya Yuga.

Egypt basically derives its name from Ajpati which is one of the names of forefather of Rama. If we analyze various legends prevalent in Egypt there we will find references of Dasratha (father of Rama).

People of Ethiopia call themselves as descendants of Cushites. This word Cush is basically phonetic misnomer of Kush, the son of Rama. This fact is verily established by Satapatha Brahamanas, commentary on Vedas. These Brahamanas while explaining various mantras of Vedas uses many historical events to elucidate the topic. Astonishingly in Satapatha Brahamana we find reference regarding the rule of King Bharata (predecessor of Kauravas and Pandavas) in Rhodesia.

The Kingdom of Kush was an ancient kingdom in Nubia, located at the was established after a century later. During classical antiquity, the Kushite Sudanese and southern Egyptian Nile Valley. The Kushite era of rule in Nubia imperial capital was located at Meroë. In early Greek geography, the Meroitic kingdom was known as Aethiopia. The Kingdom of Kush with its capital at Meroe persisted until the 4th century AD, when it weakened and disintegrated due to internal rebellion. The seat was eventually captured and burnt to the ground by the Kingdom of Aksum. Afterwards the Nubians established the three, eventually Christianized, kingdoms of Nobatia, Makuria and Alodia. (Wikipedia).

Similarly, if we refer to various historical reference in Mahabharata, Valmiki Ramayana etc. we will find that American Continent has been referred as Patala Desha (Patala means below foot). If we geographically see then we will find that American Continent is just below the Indian Subcontinent (please see the map in the appendix). (p

Ramayana is not the political history of “Ramaravanyoryuddham Ramaravana-yoriva” described in Yuddhakanda to be highlighted but to teach our children how Rama resisted adharma starting at the age of 14 and eventually triumphed over them…. To be a history in the true sense…the work must be the story of the people inhabiting a country. It must be a record of their life from age to age presented through the life and achievements of men whose exploits become the beacon of lights of the tradition…the central purpose of a history must…be to investigate and unfold the values which age after age would inspire the inhabitants of a country to develop their collective will. The world has to catch a glimpse of her soul (Ramarajya) as Indians see it. That is why the name Rama and Ayodhya immortalized by Valmiki echoes in the air all over the world from California to Russia after countless number of years which we are intriguing!! May be in the process he had to push Sita to background but pull Hanuman to forefront!

Ramayana is not mythological epic but it bears historical testimony. According to W H Prescott there is popular legend in Aztec community which states that a beautiful person named Quetzal Kata came there from east and taught them various aspects of advanced civilization as a result his period was treated as golden era. He then went back to his original homeland because of persecution by some divine creature. This legends surprisingly does not throw light on the reasons why he returned.

Another interesting fact that has been stated by Prescott is that this legend is available in documented form. Now, none except Indian tradition can claim that they bear root to this legend. The same story has been narrated in Valmiki Ramayana, in Uttarakanda where it is mentioned that Salcantay Rakshas who dwelt in Lanka were persecuted by Vishnu. Due to this persecution they left Lanka and went to Patala Desha. The leader of this group was Sumali. According to Ramayana they lived in Patala Desha for long time. When they found condition congenial they returned to their homeland.

Beautiful girl in Mexican tribal area till today is called as Ulopy. If we see in Mahabharata we find reference of Arjuna marrying girl named Ulopy (Ulupi) who was daughter of King of Patala Desha.

It is for readers to decide when such conclusive proof are there to establish that epic of Ramayana is not mythological legend but it is historical evidence which bears testimony to various legends prevalent around the world. Till today play named Ramasitotav is played in various communities of Mexico. To our amazement Rama has been mentioned in Bible, New Testament, Mathew chapter 2/18, where it is mentioned “A voice was heard in RAMAH”. Ramah is proper noun there, now it is for Biblical society to define who that Ramah was and why he has been mentioned in Bible. Even the name of Dasaratha and Ayodhya are there in Bible. Some of the questions for which we need answer are: Why month of fasting among Muslims is called Ramadhan? Why place in Gaza strip is called Ramallaha? Why place in London is named as Ram’s gate? Why capital of Italy is known as Rome (misnomer of Rama).

