Ramayana Simplified: A Few Insights from the Bala Kanda: Part 3
3 min readApr 9, 2021
- Through the story of Thryambaka, we are able to see how Lakshmi Devi and Parvathy Devi were able to calm Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva when there was a war-like situation. This situation was however created by the devas who wanted to find if Lord Vishnu or Lord Shiva had more power. From the story, we were able to see how the world got affected when Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva got ready for the war. The intervention of the goddesses shows how a wife should be when her husband faces a problem. As we know many of the husbands are put to situations where they may have to work very hard for their family. They may have to face several stresses from their workplaces. So, it is very important for their wives to understand the efforts they are putting and should be ready to think from their point of view for smooth family life. It is equally important for the husband to understand the efforts put up by their wives. (https://megharamesh.medium.com/ramayana-simplified-part-20-the-story-of-thryambaka-851bcee1634c)
- We see how King Janaka speaks very proudly about his daughter. The parents of girl children tried to give her the best, at the same time, every major decision concerning her (like marriage) took place under her discretion. Her happiness was of paramount importance there. This is something which is valid even in our current life. (https://megharamesh.medium.com/ramayana-simplified-part-21-sita-swayamvara-sitas-marriage-37771c8ec8)
- The extent to which Parashurama respected his father should be noted. We all make mistakes and according to the Hindu philosophy, we definitely have to bear the consequences of the papa (sin). But the prayaschitta (penance) at a later stage can help in avoiding further problems. (https://megharamesh.medium.com/ramayana-simplified-part-22-rama-meets-parashurama-e02513e3848e)
- Many of us just know that Parashurama killed many Kshatriyas. Why should Parashurama kill the whole class of Kshatriyas including the innocent Kshatriyas? This is often interpolated to show that Parashurama, as a member of a Brahmin class completely tried to wipe off the Kshatriya caste. In a way, this is projected as an example of casteism. But we should be completely aware that Parashurama was an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and that every time an avatar took birth to wipe off adharma. Kshatriyas are referred to as the ruling class. At that time, the ruling class was completely involved in corruption, or adharma and Parashurama came forward to restore dharma by killing them. This is very valid even in the current day. When we find that a ruling political party involves in corruption, as the citizens of the country we are given an opportunity to vote against them and to vote for dharma. (https://megharamesh.medium.com/ramayana-simplified-part-23-parashuramas-kshatriya-nigraha-killing-of-kshatriyas-7d49f3b7e241)
- The simplicity and humbleness of King Dasharatha and Rama are clearly depicted through the story of Parashurama. Rama behaved in a very humble manner even when Parashurama was furious and tried to challenge him. This humble trait of Rama can be read out from several other stories in Ramayana. The encounter between Rama and Parashurama shows us the extent to which Rama was brave, strong, powerful, and was ready to take up challenges. His strength never made him egoistic or lose his temper, rather he was very calm and humble during his encounter with Parashurama. (https://megharamesh.medium.com/ramayana-simplified-part-24-parashurama-gifts-vaishnava-chapa-to-rama-afd5d6b95085)
