Rac1
| Raam | |
|---|---|
Virtue, Truth, and Dharma | |
| 250px Depiction of Lord Raam with his bow | |
| Abode | Ayodhya |
| Mount | None |
| Texts | Ramayana, Mahabharata |
| Personal information | |
| Parents | Dasharatha and Kausalya |
| Siblings | Lakshmana, Bharata, Shatrughna |
| Consort | Sita |
Raam (also spelled Rama) is a major deity in Hinduism, revered as the seventh avatar of the god Vishnu. He is the central figure of the ancient Hindu epic, the Ramayana, which narrates his life story and his quest to rescue his wife, Sita, from the demon king Ravana. Raam is considered the embodiment of virtue, truth, and dharma (righteousness).
Etymology and Significance[edit | edit source]
The name "Raam" is derived from the Sanskrit root "ram," which means "to please" or "to delight." In Hindu tradition, Raam is often referred to as "Maryada Purushottama," meaning "the perfect man" or "the supreme upholder of dharma."
Life and Legends[edit | edit source]
Birth and Early Life[edit | edit source]
Raam was born in the city of Ayodhya to King Dasharatha and Queen Kausalya. He was the eldest of four brothers, the others being Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna. Raam's birth is celebrated as Rama Navami, a major festival in Hinduism.
Exile and the Ramayana[edit | edit source]
The most famous narrative of Raam's life is found in the Ramayana, an epic poem attributed to the sage Valmiki. According to the epic, Raam was exiled to the forest for fourteen years due to a promise made by his father to his stepmother, Kaikeyi. During his exile, Raam's wife, Sita, was abducted by the demon king Ravana, leading to a great war in which Raam, with the help of his loyal brother Lakshmana and the monkey god Hanuman, defeated Ravana and rescued Sita.
Return to Ayodhya[edit | edit source]
After the defeat of Ravana, Raam returned to Ayodhya with Sita and was crowned king. His reign, known as Rama Rajya, is often depicted as a time of peace, prosperity, and justice.
Symbolism and Worship[edit | edit source]
Raam is often depicted holding a bow and arrow, symbolizing his readiness to destroy evil and uphold righteousness. He is worshipped as an ideal king, husband, and son, and his life is seen as a model for living a virtuous life.
Cultural Impact[edit | edit source]
Raam's story has had a profound impact on Indian culture and has been retold in various forms, including the Ramcharitmanas by Tulsidas, and numerous plays, films, and television series. The Ramlila is a traditional performance of the Ramayana, celebrated annually in many parts of India.
Also see[edit | edit source]
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