As Hindus everywhere celebrate Ramnavmi or the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Ram today, we reflect on his life and the lessons to be learnt.The concept of avtaar is well-known in Hinduism. It is our belief that whenever the earth is overburdened with evil, a saviour is born as a beacon in the darkness to point mankind to a definite path to an emancipated life. Hinduism records in different ages divine personalities who were born in the world in dark periods of history and who offered to the world leadership of a distinct quality far and above what is expected of the average human being. These renowned men have been personified in Hinduism as incarnations of God.
The descent of Bhagwan Vishnu in human form is tied up with a boon received by the ruling monarch of Lanka. Ravan, in his early life, performed vigorous penance to Bhagwan Shiva. Moved by his devotion, he was requested to ask for any boon. The Raakshas King begged that his death be placed only in the hands of man and vanaar and the boon was granted him.
This vardan or boon made Ravan all-powerful. He was convinced that no man, much less a forest dweller or Vanar was any match for him. Ravan grew into a despot overwhelmed with vanity. He became ruthless and unleashed untold sufferings on his subjects. Every norm and principle of a just society disappeared. Autocracy became the order of the day. The subjects degenerated morally and there was open dishonesty, crime, wanton and reckless behaviour.
Ravan unleashed tyranny on the saints and sages. The earth was really over-burdened with evil and oppression. The situation was more than any could bear. It was under such conditions that the saints and sages retreated into deep meditation, petitioning for divine guidance to help find a solution and to have return to the earth stability and peace.
Their prayers filled the air. The vibration of their entreaty was felt everywhere. People felt that something strange would happen. It was under such a charged atmosphere that a voice from the void was heard: FEAR NO MORE MEN OF VIRTUE – I promise that for your well – being; and for the reprieving of the countless who now live in fear and depression, I will assume physical existence in human form with other aspects of my own divinity. I will be born as the son of King Dasrathof Ayodha and shall do so with my supreme energy and relieve the earth of all its burdens.
The promise of this Divine voice spread everywhere and became the most topical issue. New hope was born among all. There were clear signs of the disappearance of the gloom which for so long held so many under a turbulent spell.
Coincidentally, the aged sonless King Dasrath was reminiscing over the fact that he had no successor to his throne. As was customary, he then sought the counsel of his Guru or Preceptor, Vashistha Muni. Saint Vashistha who was already aware of the prophecy assured King Dasrath that he will soon be the proud father not only of a single son, but of four brave, courageous and heroic sons. Sage Vashistha then ordered the performance of the “PUTRESHTHI” Yag, a ceremony which precedes the birth of a child.
It was under favourable astronomical influence at mid-day hour on the ninth day of the Hindu month of Chait, when the atmosphere was just conducive, that Lord Vishnu made His appearance in King Dasrath’s Palace as the son of the loved Monarch and his devout wife, Kaushalya.
The descent of Shri Ram from a Vedantist point of view is seen as those moments when devotees evolve to that conscious state of realising the supreme presence within. This concept doesn’t lull anyone into any false hope that Shri Ram will literally come and relieve mankind of their problems and miseries.
Ramnavmi comes to repeat the immortal message that the infinite Brahma exists in the core of our hearts, knowledge of this spiritual truth invokes divine guidance for every individual to resist evil, assert themselves and strive for a better world in which every individual can enjoy abundance, happiness and bliss.
Shri Ram lived an active and dynamic life. His life was a model. Ramnavmi each year must rekindle faith, courage, steadfastness and dedication in all. Shri Ram acted decisively on all occasions and served the people of TretaYug selflessly and sincerely.Shri Ram was not only a respectful son, loving brother, dutiful husband, ideal citizen, but the greatest and model Ruler of all times.
At this time, while our minds are being moulded and while we are conditioning ourselves to observe his birth, we must spare some time reading the Ramayan so that his physical life can influence and mould us. His life covered every conceivable field of human endeavour. A simple child can learn from his days of infancy, how he affectionately and lovingly embraced mother Kaushalya and brought immeasurable joy to her motherly heart; and even in his youth, his implicit respect, obedience and courage remain unparalleled until this day.The Ramayan has been the greatest influence in the lives of our fore-parents and their devotion to truth and their profound sense of honesty were routed in the sublime teachings of Shri Ram in the Ramayan.