Rameshwaram - Tracing the footsteps of SriRama in pursuit of Sita

Kodanda Rama Temple

In tracing the footsteps of SriRama in pursuit of reclaiming his wife from Ravana, many a thought crosses my mind. In modern times, assisted with technology and google at your finger tips armed with a series of question to ponder I wonder: If Ravana had the technology to fly, why was not a sailing option available to Rama? It would have been easier to build ships than build bridges but maybe it was affordability! If all of this ordeal was to rescue Sita, why was there an agnipariksha? If Rama was eka Patnivrita, then why was Sita abandoned in the forest? Did SriRama find popularity in his times by being a man of his words? If so, why was he questioned on his personal choices and decisions. Why is there no mention of the Vansh of Rama? How did the lineage after Luv and Kush disappear into oblivion? Why does Ayodhya the place find more importance than the actual descendants? Why does Rama seek knowledge from Ravana at his death bed, could it be because Ravana was the father of Sita (according to some versions of Jain Ramayana)? Rama considers having killed Ravana as a Sin, if victory of Good over Evil is the binding force of civilization, then why would Ram consider it a Sin. Finding a suitable explaination, I see Rama as an ordinary human (discounting his Godly status from mythology) gives us more reasons to be forgiving and understanding. When grandeur of bygone times fades, Mythology is questioned with new vigor!

Pamban Bridge

SriRama, considered as Maryada Purushotam(meaning the best among the gentleMen) also has not been alien to criticisms today. SriRama in pursuit of Sita went through extreme hardship to  Srilanka the kingdom of the Asura King Ravana. Rama who was on exile during the time was forced to build an army fit to challenge the mighty Asura Ravana. In Kishkinda, located in Hampi-Karnataka, SriRama meets his paramabhakt Hanuman who is a general in the Monkey king Sugreeva’s army. By fighting Vali and helping Sugreeva, Rama attains a part of the required manpower. With the assistance of Hanuman, the location whereabouts of Sita are clear and the allied forces march ahead in that direction at Rameshwaram, Rama is confronted with the problem of crossing over the sea to reach Srilanka. Rama seeks the blessings of the all powerful Siva by making a lingam made of sand at Rameshwaram and meditates to arrive at the decision of building a Sethu (bridge). The monkey forces are keen and work relentlessly to create the Rama Sethu to cross over to Srilanka.

Lakshmana Theertham

The war that follows sees a lot of casualties and miracles, like the incident where the Sanjeevani Booti is brought from the Himalayas to help Lakshmana recover from fatal injuries during war. The war sees personalities like Kumbhakarna and Indrajit bite the dust. Finally Ravana too is killed, there is an interesting incident where Rama tells Lakshmana to go to Ravana, who is dying and get knowledge from his experiences. Lakshmana goes to Ravana and asks him to share his knowledge however Ravana refuses to do so. When Rama goes to him and asks him the same Ravana Tells him that Lakshmana had approached him at the side of his head, while Rama approached him at his feet like a Student and therefore he will tell him the lessons he learned. In some versions of Jain Ramayana, Sita was considered to be the daughter of Ravana and Mandodari and was  abandoned at birth because the stars predicted that she would bring doom to her father. After the war, when Sita returned along with Ram, in Rameshwaram there are a lot of Theerthas that Ram Took dips in to absolve him of the sins of killing Ravana a learned Scholar and a Brahmin.

Jata theertham

Once Rama , Sita and Lakshmana return with the Army to the Indian Shores, they involve in a series of Baths to absolve themselves of the Sin of killing Maharathas(bravemen). A series of theerthas exist in Rameshwaram that claim their existence to these acts of purification. Vilundi Theertham is a well where Rama Shot an arrow to the seashore and a well of sweet tasting water came for Sita to quench her thirst. Jata Theertham, where they washed their hair. Rama Theertham where Rama did puja to absolve him of the sin of killing Ravana. Lakshmana Theertham, where Lakshmana purified himself by dipping into the waters and praying to be absolved to sins. To conclude, As humans we should be responsible for our actions and decisions, each karma has positive or negative impact, which should be recognized and dealt with accordingly. The changes we make has implications that calls for action. The choices made can either elevate or destroy. Rama wanted to implement an ideal Rajya, where the king was seen as fair, just and approachable. In the bargain to satisfy the critics Rama was forced to make a decision to abandon his wife Sita. Time is testimony to all that happens, it elevated Rama’s status to God and gave him a mythological status. However it robbed him of his family and gave the world room for debate. There is no ideal status in the world. Today’s rights may not remain so tomorrow. Time erases all and begins new. The law of nature is to change and the nature of man is to question. As we learn more the flat world turns round and the galaxies elliptical. News replaces Myths. And life continues when time watches on.