In many South-east Asian Buddhist countries like Thailand, Cambodia etc. Lord Rama is held as the ideal King. Even kings in these countries have used the name Rama and symbolisms in the ceremonies to show the resemblance to Ayodhya. Names of ancient cities like Ayutthaya (Ayodhya in the local language), Bali etc. were indeed based on the life story of Rama. In Thailand, though the King was Buddhist, he established his royal credentials by identifying himself with the virtuous king Lord Rama.

As per the Korean folklore, Queen Suriratna (Heo Hwang-ok) was a princess in ancient Ayodhya who travelled to Korea 2,000 years ago (48 AD) and married a king of the Kim community. It is believed by the Kim people of Korea that a princess of Ayodhya had gone to South Korea who got married to a King Kim Suro. According to some Korean historians, there are more than six million present-day Koreans, of which the majority are from Gimhae Kim clan with surnames Heo and O Lee/Yi that trace their lineage to the legendary queen. During this year’s Deepawali celebration the nation keenly focused its eyes at the festival celebration in Ayodhya, where Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s speech evoked a rare curiosity among people and the presence of South Korean First Lady Kim Jungwho added an international flavor to the occasion. Due to its historical backdrop, Ayodhya is a place which is deep-rooted in the memory and emotion of people of India.

Despite its cultural and spiritual significance, it may not be wrong to say that over the years Ayodhya has made headlines only in the context of court dispute and otherwise treated as yet another place in the map. The Modi Government at the Centre has been greatly contributing to this whole process of re-imagining Ayodhya on the lines of its historical splendor.

Deepawali marks the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. In the year 2017 people watched a grand Deepawali celebration in Ayodhya. The world witnessed the splendor of about 1.71 lakh earthen lamps lit on the banks of the Sarayu River. This year Deepawali celebration in Ayodhya planned the setting up of a grand statue of Lord Ram in Ayodhya that will become a landmark for the city. South Korean First Lady Kim Jung laid the foundation stone for Rs. 50 crore monument in the name of ancient era South Korean Queen Heo Hwang-ok. The story is that this queen known in India as ‘Suriratna’ belonged to Ayodhya and went all the way to South Korea in 48 AD and married the King. Thus, a larger cultural significance of Ayodhya has been conveyed to the world by having Lady Kim who belongs to the Suriratna (meaning gem of Sun in Sanskrit) dynasty as a Deepawali guest.

Ramani’s blog and other Western researchers do support the date of Red Indians to 20000 years as migrants of the ancient land of India. You are perhaps aware of Horse Island ad Ash Island in USA. California is believed to be Kapilaranya (Chandrasekharendra Saraswati) reminding the story of Ikshvaku King Sagara with horse and the burnt out ashes of his sons? So it is reasonable to assume that Rama ruled California too? Gypsies in Europe are also of Indian origin.Jagadguru Chandra sekha-rendra Saraswati says: “What we call Hinduism today was the universal religion in the past. Looking at the Practice of Hinduism in many parts of the globe there is no question of certain things being taken from Bharat (Later British Indian Empire) and introduced into another country. In the beginning the Vedic Religion was prevalent all over the world. Later, over the centuries, it must have gone through a process of change and taken different forms. These forms came to be called the original religions of these various lands which in the subsequent period, historical times, came under Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Judaism, Christianity or Islam as the case may be”

Historically if India is Ramabhumi and Rama was its earliest ruler, Pakistan and beyond was Sitabhumi ruled by the earliest rulers Lava, and Kusa who were sons of Rama. Rama is now firmly established as a historic figure and not a Puranic myth based on archeological studies and Ayodhya Verdict by Supreme Court of India. History confirms Lahore is named after Lava who is its earliest king. It is Rama who was responsible for this partition. When Sita exhausted all possible venues to unite with Rama who was one track minded on Prajadharma, she by her power of Pativrata dharma split the land into two and entered into it. While Rama ruled Eastern part of the Split Land from Ayodhya that extended as far as Burma and beyond, Lava and Kusa ruled the Western Part. Lava ruled from Lavapuri modern Lahore who had conquered Rama as witnessed in Asvamedha Yajna of Rama. People later tried to unify artificially but the curse of Sita remained and finally partition took place in 1947.

Janakpur in today’s Nepal is the birthplace of Sita. In May 2018, PM Modi and Nepal Prime Minister together flagged off Janakpur-Ayodhya bus service. India also announced Rs. 100 crore for the development of Janakpur. In January 2018, Delhi hosted a five days Ramayana Festival which witnessed the participation of 10 ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) countries. Thus there is a sudden spurt to showcase the story of historic Lord Rama to the world.

