Lord Rama
राम · Maryada Purushottam · Raghunandan · Kodanda Rama · Sri Rama
Introduction
Lord Rama is the seventh avatar of Vishnu and is revered as Maryada Purushottam—the 'supreme among those who uphold righteousness.' Born as the prince of Ayodhya to King Dasharatha and Queen Kausalya, Rama lived a life so perfectly aligned with dharma that his very name became a mantra of liberation. The epic Ramayana, composed by Sage Valmiki and retold with devotional fervour by Tulsidas in the Ramcharitmanas, narrates how Rama embraced fourteen years of forest exile, defeated the ten-headed demon Ravana, and established Ram Rajya—a kingdom of justice, equality and spiritual harmony that remains the ideal of good governance.
Story & Origin
Rama's life is a masterclass in every ideal relationship. As a son, he accepted exile on the night before his coronation simply to honour his father's word given to a stepmother. As a brother, he inspired Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrughna to equal greatness—Bharata ruled Ayodhya for fourteen years with Rama's sandals on the throne. As a husband, he faced every trial alongside Sita with unwavering respect and never took another consort. As a king, he listened to the humblest citizen and acted even against his own happiness for the larger dharma.
The war with Ravana was not a clash of armies alone but of two worldviews—the ego that takes by force, and the self that protects by sacrifice. With his brother Lakshmana, the devoted Hanuman and the vanara army led by Sugriva, Rama built a bridge to Lanka, defeated Ravana in a cosmic duel, and restored Sita. But even then he did not rest in glory—on returning to Ayodhya he ruled for eleven thousand years, and his reign became the template for every just society. 'Ram Rajya' still means a realm of truth, freedom, prosperity and spiritual fulfilment.
To chant 'Sri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram' is considered one of the easiest and most effective mantras of the Kali Yuga. Devotees read the Sundarkand on Tuesdays, celebrate Rama Navami as his birthday, and welcome the return of Rama and Sita each year with the lamps of Diwali. His life shows that the highest spirituality is not withdrawal from the world but the courageous practice of dharma within it.
Sacred Mantras
The Tarak Mantra—the thirteen-syllable name-chant recommended in the Kali-Santarana Upanishad for liberation in this age.
A daily salutation invoking the protection, dignity and dharmic energy of Rama.
A classical six-fold salutation to Rama used to open Ramayana recitations.
Benefits of Worship
- ✦Blesses family unity and harmonious relationships
- ✦Grants the courage to stand for truth in difficult circumstances
- ✦Removes the effects of negative karma and evil influences
- ✦Supports leaders, administrators and those in public service
- ✦Calms the mind and brings peace at the hour of death (Ram-Nam)
