Ayodhya, in Uttar Pradesh India is getting ready to welcome Lord Rama in youth form known as Ram Lalla on Monday 22nd January 2024.
This is a moment of civilizational revival.
Shri Rama lived around 4300BCE approximately.
It has not been easy to map the timeline of new knowledge emerging recently to what was taught in school to us. Attempting to put a timeline below to give context to the exciting moment in history of Bharat.
Broadly – 5 periods can be highlighted
1.???? Ancient Civilizations
3.???? Medieval and Islamic Periods
4.???? Early Modern to Colonial Period
The Ramayana and Mahabharata are foundational to the cultural and religious fabric of Asia. Their composition spans the ancient civilization and classical periods.
- The Ramayana is traditionally attributed to the sage Valmiki and is believed to have been composed between 500 BCE and 100 BCE. However, these dates are approximate and subject to scholarly debate. The narrative of the Ramayana is set in various ancient kingdoms, including Ayodhya, Kishkindha, and Lanka, reflecting societal structures, values, and beliefs of that era.
- The Mahabharata is a massive epic traditionally attributed to the sage Vyasa. Its composition is believed to span several centuries, with the core text dating from approximately 400 BCE to 400 CE. The Mahabharata is set in the historical context of the Kuru Kingdom, providing insights into ancient Indian political, social, and cultural landscapes. It reflects the complexity of relationships, governance, and societal norms of that time.
Ancient Civilizations included:
- Mesopotamian Influence (c. 3500–2000 BCE): The early cultures of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers influenced regions like the Indus Valley, contributing to the formation of civilizations in Mesopotamia, the Indus Valley, and ancient China.
- Indus Valley Civilization (c. 3300–1300 BCE) Flourishing in present-day Pakistan and northwest India, the Indus Valley Civilization had advanced urban planning, trade networks, and a script that is yet to be fully deciphered.
- Ancient China c. 2000 BCE onwards The Shang and Zhou dynasties laid the foundation for Chinese civilization, with advancements in governance, philosophy (Confucianism, Daoism), and the development of Chinese characters.
- Vedic Period in India (c. 1500–500 BCE): The composition of the Vedas, the earliest sacred texts of Hinduism, marked the Vedic period in ancient India.
- Classical Periods Golden Age of Greece (5th–4th centuries BCE): While not in Asia, the intellectual and artistic achievements of ancient Greece had a profound influence on Central Asian and Indian cultures. Maurya and Gupta Empires (4th century BCE–6th century CE): In India, the Maurya and Gupta empires marked a classical period with advancements in art, science, mathematics, and literature. Silk Road Connections (2nd century BCE–14th century CE): The Silk Road facilitated cultural exchanges between East and West, contributing to the development of various Asian civilizations.
- Medieval and Islamic Periods: Islamic Golden Age (8th–14th centuries): Islamic civilization flourished in the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Asia, with achievements in science, medicine, philosophy, and the arts. Tang and Song Dynasties in China (7th–13th centuries): These dynasties witnessed advancements in Chinese technology, arts, and trade. Delhi Sultanate and Mughal Empire in India (12th–19th centuries): Islamic rule in India saw the blending of Persian, Central Asian, and Indian cultures, with architectural achievements like the Taj Mahal.
- Early Modern to Colonial Periods: Japanese Edo Period (17th–19th centuries): A time of stability and cultural growth in Japan, marked by the flourishing of the arts, literature, and Kabuki theater. Qing Dynasty in China (17th–20th centuries): The Qing Dynasty witnessed both cultural achievements and periods of decline, leading to the end of imperial rule in 1912. Colonial Period (18th–20th centuries): European colonial powers had a significant impact on various Asian cultures, influencing language, governance, and social structures.
- Modern Period: Meiji Restoration in Japan (19th century): The Meiji Era marked Japan's rapid modernization, adopting Western technologies and institutions while preserving traditional culture. Independence Movements (20th century): Many Asian countries gained independence from colonial rule in the 20th century, shaping their own cultural and political destinies. Contemporary Times (20th century onwards): Asian countries have experienced rapid economic growth, urbanization, and globalization, influencing contemporary art, literature, cinema, and popular culture.
?Part #2 Destruction of Civilizations
Throughout history, civilizations have faced destruction through a combination of factors such as invasions, warfare, natural disasters, disease, economic decline, and internal strife. Here are some examples from different continents:
- Ancient Mesopotamia (Middle East): Sumerian Civilization: The Sumerians, one of the earliest civilizations in Mesopotamia, faced destruction due to invasions by the Akkadians around 2300 BCE. Later, the Babylonians and Assyrians contributed to the decline of Sumerian influence.
- Ancient Egypt (Africa): Old Kingdom: The Old Kingdom of Egypt collapsed around 2200 BCE due to internal instability, economic decline, and regional droughts. Late Period: The decline of ancient Egypt is often associated with invasions by various foreign powers, including the Persians, Greeks, and Romans.
- Indus Valley Civilization (South Asia): The reasons for the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization (around 1900 BCE) are not fully understood, but factors such as environmental changes, migration, and economic issues have been suggested.