“Hindus had to patiently fight for 150 years in a charade of a justice system to just get one temple of Ayodhya back. I want every desecrated or destroyed Hindu temple restored. I want all temple lands to be returned to the temple. I want Indian Christians and Muslims to realize that amity among communities is only possible when there is reciprocity. If they want us to respect their religious sentiments then they must learn to respect ours. And that begins with expressing remorse for the destruction of Hindu temples by Christian and Muslim fanatics. It begins with reforming Christianity and Islam to remove the hatred which caused the destruction in the first place" says Sree Maa from New Zealand.

But surprisingly Pakistan has started the process by establishing two corridors--Kartarpur and Sharada, while Hindus and Muslims in India have not compromised to realize the changing winds while Christians in India are sitting on the fence. If even Pakistan has shown the way today why not Muslims, Christians, and Hindus in India. Of course Indians are always Late Latish! But once they wake up they are strong! Both Maa and I have left India long back and our views are impartial and our only wish is for people to live in Peace but not in Pieces. I do not feel such a problem in USA. But here in USA Hindus, Muslims, Jews Christians and others walk all together away from religion, are tied up in universal binding force of love and call themselves SBNR not knowing what that Spirituality is! Hope they do not turn Atheists like Communist China! What is the use of gaining the Whole World when we have lost our own Soul?

All the above historic evidences stated by me and the timely efforts by Modi Government at the Centre and UP Government after the Ayodhya Verdict paves the way for the re-emergence of the ancient city Ayodhya on a global scale. Ayodhya means a city that is unconquerable. Since Ayodhya symbolizes as a Capital city of Dharma, Universal Law, Ancient heritage and cultural propagation in India, its re-emergence is of a great value for not only India but the whole world to live in peace. Ayodhya means a city that is not vulnerable to any kind of wars and Invincible. People of all other faiths in India besides Hindus should raise to the occasion and show their spirit of secular nature of India to the world by liberally contributing mentally and physically to rebuild Ayodhya as directed by the Supreme Court of India.

We can no longer dismiss Rama as a mythological figure and avatar exclusively, but inclusive as Emperor of the whole world because the modern history of British says Brittan conquered and ruled Indian Empire which was part of Ramarajya of Ikshwakus. Therefore Ayodhya Verdict is not a verdict of Rama Janma Bhumi or Babri Masjid. Indian Empire that got split has its early history older than 10k years and doesn't start from 712 A.D. Pakistan and INDIA should encourage thesis on Indus/Gandhara Valley civilization and Ramarajya civilization. Even British India Empire consisted of present Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Burma and even Tibet, Nepal and Bhutan. Later they too got caught in splitting and giving away as gifts to Prince of Wales lands while focusing on the process of integrating troubled British Isles of Ireland, Scotland and England. The peremptory task is to establish true history jointly by India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Such history researchers and students must be supported through partnership programs at mainstream level so they could do their work in an effective united way. That would help to live in peace but not in pieces. Bangladesh should also join hands in breaking all the artificial religious walls. Religious tourism can be excellent opportunity in this regard where Pakistan can attract Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims. This wisdom has just sprouted as reported earlier creating corridor paths to visit holy shrines. If UNO is successfully working why not this Ancient Aryavarta Union function with its own set of constitution and MOU with Ayodhya as its Global Peace Head Quarters that is Invincible to all hates and prejudices like UNO Headquarters in New York?

APPENDIX I:

Ramayana in various countries.

APPENDIX II

Description of the City of Ayodhya

We enter the capital of the Emperor Dasharatha. The pomp and glory of his capital is depicted [described] along with its town planning and grandeur [magnificence] of the city, and it’s resident in Balakanda of Ramayana

sarvaa puurvam iyam yesaam aasiit kritsnaa vasu.ndhara | prajapaim tupaadaaya nripaanam jaya shaalinaam ||1-5-1

yeshaam sa sagaro naama saagaro yena khaanitah | sastih putra sahasraani yam yaantam paryavaarayan ||1-5-2

ikshvaakuunaam idam tesaam raajnaam va.mshe mahaatmanaam | mahad utpannam aakhyanam raamaayanam iti shrutam || 1-5-3

[1-5-1-3]

sahitam shrotavyam anasuuyataa || 1-5-4tadidam vartayisyaavah sarvam nikhilam aaditah | dharma kaama artha Once upon a time, under which victorious kings, this entire earth with all its islands is there, starting from Prajapati; among which kings there is one named Sagara, who deepened [to make deep] the oceans, and whom his sixty thousand sons were fencing [the art or practice of attack and defense] in when he is set out for action; in the dynasty of such of those Ikshvaku kings this highly revered and reputed epic Ramayana is originated.

