Bhagwan Ram is the आराध्य of Hindus across the world, rather every person, directly or indirectly associated with the ancient land of Bharat.
After an arduous struggle of more than 500 years, the vanvas of Prabhu Ram are coming to an end. It can be only rarest of the rare example in the world history wherein not just great warriors but the people, beyond all divides, have fought to restore and assert their self-esteem, with the restoration of a Mandir at the birthplace of their आराध्य – Bhagwan Ram. The temple at Ram JanmaBhoomi was demolished by Babar in 1528-29 and a new temple will come up in 2024.
What was the motivating factor for the people to fight for Ram Mandir for so many generations? The only answer is that Prabhu Ram continues to exist in the heart of Bharatvarsha, despite all the visible and invisible aggressions. It would be rational to question why Prabhu Ram continues to influence the people of Bharatvarsha even today? Answer lies in the reality that Prabhu Ram is synonymous with the eternal human values of Bharatiya vichar darshan.
Prabhu Ram does not know any limitations. He has occupied the space of this nation. He cannot be restricted to any established grounds of discrimination like caste, language, sex and race. He covers all the people. This reality can be understood from the fact that we have about 300 versions of Ramayan. Each Ramayan has its own interpretation but the essence of it is one and the same. Prabhu Ram continues to motivate people of all walks of life as they believe that Prabhu Ram is the guiding spirit for human beings. But why is it believed so? Why is a ‘King’ believed to be the ‘God’ in such an ancient civilization?
The most important part to understand here is that, yes, geographically, the Valmiki Ramayan integrates diverse communities and cultures of the Bharat Bhoomi as Ram proceeds from Ayodhya to Ravana’s Lanka and then returns back. However, the story of Bhagwan Ram has more than just that to take from as a society. It is not just a nation that has been integrated through the grand tale of Ramayan but also Bharat as a society. In fact, every individual of the society has been dissected to their core regarding their role in the society, through Ramayan. The entire journey of Bhagwan Ram that he goes through in his life, is a lesson of moral behaviour for the entire humanity.
This can be observed philosophically as well. According to Bharatiya philosophy, an individual or self or Atman is nothing but a composition of the ‘Panchmahabhutas’. And these 5 fundamental elements out of what humans are created, are exactly what can be observed throughout the Ramayan.
The connection between Bhagwan Ram and the Five Elements is needs to be interpreted in a symbolic and metaphysical way –
Earth (Prithvi): Shri Ram is often seen as the embodiment of dharma (righteousness) and a just ruler. The Earth element symbolizes stability and firmness, reflecting Ram’s unwavering commitment to duty.
Water (Jal): Water is associated with purification and life. Shri Ram is considered a purifying and life-giving force, bringing justice and righteousness to the world.
Fire (Agni): Fire symbolizes energy, transformation, and purity. Shri Ram’s life is seen as a journey of self-discovery and transformation, and his character is often likened to the purifying nature of fire.
Air (Vayu): Air represents the breath of life and the life force within all living beings. Shri Ram is believed to embody the essence of life and the breath of dharma.
Ether or Space (Akasha): Ether is associated with the infinite and the divine. Shri Ram is often revered as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who is considered the Supreme Being. The connection with space reflects the transcendental nature of Shri Ram’s divine existence.
As the date of consecration ceremony approaches, people from unexpected quarters are seen supporting the cause. This is happening because Prabhu Ram, hidden or suppressed in Bharatiya minds, has awakened now. This is a silent revolution, which the country is witnessing.
