| Lord Rama is one of the ten avatars (incarnation) of Lord Vishnu.
He was born in Treta yuga as son of King Dashratha of Ayodhya. He
was the eldest son of King Dashratha. His younger brothers were
Bharat, Shatrughfla and Lakshmana. Lord Rama is hero of famous epics
Ramayafla written by Maharshi Valmiki, and Ramacharit Manasa written
by Tulsidas. Rama and his wife Sita together represent ideal man
and woman whose characters are worth emulating.
Rama is the ideal of social and domestic virtues, the epitome
of gentleness, goodness and valor, of heroism tempered with humility
and prowess combined with mildness. He is a lion in war and a
lamb in peace. He was the ideal loving husband who wept torrents
at his separation from Sita but in case of conflicts between his
duties as a husband and a king, he chose the latter for the greater
good.
He is often referred to as Maryada Purshot tam, best amongst
the men and acting within the human limits. He never used his
godly powers though he was an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. This
is in contrast with the character of Lord Krishna who is known
to have manifested his superhuman powers on many occasions. Rama
was an ideal man, son, brother, and king. He gladly relinquished
the kingdom of Ayodhya and accepted to live in forest for 14 years
to keep the words of his father. When Lakshman was hit by Shakti
in the battle with Ravana and was lying unconscious, Rama as an
affectionate brother cried like a human being showing all the
emotions.
Sita was daughter of King Janak of Mithila. She was an incarnation
of goddess Lakshmi. She is depicted as ideal woman, wife and mother.
When Rama decides to go to forest to keep the words of his father
she decides to accompany him. Everyone including Raina himself
tries to dissuade her from going but she stands firm in her resolve.
She says that a wife's place is always with the husband in good
as well as bad times. Husband and wife must share good and bad
things in life and be together. This ideal of Sita can change
the life in many homes today.
Lakshmafl was the devoted younger brother of Raina. He is considered
to be Avatar of Shesh Nag, the big serpent god who supports earth
on his head. Lakshman plays the role of an ideal brother when
he accompanies Rama and Sita to forest. He leaves behind his wife
and leads the chaste life of a yogi for 14 years even without
sleep. His dedication to the service of Rama and Sita is unparalleled
in the history of mankind.
Rama, Sita and Lakshmafl along with Hanumafl are one of the most
popular combination of deities ruling the hearts of millions of
Hindus.
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