The recent polemic over the existential veracity of Ram Sethu generated heretical vim and vigour in chiding Lord Ram'sintegrity and casting aspersions on His omniscience. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions that form the pedestal upon which the so-called ?progressive Hindu heathenry defile the scion of Raghu clan. To begin with, Lord Ram is accused of employing the tactics of treachery and deceit in slaying Bali. Lord Ram killed Bali by evading direct confrontation. If Bali, an ardent devotee of Lord Ram, was aware of the fact that the latter had an intention to eliminate the former, Bali would have, with absolute humility surrendered himself to the Lord. The character of the divine is not to snuff, but shield the acquiesced. Fulfilment of pledge given to Sugreev was also a factor of paramount import. This being the reason, Ram shot Bali from behind.
Sita, the wife of Lord Ram, is revered as an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi, who, in turn, is deified as the mother of the universe, is believed to be an embodiment of Shakti or supreme prowess. There arises a question as to why a sublime supernatural being manifesting as Sita succumb to a subordinate evil force apparent in Ravana. Was Goddess Lakshmi incapable of overpowering Ravana? The Mahabharatha Tatparya Nirnaya written by Sri Madhwacharya has the answers. According to this text, Ravana succeeds in abducting a sentient effigy of Sita, and not Sita herself. This figurine had in it the admittance of Devendra, thereby sourcing its animism. As a result, Ravana emerged successful in taking the live statuette of Sita hostage. It was this mannequin which was subjected to agnipariksha to validate its fidelity or otherwise.
Lord Ram'squest in search of a deer incognito was not an act of modesty towards fulfilling his wife'sdesires, as any other man would be butted against, but a pursuit of demon incarnate by name Maareecha, masquerading in that form. The term Sugreevagnya or the dictat of Sugreev had its origin during the times of Ramayana. It is indicative of a stringency with which the directions imparted were to be complied with. A similitude can be traced in the issuance of present day government orders.
Yuddha Kaanda of Ramayana is explicit in quoting the spiritual significance of Ram Sethu. The construction of bridge across the sea serves two fold objectives. Firstly, it'san exclusive icon of Lord Ram'somnipotence. Secondly, the very glimpse of it serves as an antidote for sins of terrestrial mortals. Some question the rationale behind the numbers of enlisted legionary stationed in Lanka, by terming it as an exaggeration. To the contrary, they were realistic estimates. The mammoth sized malevolent forces of Ravana had the benediction of Lord Brahma to reside in miniscule, nay invisible forms and sprout, when circumstances compelled. The aforesaid instances are inclusive and not exhaustive. They purport to convey that popular beliefs and practices are grounded on a firm footing of theological realism which, unfortunately, stands fabricated as a myth besides being vulnerable to agnostic disparagement. The ancient Indian history is more a mystery than a myth. A stern refusal to possess faith in the fact that mysticism associated with Sanatana Dharma predates scientific discoveries and inventions of all the other world civilisations is the root cause for negating the priceless inheritances of our motherland.
(The author can be contacted at Vrj_kr@yahoo.co.in)
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