An Appeal to Readers

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

An Appeal to Readers Valmiki Ramayana - Bala Kanda http://www.valmikiramayan.net/bala/sarga1/balasans1.htm Book I : Bala Kanda - Book Of Youthful Majesties Chapter [Sarga] 1 Introduction Divine sage Narada arrives at the hermitage of Sage Valmiki in order to enlighten him and keep him informed of his duty to author the epic poem Ramayana. In the dialogue between these two sages, Valmiki elicits from Narada about most virtuous person on earth, namely Rama. In this opening chapter, while eulogizing Rama Narada gives an outline of Ramayana, truly highlighting those aspects that are the keynotes in this epic, like virtuosity, generosity, morality, chastity and the like. Valmiki Ramayana is said to have been composed basing on each of the letters of Gayatri Hymn, staring a verse with that letter, and a thousand books are composed for each letter. Though that classification, or dividing verses in thousand chapters is unavailable now, the twenty-four verses identified with the 24 letters of Gayatri hymn, called as Gayatri Ramayana, is available and it is given in the endnote of this page. In tune with the scheme of Gayatri, Ramayana starts the first verse with letter ta an auspicious letter. An Appeal to Readers We have taken every care to present this translation truthfully, but when working with machines, they start to exhibit their talents on the very first key-stroke, like 'Auto Correct, Auto Complete, Auto Insert etc.,' and thus start correcting words like 'high souled one' to 'high-soled one...' and the like. So taking the maxim pramaado api dhiimataam 'even the diligent may make mistakes...' we appeal to the readers to kindly inform us if anything has gone wrong any where, typos, and 'is' becoming 'was', 'are' becoming 'were' and the like, so that they will be corrected, true to the text and spirit of Ramayana. tp> SvaXyay inrtam! tpSvI vaiGvdam! vrm!, nardm! pirpàCD vaLmIik> muin pu<gvm!. 1£1£1 1. tapaH= thoughtful-meditator; tapasvii= sagacious thinker [Narada]; sva+adhyaaya= in self, study [of scriptures,]; nirataam= always [eternally studious in scriptures]; vaak= in speaking [in enunciation]; vidaam= among expert enunciators; varam= sublime one [Narada]; naradam+muni+ pungavam= with Narada, with [such a] sage, paragon; vaalmikiH= Sage [Poet] Valmiki; pari+papracCha = verily [inquisitively,] inquired about; [ellipt. sarva+guNa+ samiSTi+ruupam+puruSam= all, merited endowments, composite, in form - about such a man.] A thoughtful-meditator, an eternally studious sage in scriptures about the Truth and Untruth, a sagacious thinker, and a sublime enunciator among all expert enunciators is Narada, and with such a Divine Sage Narada, the Sage-Poet Valmiki is inquisitively enquiring about a man who is a composite for all merited endowments in his form and calibre. [1-1-1] 1 von 32 01.04.04 14:44 Valmiki Ramayana - Bala Kanda http://www.valmikiramayan.net/bala/sarga1/balasans1.htm The efficacy of Opening Verse [Font size can be enhanced under View menu] The very opening word tapaH has diverse meanings. In a way it means j~naana acuity, and it is 'thinking' tap aalocane 'thinking on the Absolute, where that Absolute's thinking itself is tapaH - yasya j~naanam tapaH thus Narada is one who is a constant thinker of the Absolute. Or, he who always practises kR^icChrandraaayaNaadi vrataH - nitya naimittika karma anuSTHaana paraH the rigorous practises enshrined in Veda-s. It means the Absolute itself tapaH para brahma shabda vaca, brahmai tad upaastvai tat tapaH 'that which is contemplated upon that is tapaH, meaning Vedanta , Upanishads. Let