Being such a legend, we two wish to relate this Ramayana entirely and completely from the beginning, which is endowed with the values and means of probity [adherence to the highest principles and ideals], prosperity, and pleasure seeking... and this be listened without any caviling [to raise trivial objections]. [1-5-4]

kosalo naama muditah sphiito janapado mahaan |ivista sarayuu tiire prabhuuta dhana dhaanyavaan || 1-5-5 ||

A great kingdom named Kosala, a joyous and a vast one well flourishing with money and cereals, is snugly [closely and comfortably] situated on the riverbanks of Sarayu. [1-5-5]

ayodhyaa naama nagarii tatra aasiit loka vishrutaa |manunaa maanava indrena yaa purii nirmitaa svayam || 1-5-6

A world-renowned city is there in that kingdom, which is personally built by Manu, the foremost ruler of mankind. [1-4-6]

aayataa dasha cha dve cha yojanaani mahaapurii |shriimatii triini vistiirnaa su vibhaktaa mahaapathaa || 1-5-7

That glorious city with well-devised highways is twelve yojana-s that is around 120 miles lengthwise [Yojana is an ancient measure of distance, where one yojana roughly equals to 8 to 10 miles] and three yojana-s breadth wise that is around 30 miles breadth. [1-5-7]

raaja maargena mahataa suvibhaktena shobhitaa | muktaa puspa avakiirnena jala siktena nityashah || 1-5-8

That city shines forth with well-laid great royal highways that are always wetted [to keep wet] with water, and with flowers strewn and scattered on them. [1-5-8]

taam tu raajaa dasharatho mahaaraastra vivardhanah | puriim aavaasayaamaasa divi devapatih yathaa || 1-5-9

As an improver [make better] of great kingdom Dasharatha the king made her as his abode, as Indra made heavens as his abode. [1-5-9]

kapaata toranavartii su vibhakta antaraapanaam | sarva yantra ayudhavatiim usitaam sarva shilpibhih || 1-5-10

That city is surrounded with gateways and archways; the front yards of buildings are well laid; it is lodges all kinds of machinery, weaponry and craftsmen, and king Dasharatha dwells in such a city. [1-4-10]

suuta maagadha sa.nbaadhaam shriimatiim atula prabhaam | Uchaattaala dhvajavatiim shataghnii shata sa.nkulaam || 1-5-11

She that prosperous city Ayodhya is much crammed [tightly packed] with many a eulogist and panegyrist [eulogist or panegyrist – one who speak or write in high praise], yet she is highly splendorous with many a bastion [fortified areas or positions], flag and hundreds of batteries of canons, and Dasharatha dwells therein. [1-5-11]

vadhuu naataka sanghaih cha sanyuktaam sarvatah puriim | udyaana aamra vanopetaam mahatiim saala mekhalaam || 1-5-12

That city Ayodhya accommodates groups of danseuses [a female ballet dancer] and theatrical personnel, and she is surrounded everywhere with the gardens and brakes [marshy land overgrown usually with one kind of plant] of mango trees, and her wide fort-wall is like her cincture [circling] ornament. [1-5-12]

durga gambhiira parikhaam durgaam anyaih duraasadam | vaajiivaarana sa.npuurnaam gobhih ustraih kharaih tathaa || 1-5-13

That Ayodhya is an impassable [incapable of being passed, traveled, crossed, or surmounted] one for trespassers, or for others invaders, owing to her impassable and profound moats [a deep and wide trench around the rampart of a fortified place (as a castle) that is usually filled with water], and she is abounding with horses, camels, likewise with cows and donkeys. [1-5-13]

saama.nta raaja sanghaih cha bali karmabhih aavritam | naanaa desha nivaasaih cha vanigbhih upashobhitaam || 1-5-14

With the throngs [host] of provincial [a country or region brought under the control of the ruler] kings who come hither to this place] to pay dues pervade that city, and she is verily lustrous [bright] with residents of various other countries, and with traders, too. In such a city Dasharatha dwells. [1-5-14]

praasaadai ratna vikritaih parvataih iva shobhitaam | kuutaagaaraih cha sa.npuurnaam indrasya iva amaraavatiim |1-5-15

