Ever Remember the Name of Rama

Thousands of years have passed since the advent of Tretayuga, yet even now everyone, right from children to elderly people, remember the name of Rama. The glory of Rama’s name is such that it has not diminished even a bit with the passage of time. This truth should be recognised by all. Rama is the name given to a form, but the name of Rama is not limited to a form. Atma is Rama, and its true name is Atmarama. Therefore, wherever and whenever you remember the name of Rama, Rama is there with you, in you, around you.

The Name of Rama Is Eternal

Embodiments of Love!

Rama is one, whether you identify him with the Atma or with the form installed in your heart. Every year comes the festival of Sriramanavami. But we have not so far understood its true significance. You identify Rama with a form. But Rama is not limited to any particular form. It is the name that is latent in your heart. Many changes and variations keep occurring in the world, but the name of Rama is immutable, eternal, unsullied and everlasting. Rama was not an ordinary individual. He was verily God who incarnated on earth for the welfare of mankind.

People call God by many names like Rama, Krishna, Eashwara and Mahadeva. They are all the names of one God. You should recognise the glory of this name. Sage Vashishta said, “Ramo Vigrahavan Dharma” (Rama is the personification of Dharma). Dharma itself incarnated in the form of Rama. You should follow Dharma. Which Dharma should you follow? Do not follow the Dharma associated with your mind. Follow the principle of Dharma which comes from your heart.

The Divinity of Sita

Sita became the consort of Rama who was the personification of Dharma. Wherefrom did Sita take birth? Sita was born out of the womb of the earth. When King Janaka was ploughing a field in the process of the performance of a Yajna, he found a box in it. When the box was opened, a small baby was found in it. Considering this as the boon of God, he took the baby home and brought it up with great care and affection. This baby was given the name Sita. Since she was the daughter of the King of Videha, she was also called Vaidehi. This name had great significance since it meant one who transcended the illusion caused by body attachment.

Once Sita was playing a game of ball with her companions in her house. There was a big box in the house of Janaka, which contained a huge bow. As her playmates were playing with the ball, the ball went under the box. It was not possible for anyone to move this box. Sita went there and put it aside with her left hand. Seeing that act of Sita, King Janaka decided that very day that Sita’s power should be made known to the world. Thereafter he organised a Yajna and made a declaration: “Whoever strings the bow of Lord Shiva, I will give my daughter Sita in marriage to him.”

Kings of many countries came there. All of them thought it was a great good fortune to marry Sita and to become the son-in-law of King Janaka. They came one after the other and tried to lift the bow, but all of them failed in their attempt. In that assembly, Rama and Lakshmana were also present, accompanied by Sage Vishwamitra. As per the direction of the sage, Rama went forward. Rama walked with great humility to the delight of one and all. His speech, His actions and His demeanor were full of sweetness. He went near the bow, lifted it with His left hand and bent it. It broke with a thundering sound. Everybody expressed their happiness with loud applause. People thought it would be very difficult to lift the bow; but what is difficult for Rama? His mere Sankalpa (will) could do any stupendous task. Vishwamitra went near Rama and said, “Rama, today You have demonstrated Your divine power. Certainly, it is not human power. It is indeed divine.”

Everyone praised Rama and started garlanding Him. Then King Janaka brought his daughter Sita. As she came, Rama did not even look in the direction from where she was coming. Why? He did not want to look at her without the command of His parents.

Sita’s Wedding

King Janaka conveyed the good news to King Dasharatha at Ayodhya. He requested all of them to come after deciding the muhurta (auspicious time) of the marriage. He said, “Your son has achieved success in the competition organised by me. Therefore, all of you are requested to come prepared to celebrate the marriage of Sita with Rama.”

Welcome to all for Rama’s wedding; 
together we shall witness the joyous scene. 
Many have gathered already,
 decked up in all their finery. 
With necklaces, the ladies are adorned 
of jewels pure and gleaming. 
Rama shall tie the knot today 
to beauteous Sita, oh what a fine match they make. 
(Telugu song)

The women of the kingdom came to participate in the wedding and joyfully sang the song:

Come let us go and see the marriage of Rama and Sita, 
The sight shall confer great merit. 
Blessed are those who see this scene. 
Oh, come one and all, watch with joy the sacred 
marriage. 
(Telugu song)

In this manner when the women came from one direction, men came from another direction singing joyfully, “Come, let us go and see the marriage.” Dasharatha along with his queens and his sons Bharata and Shatrughna and his ministers arrived in Mithila with great enthusiasm. It appeared as though the entire Ayodhya had come to Mithila. King Janaka extended a royal welcome to them with great honour.

