Like Mahabharat and Gita, Ramayana is one of those greatest epics that imparts knowledge on way of life and India has been aspired to bring back the glory of Rama Rajya. The Ramayana that revolves round the legendary story of Lord Ram and his queen consort Sita has an unfathomable fanfare and this was witnessed with the Ramayana re-telecasts during the lockdown that broke all the records.
Though, the story of Ramayana is known, there are still a lesser known, yet interesting facts related to this epic fare.
Some of the lesser known, yet interesting facts related to Ramayana are:
1.Versions of Ramayana:
Did you know besides the original Valmiki Ramayana, there are nearly 300 various versions of Ramayana existing round the globe. Well yes! With time and cultural exchange, Ramayana has spread to various other Asian nations such as Reamker [Cambodia], Ramakavaca [Indonesia], Janakiharan[Sri Lanka], Darangen [Philippines], Ramakien [Thailand], Truyen Da Xoa Vuong [Vietnam] etc. And these versions are far more different to the original.
Paumachariya, written by Vimalsuri, is the Jain Version of Ramayana presents a very rational view of the epic with completely different elements.
2.The original version of Ramayana does not project Ram as the God:
image credit: Epic channel India
If you ever read Valmiki Ramayana, Sage Valmiki never projected Ram as Godly figure. Infact it projects “Sita” as the main protagonist. Before naming it as Ramayana it was named “Sitayas charitam Mahat i.e., the story being central to Sita.
It was later named Ramayana to make people idealize a person who sticks to Dharma despite all adversities.
It is known to us all that Lakshman, during his 14 years of exile with Ram and Sita did not sleep. The reason is this: It is mentioned that Ravana’s son Meghnad [Indrajit] had a boon that he could not be killed by none other than a person
Who conquered his sleep[ gudakesha].This qualified Lakshman to kill Indrajit in the war.
4.Sita lifted Shiva Dhanush in her childhood that led to Swayam Var with a vow:
image source: Pinterest
well, in many series or even the epic, there is not much mention of Sita’s childhood, but according to Valmiki Ramayana, it mentions where in Sita is mentioned lifting the Shiva’s bow as a child. Seeing this made Lord Janak host a Swayam Var with a vow of breaking that bow in order to match her.
5. Ravan and his 7 sons:
Most of us remember Meghnad for his valor and power. But, did you know he had 6 other siblings. Well, Ravan had 6 other sons named Atikaya, Akshaya Kumara, Nirantaka, Devantaka, Prahasta and Trishira.
Meghnad, Prahasta and Atikaya were killed by Lakshman, while Lord Hanuman killed Devantaka and Akshay Kumar and Sugriva, the Vanaraj slayed Narantaka.
6.The first letter that comes after every 1000 verses of Ramayana frames Gayatri Mantra:
source: Pinterest
Gayatri mantra is the most powerful mantras known. But, did you know, the Gayatri Mantra is formed by the first letter that comes after every 1000 verses of Ramayana. Thus, Gayatri Mantra also frames the essence of Ramayana.
7. Shanta, the Ram’s Sister:
We always read King Dashrath had 4 sons Ram, Lakshman, Bharat and Shatrughna. But, mention of their sister is something that hasn’t happened. Well, Rama had a sister named Shanta whose mother happens to be Koushalya, who is the mother of Ram too.
The story is that Rompad’s King and Queen once visited Ayodhya. They were childless,upon knowing the fact, King Dashrath gives his then only daughter to them.
8.Raja Janak isn’t the real father of Sita:
Yes, it is true. The King of Mithila and his wife aren’t the biological parents to Sita. According to the story, Sita is a gift as a part of worship King Janak performed to Bhomi Devi.
In the Jain version of Ramayana by sanghadasa, the Adbhuta Ramayana, Sita is called Vasudevahindi and is said to have been born as the daughter of Ravana and Vidyadhara Maya (Ravana’s wife). It also claims that astrologers predict that first child of the duo will destroy his lineage. The child is then abandoned and found by Janaka.
9.Lord Rama’s Death penalty to his much loved brother Lakshman:
All of us know how much Ram loved his devoted brother Lakshman more than himself. Then why did Lord Ram give him a death penalty? Well, according to the story, after being coronated, one day Yamraj comes to visit Ram. But, before he begins his discussion, he takes a promise from Ram so as none interrupt their discussion else, shall give them a death penalty.
Lakshman was asked to guard so that none disrupts his conversation with Yamraj. Rishi Durvasa happened to arrive and appeals Lakshman to inform the same to Lord Ram, to which Lakshman denies. Angered, Durvasa states to curse the entire Ayodhya and forces Lakshman to interrupt the conversation.
Knowing the situation, Ram is in dilemma as to what to do. He remembers his guru, Sage Vasishta who upon asking suggests Ram to leave Lakshman as it will be equivalent as of death penalty. Hearing this Lakshman was petrified and decided to embrace death rather than separating from his brother.
10.Ravana Gita:
We have heard of Srimadh Bhagavad-Gita, Ashtavakra Gita, Uddhava Gita and Guru Gita, but there is also a Gita by name Ravana Gita (the song of Ravana). Ravana was an avid scholar and had tremendous knowledge. In this Ravana Gita, Ravan teaches sermons to Lakshman, who later upon hearing it completely summons Lord Ram to visit Ravan.
From a story in Adhyatm Ramayana is said that when Lord Ram meets Ravan, Ravan’s soul merges with Ram.
Well, this is all for this time. See you next time with more on the spiritual end!