Yes, you read it right! Sri Rama had an elder sister Shanta (born of Dashratha and Kaushalya), who was given away for adoption to Kaushalya’s sister. To read in detail click here . There are a few other random facts I found out about Ramayana. I thought that since it is Dussehra time, the timing is just right to share!
For the benefit of non Hindus, let me first elaborate that the festival Dussehra is symbolic of victory of good over evil. Ramayana, the epic, written by sage Valmiki deals with the story and glory of Lord Rama, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Lord Rama had killed the very powerful demon king Ravana, who had abducted his wife Sita, on this day. Since then, Dussehra is celebrated across India.
But there are a few lesser known facts which many do not know. I would like to share a few interesting ones I came across:
1)During the exile period of Rama, Laxman and Sita, Laxman never slept. He is, hence, also called ‘Gudakesh’ meaning one who has ‘defeated sleep’.
2) Laxman’s wife Urmila slept both his and her share of sleep so that Laxmana could protect Rama and Sita. It is said that she slept for 14 years and woke up when her husband returned to Ayodhya.
3) Vashishta, the guru of Raghukul dynasty named Ram. He explained that the name Rama is a powerful mantra. It is made up of two beeja aksharas(alphabetical seeds): Agni beeja(Ra) and Amrutha beeja(Ma). Agni beeja energises the soul, mind and body. Amrutha beeja reinvigorates the prana shakti(life force) in all the body.
4) After killing Bali by using deceit, Lord Rama promised that Bali would have his revenge in his next birth. Bali was reborn as Jara the hunter who killed Krishna – the next reincarnation of Lord Vishnu.
5) Ravan, the demon king with ten heads was killed at the eve of Dussehra. His ten heads symbolises the ten sins within us. They are:
- Kama vasana (Lust)
- Krodha (Anger)
- Moha (Attachment)
- Lobha (Greed)
- Mada (Over Pride)
- Matsara (Jealousy)
- Swartha (Selfishness)
- Anyaaya (Injustice)
- Amanavta (Cruelty)
- Ahankara (Ego).
Hope you liked these lesser known facts of Ramayana. Allow me to wish you a happy and prosperous Dussehra. Festivities have just started my lovely friends and the great thing is – this will last till Diwali ( and in some parts of India till Chath puja).
Wishing you great fun and festivity ahead!!!
Image courtesy Google
So Nice.Happy Dashara.
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Thanks a lot… To you too.. And your family. Stay blessed:)
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Thanks Allot.
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Nice information Shivangi !! Thank you so much !!
-Srini.M
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You are welcome Srini… Thank you for visiting😀
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Too good information, feelings blessed after reading.
You did great job !
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Thanks a lot for your beautiful words😀
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You are welcome !
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Interesting mythology and beautiful post! Happy Dussehra. 🙂
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Happy Dussehra Dilip…Thanks a lot:)
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Tum to bahut lucky ho sister 🙂 Normally a person like you if starts to live outside india,tend to forget all the religious beliefs,but it seems to me you and your siblings are brought up in a very good religious environment.continue to share beautiful stories.tell the stories to your kids as your mother or grandmother told you.
Eventhough i cannot fully understand hindu beliefs,in the battle between good and evil always the final victory will be those who are in the good side.Thanks for writing on this.
Happy dussehra and tell your sister now beef meat is banned in india and cow is now a holy animal 😛
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Such sweet words Sherin… Thank you. I wrote coz you motivated me and I tried. Yes, I will continue to write. I cannot be uprooted from my roots… Or else I would be blown away by anything. We were indeed brought up in a religious environment but we value tolarance a lot. We believe that there is one supreme lord, only our paths differ. Yes, I will try my best to teach my kids the stories and moral lessons. Thanks a lot Sherin… May god bless you with all the best things in life😀
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Sister,
I have edited the comments and smileys regarding that post in my blog.Next time stop worrying on such silly things 🙂
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Haha… Great… Thanks a ton
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When is your next post? 🙂
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When the baby allows Sherin😀
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Sing a lullaby sister 🙂
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Hahaha
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I never was a regular blogger and i have made some friends.but never felt like someone in my family or like a very good friend.Thank you sister and god bless 🙂
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God bless you too brother😀. I am honoured.
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I was not a regular blogger.But i have made some friends.Among them i never felt like someone in my family or like a very good friend.Thank you sister and god bless 🙂
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if you want you can delete all my comments after that lullaby comment.No problem 🙂
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No… The comments are perfectly fine😀
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Shivangi!
What a fantastic Post on Shri RAMA.
You have collected right information about Shri RAMA.
These things are to be known and told.
Dusheera is in full swing here and the preparations for Deepawali.
I wish you all there to celebrate with full vigor.
My latest Post is a Quote I have put on the Advaita school of thought.
Just read and meditate on that.
I am sure you will find solace.
Regards,
Shiva
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Thanks a lot Shiva… I will just check out your post😀
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I only noticed now.You put a gif image.well done.you are a quick learner 🙂
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Haha thank you for sharing the secret😬
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Intersting post.
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Thanks a lot😀
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I haven’t read it anywhere. Though I read mythology a lot. thanks for sharing. Just now I have finished Amish Tripathi’s ‘Scion Of Ikshvaku’.
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I have been out of touch… How was this book? Do recommend other good ones that you recently read. Thanks a lot for reading😀
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thanks for the information
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Thank you for reading😀
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I never knew Lord Rama Had a sister. Thanks for enlightening me. You have done extensive research on the subject. Hat’s off to you Shivangi. May Goddess Saraswati continue to bless you with knowledge,wisdom & Strength.
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So sweet of you Seenu… wishing the same for you😀
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Welcome.
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