many Veda-s are learnt and recited mechanically it becomes a rote learning, unless, a thought is given as for what it is being recited, an on whom. Thus Narada has no rote learning, but still trying to get full picture of that Absolute. And the swaadhyaya is Veda, and its regular practise, tapo hi svaadhyaayaH. Veda itself is the Knowledge, that is why it is said svadhyaan na pramiditavyam - taittariiya upaniSad Then, it also means as the Absolute. Thus Narada being a complete embodiment of Veda-s, is the proper sage to clear the doubts of Valmiki The Divine Sage Narada is the brainchild of god Brahma brahma maanasa putra. His name has meanings like naara =knowledge; da= awarder; naarada= the rain cloud. Any cloud rains on its own without any requisition from Mother Earth. So Narada is naaram dadaati iti naarada 'one who accords knowledge concerning the humans...' or, naaram dyati - khaNdati - iti naarada 'one who annihilates the ignorance...' or, 'one who accords knowledge about the Absolute, or Supreme Person. Though a Divine Sage, having all these attributes, Narada has no conclusive information about hari liilaa vibhuuti 'Supreme Person's playful acts...' hence he continuously and constantly ponders over that Absolute to get the real essence of that Absolute, or Supreme Person. This is for himself, and not in respect of his reacting with others. Then this word vaak means: enunciator - as given above; This word also means Veda - anaadi nidhano hi eSaa vaak utshR^iSTaa Veda-s emerged from that Absolute, hence vaak is identifiable with that Absolute; and this is grammar - vaak yoga viddduSyati ca apashabde as such vaak is identifiable with grammar. And vaak vid vareNya is 'one who has complete information derived from Veda-s, or, one who elucidates and enunciates what he has learned from Veda-s to others...' There are four epithets of Narada here: atha n˜radasya catv˜ri viþeÿaõ˜ni | tath˜ - tapo nirati - iti anena viþeÿaõena sarva s˜marthyam pratip˜ditam | sva adhy˜ya nirata - iti anena yat kiñcit vadati tat veda ukta dharma anuguõatay˜ eva vadati iti s¨citam | v˜k vid˜m vara - anena vakt®tvaÕ pratip˜ditam | muni pungava - iti anena atŸndriya abhijñatvam s¨citam | agre tri loka jña iti anena viþeÿaõena loka traya sañc˜reõa pratyakÿatay˜ sat asat vastu abhisañjñatvaÕ pratip˜ditam | etai viþeÿaõai× - sarvajñatvam - sarva jana m˜nyatvam - sarva utk®ÿ÷a mah˜tmyam - ca s¨citam | t˜d®þam n˜radam bhagav˜n v˜lmŸki× sarva guõa samiÿ÷i r¨pam pururaÿam - pap®ccha - dharm˜k¨tam 'By these four epithets of Narada, viz., tapo nirata because he is a 'thoughtful-thinker evermore...' his all-expertise in knowledge is proposed... svaadhyaaya nirata because he is 'eternally studious sage in scriptures [about the Truth and Untruth...'] whatever the least he says it abides by the everlasting canonical sayings of Veda... vaak vidaam vara because his sayings are rooted in canons he is the best enunciator and elucidator... muni pungava because he is such a sublime sage he is transcendental... and as a traveller among all the three worlds he is aware of Truth and Untruth... and with such Sage Narada, Sage Valmiki enquired about a man, on earth, who is a composite in his form, for all merited endowments...' Dharmaakuutam. This commentary is by Tryambakaraaya Makhi [1690's to 1728] and this can be called not just yet another commentary on Ramayana, but an Encyclopaedia of Indian Culture. This was published under the scheme of 'Editing and Publication if Rare Manuscripts, Govt. of India, Ministry of Scientific Research and Cultural Affairs' and it is available with Tanjore Saraswati Mahal Library, Tanjavore, Tamil Nadu State, India. There