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After the great triumph over
Lanka, Ram returns to Ayodhya sitting in Pushpak viman. He was accompanied
by Sita, Laxman, Sugriva, Hanuman and scores of monkey warriors. As the 14
years of exile was about to came to an end, people of Ayodhya awaited for
the arrival of their future King with belated breath. Hanumanji became the
messenger and pass on the good news that Ram is approaching Ayodhya.
People of Ayodhya lined up on both sides of the street to have a glimpse
of Sri Ram. Kul-Guru (head priest) Vashishta, Bharat, Shatrughna, and
three motheres welcomed them. A grand reception marked the return of Ram,
Sita and Laxman to Ayodhya along with monkey soldiers. Commemorating this
great event, Diwali - the festival of lights is celebrated every year by
Hindus.
Vashishta then performed
ceremonial rituals of crowning Ram as King of Ayodhya. Six months passed
this way. All monkeys, in pink of their happiness, forgot their worldly duties. Sri
Ram reminded them of their roles. With heavy heart, one by one,
everybody departed from Ayodhya. Rama ruled over Ayodhya with great
morality and justice, making his people happy and prosperous in every
possible way and thus set an example of ideal kingdom as 'Ram-Rajya'. In
due course of time Sita gave birth to two sons named Lava and Kush.
The last chapter of
Ramcharitmanas is called Uttar Kand, which means that it's actually not
part of Ramayan, or in true sense, the story about life and works of Lord
Ram. Uttar Kand mostly contains Lord Shiva and Parvati's life,
Kagbhsundi's life and tale of his many previous births.
Ramayana thus depicts an idol
for ordinary human beings. Lord Ram symbolizes truth and justice, Sita
symbolizes compassion and patience, Laxman symbolizes sacrifice and service
while Hanuman symbolizes devotion, wisdom and energy. Each character of
Ramayana is unique and gives inspiring message on morals and values to be
followed in our day to day life. That's why the popularity of this epic
has not diminished with the passage of time but on the contrary is
ever increasing with time. Ramayana today is not confined only as the epic of
Hindus but have major effect on other countries and religions.
In the end, it would be
justified to say that the message of Ramayana is that truth always
prevails and righteousness ultimately wins.
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