The name of the second daughter of King Janaka was Urmila. His younger brother had two daughters, namely, Mandavi and Shrutakirti. It was decided to give Urmila to Lakshmana, Mandavi to Bharata and Shrutakirti to Shatrughna in marriage. Everyone was happy that all four pairs were going to be married at the same time.

When everyone was seated in their respective places, the marriage ceremony started. Sita, Urmila, Mandavi and Shrutakirti stood in front of Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrughna respectively. First, Sita put the garland around the neck of Rama. Thereafter, the other three brides garlanded their respective bridegrooms. All the people joyfully hailed the occasion.

The Glory of Rama

It is not possible to describe the Leelas and glories of Rama. After the marriage function, all left for Ayodhya. On the way, they heard a deafening sound. When they looked around to find out where the sound had come from, they were confronted by Parasurama in his fierce form. All of them were perturbed to think, “What is this great hurdle after the glorious celebration of the marriages?” Good and bad always follow each other. After experiencing great joy in Mithila, they were confronted with great difficulty on their way to Ayodhya. Dasharatha and others became fear-stricken. Parasurama came forward and asked, “Who has broken the bow?” “It is I who have done it,” said Rama.

“If that is so, let us see if you can break my bow,” saying so he gave his bow in the hands of Rama. Rama broke even that bow with His left hand. Seeing that, Parasurama offered his salutations to Lord Rama and went away. Experiencing the joy of victory, all of them returned to Ayodhya and participated in the festivities held in Ayodhya with great joy and enthusiasm. The people celebrated that function with great joy to propagate the power of Rama and the devotion of Sita to the world.

Rama’s Exile

Manthara became jealous to see all those festivities. You can find people like Manthara everywhere. Manthara became very angry when King Dasharatha decided to crown Rama instead of the son of Kaikeyi; she started poisoning the mind of Kaikeyi by fabricating many false stories against Rama. Hearing this evil talk of Manthara, the mind of Kaikeyi changed. Though a queen, she was influenced by the words of her servant and became responsible for the exile of Rama. Afterwards, she repented, realising it was the conspiracy of Manthara. In reality, Kaikeyi loved Rama very much. It was Kaikeyi who taught many things to Rama. Rama also loved Kaikeyi more than His mother Kausalya.

Manthara pleaded with Kaikeyi: “Mother, I am your servant. From your very birth, I have nursed you and brought you up. Kindly fulfil a desire of mine. King Dasharatha has decided to crown Rama. But as per the promise given to you earlier, he should crown Bharata. Rama should be sent on exile for fourteen years.”

Both Sita and Rama were ready for the coronation wearing yellow coloured silk clothes. All were waiting in the royal court to extend welcome to them. Meanwhile, Rama went to mother, Kausalya and said, “Oh mother! I am going to the forest. Kindly permit Me.” Then Kausalya asked, “Why my dear one, why do you want to go to the forest now, as this is the time of Your coronation.” Rama said, “Mother! It is the command of My Father that I should stay in exile in the forest for fourteen years; I have to uphold the promise made by My Father.” Saying so, he saluted His mother and went to meet Sumitra.

Sumitra’s Comforting Words to Kausalya

Sumitra was the second wife of Dasharatha. Prior to his marriage with Sumitra, Dasharatha sought the consent of Kausalya. Kausalya replied, “Our kingdom needs an heir, doesn’t it? Hence, you may marry a woman of your choice. I will also participate in the marriage.” Dasharatha was very happy and pleasantly surprised. Such women are also there in the world who go by the wishes of their husbands!

Sumitra was one of the great virtues. True to her name "Su-mitra" (good friend), she was the friend of all. She went to Kausalya and spoke words of great encouragement. “Dear elder sister, why should you worry? What do you think of Rama? He is Lord Narayana Himself. How does it matter to Him whether He is in Ayodhya, or in a forest? Wherever He is, He is always with us. For Rama, Ayodhya and Aranyam (forest) are one and the same.”

Kausalya was somewhat comforted to hear the words of Sumitra. Her mind also became peaceful. Sumitra added, “Dear elder sister, two sons were born to me, while both you and Kaikeyi gave birth to one son each. Do you know why? The reason is that both my sons will have the opportunity to serve their elder brothers; Lakshmana will serve Rama, and Bharata will be served by Shatrughna. Therefore, pay attention to my resolve. Lakshmana will go to the forest with Rama and will protect Rama as the eyelids protect the eyes. Therefore, do not have any fear.

Urmila’s Spirit Of Sacrifice

Before proceeding to the forest, Lakshmana went to meet his wife Urmila. She had not come to know that Rama, Lakshmana and Sita were going to the forest. Sitting in her room, she was absorbed in painting the scene of the coronation of Rama and Sita. At that time, Lakshmana went there and called “Urmila” to draw her attention. “Yes, Swami,” said she, getting up suddenly from her seat. As she got up, accidentally the paint spilled over the painting. Distressed at this happening, she exclaimed, “Oh! A beautifully painted picture is spoiled.” Then Lakshmana said, “Urmila, here, you are worrying that the picture is spoiled. There, Kaikeyi has spoiled the coronation of Sri Rama which could bring about immense good to others.”