are numerous and voluminous commentaries on Ramayana, bulkier than the epic itself, deciphering latent meanings of Ramayana as above. And to list a few of many commentaries on Ramayana: 1] kataka vyaakhya, by shrii katata; 2] raamayaNa tilakam - raamaabhiraamii : by shrii naagojii bhaTT; 3] raamaayaNa bhuuSaNam by shrii govindaraja; 4] raamaayaNa shiromaNi by shrii shivasahaaya; 5] raamaayaNa tattva diipika by shrii maheshvara tiirtha; 6] raamaayaNa vyaakhya shrii raamaanujaacaarya; 7] viveka tilaka by 2 von 32 01.04.04 14:44 Valmiki Ramayana - Bala Kanda http://www.valmikiramayan.net/bala/sarga1/balasans1.htm shrii varadaraaja; dharmaakuutam tryambakaraaya makhii; raamaayaNa kuuTa vyaakhya by shrii raamaananda tiirtha... and many, many more... Hence due to paucity of time we confine ourselves to some references from some of the above, as it will be uncouth to go on dwelling one these intricate derivation obtained by these great commentators. This stanza equally applies to Sage Valmiki, the taught, by way of the use of words tapaH, svaadhyaaya, tapasvii, thus both of them are experts in their own sphere of teacher-student relationship. The word tapaH denotes Veda-s themselves, in which both the Sages are well-versed, svaadhyaaya means, pondering over what that is learnt, i.e. japa. tapasvii= sharanaagati Total renunciation of their selves in the Almighty. Routine recitation of Veda-s will become futile if an iota of inclination in the Almighty and self-surrender to that Almighty is not there. tasm˜nnye˜sam eÿ˜m tapasam atiriktam ˜hu× - taittatrŸya n˜r˜yaõam - 20 Hence, these two sages have commenced to deliver Ramayana, which itself is the epic of virtuous living, to this world. That being so, Valmiki is asking the same Narada as to who is Absolute-like, Absolute-similar or comparable human, with some of many traits of that Absolute. For this, Narada starts his narration with an exclamation bahavo durlabhaa ca guNaaH kiirtitaa at seventh verse. Thus, there are bulky and voluminous commentaries on Ramayana, bulkier than the epic itself, hence due to paucity of time, and in eagerness to post the main epic firstly, let us take a pause in these declinations and niceties of verbiage, as it will be uncouth to go on dwelling one these intricate derivation at that staring itself. However the epic starts with the word auspicious word ta as said in ta kaaro vighna naashakaH, ta kaaro saukhya daayakaH... k> nu AiSmn! s<àtm! laeke gu[van! k> c vIyRvan!, xmR}> c k«t}> c sTy vaKyae x&F ìt> .
Recommended publications
  • Scion of Ikshvaku Book 1 of the Ram Chandra Series
    Amish is a 1974-born, IIM (Kolkata)-educated, boring banker turned happy author. The success of his debut book, The Immortals of Meluha (Book 1 of the Shiva Trilogy), encouraged him to give up a fourteen-year-old career in financial services to focus on writing. He is passionate about history, mythology and philosophy, finding beauty and meaning in all world religions. Amish lives in Mumbai with his wife Preeti and son Neel. www.authoramish.com www.facebook.com/authoramish www.twitter.com/authoramish ... I Love you Rachu ... Dear Frnds pls spread this msg until its reach to my rachu I thinks see knows my name Book Downloaded from: EBOOK4IN.BLOGSPOT.COM ‘I wish many more would be inspired by Amish Tripathi...’ - Amitabh Bachchan, Indian actor and living legend ‘Amish is India’s Tolkien’ – Business Standard ‘Amish is India’s first literary popstar’ – Shekhar Kapur, renowned filmmaker ‘Amish is ... the Paulo Coelho of the east.’ – Business World ‘Amish’s mythical imagination mines the past and taps into the possibilities of the future. His book series, archetypal and stirring, unfolds the deepest recesses of the soul as well as our collective consciousness.’ – Deepak Chopra, world-renowned spiritual guru and bestselling author ‘Amish is a fresh new voice in Indian writing – steeped in myth and history, with a fine eye for detail and a compelling narrative style.’ – Shashi Tharoor, Member of Parliament and celebrated author ‘…Amish has mastered the art of gathering, interpreting and presenting India’s many myths, folklores and legends, and
