Section CCLXXII - Story of Rama and Ravana: Birth and Misery

| Posted in: Hinduism Itihasa

Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section CCLXXII including examples of moral lessons in daily life. The Maha-Bharata is one of the largest epics ever written containing roughly 100,000 Sanskrit verses. It deals with the legendary history of ancient India and contains a large number of interwoven tales.

Short summary of the chapter:
The story narrated by Markandeya tells the tale of Rama, born to King Dasaratha and Queen Kausalya, along with his brothers Lakshmana, Satrughna, and Bharata. Rama, a virtuous prince, was married to Sita, the daughter of King Janaka of Videha, created by the celestial craftsman Tashtri. Meanwhile, Ravana, the powerful Rakshasa king, was the grandson of Prajapati and son of Pulastya and a cow. Vaisravana, Ravana's father, abandoned his son to live with his own father, leading to tension and resentment in the family. As a result, Ravana's creation of a second self was a means of seeking vengeance on his father. Ultimately, Vaisravana was favored by the Grandsire and bestowed with immortality, wealth, sovereignty, and the capital of Lanka along with a magical flying chariot.

Full English translation:

This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated. If you are looking for authentic sources such as the Sanskrit text or the Full English translation of Mahabharata Section CCLXXII - Story of Rama and Ravana: Birth and Misery, have a look at the following articles:

Section CCLXXII, online text

English translation by Kisari Mohan Ganguli.

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Mahabharata (English Summary)

by Kisari Mohan Ganguli | ISBN-10: 8121505933

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FAQ of Mahabharata, Section CCLXXII:

Who were the prominent characters in the story of Rama and Ravana?

The story includes Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, Bharata, Dasaratha, Janaka, Vaisravana, and Ravana. Each character plays a significant role in the epic tale.

What were some key events in the life of Rama and Ravana?

Rama's exile, Sita's abduction by Ravana, the construction of a bridge, and the ultimate battle between Rama and Ravana were major events in their lives.

Daily life: Story of Rama and Ravana: Birth and Misery:

The story of Rama and his tribulations, as detailed in the text, underscores the vitality of perseverance, loyalty, and the pursuit of justice in the face of adversity. Implementing these values in daily life involves steadfastly adhering to one's principles despite challenges. For example, Rama's unwavering commitment to retrieve Sita demonstrates the power of dedication and love. This can be reflected in our lives by standing by loved ones during tough times and fighting for what is right, even when the odds are stacked against us.

Furthermore, the collaborative effort to overcome obstacles, as shown through Rama's alliance with Sugriva, highlights the importance of teamwork and seeking support when needed. In practical terms, this means that when faced with difficult situations, one should not hesitate to ask for help or offer it, fostering a supportive community.

Lastly, the story teaches us about the consequences of actions and the inherent justice in the universe, as seen through Ravana's downfall due to his misdeeds. It suggests that acting with integrity and respect towards others will ultimately lead to positive outcomes, encouraging us to live honorably and consider the impact of our actions on the world around us.

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