Ayodhya means where there is no war – a place free from conflict. Ayodhya is the city of Bhagavan Sri Rama – dharma personified. He is truth – the Supreme Truth. He is the protector of all living beings and of Dharma. Peace and happiness in the world can happen only when we are ready to embrace the teachings of Bhagavan Sri Rama – the teaching is so simple but very very difficult to follow – to see divine in all animate and inanimate. All living beings are One. A world without intolerance, hate, plunder, greed and discrimination. When these teachings of Bhagavan Sri Rama is followed the entire world will then become Ayodhya.
Bhagavan Sri Rama is the seventh avatar of Bhagavan Vishnu
and is celebrated and venerated as an embodiment of dharma (righteousness) and
truth. He was born in Ayodhya. His life and teachings, as depicted in the
ancient Hindu epic, the Ramayana, serve as a timeless guide for moral and
ethical conduct.
Rama's commitment to dharma is evident in various aspects of
his life. One of the most renowned incidents is his adherence to his father
King Dasharatha's promise and his subsequent exile to the forest for fourteen
years. Despite being the rightful heir to the throne of Ayodhya, Rama willingly
accepted his exile, showcasing his unwavering commitment to honor his father's
words and fulfill his duties as a son. This happened in Ayodhya. There was no
war in the name of throne in Ayodhya. There was no room for selfishness and self-centeredness.
Throughout his exile, Rama demonstrated impeccable character
and virtuous behavior. His unwavering devotion to his wife, Sita, and his
strict adherence to the principles of dharma even in the face of adversity make
him a symbol of righteousness. The abduction of Sita by the demon king Ravana
led Rama on a quest to rescue her, embodying his duty to protect the innocent
and uphold justice.
Rama's association with the wise and noble Hanuman, who
played a crucial role in the search for Sita and the battle against Ravana,
further emphasizes the importance of loyalty, selfless service, and the pursuit
of truth in the face of challenges. The Ramayana, attributed to the sage
Valmiki, is replete with instances that highlight Rama's commitment to
righteousness and the ethical dilemmas he faced.
In the epic, Rama's reign as the ideal king of Ayodhya is
characterized by justice, compassion, and prosperity. His governance reflects
the principles of dharma, where he prioritizes the welfare of his subjects and
ensures the well-being of all living beings under his rule.
Bhagavan Sri Rama did not plunder, he did not conquer, he never showed any intolerance towards the conquered, he respected even his enemies, whatever he had won justly in battle was given away to its rightful owners.
The character of Bhagavan Sri Rama serves as an eternal
source of inspiration for millions, emphasizing the significance of adhering to
dharma, upholding truth, and protecting the righteous. His life and teachings
continue to guide individuals on the path of righteousness and serve as a moral
compass in navigating the complexities of life.
For a better tomorrow, we need to put the teachings of
Bhagavan Sri Rama into practice. For all living beings nourish and flourish we
need to bring back the Ayodhya of Bhagavan Sri Rama.