The seventh Avatar of Lord Vishnu, who manifested on earth as a human was called Rama. Rama is one of the most revered figures in Hinduism and there are many tales of his legendary courage and divinity. Lord Rama is considered to be the ideal man or ‘Maryada Purushottam’ in Hindu mythology. When sage Valmiki asked Narada about the ideal human being, Narada mentioned Lord Rama.
Why Is Rama Considered Maryada Purushottam?
1. Lord Rama was the prince of Ayodhya. Since childhood he was an ideal son to king Dasharatha; always obedient of the King’s orders. He was quite mature in his thinking and was an ideal son to his parents.
2. Rama was also a good brother to Lakshmana, Bharath and Shatrugna and always put their interests before his own.
3. Despite all the problems and challenges in his life, Lord Rama always adhered to Dharma or righteousness in his life. He never lost his calm and did not misbehave with anyone close to him.
4. Even in the face of imminent conflict Rama was the picture of nobility. On the first day of the battle, Ravana was quite exhausted. Rama could’ve killed him but he didn’t. This was a mark of respect and honor which ideal warriors have for their enemies.
5. King Dasharatha’s third wife Kaikeyi had asked for some boons from him. The first one was that Rama (the throne elect) would be exiled for 14 years and the second boon stated that Kaikryi’s son Bharath would be declared king. Lord Rama saved the honor of his father Dasharatha by agreeing to go to the 14 year long exile. Such was his obedience to his elders.
6. Rama even wanted his wife Sita to stay back at Ayodhya and look after his mother. He did not want to make Sita suffer for 14 years in the forest, even though he would miss her companionship. He is considered the ideal husband in Hinduism.
7. Rama loved and respected everyone and he was equally loved by most people he came across. People looked upto him as the ideal example of a pure Dharmic man, whose virtue had no comparison.
8. Rama even worshipped Lord Shiva after killing Ravana as he respected Ravana as a learned Brahmin. Throughout his mortal life he always upheld Dharma and set an example as an ideal man or Maryada Purushottam.
Sri Eswaran