Buildings are ornamentally studded with precious gems, and with such multi-storied sky scrapers she is adorned, and filled with them she is like Amaravati, the capital of Indra. [1-5-15]

chitram astaapada aakaaraam vara naarii ganair yutaam | sarva ratna samaakiirnaam vimaana griha shobhitaam || 1-5-16

Amazing is Ayodhya for its lay-out is like a game board called astapadi, and with its flocks of beautiful women moving thereabout, where all kinds of precious gems are heaped up, and where its seven storied buildings are picturesque. [1-5-16]

griha gaadhaam avicchidraam sama bhuumau niveshitaam | shaali tandula sa.npuurnaam ikshu kaanda rasah udakaam ||1-5-17

The housing is very dense and there is no place or ground unutilized, and all are constructed on well-leveled lands, and rice-grain is plentiful while the drinking water tastes like sugar cane juice. [1-5-17]

dundubhiibhih mridangaih cha viinaabhih panavaih tathaa | naaditaam bhrisham atyartham prithivyaam taam anuttamaam ||1-5-18

That city is sounding with the drumbeats of great drums, and with musical rhythm instruments like mridanga, cymbals [a concave brass plate that produces a brilliant clashing tone is used in pairs], and with string instruments like Veena etc., and on earth she is uniquely the best city. [1-5-18]

vimaanam iva siddhaanaam tapasa adhigatam divi | su niveshita veshmaantaam narottama samaavritaam ||1-5-19

Ayodhya is like a hovering [to hang fluttering in the air] space station attained by sages by their ascesis [practicing strict self-denial as a measure of personal and especially spiritual discipline], and its edifices [buildings] are well planned and it is teeming [filled] with best people. [1-4-19]

ye cha baanaih na vidhyanti viviktam aparaa param | shabda vedhyam cha vitatam laghu hastaa vishaaradaah || 1-5-20

They the skillful archers of that Ayodhya will not kill a lone one with their arrows, one that does not have either a predecessor or a successor in his family, a fleeing one, or by listening to the sound of the target (as is done in sonic-archery), and their skills, acumen [keenness and depth of perception] and handiness are thus benevolent [organized for the purpose of doing good]. [1-5-20]

sinha vyaaghra varaahaanaam mattaanaam nadataam vane | hantaaro nishitaih shastraih balaat baahu balair api || 1-5-21

They kill the fattened and roaring lions, tigers and wild boars with the might of their sharp weaponry, or even with the might of their own arms alone. [1-4-21]

taadrishaanaam sahasraih taam abhi puurnaam mahaarathaih | puriim aavasayamaasa raajaa dasharathah tadaa || 1-5-22

With that kind of thousands of archers, and with speediest chariot-warriors she that Ayodhya is filled with, and King Dasharatha made his abode in such a city. [1-5-22]

taam agnimadbhih gunavadbhih aavritaamdvijottamaih veda sadanga paaragaih | sahasradaih satya rataih mahaatmabhih maharsi kalpaih risibhih cha kevalaih || 1-5-23

She that Ayodhya is encompassed with Vedic scholars who always worship the ritual fire by enkindling the three kinds of ritual-fires continuously, virtuous Brahman scholars in Veda-s and their six ancillary subjects, and other great souls that are in similitude with great saints, and who are just like sages that are charitable donors, and that abide by the truth. [1-5-23]

iti vaalmiiki raamaayane aadi kaavye baala kaande pa.ncamah sargah

Thus, this is the 5th chapter in Bala Kanda of Valmiki Ramayana, the First Epic poem

The Spirit of Maharshi Valmiki and the Greatest Gift Indians can Offer to the Sri Rama Mandir

By Sandeep Balakrishna

How Maharshi Valmiki and Bhagavan Veda Vyasa “wrote” the Ramayana and the Mahabharata are profound stories by themselves. Both these Maharshis authored their immortal Sanatana works in a state of deep, meditative contemplation during which they first visualized their respective epics and then put the proverbial pen to paper. Small wonder that the Sanatana tradition accords both the Ramayana and the Mahabharata the status of a Darshana (philosophy) understood in the sense of being all-encompassing and exuding universal appeal and relevance. This method of “writing” is something that continues to endure to this day among the writers and authors who are derisively branded as “traditionalists” and “purists” by artistic and literary philistines. This method is akin to bearing the Kavya-Shishu (infant of literature/poetry) like a mother bears her child in her womb and nourishes it with all the vital elements (loosely speaking, all the Rasas) of her entire Being.

