Ramayana & Mahabharata as Hindu Epics -
Hinduism, one of the most popular religions of India followed by the largest percentage of Indian population, remains incomplete without discussing its two epics, namely, Ramayana and Mahabharata. These two epics are the most sacred scriptures of Hindus.
Ramayana is the life history of Lord Rama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Set up in Northern India, it is the story of birth, growing up, youth and achievements of Rama and his four brothers. Lord Rama's winning of his bride Sita, the daughter of Janak, after ordaining a severe test comes as point of sheer joy in the text. All his brothers get married to the cousins of Sita.
The happiness of Rama's marriage followed by his father's decision to make him the king of the mighty empire of Ayodhaya turns sour with the desires of Rama's step mother, Kaikaeyi. His Rajtilak is exchanged by an exile for 14 years. It is during this period that Rama looses his consort to Ravana, the demon king of Lanka, and then gets her back after a fierce fight with Ravana.
Portrayed as a man of honor, popularly referred to as 'Maryada Purushottam', Rama is shown as an obedient son, a dutiful brother, a judicial king and a loving son in the course of the book. He does not hesitate even in expelling his wife out of his house at a mere mention of her character by a washer man.
The astute devotion and unshakeable faith of Sita in her husband is also exemplary. Lakshmana and Bharata, the two brothers of Rama, also present rare examples of brotherly affection. Friendship is also presented in a novel way in these texts by portraying the friendship of Sugreeva, the monkey king, and Lord Rama.
It is Sugreeva who supports Rama to get Sita back by offering him all his force and subjects. Rama's victory over Ravana is the most glorious and significant moment of the text that signifies the victory of good over evil.
The other epic Mahabharata is set up in the ancient kingdom of the Kurus. Synonymous with a great war that took place on the plains of Kurukshetra, this epic is also a tussel between good and evil. Dating back to the 13th or 14th century BC, Mahabharata is a family drama that revolves around five Pandava and 100 Kauarava brothers.
Duryodhan, the eldest son of the blind king of Hastinapur, Dhritrashtra, was jealous of his cousin brother, Pandavas. Born by the inspiration of some mighty God, the Pandav brothers were known warriors. Entrapped in various conspiracies by their cousins, the Pandava brothers finally evolve out as heroes winning over Kauravas. Similar to Ramayana, this text also revolves around the victory of good over evil suggesting that good reigns in all times.