- Ancient China (East Asia): Shang Dynasty: The Shang Dynasty faced destruction around 1046 BCE due to the military conquest by the Zhou Dynasty. Han Dynasty: The fall of the Han Dynasty (220 CE) was marked by internal conflicts, rebellion, and invasion by various nomadic groups.
- Ancient Greece (Europe): The city-state of Athens was defeated by Sparta in the Peloponnesian War (431–404 BCE), contributing to the decline of Athenian power. Alexander the Great's conquests and the subsequent division of his empire also led to the decline of the Greek city-states.
- Ancient Rome (Europe/Africa): The Roman Empire faced various challenges, including economic decline, internal strife, and invasions by Germanic tribes and the Huns. The fall of Rome in 476 CE is often used to mark the end of ancient Western Roman civilization.
- Mesoamerica (North America): The collapse of the Mayan civilization (around 900 CE) is associated with a combination of factors, including environmental degradation, drought, warfare, and social unrest.
- Inca Empire (South America): The Inca Empire fell to the Spanish conquistadors led by Francisco Pizarro in the early 16th century. European diseases, particularly smallpox, also played a significant role in the decimation of the Inca population.
These examples illustrate the diverse causes of civilization collapse across different continents and time periods.
Part #3 How did one Ancient Civilization survive?
Many Temples of Ram were destroyed across the years and many people killed in the name of religion. But none could destroy the faith and love in the hearts of people – they carried Lord Rama in their hearts.
The Vital Breath - breathing life into idol ceremony of Rama or the “praana prathishta” ceremony in his birthplace is a moment of civilizational revival.
Rama lived and lives in the heart of people cutting across Asia.
The reverence of Rama, a central figure in the Hindu epic Ramayana, is particularly strong in South and Southeast Asia. Here are some regions where Rama is revered:
India – Across the length and breadth of the country temples are dedicated to Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana.
- Indonesia Bali: Bali, an island in Indonesia, has a predominantly Hindu population, and Rama is revered as a hero and a symbol of dharma. The Barong dance, a traditional Balinese performance, often depicts the battle between Rama and the demon king Ravana.
- Thailand: Ayutthaya: In the historical city of Ayutthaya, there is a temple known as Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, which is said to have been inspired by the Ayodhya of the Ramayana. The Ramakien, a Thai version of the Ramayana, is also highly revered.
- Cambodia: AngkorWat: While Angkor Wat is primarily associated with Hindu deities, the Ramayana is depicted in some of the bas-reliefs in this famous temple complex. These carvings include scenes from the Ramayana, including the battle between Rama and Ravana.
- Malaysia KualaLumpur The Batu Caves, located near Kuala Lumpur, has a shrine dedicated to Lord Murugan. The Thaipusam festival, celebrated at Batu Caves, includes devotees carrying kavadis as an offering to Lord Murugan, who is often associated with Rama.
These are just a few examples, and Rama's reverence extends to various other regions with Hindu communities in South and Southeast Asia. The Ramayana has had a profound influence on the cultural and religious heritage of these areas, and the worship of Rama continues to be an integral part of Hindu traditions in the region.
??Part #4 Qualities we can imbibe in present times.
So, what’s so great about Rama?
Lord Rama is known for his?adherence to Dharma, which means righteousness or moral duty. He always followed the path of Dharma as a prince, a brother, a husband, a son, and a human being, never wavering from his moral principles even in the face of great adversity. He always stood for what was right.
He is a symbol of the victory of right over the evil. Lord Rama characterizes how a man should fulfill his moral commitments and should strictly follow his limits so that social order can be maintained. It is precisely due to this fact; he is known as “Marayada Puroshattam” or “The man of limits”
Out of his infinite divine qualities, here are some 16 great qualities of Lord Rama that Narad Muni explained to Sage Valmiki even before Lord Rama’s descension or avatar on Earth.
1.???? Gunavaan-?Principled and Endowed with excellent qualities.
2.???? Veeryavan-?Endowed with Prowess.
3.???? Dharmajnah-?Always righteous in all actions.
4.???? Krithajnah-?Grateful (Remembers even a little help done by others).
5.???? Satyavaakyah-?Truthful in his statements.
6.???? Dhrida Vratah-?Self-determined and firm in his vows and deeds.
7.???? Chaarithrena-?Endowed with Good conduct.
8.???? Sarvah Bhuteshu Hitah-?Benefactor of all living beings.
9.???? Vidvaan-?Knower of everything.
10.? Samarthah-?Competent in doing things that cannot be done by others.
11.? Eka Priya Darshanah-?Solely delightful in appearance.
12.? Aatmavan-?Courageous
13.? Jita Krodhah-?Conquerer of Anger
14.? Dhyutimaan-?Endowed with splendor and brilliance.
15.? An- Asuyakah-?One who is free from envy.
16.? Jaata Roshasya asya samuge devaah ca bibhyati-?Even Gods are afraid when provoked to war.
Inculcating these qualities in us in various proportions can be a lifelong endeavor.
This mantra?instills confidence and promotes peace and harmony. Writing Sri Rama Jayam is called Likitha Japam- Writing Meditation. This gives one a complete sense of surrender to an inner conscience and peace while writing the golden words. You can write this in any language of your choice.
