The Ramayana 1.Bala Kandam  History of Valmiki

The Ramayana is one of the two legendary epics of India and is widely admired by people all over the world. The author of this great epic is Sage Valmiki, who is a North Indian. He wrote the Ramayana in a northern language and it has since been translated into various languages and spread to all parts of India. The Ramayana is not just an epic, but it also provides a glimpse into the geographical settings, governance systems, and governments that existed during that time. This is why many experts believe that it may be a historical account written in an epic style, which was popular during the 4th century BC.

Valmiki, the author of the Ramayana, was of North Indian Aryan descent. His ashram was located on the banks of the river Tamasa. One day, while he was bathing, he saw a pair of storks frolicking on the bank of the river. Suddenly, an arrow from nowhere struck the male stork and killed it. The female stork cried out in grief, and Valmiki was deeply affected by this incident. He turned to Vedan, who had shot the arrow, and exclaimed, "Heartless demon! What have you done? You will be restless for the rest of your life!" These words came out of his mouth in the form of a poem without his knowledge. Even after returning to the ashram, his agitation did not subside.

After a while, Brahma came to see Valmiki. When Valmiki stood bowing down to Brahma, Brahma said, "Valmiki, by my grace, you have acquired the ability to sing poetry. You have heard the story of Ramapirana before. Make it epic. They will remain epic as long as this world exists!" With the grace of Brahma, Valmiki composed the Ramayana.

Valmiki's background is also quite interesting. He was once a bandit who led a gang. The leader of the gang was known as Big Family, and many people lived around him because he was very good at looting. However, one day when he went out to loot alone, he met a sage who changed his life forever. The sage was carrying a tambura and chanting "Narayana, Narayana." When the bandit leader saw him, he trembled and asked, "Who are you to me?" The sage replied, "Take everything you have, but answer me one question first. For whom are you doing this robbery and murder?" The bandit leader thought about it and realized that the sage was right. He tied the sage to a tree and went back to his wife, children, friends, and close relatives to ask if they would share in his sins. They all said no, and the bandit leader returned to the sage to ask for guidance on how to get rid of his sins. From that day on, the bandit leader became a changed man and was known as Sage Valmiki.

In conclusion, Sage Valmiki was the author of the Ramayana, one of the two legendary epics of India. He was a North Indian who wrote the Ramayana in a northern language. The Ramayana is not just an epic but also provides a glimpse into the geographical settings, governance systems, and governments that existed during that time. Valmiki's background as a bandit who turned to a sage is also quite interesting, as it shows how one person's life can change for the better with guidance and wisdom.

The Ramayana, composed by Valmiki, is a story of the prince Rama and his quest to rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana. The story is set in ancient India and is filled with moral values, lessons, and teachings that are still relevant today. The Ramayana is not just a story of Rama and Sita, but it also teaches about the importance of devotion, duty, loyalty, and the power of good over evil.

One of the key themes of the Ramayana is the concept of dharma, which is the moral code that governs the actions of all living beings. Rama's actions throughout the story are guided by his sense of dharma, and his unwavering adherence to this moral code is one of the reasons why he is considered an ideal hero.

The Ramayana also teaches about the importance of family, friendship, and relationships. The bond between Rama and his brother Lakshmana is an example of the strong bond of brotherhood, and the love between Rama and Sita is an example of the purest form of love.

The Ramayana also provides insight into the social and political structures of ancient India. The story is set in the kingdom of Ayodhya, which is ruled by Rama's father King Dasaratha. The kingdom is portrayed as a prosperous and just society, where the king is just and the people are content. The story also highlights the role of women in ancient Indian society, as Sita is portrayed as a strong, independent, and intelligent woman who is not afraid to speak her mind.

In addition to its moral and cultural significance, the Ramayana has also had a significant impact on the arts. The Ramayana has been adapted into plays, films, television shows, and dance performances. The Ramlila, a series of plays that depict the story of Rama, is a popular tradition in many parts of India and is performed during the festival of Navaratri. The Ramayana has also been translated into various languages and has been widely read and studied around the world.

In conclusion, the Ramayana is a story that has stood the test of time and continues to be widely admired and studied. Composed by Sage Valmiki, it is a story of the prince Rama and his quest to rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana. The story is filled with moral values, lessons, and teachings that are still relevant today. The Ramayana has had a significant impact on the arts and continues to be an important cultural and literary work in India and around the world.