Hindu Society of North Carolina

Author(s): Hindu Society of North Carolina
Publisher: Hindu Society of North Carolina

Page 35

33 Page
This ideal of Sita can change the life in many homes today.
RAM SITA LAKSHMAN राम सीता लक्ष्मण
Lord Rama is one of the ten avatars (incarnation) of Lord Vishnu. He was born in Treta yuga as son of King Dashratha of Ayodhya. He was the eldest son of King Dashratha. His younger brothers were Bharat, Shatrughna and Lakshmana. Lord Rama is hero of famous epics Ramayana written by Maharshi Valmiki, and Ramacharit Manasa written by Tulsida. Ram and his wife Sita together represent ideal man and woman whose characters are worth emulating.
Lakshman was the devoted younger brother of Rama. He is considered to be Avatar of Shesh Nag, the big serpent god who supports earth on his head. Lakshman plays the role of an ideal brother when he accompanies Rama and Sita to forest. He leaves behind his wife and leads the chaste life of a yogi for 14 years even without sleep. His dedication to the service of Rama and Sita is unparalleled in the history of mankind.
Rama, Sita and Lakshman along with Hanuman are one of the most popular combination of deities ruling the hearts of millions of Hindus.
Rama is the ideal of social and domestic virtues, the epitome of gentleness, goodness and valor, of heroism tempered with humility and prowess combined with mildness. He is a lion in war and a lamb in peace. He was the ideal loving husband who wept torrents at his separation from Sita but in case of conflicts between his duties as a husband and a king, he chose the latter for the greater good.
He is often referred to as Maryada Purshottam, best amongst the men and acting within the human limits. He never used his godly powers though he was an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This is in contrast with the character of Lord Krishna who is known to have manifested his superhuman powers on many occasions. Rama was an ideal man, son, brother, and king. He gladly relinquished the kingdom of Ayodhya and accepted to live in forest for 14 years to keep the words of his father. When Lakshman was hit by Shakti in the battle with Ravana and was lying unconscious, Rama as an affectionate brother cried like a human being showing all the emotions.
Sita was daughter of King Janak of Mithila. She was an incarnation of goddess Lakshmi. She is depicted as ideal woman, wife and mother. When Rama decides to go to forest to keep the words of his father she decides to accompany him. Everyone including Rama himself tries to dissuade her from going but she stands firm in her resolve. She says that a wife's place is always with the husband in good as well as bad times. Husband and wife must share good and bad things in life and be together.
HINDU SOCIETY OF NORTH CAROLINA CELEBERATION AND APPRICIATION (1976-2006)
December 2006