    [Show full text]
  • Star Plus Serial Siya Ke Ram
    Star plus serial siya ke ram Continue Sia K. Thum is an epic Indian TELEVISION series that aired on the Star Plus channel. The series was produced by Nichil Sinha under the banner of the Triangle Film Company. In this play, Ashish Sharma and Madirakshi Mundell play Lord Rama and Lady Sita and Kartik Jayaram as Raccoan, respectively. Apart from India, the show is also broadcast abroad in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and the UK remotely. The show was released on Star Plus on November 16, 2015. It now runs again on star Utsav as Ramleela – Divya Gatha Siya Aur Ram Kay and in Vijay Super as Seedhayin Raaman as well as in Bharat Star from 5 August 2018. Let's know more about the show – Siya Ke RAM trailer this show premiered on Star Plus on 16 November 2015. It was based on the Ramiana saga. The original design is taken from Tolciedas's Ramiana. Here's the trailer from the show – Siya Ke Rome Wiki Genre:- Historical TV drama original broadcast:- starts on 16 November 2015, Monday to Friday at 8 p.m. on Star Plus. Production Series Makers:- Nichil Sinha Director:- Nichil Sinha, Dhmish Shah Story/Author:- Annd Nilaktan, Subrat Sinha, Bhauna Vyas Replaces Which Series:- Tu Mera Hero Location(s): Mumbai, Indian Language:- Hindi No. From Season 1 Production Company(s) Triangle Film Company Main Channel Star Plus Siya Ke Ram Starring Ashish Sharma –::: - Ram Madirakshi Mundle –::as:– Sita Yash Mistry –:As:– Little Ram Ananya Agarwal –:As:– Young Sita Vandant –::as:– Teenager Rama Samarth Mishra –:as:– Teen Lakshmana Pravisht Mishra –:As:– Teen
    [Show full text]
  • Aranyakhanda Quiz – 2016 Questions Without Answers ( Please Find The
    Aranyakhanda quiz – 2016 Questions without answers ( Please find the answers yourself) 1. Who wrote the Ramayana? 2. How many khandas are there in the Ramayana? Name them in order. 3. How many sargas are there in the Aranyakhanda? 4. Which forest did Rama enter in the beginning of Aranyakhanda? 5. Who is the Lord of the birds? 6. Name the Lord of wind. 7. Name the God of death. 8. Who cursed Viradha to be a rakshasa? 9. Who killed Viradha? 10. Who gave immortal life to Sarabhanga? 11. How many years passed happily with Rama, Lakshmana and Sita living in the forest with the sages? 12. Name the two rakshasas that Agastya killed. 13. For whom was the viswakarman bow made? 14. Whose was the exhaustless pair of quivers? 15. What weapon did Agastya give rama? 16. Name vasishta’s wife. 17. To which place did Agastya direct Rama to? 18. On the banks of which river is the place that Agastya directed Rama to? 19. How many daughters did Daksha have? 20. How many of Daksha’s daughters did Kashyapa marry? 21. Name adisesha’s mother. 22. ___ is the mother of Daityas. Diti. 23. From where did Bharata rule? 24. On the banks of which river is the place that Bharata ruled from? 25. Who is the Asura of the eclipse? 26. Name Ravana’s sister. 27. Name Janaka’s kingdom. 28. Name Ravana’s father. 29. When Lakshmana disgraced Surpanakha, to whom did she go in grievance? 30. Where did Khara live? 31. Name the three types of Gunas.
