Kristen Finlayson

Lord Rama is considered to be the 7th avtar of Vishnu (the protector). Lord Rama is considered to be a very important king in Hindu mythology as he is the central character of the Hindu epic, Ramayana. He embodies courage, kindness and dharma. He was born to King Dasaratha and Queen Kausalya in the kingdom of Ayodhya. Hindus believed that Lord Rama took birth in Suryavansha in Treta Yuga, the second epoch.

Bharata, Lakshmana and Shatrughna are siblings of Rama - all four of them born, after the King Dasaratha conducted the Putrakameshti Yaga. Goddess Sita - a perfect woman, who is considered to be Goddess Lakshmi's incarnation, is Lord Rama's wife.

The Reason Behind Rama's Birth.

According to Hindu mythology, Bhumidevi visits Brahma asking to help her, so that the demon kings' rule on earth can be stopped. Her resources were being destroyed by those demon kings. The cruel and strong king Raavana, who had already captured Earth and Paatala, gained control over Heaven and gods were hurt by him. Raavana's main strength was from the many boons he received from saints, in addition to the 10 heads. He received a boon saying that, a man only can put an end to his life and his haughtiness made him believe that there is no such man in the universe capable of killing him. Brahma with mother Earth and devas approached Vishnu, in order to find an answer to their problem.

Vishnu takes the decision of releasing the universe from all the evil forces and decides to kill Raavana. Vishnu re-incarnates as Prince Rama in Ayodhya. It is as Sita (daughter to Janaka of Mithila) that Goddess Lakshmi takes birth to accompany Vishnu. Vishnu reveals his real identity only after Rama kills Raavana and ends the combat.

Importance of Dharma in Rama's Life.

Maryada Purushottama, is what devotees refer to him as. People mean that he is just, kind and righteous. Rama's life is an example of a dharmic life. He upholds his principles all throughout his life, although, he had so several problems in life. He is the perfect man. In order to follow his father's orders, he resides in jungle for 14 years along with his brother and wife, leaving Kosala kingdom.

He asks his dutiful wife Sita to take Agnipariksha, to prove that she can be the queen of Ayodhya. This is an example of Rama's ideal behaviour. Rama welcomes Sita only after it is proved that Sita is pure. Ayodhya prospered when Rama took control over the kingdom. People became very happy with their righteous king.