Dineshbhai’s views about Ramayana are praiseworthy. Ramayana is not a myth. A real ruler, Ram, existed. Ramayana began with King Dasrath mistakenly killing Shravan. But death of a bird while courting inspired Valmiki to create poetic version. Valmiki, Tulsidas and others added variety and gave six divergent versions of Ramayana, to suit credibility and contemporary social environment. In each version, certain aspects are stressed, eg humor, spirituality, role of Sita, Ravan, rapport between Ram and Hanuman, etc. .
But most of them depict Ram as God. Only Valmiki depicts Ram as a mere human being but with divine essence. Therefore when Ram weeps like mere mortal, he comes very near to devotees. Also when Ram is depicted as divine God incarnate, devotees indulge in hedonistic celebration and then return to original life style. Three rulers defeated Ravan and could have killed him. Each thought selfishly and freed him. But, Ram killed him for collective relief of neighboring rulers from tyranny of Ravan. This is essence of Ramayan that must be understood by all Indians before futile dreaming and drumming for Ram rajya. One Ram is not enough when surrounded Ravanas, who must be demolished to have Ram rajya.
Ramesh Jhalla
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