    [Show full text]
  • Lakshmana Lakshmana
    Srinivasa Bala Bharati - 132 LAKSHMANA (Children Series) - Dr. B. Rama Rao LAKSHMANA Telugu Version Dr. Iriventi Krishnamurthy English Translation Dr. B. Rama Rao Published by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams Executive Officer Tirupati Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam, Tirupati 2013 Srinivasa Bala Bharati - 132 FOREWORD (Children Series) If a beautiful garden is to be raised, one needs to take proper LAKSHMANA care of tender flower plants. In the same way in order to create a good society, great care needs to be taken of young children who are going to be future citizens of India. All their intellectual attainments Telugu Version will be futile if they fail to learn of their culture and its greatness. Dr. Iriventi Krishnamurthy They need to be told of great men and women of this country so that they are inspired by their ideals. The essentials of our culture English Translation should be given to them in the form of simple and charming stories. Dr. B. Rama Rao They will cherish these ideals and be guided by them. They will Editor-in-Chief promote good, and they will love the society they live in. They make Prof. Ravva Sri Hari their families proud and bring great prestige to their country when they grow up into good citizens. Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams have brought out these T.T.D. Religious Publications Series No. 987 booklets in Telugu for children under Srinivasa Bala Bharathi Series. ©All Rights Reserved Although meant for children, they are useful to the elderly too. They First Edition - 2013 have found place in the book shelves of every family.
    [Show full text]
  • Signatory ID Name CIN Company Name 02700003 RAM TIKA
    Signatory ID Name CIN Company Name 02700003 RAM TIKA U55101DL1998PTC094457 RVS HOTELS AND RESORTS 02700032 BANSAL SHYAM SUNDER U70102AP2005PTC047718 SHREEMUKH PROPERTIES PRIVATE 02700065 CHHIBA SAVITA U01100MH2004PTC150274 DEJA VU FARMS PRIVATE LIMITED 02700070 PARATE VIJAYKUMAR U45200MH1993PTC072352 PARATE DEVELOPERS P LTD 02700076 BHARATI GHOSH U85110WB2007PTC118976 ACCURATE MEDICARE & 02700087 JAIN MANISH RAJMAL U45202MH1950PTC008342 LEO ESTATES PRIVATE LIMITED 02700109 NATESAN RAMACHANDRAN U51505TN2002PTC049271 RESHMA ELECTRIC PRIVATE 02700110 JEGADEESAN MAHENDRAN U51505TN2002PTC049271 RESHMA ELECTRIC PRIVATE 02700126 GUPTA JAGDISH PRASAD U74210MP2003PTC015880 GOPAL SEVA PRIVATE LIMITED 02700155 KRISHNAKUMARAN NAIR U45201GJ1994PTC021976 SHARVIL HOUSING PVT LTD 02700157 DHIREN OZA VASANTLAL U45201GJ1994PTC021976 SHARVIL HOUSING PVT LTD 02700183 GUPTA KEDAR NATH U72200AP2004PTC044434 TRAVASH SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS 02700187 KUMARASWAMY KUNIGAL U93090KA2006PLC039899 EMERALD AIRLINES LIMITED 02700216 JAIN MANOJ U15400MP2007PTC020151 CHAMBAL VALLEY AGRO 02700222 BHAIYA SHARAD U45402TN1996PTC036292 NORTHERN TANCHEM PRIVATE 02700226 HENDIN URI ZIPORI U55101HP2008PTC030910 INNER WELLSPRING HOSPITALITY 02700266 KUMARI POLURU VIJAYA U60221PY2001PLC001594 REGENCY TRANSPORT CARRIERS 02700285 DEVADASON NALLATHAMPI U72200TN2006PTC059044 ZENTERE SOLUTIONS PRIVATE 02700322 GOPAL KAKA RAM U01400UP2007PTC033194 KESHRI AGRI GENETICS PRIVATE 02700342 ASHISH OBERAI U74120DL2008PTC184837 ASTHA LAND SCAPE PRIVATE 02700354 MADHUSUDHANA REDDY U70200KA2005PTC036400
    [Show full text]
  • Contents Vol
    Contents Vol. 32, No. 2 Selfless Service 5 “Isn’t all time Amma’s?” 7 swami amritaswarupananda puri The Bee Trapped in the Flower 14 swami tureeyamritananda puri “Remember Me and fight!” 15 swami amritageetananda puri The Lord’s Guarantee 19 br. devidasa chaitanya Sumantra 26 c.v. rajan, india Chapter 9: Yoga of the Royal Knowledge 35 prof. v. muraleedhara menon, india Lilas Around Amma 38 News 41 Some articles use the masculine pronoun when referring to God, in keeping with convention and to avoid the clumsiness of constructions such as ‘He or She’ or ‘Him or Her.’ Printed and Published by Swami Jnanamritananda Puri on behalf of M.A. Mission Trust, Amritapuri P.O., Kollam, Kerala 690 546, India. Printed at Amrita Offset Printers, Amritapuri P.O., Kollam, Kerala 690 546, India. Published at M.A. Math, Amritapuri P.O., Kollam, Kerala 690 546, India. Phone: (0476) 289 6278/7578/6399. Matruvani Office Phone: 08589003341 Editor: Br. Brahmamrita Chaitanya Letters and Submissions: [email protected] September 2020 3 4 Matruvani AMMA’S MESSAGE Selfless Service hildren, all religions give a lot of importance Cto selfless service. It purifies the mind and makes one worthy of God’s grace. However, the service we render should be without any expecta- tion. We should not expect even a word of thanks or appreciation. If we do, it will be like working for wages; such work will not help to purify the mind. When we act without any desire for personal gain, selfishness leaves our heart, at least while we are working.
    [Show full text]
  • A Study of Buddhist Sites in Karnataka
    International Journal of Academic Research and Development International Journal of Academic Research and Development ISSN: 2455-4197 Impact Factor: RJIF 5.22 www.academicjournal.in Volume 3; Issue 6; November 2018; Page No. 215-218 A study of Buddhist sites in Karnataka Dr. B Suresha Associate Professor, Department of History, Govt. Arts College (Autonomous), Chitradurga, Karnataka, India Abstract Buddhism is one of the great religion of ancient India. In the history of Indian religions, it occupies a unique place. It was founded in Northern India and based on the teachings of Siddhartha, who is known as Buddha after he got enlightenment in 518 B.C. For the next 45 years, Buddha wandered the country side teaching what he had learned. He organized a community of monks known as the ‘Sangha’ to continue his teachings ofter his death. They preached the world, known as the Dharma. Keywords: Buddhism, meditation, Aihole, Badami, Banavasi, Brahmagiri, Chandravalli, dermal, Haigunda, Hampi, kanaginahally, Rajaghatta, Sannati, Karnataka Introduction of Ashoka, mauryanemperor (273 to 232 B.C.) it gained royal Buddhism is one of the great religion of ancient India. In the support and began to spread more widely reaching Karnataka history of Indian religions, it occupies a unique place. It was and most of the Indian subcontinent also. Ashokan edicts founded in Northern India and based on the teachings of which are discovered in Karnataka delineating the basic tents Siddhartha, who is known as Buddha after he got of Buddhism constitute the first written evidence about the enlightenment in 518 B.C. For the next 45 years, Buddha presence of the Buddhism in Karnataka.
    [Show full text]
  • Ramayana of * - Valmeeki RENDERED INTO ENGLISH with EXHAUSTIVE NOTES BY
    THE Ramayana OF * - Valmeeki RENDERED INTO ENGLISH WITH EXHAUSTIVE NOTES BY (. ^ ^reenivasa jHv$oiu$ar, B. A., LECTURER S. P G. COLLEGE, TRICHINGj, Balakanda and N MADRAS: * M. K. PEES8, A. L. T. PRKS8 AND GUARDIAN PBE8S. > 1910. % i*t - , JJf Reserved Copyright ftpfiglwtd. 3 [ JB^/to PREFACE The Ramayana of Valmeeki is a most unique work. The Aryans are the oldest race on earth and the most * advanced and the is their first ; Ramayana and grandest epic. The Eddas of Scandinavia, the Niebelungen Lied of Germany, the Iliad of Homer, the Enead of Virgil, the Inferno, the Purgatorio, and the Paradiso of Dante, the Paradise Lost of Milton, the Lusiad of Camcens, the Shah Nama of Firdausi are and no more the Epics ; Ramayana of Valmeeki is an Epic and much more. If any work can clam} to be the Bible of the Hindus, it is the Ramayana of Valmeeki. Professor MacDonell, the latest writer on Samskritha Literature, says : " The Epic contains the following verse foretelling its everlasting fame * As long as moynfain ranges stand And rivers flow upon the earth, So long will this Ramayana Survive upon the lips of men. This prophecy has been perhaps even more abundantly fulfilled than the well-known prediction of Horace. No pro- duct of Sanskrit Literature has enjoyed a greater popularity in India down to the present day than the Ramayana. Its story furnishes the subject of many other Sanskrit poems as well as plays and still delights, from the lips* of reciters, the hearts of the myriads of the Indian people, as at the 11 PREFACE great annual Rama-festival held at Benares.
