In the forest, Bhagwan Sri Ram led a modest ascetic life. He built a hut for three people wherever he went. He used to sleep on the ground, eat tubers and roots every day, and practice sadhana every day. He dressed in his own clothing. He protected everyone in the forests with his bow and arrow against demons and deadly beasts. During this period, he protected all of the saints’ ashrams from the dread of barbarians. After releasing Atri from the demons, Bhagwan Sri Ram moved to the Dandakaranya district, which was populated primarily by tribals. Bhagwan Sri Ram stayed among the tribals for ten years after liberating them from Banasur’s tyranny. Apart from the forest dwellers and tribals, he also educated the Nishad, Vanar, Matang, and other groups about dharma, karma, and the Vedas.
Bhagwan Sri Ram, adored by tribals and forest inhabitants – Bhagwan Ram spent 14 years in exile. He lived in the wilderness for 12 of those years. Devi Sita was kidnapped at the end of his 12th year, thus he spent the following two years looking for her, assembling the “Vanar Sena,” and fighting Ravana. During 14 years, he accomplished much, and sri Ram culture and Dharma can still be observed in our country and around the world. Bhagwan Sri Ram, adored by tribals and forest inhabitants.
While living in the forest, he taught the forest dwellers and tribals how to create bows and arrows, how to wear clothes on their bodies, how to live in caves, and how to perform their rituals by following the Dharma path. He also instilled in the tribals the concept of family and taught them to respect one another. Because of him, tribals in our country are no longer tribes but communities. He is responsible for the resemblance in tribal customs and traditions across the land. During his 14-year exile, Bhagwan Sri Ram was the first to work on uniting all of Bharat’s castes and sects. By constructing one Bharat, he and all the Bharatiyas formed a united Bharat. Even today, Sri Ram can be found in the folk culture and texts of Bharatiya states such as Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, and Karnataka, etc as well as countries such as Nepal, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Bali, Java, Sumatra, and Thailand.
Even while residing in Chitrakoot, he imparted Dharma and karma teachings to all segments of society. Lord Ram traveled across Bharat, spreading the message of truth, love, dignity, and service to the Bharatiya tribals, tribes, hill; as a result, when Bhagwan Ram fought Ravana, all castes followed and stood behind Bhagwan Ram.
The Shambuka narrative is nonsensical and out of context. It is lacking in clarity and authenticity.
To begin with, there are almost 300 different versions of the Ramayana. Valimiki Rishi, who happens to be a Dalit, wrote the original and authentic Ramayana. Shambuka is not mentioned in the Valmiki Ramayana. Why could the Dalit Valmiki Rishi laud Bhagwan Ram as the ONLY ideal man (Maryada Purushottam) on the planet if he was a castiest? And he makes it plain that Bhagwan Ram does not discriminate. Bhagwan Ram was a Sanatan Dharmi; how could he make a distinction?
Also, the story of killing Shambuka is NOT mentioned in Srimad Bhagavatam, which again an authentic Purana. Even in the retelling of Ramayana in Mahabharata, Vanaparva, there is no mention of this incident.
Valmiki Ramayan also references Mata Sabari, who was born Shudra but was regarded as one of the most esteemed Tapasvi. If Shudra were not permitted to perform penance at Tretayug, why was Maa Sabari permitted?
Valmiki Ramayan is history of Bhagwan Ram. Most of other versions of Ramayan are exaggerated, myth-added, unbelievable and art of fiction. Bhagwan Ram is a fact for historians. Since people worship him, lot of myths and legends added to his story.
Yes, the Shambuka narrative exists in the Adhyatma Ramayana’s Uttara Kanda (Sarga 74-78), not the original Valmiki Ramayan. Uttara Kanda is not genuine. According to historians, the story of Shambuka was introduced to the Ramayana sometime after the fifth century AD. Uttar Kanda’s substance, vocabulary, and syntax are inconsistent with the Ramayana. This khand has some dubious and polished content that contradicts the original Ramayan.
Shambuka was not even a shudra, according to some Ramayan interpretations. Jambha was the name of an Asura. He was as pompous as his name suggested. Tapasya was done with the purpose of pleasing Parvathi, Bhagwan Shiva’s wife. So, isn’t it appropriate to kill Shambuka?
According to Sage Narada’s evidence, Bhagwan Ram is noble, unbiased, and compassionate toward everyone.
Varna system and not Caste system
The truth is that there was no caste system in the Vedic period. Only the Varna system, which has nothing to do with today’s social caste structure, was in use. When Mughals and Britishers attacked peace-loving Bharatiyas and fostered insecurity among them, the caste system was established. A few illiterate priests spliced verses promoting the caste system into texts such as the Ramayana. These interpolations were carried out with vested interests in mind.
Sri Ram ate at the homes of many Shudras. He considers Nishad Raj to be a friend and ally. Sri Ram provides Bhakti Gyan to Maa Sabari (Navadha Bhakti) in Ram Charitmanas, Kewat compares his profession to Sri Ram’s profession, and all these lovely anecdotes prove that Bhagwan Ram did not discriminate.
According to the Yajurved, Shudra is a man who is brave, hardworking, loyal, and who accomplishes the most difficult task.
Bhagavad Geeta (14.3) states
chātur-varṇyaṁ mayā sṛiṣhṭaṁ guṇa-karma-vibhāgaśhaḥ
tasya kartāram api māṁ viddhyakartāram avyayam
Guna (talent) and Karma (action) define all Varnas. It is not inherited. I could go on and on about all the great people who were Shudra by birth but rose through the ranks to become Kshatriya or Brahman via hard work. Rishi Yagyawalk said unequivocally in King Janak’s Sabha that a Brahman is determined by his work, not by his birth. The same is true for everyone else.
Haters are misinterpreting the worldwide outpouring of devotion and affection for Bhagwan Sri Ram. Their animosity can be evident in the false narratives they are fabricating to defame Bhagwan Sri Ram. They must be convinced that worldwide faith is rising and will rise enormously beginning on January 22, 2024.
