Ramcharitmanas

Rāmacaritamānasa manuscript (19th century)

Goswami Tulsidas Awadhi Hindi Poet

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An Ramlila Actor In The Role of Ravana

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Four Sons of Dasaratha

Ravi Varma-Rama-breaking-bow

Ramcharitmanas is an epic poem in the Awadhi language, composed by the 16th-century Indian bhakti poet Goswami Tulsidas (c. 1532–1623). The Ramcharitmanas literally means "Lake of the deeds of Rama". Tulsidas compared the seven Kāndas (books) of the epic to seven steps leading into the holy waters of a Hindu pilgrimage place, making it an act of purification for the reader. It is considered one of the greatest works of Hindu literature. The poem narrates the life story of Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Vishnu, focusing on his virtuous nature and the dharma (righteous path). The text plays a crucial role in the worship of Rama and is recited during the annual festival of Ram Navami and other Hindu festivals.

Composition and Structure

The Ramcharitmanas is written in vernacular Awadhi, a dialect of Hindi, making it accessible to a wide audience at a time when most sacred texts were written in Sanskrit. The epic is divided into seven Kāndas or books, each detailing various phases of Rama's life:

1. Bal Kanda - The childhood and youth of Rama, including his marriage to Sita. 2. Ayodhya Kanda - Rama's exile and the preparations for his return to Ayodhya. 3. Aranya Kanda - The forest life of Rama, with Sita's abduction by Ravana, the demon king of Lanka. 4. Kishkindha Kanda - Rama's alliance with the monkey king Sugriva and the search for Sita. 5. Sundara Kanda - The adventures of Hanuman, his journey to Lanka to find Sita, and his heroic deeds. 6. Yuddha Kanda - The epic battle between Rama's forces and the armies of Ravana. 7. Uttara Kanda - The final book, detailing Rama's return to Ayodhya, his coronation, and his later life.

Themes and Significance

The Ramcharitmanas is more than a mere epic; it embodies the spiritual and ethical essence of Hindu philosophy. It emphasizes bhakti (devotion) as a means to attain moksha (liberation) and stresses the importance of dharma (duty/righteousness), karma (action), and the values of loyalty, bravery, and respect for all life forms. The text has had a profound impact on the art, culture, and society of India, inspiring countless works of literature, music, dance, and drama.

Influence and Legacy

The Ramcharitmanas has played a pivotal role in the establishment and propagation of the Rama-centric devotionalism in India. It has been translated into numerous Indian and foreign languages, making the story of Rama accessible to a global audience. The text also holds a significant place in the rituals and ceremonies of Rama worship. Its verses are recited during religious functions, and its teachings are imparted as moral lessons.

See Also

• Hindu Epic Poetry
• Tulsidas
• Ramayana
• Bhakti Movement