    [Show full text]
  • Gluck CORD: the Ramayana in Balinese Shadow Puppet Theater-Astara Light
    Gluck CORD: The Ramayana in Balinese Shadow Puppet Theater-Astara Light Balinese Shadow Puppets are an artistic narrative tradition used to perform epic adventure stories such as the Ramayana. These performances are considered magical because the puppets become and bring to life the characters they represent. Also, events that take place during a performance might happen in real life! During a shadow puppet performance the audience actually sees the shadows of the puppets as the shadow puppet master manipulates them, hence the name “shadow puppet”. The Ramayana is an adventure tale like Star Wars, Shrek, or Frozen because it center on journeys to find something, or help someone. This is a moral story that teaches qualities like friendship, compassion, loyalty, bravery and wisdom. The Ramayana illustrates conflict between good and evil and how friendship and magic can overcome obstacles. The Ramayana has similar main characters as these adventure stories: a heroine, or Princess; a hero, good guy, or Prince; a sidekick or brave friend (like Kristoff in Frozen); and a bad guy or villain. Ramayana Characters: Hanuman Rama (Prince and hero) (Monkey warrior and sidekick) Ravana Sita (Princess and heroine) (Demon King and bad guy/villain) Gluck CORD: The Ramayana in Balinese Shadow Puppet Theater-Astara Light Questions related to the characters of the Ramayana: How might you identify each of these characters based off their physical traits? • Which character looks like an animal or a person, and why? • Does one character look scarier than the others, and why? • What are the characters wearing, can you identify them based on their clothing? • What are your favorite adventure stories and why? (Example: Shrek, Star Wars, Frozen) • What are the main characters in these adventure stories? • Which character is your favorite, and why? Story Synopsis of the Ramayana: This adventure tale begins with three friends, a prince named Rama who is a wise ruler and has supernatural abilities.
    [Show full text]
  • Ravana Sends Shardula to Spy
    “Om Sri Lakshmi Narashimhan Nahama” Valmiki Ramayana – Yuddha Kanda – Chapter 29 Ravana Sends Shardula to Spy Summary Ravana reprimands Shuka and Sarana, asking them to leave the assembly. He again sends some spies to the place of Rama and Lakshmana. Those spies were got caught by Vibhishana and the monkeys start harassing them. But the compassionate Rama gets them released and the spies reach back Lanka. Chapter [Sarga] 29 in Detail shukena tu samaakhyaataams taan dristvaa hari yuuthapaan | laksmanam ca mahaaviiryam bhujam raamasya daksinam || 2-29-1 samiipastham ca raamasya bhraataram svam vibhiisanam | sarva vaanara raajam ca sugriivam bhiima vikramam || 2-29-2 angadam caapi balinam vajrahastaatmajaatmajam | hanuumantam ca vikraantam jaambavantam ca durjayam || 2-29-3 susenam kumudam niilam nalam ca plavagarsabham | gajam gavaaksham sharabham vaindam ca dvividam tathaa || 2-29-4 kimcid aavigna hridayo jaata krodhah ca raavanah | bhartsayaam aasa tau viirau kathaa ante shuka saaranau || 2-29-5 Beholding those foremost of monkey leaders pointed out by Shuka- the most valiant Lakshmana; Rama’s right arm, his own brother Vibhishana standing close to Rama, the terribly powerful Sugreeva the king of all monkeys, the strong Angada grandson of Indra the wielder of thunderbolt, the powerful Hanuman, the invincible Jambavan, Sushena, Kumuda, Nila, Nala the excellent of monkeys, Gaja, Gavaaksha, Sharabha, Mainda and Dvivida- that Ravana – his heart became agitated a little, was enraged and then abused those two heroes Shuka and Sarana who had completed their report. Page 1 of 7 “Om Sri Lakshmi Narashimhan Nahama” Valmiki Ramayana – Yuddha Kanda – Chapter 29 adho mukhau tau pranataav abraviit shuka saaranau | rosa gadgadayaa vaacaa samrabdhah parusam vacah || 2-29-6 Ravana spoke (the following) excited and harsh words, in a voice choked in anger to Shuka and Sarana who stood saluting with their faces bent down.
