Ramayana is one of the most popular epics in the world. It is deeply interwoven into the sociocultural history of India. With 24000 verses, which are divided into six sections (kandas), it is also one of the oldest and largest epics in the history of the world. Originally composed in Sanskrit, its original authorship is ascribed to Valmiki. However, there are many versions and adaptations of the epic. Since the earliest times until now, it has been rendered into multiple languages by numerous scholars from Hindu, Buddhist, Jain and Sikh traditions both in India and outside in countries such as Cambodia, Indonesia Thailand, China, Burma, and Malaysia.

Place in Hinduism

In Hinduism, the epic along with Mahabharata belongs to the genre of ancient history (Itihasa). Hindus believe that the events described in both the epics are historic and happened at some point in the history of the planet. The two epics also exerted great influence upon Hindu art, architecture, literature, dance and drama, apart from serving as major conduits for the dissemination of popular religious themes and moral percepts to the public.

Ramayana is not just a long and convoluted epic story. It contains many sub plots, and stories and stories within stories, which makes the narrative very complex. Its main story is explicit and does not require much effort to understand. It brings to the fore the major percepts of Hindu Dharma and appeals to the readers the importance of character and righteous conduct for the order and regularity of the world. At the same, one may discern in it hidden symbolism and implicit teaching.

Ramayana means

Etymologically, Ramayana is derived from the root word ram or rama, or simply ram (with the short vowel a). Ram is the reference to the hero of the epic, Rama, who is revered by Hindus as the incarnation of Vishnu and as God himself in a human form. Ram (with short vowel a) means to enjoy or to take delight. Ram or Rama means the enjoyer or the one who delights in the play of creation. It is a reference to the Self (Isvara) or God himself. Ayanam means going, moving, walking, etc.

Thus, Ramayan or Ramayanam means the journey of Rama or the wandering of Rama. Symbolically we may interpret it as the wandering (transmigration) of the soul in the field of Prakriti or in the mortal world. Rama also means a beautiful woman, a beloved or a wife. Thus, hidden within the original meaning of the epic is a reference to Sita, the wife of Rama. From this perspective, Ramayana is not just about Rama or his wandering in the wilderness. It also refers to the journey of Sita, the Mother Goddess, and her difficulties in the mortal world as a partner in Dharma to Rama.

Symbolism of the main story

The symbolic significance of Ramayana has been interpreted variously by various scholars. At the most basic level, the epic represents the vulnerabilities to which human beings are susceptible due to their weaknesses and impurities, and the conflict between good and evil forces which may arise from them. It portrays the deep connection between God and his devotees and the power of devotion. It also suggests how with virtue and righteousness and with the help of God mortal beings can surpass even gods in their ability to destroy evil.The epic Ramayana teaches many valuable lessons. It brings to the fore the vulnerability of human life and the message that even God is not free from suffering when he incarnates upon earth. We learn from it that in the midst of difficulties, human beings should not lose their moral imperative. They should follow the example of Rama and remain on the path of righteousness, without succumbing to evil temptations and without surrendering to evil powers. They should also learn from the example of Ravana that knowledge and power can become destructive if it is tainted by the impurities of ignorance, desires, egoism, and delusion.

The epic symbolizes the power of devotion in human life and the deep connection between God and his devotees. God incarnated upon earth as Rama to provide the humans with an ideal role model which they can follow to achieve liberation. The following is the symbolism of the main story of Ramayana. It is presumed that the readers are familiar with the main story of the epic. Hence, no attempt is being made to narrate the story or describe the characters.

–              Rama symbolizes the auspicious qualities and the Supreme Self. He descends into the mortal world (the body) in search of the individual Self (Sita), his devotee, from which he is separated in the beginning of creation.

–              Ravana symbolizes the ego with ten evil qualities, who defies God and asserts his individuality due to his tamasic and demonic nature.

–              The body represents Lanka, which is ruled by the ego (Ravana) who holds the embodied Self (Sita) in captivity because of delusion and demonic pride.

–              God (Rama) assembles the army of monkeys, represented by senses and other bodily parts which are by nature restless and fickle.

–              With the help of intelligence (Lakshmana), breath (Hanuman) and the restrained senses (army of devout monkeys), he builds a bridge (channel) across the ocean of consciousness (mind) to descend into the being and find the Self.

–              He destroys the ego (Ravana) and its army of evils and reconnects with the individual Self (Sita). Upon finding the individual Self, he subjects it to purification in the fire of austerities (tapah) just as Rama did to Sita, and removes all the impurities which accumulated around the Self during its captivity and bondage in the body.

–              Rama and Sita depart from Lanka (body) and ascend to the immortal heaven (Ayodha) through the ethereal plane or the mid-region (Puspak Vimanam), along with the whole army of monkeys and devotees (the divinities or the tattvas in the body).