And so, when the Tattiriya Upanishad says raso vai saḥ | rasaṃ hyevāyaṃ labdhvānaṃdī bhavati ||

Paramatman is Rasa. Therefore, we obtain Joy or Bliss from the experience of Rasa. That which has the capacity to provide this Joy or Bliss is Rasa.

And when we extend this immortal Upanishadic verse in the realm of literature, it translates itself as Kavya-Ananda or Literary Joy obtained from the pursuit of such exalted works as the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Indeed, very early in the Ramayana, Maharshi Valmiki himself says that:

rasaiH shRingaara karuNa haasya raudra bhayaanakaiH |
viraadibhii rasair yuktam kaavyam etat agaayataam || (Balakanda: 4:9)
Aesthetic elements like romance, pathos, comedy, fury, fright, valor etc., embodied in the epic is sung [by Lava and Kusha].

Indeed, Srimad Ramayana does two things simultaneously: at the most mundane level, it provides unbounded entertainment as a simple story which unfolds in a linear fashion. On a higher plane, it a vast and timeless reservoir that offers inspiration, compassion, enrichment, a zest for life, and above all, is a great source of solace for coping with physical, psychological, moral, ethical and spiritual tribulations. The iconic D.V. Gundappa memorably says that Srimad Ramayana offers Jivotkarsha (Elevation of Life). It is a wretched tragedy of “modern” life that the so-called educated Indians willingly, gladly burn their pockets to buy and read or listen to a copious array of meaningless filth branded as “self-help,” “personality development,” and so on. Its latest incarnation is something called “life coach,” a euphemism for handing over one’s own life to expensive psychos—all this despite the fact that there exist tons of Ramayanas in all languages at all price ranges right in our own backyard.

It is precisely this all-encompassing and timeless quality that has made Srimad Ramayana an irresistible magnet for poets, writers, singers, dancers, dramatists, film makers, painters, sculptors and temple-builders for over five thousand years—within both India and outside. One must not forget the fact that Srimad Ramayana was first sung by Sri Ramachandra’s own sons: small kids—by itself, this holds an extraordinary lesson on how parents must bring up their kids.

Indeed, Srimad Ramayana is that boundless ocean of Amrita that Maharshi Valmiki has left behind for eternity. No price tag. No copyright. No patent. No rights reserved—no notion of “rights” even. How do we even begin to fathom the glory of Maharshi Valmiki who almost singlehandedly founded the Sanatana culture and civilization in his own inimitable fashion? Think about it: the moral, ethical, familial, social and national values he seeded more than five thousand years ago still continue to inform our national life. How does one even repay our debt to him given that Maharshi Valmiki didn’t treat his work as a loan? As we noticed earlier, every poet, dramatist, artist, painter, etc. who followed his ayana (path, course) merely took a drop from this Amrita-ocean and became immortal in his/her own right: Tulsidas Goswami, Kamban, etc. Equally, as the cultural history of Bharatavarsha shows, savoring even that single drop has proven beneficial even to cowherds, fishermen, carpenters, tanners, illiterates, mendicants, and beggars. Even till the mid or late 1980s, it used to be a common sight in the “third class” railway bogies where beggars would sing poems and songs based on themes from Srimad Ramayana. What was the Old or New Education Policy that laid the foundation for this sort of education? It is the same education policy that also educated a traditional Srivaishnava Acharya, Sri Krishnabrahmatantra Yatindra whose moving Ramayana Bhakti has been described in an earlier essay on The Dharma Dispatch.

The Ramayana Analysts

One must essentially develop a healthy and civilization -rooted attitude of contempt towards Ramayana analysts irrespective of their ideological affiliations. This sort of analytical mindset towards a work like Srimad Ramayana is inherently imbued with artistic joylessness at best and political utilitarianism at worst. My remark in the previous part of this series, that Sri Rama Mandir should have never been characterized as a “court case” and “title dispute” indicates precisely this. What the Ramayana analysts of differing ideological persuasions forget or are ignorant of is how their own native tradition regards Srimad Ramayana: as a Parayana-Grantha and a Dharma-Grantha. Consider the very first line of the very first Sloka of Srimad Ramayana:

तपःस्वाध्यायनिरतं तपस्वी वाग्विदां वरम् |
नारदं परिपप्रच्छ वाल्मीकिर्मुनिपुङ्गवम् ||

The Muni Valmiki inquired Naarada, ‘who was deeply engaged in austerity and study of Vedas, who was the most exalted among the eloquent and eminent among sages.’