    [Show full text]
  • Multidimensional Role of Women in Shaping the Great Epic Ramayana
    International Journal of Academic Research and Development International Journal of Academic Research and Development ISSN: 2455-4197 Impact Factor: RJIF 5.22 www.academicsjournal.com Volume 2; Issue 6; November 2017; Page No. 1035-1036 Multidimensional role of women in shaping the great epic Ramayana Punit Sharma Assistant Professor, Institute of Management & Research IMR Campus, NH6, Jalgaon, Maharashtra, India Abstract We look for role models all around, but the truth is that some of the greatest women that we know of come from Indian mythology Ramayana. It is filled with women who had the fortitude and determination to stand up against all odds ones who set a great example for generations to come. Ramayana is full of women, who were mentally way stronger than the glorified heroes of this great Indian epic. From Jhansi Ki Rani to Irom Sharmila, From Savitribai Fule to Sonia Gandhi and From Jijabai to Seeta, Indian women have always stood up for their rights and fought their battles despite restrictions and limitations. They are the shining beacons of hope and have displayed exemplary dedication in their respective fields. I have studied few characters of Ramayana who teaches us the importance of commitment, ethical values, principles of life, dedication & devotion in relationship and most importantly making us believe in women power. Keywords: ramayana, seeta, Indian mythological epic, manthara, kaikeyi, urmila, women power, philosophical life, mandodari, rama, ravana, shabari, surpanakha Introduction Scope for Further Research The great epic written by Valmiki is one epic, which has Definitely there is a vast scope over the study for modern day mentioned those things about women that make them great.
    [Show full text]
  • M. Witzel Report on the Atirātra Ritual Held in Kerala in April 2011 Due to Generous Support from SAI, in April 2011 a Group Of
    M. Witzel Report on the Atirātra ritual held in Kerala in April 2011 Due to generous support from SAI, in April 2011 a group of Harvard graduate students and I had the chance to attend a two-week 3000-year old Indian ritual, the Atirātra Agnicayana, held at Panjal in Kerala for the first time since 1975. This ritual is carried out very rarely: the last ones were performed in 1901, 1956, and in 1975, which I could not attend at the time. Therefore I was especially glad that I was able to attend this year’s performance, along with our graduate students. It was for them, just as for me, a unique chance to observe and record, at great length, this complex ritual that has been performed in its ancient form since about 1000 B.C.E. In preparation for our attendance we had studied the relevant texts that are available in print. The 12 days of ritual are summed up in the Baudhāyana Śrauta Sūtra (c. 500 BCE). It records minutely all the steps that have to be undertaken in its performance. This involves 17 priests, who have to be specially trained for this it long ritual. However, they are specialists in the recitation of Vedic texts that they have learned in family based special schools since their childhood. They therefore know the texts by heart, including the very intricate way of singing a large number of Vedic melodies (Sāman). When we arrived just before the ritual began, the offering ground in a large rice field had been well prepared, tents and sheds had been erected for the visitors, but especially so for the actual performance of the ritual.
    [Show full text]