Lakshmana then informed her that he was going to the forest with Rama. Frightened at the news of Rama going to the forest, she asked Lakshmana, “What do you mean by saying Rama is going to the forest? A few moments from now He is going to be crowned. Is it not so?” Then Lakshmana apprised her of all that had happened. As she was endowed with a great spirit of sacrifice, she was not at all perturbed by the thought of separation from her husband. Overjoyed at the thought of her husband getting the opportunity to serve Rama and Sita, she said to Lakshmana, “Sanctify your time by serving Rama and Sita. Very few have such a great fortune. Go happily.” Saying thus, she bade farewell to Lakshmana.

Cautioning about the dangers of the forest, Rama asked Sita, “Many fierce animals roam about in the forest and frightening sounds are also heard there. Can you bear all this without getting frightened?” Sita replied, “Where is the scope for any fear of animals when Rama, a lion in the human form, is there with me? You are Lord Narayana Himself. Therefore, I have nothing to fear.” In this manner, Sita, Rama and Lakshmana put at rest the fears of everyone and proceeded to the forest. In the forest, Lakshmana protected Rama and Sita with great care and engaged himself in their service.

After killing Ravana, when Rama returned to Ayodhya along with Sita, the people of Ayodhya welcomed them enthusiastically, hailing their return with great festivity saying, “Rama has come. Mother Sita has come. Ayodhya is shining in the effulgence of their glory. This is a great day for Ayodhya.” There were many great celebrations on their return to Ayodhya and the people were overjoyed to see Rama and Sita whom they revered as Lord Narayana and Lakshmi.

The Glory of Women of Bharat

Sita counselled Rama, “Transform this kingdom into a kingdom of joy where everybody can lead their life happily. Even today people in every village, every house and every hut of Bharat worship Rama. It is a common practice among the people of Bharat to name their children as Rama and Sita. There is no change in the name of Rama and Sita even after the passage of thousands of years. The glory of these names is eternal and immutable. There have been wars in many countries, but not in Bharat. People may fight with each other due to their personal differences, but no war was fought in this country. Not only that, there will never be any war in Bharat. It is Ramarajyam. It is the land of peace. It is the land of love.

This land of Bharat has given birth to many noblewomen like Savitri who brought her dead husband back to life; Chandramati who extinguished wildfire with the power of truth; Sita who proved her chastity by coming out of blazing fire unscathed and Damayanti who reduced an evil-minded hunter to ashes with the power of her chastity. This land of piety and nobility attained plenty and prosperity and became the teacher of all the nations of the world because of such women of chastity. (Telugu poem)

Such great women took birth in the land of Bharat. Therefore, every day in Bharat is a festival and an occasion for celebration. You know, when a man’s wife dies he immediately makes efforts to marry again. But the women of Bharat are not like that. Bharat is befittingly called the teacher of the world. In this sacred land, Lord Narayana incarnated and redeemed the life of the people by showing them His divine play and divine glory.

The Atmarama In All Is the Same

Every individual is the image of the Atma. The same truth was propounded by Krishna: Mamaivamsho Jeevaloke Jeevabhutah Sanatanah (the eternal Atma in all beings is a part of My Being). All of you are the embodiments of the Atma. You may be having different names, but the Atmarama in all of you is the same. Therefore, do not think Rama is somewhere else. Your heart itself is the temple of Rama. Therefore, constantly contemplate on Rama who is immanent in your heart. Rama is there with you, in you, around you not only in your waking state but also in the dream and deep sleep state also. He is eternally with you. Rama is not limited to a particular form. He assumes innumerable forms. Though the forms are many, the Divinity in them is one. Therefore, whomsoever you see, offer your salutations to him, considering him as the form of Rama. Now Swami is being extolled as Sai Rama and Sai Krishna as He embodies the same principles of Dharma (righteousness), Prema (love) and Shanti (peace) which Lord Rama and Lord Krishna had personified.

Rama is immanent in everyone; Eashwara is present in all; Rama is within you. In fact, you yourself are Rama. Establish this truth in your heart firmly and spend your time profitably. Then your life will be filled with everlasting bliss. Constantly recite the name of Rama.

Aeons have passed, yet the name of Rama has not been forgotten. Rama is not separate from you. You are not separate from Rama. You may call a person by his name, but it is Rama who is present in him. You may call Him Sai Rama, Sita Rama or Ayodhya Rama or any other name, but do remember Rama forever.

Sri Ramanavami, 27-3-2007, Prasanthi Nilayam.