In other words, Srimad Ramayana begins with a heartfelt question that the human Rishi Valmiki asks the Divine Rishi, Narada. And what prompts Valmiki to ask this question? It is this celebrated verse that inspired him to write Srimad Ramayana:

मा निषाद प्रतिष्ठां त्वमगमः शाश्वतीः समाः |
यत् क्रौञ्चमिथुनादेकमवधीः काममोहितम् || (Balakanda: 2.15)

Oh! Violent Hunter, by which reason you have killed one bird of the couple, who were engaged in the sport of love? For your cruel deed, may you never obtain rest for everlasting years!

Among others, this is the specific context for the origin of Srimad Ramayana. By what stretch of imagination does one even “analyze” this on an intellectual plane much less vulgarize it using soulless theories of sociology, anthropology and even secularism, which are of really recent origin? In the limited scope of my reading, I’m yet to come across even one such “analysis” of Srimad Ramayana that does one of the following:

Offers a new or fresh insight into some aspect of Srimad Ramayana.
Provides artistic or literary or musical delight.
Opens up new or innovative possibilities to better savor Srimad Ramayana.

The declared goal of one section of Ramayana Analysts is to intentionally vilify it in order to destroy it. Which is precisely why they purposely omit any mention of the sheer soul delight Srimad Ramayana offers. But what excuse does the other section of the Ramayana Analysts have when they rebut these Ramayana destroyers using the same verbiage and tactics in the grand hope that the outcome would somehow be different? In both cases, we notice the same approach: that of a surgeon whose scalpel repeatedly cuts the poet, Maharshi Valmiki. And to both sections, Maharshi Valmiki’s curse is equally is equally applicable.

The Sanatana Approacha

cable: of not finding peace anywhere. However, there is a third approach: the time-honored Sanatana approach. Of offering reverence to Srimad Ramayana by identifying with the spirit of Maharshi Valmiki. Our respectful and modest saluations are due to those scholars engaged in a Samskara-neutral quest for dating Srimad Ramayanam as also trying to “prove” whether Sri Ramachandra was indeed a “real” historical person. The Sanatana approach will be better served for example, by adhering to the contemporary Rishi D.V. Gundappa:

The Ramayana is not history but a historical poem. When one regards a historical episode from the perspective of realism, it becomes history: merely, history. However, when we regard it from the perspective of an event that has the capacity to transform our hearts, it becomes poetry—a poem that is far more effective and impactful than mere imaginative poetry. The Ramayana is a poem that has internalized history in an unparalleled, transformative fashion. This is why it has acquired nationwide [and even global] acceptance and reverence as if it a real historical fact including all details. The Ramayana definitely contains historical material. But beyond this superficiality, it is also material that innately refines our heart. It is the history of a country; but more profoundly, it is the history of the Atman of our people. [D.V. Gundappa: Preface: Srimad Valmiki Ramayanam: Translated into Kannada by Vidwan N. Ranganatha Sarma. p xii. Emphasis added]

Our ardent hope is that the designers, artists, sculptors and the entire team involved in building the upcoming Grand Sri Ramachandra Temple at Ayodhya take this essence of Srimad Ramayana as they undertake this sacred and defining civilizational-epochal task. And even as the construction begins on Sri Rama Navami, circa 2020, a befitting duty to accompany this sacred endeavor on the part of every Indian across Bharatavarsha is to gift a copy of Srimad Ramayana across the country to at least one new person he or she meets.

The Spirit of Maharshi Valmiki and the Greatest Gift Indians can Offer to the Sri Rama Mandir

By Sandeep Balakrishna

raso vai saḥ |rasaṃ hyevāyaṃ labdhvānaṃdī bhavati ||

Paramatman is Rasa. Therefore, we obtain Joy or Bliss from the experience of Rasa. That which has the capacity to provide this Joy or Bliss is Rasa.

rasaiH shRingaara karuNa haasya raudra bhayaanakaiH |
viraadibhii rasair yuktam kaavyam etat agaayataam || (Balakanda: 4:9)

Aesthetic elements like romance, pathos, comedy, fury, fright, valour etc., embodied in the epic is sung [by Lava and Kusha].

