The Men of Bharat: Timeless Icons of Character and Devotion

On this International Men’s Day, let us celebrate the true essence of masculinity as portrayed by the great men of Bharatiya Sanskriti. These icons of virtue—Shri Ram, Swami Vivekananda, Sant Tukaram and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj—represent the ideals of compassion, humility, respect, and devotion.

Shri Ram: Compassion and Reverence

After the great war with Ravana, Shri Ram was seen sitting near a water body, reflecting with compassion on the lives lost in battle. At this moment, Mandodari Mata, Ravana’s noble wife, approached him, curious to meet the man who had defeated her husband.

As Mandodari Mata neared, her shadow fell on the ground. Shri Ram, seeing this, immediately folded his hands in reverence and asked with humility, “Mata, aap kaun hai? Aap yaha kyun aaye hai?” She introduced herself and expressed her curiosity about the extraordinary virtues of Shri Ram that led to Ravana's downfall.

To this, Shri Ram humbly replied, asking if she had found her answer. Mandodari Mata reflected deeply and said, “There was my husband, who, despite having a wife like me, kidnapped your wife Mata Sita. And here you are, one who bows in respect even to the shadow of a woman.” This interaction exemplifies Shri Ram's unparalleled respect for women.

Swami Vivekananda: Divine Tej and Humility

In a moment that beautifully encapsulates the wisdom and humility of Swami Vivekananda, he once encountered a remarkable situation during his lectures in the United States.

After concluding a powerful session that left the audience in awe, Swami Vivekananda was approached by a foreign lady. The lady, mesmerized by his radiant aura and profound teachings, stood quietly, gathering courage to speak. Sensing her presence and hesitation, Swamiji walked over, his calm demeanor emanating warmth and respect.

The lady, filled with admiration, expressed her thoughts: “Swami, your divine radiance is unmatched. I feel that a child born of you would carry the light of the divine and change the world.” She earnestly proposed marriage, hoping to nurture such a child.

Swamiji, unfazed and full of grace, smiled gently. His reply was a testament to his unparalleled character and the values of Bharatiya Sanskriti: “Madam, if you truly desire a child like me, from this moment, I am your son. You are my mother.”

This response, blending humility with profound respect for the woman’s intent, left the lady moved and speechless. It wasn’t just a rejection—it was a lesson in the sanctity of relationships and the divine vision Swamiji carried for humanity.

This moment showcases not just Swami Vivekananda’s extraordinary ability to address complex situations with grace but also his unwavering commitment to uplift humanity, seeing all relationships as sacred and rooted in the divine.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj: The Embodiment of Respect

After a victorious battle, Shivaji Maharaj encountered the queen of the defeated kingdom. Observing her grace and dignity, he bowed before her and said, “It would have been my fortune if I were born as your son.” His words not only showcased his respect for women but also his noble character, even in moments of triumph.

Sant Tukaram: The Devotee of God

Sant Tukaram, the great saint of Maharashtra, exemplified humility and devotion. Once, he was singing kirtans under a banyan tree, surrounded by a devoted crowd. A wealthy man, proud of his riches, approached Tukaram to show off his wealth.

Tukaram simply smiled and said, “True wealth is devotion to the Lord.” He then invited the man to join the kirtan, reminding him that the greatest joy lies in spiritual connection, not material possessions. This story highlights Tukaram’s ability to transform hearts with his simple yet profound wisdom.

The Legacy of Character

These stories of Shri Ram, Swami Vivekananda, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and Sant Tukaram reflect the eternal values of Bharatiya Sanskriti. They remind us that true greatness lies in humility, respect, and devotion. Such is the divine legacy of Bharat, where every action and thought is a reflection of higher ideals.

#InternationalMensDay Special Message

True masculinity is about embodying values that uplift society. It is about respect for women, compassion for humanity, and unwavering devotion to truth and dharma. On this International Men’s Day, let us honor the divine and noble spirit of men who inspire us to be better humans.

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