The Hindu Article - Inspiring character in the epic

[Guest guest]

Date:03/12/2002 URL:

http://www.thehindu.com/2002/12/03/stories/2002120302000900.htm

-------------------------------

 

Miscellaneous - Religion

 

Inspiring character in the epic

 

CHENNAI DEC.3. The scriptural texts like the epics and the Puranas

are perused for different reasons. Some study them for their literary

value. As these works were composed by the sages for elucidating the

Vedic teachings lay people rely on them for guidance. Devotees also

turn to them as the episodes they relate about the glory of the Lord

in His incarnations especially serve to enhance devotion to Him.

Philosophers too benefit from these texts as the stories and

anecdotes are meant to explicate abstract concepts. The

Ramacharitamanasa of Goswami Tulasidasa, which is a rendering of the

Ramayana in Hindi, is one such scriptural text, which appeals to

every individual according to his understanding and disposition.

 

In his discourse, Swami Veetabhayananda said the Sundara Kanda among

the cantos of the epic enjoyed immense popularity due to its

inspiring central character, Hanuman, after whom it was named. The

reading of this canto is believed to fulfil human desires, both

material and spiritual. For the layperson Hanuman is synonymous with

success in all undertakings, as he accomplished the task of locating

Sita and instilling confidence in Her when She had almost given up

all hopes of Her rescue. The steadfastness with which he set about

accomplishing the task entrusted to him, his sagacity of mind and

devotion to the Divine couple, Rama and Sita, serve to make him a

good role model to emulate for one who wishes to achieve any goal in

life.

 

As Hanuman was instrumental in reuniting Rama and Sita the reading of

this canto is believed to confer the same benefit in human

relationships also. Even childless couples can derive emotional

satisfaction from the description of the Divine Mother, Sita,

adopting Hanuman as Her son. Moreover, Sita's prayer to Lord Rama to

get over Her distress is applicable to the human predicament as every

human being faces some sorrow or the other in his life. That it is

possible to ward off the designs of enemies by taking recourse to the

Sundara Kanda can be seen from how the conspiracies of Rama's enemies

were thwarted by Hanuman.

 

The study of how the bridge was built and the army crossed over to

Lanka successfully enables the reader to cross the ocean of mundane

existence without any difficulty. Vibhishana's surrender brings to

the fore the Lord's quality of compassion and forbearance. Even

rationalists can take a leaf out of Hanuman's book for his sterling

qualities of head and heart with which he surmounted every obstacle

he confronted.

 

© Copyright 2000 - 2002 The Hindu