The Unsung Heroes of Ramayana
Om Shri Ramaya Namah
Shri Ram, Jay Ram, Jay-Jay Ram
Om Dasharathaye Vidmahe Sitavallabhaya Dheemahi, Tanno Rama
Prachodayat
Ram Navami, is looked upon as an important Hindu
Festival, and a celebration to honor the birth of Lord Ram, the seventh avatar
of Lord Vishnu. Ramayana, one of the greatest epics of 24,000 verses, has
widely travelled, transformed, translated, and lived throughout eternity.
There are many characters in Ramayana who played a
remarkable role but remain hidden in the pages. We all know about Rama,
Lakshman, Bharat, Dashrath, Kaikeyi, Kaushayla, Sumitra, Manthra, Sita, Ravana, Kumbhakaran,
Vibhishana, Sugriva, Hanuman, etc. Here’s a look at some of the lesser-known
characters and their roles in the ‘Ramayana’.
Kewat
Kewat was a boatman who had great devotion towards
Lord Rama. Once during Rama’s exile, he had to cross the river Ganga, for which
Kewat was the right person. But Kewat insisted that he will first wash Lord
Rama’s feet and then let him step in his boat. He then ferried Rama, Lakshmana
and Sita across the river Ganga. When they reached the bank Lord Rama offered a
ring but Kewat refused. Kewat answered “Lord, both of us do the same work. I
ferry people from this bank of the Ganges to the other. You ferry people across
the ocean of Sansaara (Bhav-sagar), through the journey of life. How can I
accept payment from you? Lord! But please, when my time comes, take me across sansaar
Sagar (the ocean of life). That would be your return to me.”
Shabari
Shabari was a great devotee of Lord Rama since her
childhood days. She was born in a tribal family but later took shelter in Rishi
Matang’s ashram and served there with a pure dedicated heart. Rishi Matang
during his last days blessed her that one day Lord Rama will himself visit her.
After that she waited for Rama every day, cleaned
her cottage, decorated it with flowers and plucked berry fruits to welcome him.
One day her wait was over and Lord Rama visited her ashram. It was a moment of
great joy for her and she washed his feet with water.
Then she offered berry fruits to him, tasting each
berry and gave Rama only the ones which were sweet. Rama happily ate them
looking at her honest devotion. He then explained to Lakshmana that being
offered with true devotion, nothing could be as valuable as those berries. She
reached the highest levels of spirituality which are difficult even for the
sages to achieve.
Urmila
According to Ramayana, Urmila was married to
Lakshmana. Rabindranath Tagore has very appropriately classified Urmila as one
of the forgotten heroines of Indian literature. Her greatness is as worthy as
that of Sita and she also fits in the frame of an ideal wife. She spent 14
years away from her husband understanding the fact that Lakshmana couldn’t stay
away from Rama and nor can he take her along with him to the exile.
It is also written that Lakshmana did not sleep for
fourteen years. So, some versions of the story also say that Goddess of Sleep
(Nidra Devi) had asked Lakshmana that someone has to sleep instead of him. When
Nidra Devi approached Urmila, she agreed to sleep for the next 14 years. It is
also said that she was the only person who opposed when Rama decided to send
Sita to forest.
Marich
Marich was a Demon (Rakshas), son of the Sund
and Tadka. Subahu’s brother Marich was also Demon-King Ravan’s uncle. Proud of
their powers Marich and Subahu used to distress sages disturbing them in their
Havan, Poojan or other holy activities. Lord Rama and Lakshmana swept the two
off their feet and in the battle field, Subahu was killed. Later, Marich
acquired the form of ‘Golden Deer’ and went to Rama-Sita’s hermitage, lured
Lady Sita with its appearance so much that she asked Lord Rama to catch it for
her.
Jatayu
Jatayu, king of the vultures and Dasharatha’s
friend was a Noble Bird and played a very important role. He fought heroically
to save Lady Sita when Ravana was trying to abduct her using ‘Pushpaka Vimana’
in Rama and Lakshmana’s absence. The great ranger of the sky dashed in wrath
against Ravana and tried his best to stop him. During the fight Ravana shot off
one of his wings, but he still continued to fight with the other one. When his
other wing was cut-off, he fell down on earth, wounded. It was through him that
Rama came to know about Sita’s kidnapping.
Jambavan
Jambavan the king of bears, a respected,
intelligent and experienced character who helped Rama in finding his wife Sita
and winning the battle against Ravana. Previously the advisor of Sugriva, he
was an important guide at every step during the Sita’s search mission as well
as throughout the battle. Jambavan suggested Hanuman to go to Lanka by crossing
the ocean and look for Sita. He also reminded Hanuman of his power by narrating
Hanuman’s birth story.
Sampati
Sampati was Jatayu’s elder brother and played an
instrumental role in Sita’s search. Once Sampati and Jatayu flew higher towards
the Sun until they realized that it was extremely hot. Sampati shielded his
younger brother by protecting him under his wings. That incident burnt his
wings and he lived a sad flightless life. When Rama, Lakshmana and Hanuman
along with the army of monkeys were searching for Sita. Sampati informed them
that Sita was in Lanka, which was 100 Yojans away from their location. The army
rejoiced at the news and started preparing to march towards Lanka.
Angad
Angad was the son of Vanara-Raj (Monkey King) Bali
and his wife Tara. He was Sugriva’s nephew and became his stepson after the
death of Bali. He received great respect and loyalty from Vanara-Sena (Monkey
Army). Sugriva assigned him the task of searching for Lady Sita in the southern
parts. He was also sent as an envoy to Ravana’s court just before the war to
advise Ravana to seek peaceful solution and to return Sita to Rama’s care.
Ravana did not agree instead he tried to harm Angad, but so Angad’s strength
that no one from Lanka (including Ravana) could even move his feet from his
place. During the Rama-Ravana Yuddha (Battle), Angad headed the monkey army. He
fought ferociously during the Battle and killed many Rakshas including Ravana’s
commander Akampan.
Nala-Neela
Nala and Neela are Vanaras (monkeys) who are
credited the construction and engineering of the Rama Setu from Rameswaram in
India to Lanka (modern-day Sri Lanka), so that the Rama’s Sena (Army) could
cross the river and reach on Lanka to rescue Sita. Nala had exceptional
architectural skills being the son of Vishwakarma – the architect of Gods and
many versions of Ramayana credit the construction of the bridge solely to him.
But Ramcharitra Manas credits both the brothers for the architecting and
building the bridge with help of Vanara Sena.
Garuda
Garuda is regarded as the king of birds in many Hindu Mythological Epics
including Ramayana and is also known to be vehicle of Lord Vishnu. In
Yuddha Kanda, when Meghanāda bounded Rama and Lakshmana with Naag-Paash (deadly
noose of the serpent), Garuda heroically appeared in the sky flocking his
enormous wings. He freed them from the snake-noose by loosening the
deadly hold of serpents. Seeing Rama and Lakshmana heal from the toxic attack
everyone present around took a breath of relief.
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