Maryada Purushottam Bhagwan Ram: A Symbol of Social Harmony and Equality
Tek Narayan Upadhyay
Bhagwan Ram is entrenched in our hearts. Whenever we undertake any work, we look upon to Lord Ram for inspiration. Look at the phenomenal powers of Bhagwan Ram. Buildings collapsed, every attempt was made to erase the existence … but Lord Rama is fully embedded in our hearts. Lord Ram is the foundation of our culture; he is the dignity of India and the whole universe. Ram is everywhere, within everyone and belongs to all. Ramcharitmanas says love everyone because lord Ram exist in every being. In the heart of Lord Rama’s life story lies a profound message of social harmony, a guiding light for not just the Indian society but for the global community. His life, characterized by decorum, compassion, and unity, makes him an exemplary figure for people worldwide.
Bhagwan Ram’s Vanvas Life and Social Harmony
The entire life of Lord Rama during his exile in the forest serves as an admirable path of social harmony. With each step, he embraced the last person in society, bridging gaps between the young and old, high and low castes. His behavior towards different sections of society is evident in the episodes of his encounters with Kewat and Shabari.
Kewat, the boatman, and Shabari, a devotee from a lower caste, received Lord Rama’s warm embrace, showcasing his unbiased love for all. The significance of Lord Rama’s teachings is highlighted in his interactions with these individuals, emphasizing that societal distinctions hold no weight in the face of true devotion.
Lord Ram’s Dialogue with Shabari
In the poignant dialogue with Shabari, who offered wild fruits and tubers with profound devotion, Lord Rama exemplifies the essence of social harmony. Shabari, expressing her unworthiness due to her low birth, receives reassurance from Lord Rama. He articulates that devotion transcends gender, caste, name, and social status, emphasizing that the sentiment of devotion is the only significant factor.
The Encounter with Kewat
The story of Kewat, the boatman, further accentuates Lord Rama’s commitment to social equality. Despite being a prince born into the warrior class, Lord Rama warmly embraced Kevat, illustrating that societal distinctions hold no significance in the eyes of true devotion.
Teachings of Equality
The teachings of Lord Rama resonate with messages of equality and compassion. His acceptance of offerings from Shabari, his embrace of social outcasts, and his friendship with Kevat underline the essence that devotion is the key, not gender, caste, or social status.
Lord Rama’s Message of Unity
Lord Rama’s interactions with diverse individuals, irrespective of their societal status, convey a powerful message of unity. His teachings echo the timeless wisdom that, despite external differences, all beings share a common essence within. This message is beautifully exemplified in his embrace of social harmony during the forest exile.
In conclusion, Lord Rama’s life serves as a timeless beacon of social harmony and equality. His actions and teachings inspire individuals to look beyond societal divisions, fostering a sense of unity and compassion. As we reflect on the stories of Shabari and Kevat, we realize that Lord Rama’s legacy extends beyond boundaries, making him an ideal not just for India but for the entire world. The lessons from Lord Rama’s life continue to guide humanity towards a path of righteousness, harmony, and universal love.
(Writer is the Priest, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi)
