Why Shri Ram is Called Maryada Purushottam?
In Hinduism, Lord Rama is deeply respected as the ideal man. He is called Maryada Purushottam, which means "the perfect man who follows the right path." But what makes him so special? Let's explore.
What Does Maryada Purushottam Mean?
Maryada means rules or moral codes, and Purushottam means the best among men. Together, it means someone who follows the highest values even in hard times.
Lord Rama's Life - A Journey of Duty
1. Respecting His Father's Word
When Lord Rama was just a young prince, his father, King Dasharatha, was forced to keep a promise he had made to his wife, Kaikeyi. Lord Ram's father asked him to leave the throne and live in the forest for 14 years. Rama accepted without question. He did not show anger toward Kaikeyi. Instead, he calmly got ready to leave the palace, showing his deep respect for his father's word and his duty.
Lesson: Always respect parents and keep promises, even when it is hard.
2. Loyalty to His Wife, Sita
During their forest life, Rama and Sita faced many challenges. The biggest was the kidnapping of Sita by the demon king Ravana. Rama's love for Sita and his wish to save her led him to fight a war against Ravana. However, after saving Sita, Rama's duty as a king made him ask Sita to prove her purity through a fire test (Agni Pariksha). This decision, though tough, was based on his duty to uphold the standards expected of a ruler.
Lesson: Personal feelings must sometimes be balanced with duties.
3. Kindness for All
Rama's kindness was not just for humans; he treated all beings with care. When the monkey king Sugriva and his loyal follower Hanuman asked for his help, Rama did not hesitate to help them. He became friends with them, which later helped in saving Sita. Similarly, Rama showed mercy to Vibhishana, Ravana's brother, who came to him for safety even though he was from the enemy's side.
Lesson: Treat all people fairly, no matter where they come from.
4. Fulfilling Every Role with Duty
- As a son, he obeyed his father.
- As a husband, he loved and respected Sita.
- As a brother, he stood by Lakshmana and Bharata.
- As a king, he ruled with fairness, creating Ramarajya (an ideal kingdom).
Lesson: Be responsible in every role in life.
5. Simplicity in Forest Life
Even though he was a prince, he lived simply in the forest for 14 years. He faced hardships with grace and never complained about his situation. His simplicity and acceptance of his fate show his strong character.
Lesson: Stay humble and accept life's challenges.
Why is Rama an Ideal Man?
- Follows Duty: Rama always put duty above personal wishes. Whether it was accepting forest life or making hard decisions as a king, he never strayed from the right path.
- Kind: He treated everyone with fairness and kindness, from his friends to his enemies.
- Brave: Rama faced many challenges, from fighting demons to being away from his loved ones, but he never lost his courage or determination.
- Humble: Despite being divine, Rama lived as a humble human being, setting an example for others to follow.
The Legacy of Lord Rama
Rama's story continues to inspire people worldwide. His life teaches us that true greatness comes from honesty, kindness, and duty.
"Rama is not just a god to worship; he is a role model to follow."
Conclusion
Lord Rama is called Maryada Purushottam because he lived a life of perfect goodness. His journey, as told in the Ramayana, guides us to live with goodness and purpose.
Let's follow his example and try to live with duty, honesty, and kindness.