Rama is a revered prince in Hindu mythology, known for his commitment to dharma and as an incarnation of the god Vishnu. He marries Sita, who is kidnapped by the evil king Ravana, leading to a war in which Rama emerges victorious. Rama’s reign is considered an age of perfect happiness, and he is celebrated through festivals such as Diwali and Vijayadashami.
Rama is a prince in Hindu mythology and is the hero of the Hindu epic Ramayana. The character is revered as an exemplary Hindu and is a popular figure in the religion. He is remembered for his dedication to fulfilling his dharma, the spiritual obligation of his life.
Some believe that the hero of the Ramayana is an incarnation of the god Vishnu. Legends state that Vishnu promised to be born a man to defeat Ravana, the evil king of Lanka. His devoted wife, Lakshmi, takes human form as does Sita, who marries Rama before being kidnapped by Ravana.
In the Ramayana, Rama is the eldest son of King Dasaratha and heir to the throne. To win Sita’s hand, he attempts to string Shiva’s bow and accidentally breaks it, leading everyone to acknowledge his godlike powers. After the marriage, one of Dasaratha’s jealous wives tricks Dasaratha into banishing her heir for 14 years, during which time her son Bharata will reign. The noble prince accepts the situation, believing that he violates the dharma to break a promise or go against his father.
While in exile, Sita is kidnapped and her husband must wage war to get her back. By defeating Ravana in battle, the prince remains true to his dharma, offering Ravana a chance to apologize and simply return Sita. Ravana vehemently refuses and is finally killed in battle. Continuing to act on his dharma, Rama feels great compassion for his fallen enemy and orders him to be properly cremated according to custom.
After Ravana’s death, Sita is saved. Despite her protests that she remained honorable during her captivity, her husband forces Sita to undergo a trial by fire. Sita, though angry that her husband doesn’t trust her, passes through the fire unharmed, proving her loyalty. The prince apologizes, citing again that it is his dharma of him as ruler to set a correct example, even though he has never doubted his purity.
The pair return to the city victorious, and the prince is properly crowned king, his reign considered an age of perfect happiness. With the hero’s example of correct behavior and virtue, the whole country adheres to their dharma, and peace and prosperity rule the land.
Rama is revered for his commitment to dharma, even when easier propositions are offered. He is considered the ideal Hindu and is held up as an example of correct behavior. As an incarnation of a god, Rama is regarded as a deity in his own right, and devout pilgrims often trace the course of his travels across India.
Several festivals honor Rama including Diwali and Vijayadashami. Diwali, the festival of lights, is a five-day celebration in memory of Rama’s return to his hometown after exile and war. Fireworks and special light displays are characteristic of this Indian national holiday. The ten-day Vijayadashami festival celebrates the defeat of Ravana. Public readings and plays of the Ramayana are held, and effigies of Ravana are burned in memory of the triumph of good over evil.
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