Ramayana and Ramcharitmanas

The myths that are found in Hindu texts like the Vedic literature, epics, Puranas, and other regional pieces of literature comprises the Hindu/Indian Mythology. It encompasses various fields of legends concerning Indian Religion and the myths related to it. As we know that India is a diverse country with differences and diversity in every corner of the country. The religious background of the country is the basis of this diversity and difference. It is one of the richest elements of Indian Culture. 

We know that Vedas play an important role in shaping the mythology and culture of the country. For generations, these stories of Indian Mythology are shared- either by mouth, text, or carefully stored scriptures. Indian mythology is not separable from the Indian Religion and cultural phases. Indian Mythology takes into account different religions, including Jain, Buddhist, and Hindu Mythology. It comprises various stories, myths and legends associated with these religions. 

We have all come across great Indian epics such as Mahabharata and Ramayana. These are the key features for a better understanding of our culture, in the inclusion of being the backbone of Indian mythology. They have an ample amount of wisdom and morale, which helps in the shaping of the culture and the morale of the generations. 

Now, let us look into one of the major elements of Hindu Mythology- that is, Ramayana. 

Ramayana

Ramayana when translated to Sanskrit means- Rama’s Journey. It was composed not before 300 BCE in Sanskrit by the Indian poet Valmiki. It is one of the most important books in Hindu Mythology. It describes the birth and living of God Rama in the royal kingdom of Ayodhya, highlighting and pointing out his life in exile with his beloved wife, Sita- for fourteen years. While being in exile, Ravana- the king of Lanka carries Sita away with him, to his palace through deception. Sita denies attention from Ravana. While Rama and his brother Lakshmana try to rescue her, the two brothers come into an alliance with the king of the monkeys- Sugriva. With the help of Hanuman and the Sugriva fighters, Rama and his brother were able to defeat Ravana and rescue Sita from the kingdom of Lanka. 

As they returned to Ayodhya, Sita had to prove her purity through rituals. However, as soon as Rama heard that Sita’s chastity was questioned by the people of Ayodhya, he summoned Sita to the forests. She meets Valmiki in the forest and after a while gives birth to Rama’s two sons. The family reunites after a certain time, however, protesting her innocence- she plunges herself into the Earth. 

Ramcharitmanas

Ramcharitmanas means Sacred Lake of the actions of God Rama, in Hindi. It was written by the well-known 16th-century poet Tulsidas. It is regarded as one of the greatest works of Indian Hindu literature. It includes the qualities of devotion and literature in it, which makes it highly regarded in society. Tulsidas came up with Ramcharitmanas to ensure that the good deeds and actions of lord Rama were accessible and easily understood by the general public in the society. Despite the criticism that he faced, he made the stories of Rama available to common people for singing, meditating, and performing. 

Let us look at the distinction between Ramayana and Ramcharitmanas. 

Difference

Conclusion

The myths that are found in Hindu texts like the Vedic literature, epics, Puranas, and other regional pieces of literature comprise the Hindu/Indian Mythology. It encompasses various fields of legends concerning Indian Religion and the myths related to it. . For generations, these stories of Indian Mythology are shared- either by mouth, text, or carefully stored scriptures. Indian mythology is not separable from the Indian Religion and cultural phases. Ramayana when translated to Sanskrit means- Rama’s Journey. It was composed not before 300 BCE in Sanskrit by the Indian poet Valmiki. It is one of the most important books in Hindu Mythology. Ramcharitmanas means Sacred Lake of the actions of God Rama, in Hindi. It was written by the well-known 16th-century poet Tulsidas. It is regarded as one of the greatest works of Indian Hindu literature.