Indeed, Srimad Ramayana is that boundless ocean of Amrita that Maharshi Valmiki has left behind for eternity. No price tag. No copyright. No patent. No rights reserved—no notion of “rights” even. How do we even begin to fathom the glory of Maharshi Valmiki who almost singlehandedly founded the Sanatana culture and civilization in his own inimitable fashion? Think about it: the moral, ethical, familial, social and national values he seeded more than five thousand years ago still continue to inform our national life. How does one even repay our debt to him given that Maharshi Valmiki didn’t treat his work as a loan? As we noticed earlier, every poet, dramatist, artist, painter, etc., who followed his ayana (path, course) merely took a drop from this Amrita-ocean and became immortal in his/her own right: Tulsidas Goswami, Kamban, etc. Equally, as the cultural history of Bharatavarsha shows, savouring even that single drop has proven beneficial even to cowherds, fishermen, carpenters, tanners, illiterates, mendicants, and beggars. Even till the mid or late 1980s, it used to be a common sight in the “third class” railway bogies where beggars would sing poems and songs based on themes from Srimad Ramayana. What was the Old or New Education Policy that laid the foundation for this sort of education? It is the same education policy that also educated a traditional Srivaishnava Acharya, Sri Krishnabrahmatantra Yatindra whose moving Ramayana Bhakti has been described in an earlier essay on The Dharma Dispatch.

The Ramayana Analysts

One must essentially develop a healthy and civilisationally-rooted attitude of contempt towards Ramayana analysts irrespective of their ideological affiliations. This sort of analytical mindset towards a work like Srimad Ramayana is inherently imbued with artistic joylessness at best and political utilitarianism at worst. My remark in the previous part of this series, that Sri Rama Mandir should have never been characterized as a “court case” and “title dispute” indicates precisely this. What the Ramayana analysts of differing ideological persuasions forget or are ignorant of is how their own native tradition regards Srimad Ramayana: as a Parayana-Grantha and a Dharma-Grantha. Consider the very first line of the very first Sloka of Srimad Ramayana:

तपःस्वाध्यायनिरतं तपस्वी वाग्विदां वरम् | नारदं परिपप्रच्छ वाल्मीकिर्मुनिपुङ्गवम् ||

The Muni Valmiki inquired Naarada, ‘who was deeply engaged in austerity and study of Vedas, who was the most exalted among the eloquent and eminent among sages.’

मा निषाद प्रतिष्ठां त्वमगमः शाश्वतीः समाः | यत् क्रौञ्चमिथुनादेकमवधीः काममोहितम् || (Balakanda: 2.15)
Oh! Violent Hunter, by which reason you have killed one bird of the couple, who were engaged in the sport of love? For your cruel deed, may you never obtain rest for everlasting years!

Offers a new or fresh insight into some aspect of Srimad Ramayana.
Provides artistic or literary or musical delight.
Opens up new or innovative possibilities to better savour Srimad Ramayana.

The Sanatana Approach

However, there is a third approach: the time-honored Sanatana approach. Of offering reverence to Srimad Ramayana by identifying with the spirit of Maharshi Valmiki. Our respectful and modest salutations are due to those scholars engaged in a Samskara-neutral quest for dating Srimad Ramayanam as also trying to “prove” whether Sri Ramachandra was indeed a “real” historical person. The Sanatana approach will be better served for example, by adhering to the contemporary Rishi D.V. Gundappa:

The Ramayana is not history but a historical poem. When one regards a historical episode from the perspective of realism, it becomes history: merely, history. However, when we regard it from the perspective of an event that has the capacity to transform our hearts, it becomes poetry—a poem that is far more effective and impactful than mere imaginative poetry. The Ramayana is a poem that has internalized history in an unparalleled, transformative fashion. This is why it has acquired nationwide [and even global] acceptance and reverence as if it a real historical fact including all details. The Ramayana definitely contains historical material. But beyond this superficiality, it is also material that innately refines our heart. It is the history of a country; but more profoundly, it is the history of the Atman of our people. [D.V. Gundappa: Preface: Srimad Valmiki Ramayanam: Translated into Kannada by Vidwan N. Ranganatha Sarma. p xii. Emphasis added]

Hindu Reflections

Sunday, December 1, 2019

SARVABHAUMA SRIRAMA AND INVINCIBLE AYODHYA

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