World of Philosophy

Author(s): Christopher Key Chapple, Intaj Malek, Dilip Charan, Sunanda Shastri, Prashant Dave
Publisher: Shanti Prakashan

Page 159

Thunder of the Silence
- Dr. Sunanda Y. Shastri
Ramayana- the first and the oldest epic of India has many facets, which are continuously discussed by the scholars. Every character and every episode is seen through the different lenses of understanding. Ramayana is the building block of Indian culture. Ramayana is supposed to be the oldest epic of India. The period of Ramayana decided by the scholars is around 8000 years before the Christ. It is the story of Great War fought between Rama the prince of Ayodhya and the Demon king Ravana. Abduction of Princess Sita- Rama's wife by Ravana was the cause of this war. The story, though, includes many characters, its aim is focused. It revolves around Rama and Sita.
Rama is the hero of this epic and most highlighted character. Whole Ramayana is full of his heroic deeds and praises of his virtues. Sita's character is somewhat dissipated on this background. Though, there are strong elements in Sita's character that would shake the depths of human spirit.
Sita is different right from her birth. She was found while ploughing the field ( MERITI CON 7151 Hafa fasa i amicferni ai qahri HHC4514 | Balakanda (BK), 66.14). King Janaka says, 'I have brought up this daughter of mine (H1 q ata 1645). Janaka further declared that Sita cannot be given in the marriage like any common girl, but she can be married only to that person who pays the fee of valour. There were three other daughters in Janaka's house. But the condition of valour was demanded from the bridegroom only in the case of Sita. There is something very different about Sita, which is not yet surfaced.
Sita is married to Rama. Everyone knows the story how Kaikeyi plotted against Rama and exile was ordained for him. Rama tried to convince Sita to stay back in Ayodhya while he completed the days of exile. Sita was deeply in love with Rama. She was neither worried about the hardships of forest life, nor she cared for the amenities and luxuries of palace life. She argues with Rama and gets her wish. Sita is not quarrelsome, but knows how to convince others. Her resolution stands out on the background of her sister Urmila- Lakshmana's wife who does not argue with her husband decides to remain back. Rama finally agrees and allows Sita to accompany him in exile. Here, Sita proves that she is not submissive. She is fearless in spirit and in action. She is adventurous. She exerts her will as and when necessary. Her great love for Rama also is expressed here. When Rama tried to dissuade her from her resolve to accompany Rama, she retorted that, 'probably my father got a woman as son-in-law in the form of a man. If people say that Rama is valorous like the Sun, which is because of their ignorance for ace:
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