|
Raam: Myth or Truth
(The following is adapted from the blog
http://hinduismisnotreligionitsdharma.blogspot.in/p/fgjghjgh.html The
references given in this article may be read by going on this site and reading
the person's blogs.]
Many places related to Raam are
famous and are worshipped by Bhakt - Ayodhyaa, Raameshwaram Temple, Raamsetu etc
are such places. But Supreme court states that Raam has never existed on this
Earth. However, on strong opposition by other political parties and Hindu activist
they withdrew the affidavit. Hindu organization like Vishwa Hindu Parishad etc claim
that question relating to existence of Raam cannot be simply resolved by scientific
or historical findings. Existence of Raam is basically a question of faith for millions
of people. Therefore Government has no right to deny the existence of Raam.
Some of the scientists, based on
astronomical data, have propounded that Raam existed around 5044 BC. In such a
perplexing situation it becomes very difficult for common masses to arrive at
any conclusive view regarding the existence of Raam. Hence, before deriving any
conclusions, we have to first analyze various facts regarding Raam and His epic
Raamaayan. This article will put forth various facts which will help in
resolving the issue of Raam‘s existence and will strongly conclude that Raam was
an historical Mahanayaka and not any mythological character.
Who Was Raam
Maharshi Vaalmeeki wanted to write an historical epic which can act as guiding
principle for future generation. He was in dilemma over this issue. When he
consulted Naarad Muni. Naarad Muni then suggested Vaalmeeki to write about Raam,
son of Dasharath who was born in the clan of Raghu. Here one should remember
that Vaalmeeki wrote Raamaayan long after the period of Raam . This facts goes
contrary to the prevalent legend that Vaalmeeki wrote Raamaayan before Raam was
born. This fact has been very well stated in Vaalmeeki‘s Raamaayan. Similarly
Kaali Daas wrote Raghuvansh. This book throws light on lineage of Raghu and also
states various kings who ruled after Raam. So, now the point of argument is that
if Raam was a mythological character than how Vaalmeeki could provide history of
forefathers of Raam? Whereas in Raghuvansh how Kaali Daas had provided details
of forefathers of Raam and his various descendents (successor) who ruled after
him. In present times various books dealing with stories of Raam are prevalent
in India and around the world. We will throw light on this issue in the latter
part of this article.
When Was Raam Born? (based on Vaalmeeki‘s Raamaayan)
The burning topic in present times is, when was Raam born? Before dwelling on
this point, first of all we have to understand that our great Maharshi has
systematically divided period of Srishti in Manvantar. Each Manvantar is further
divided into 71 + Chatur-yug. Each Chatur-yug consists of Krit (Sat Yug), Tretaa
Yug, Dwaapar Yug and Kali Yug. Present Manvantar is Vaivaswat Manvantar. Already
27 Chatur-Yug of this Manvantar have passed. This is the 28th Chatur-Yug and the
first Charan (period) of this Chatur-yug is in continuation.
It is well known fact that Raam
was born during the latter part of Tretaa Yug. Hence, if we assume that Raam was
born in the present Chatur-yug then it means he was born at least 1,000,000
years ago. The period of his birth may be more then this.
However, Vaayu Puraan provide us
the correct chronological period of Raamaayan. If we take Vaayu Puraan period
into consideration then period of Raam goes to at least 18,000,000 years back.
Hence we can easily conclude that period of Raam is at least 1,000,000 years to
18,000,000 years (this issue will be resolved in another topic “Blunders of
Indian History”). This view is also supported by the fact that when Hanumaan
went to Lanka in search of Sita, there he saw elephants having four teeth. Hence
this is now for archeologist/ biologist to ascertain when did such elephants exist
on earth? (The calculations of Chatur-yug will be dealt in another topic “Age
of present Srishti”. Whereas difficulties encountered in establishing chronological
correctness of historical events for period before Christ will be dealt in “Blunders
of history”).
searched about elephants having four tusks, and come to know that they existed
in history up to 2 million years ago.
http://www.adias-uae.com/stegotetrabelodon.html
Another interesting fact that has
been mentioned in Vaalmeeki Raamaayan is that the maternal home of Bharat and
Shatrughn was in a country where mode of transportation was vehicle being carried
by dogs or deer. When both the brothers returned to Ayodhyaa from their maternal
home they crossed many places covered by snow and were wearing woolen clothes.
Which place does this episode point to, has to be ascertained. By our logic it
is Russia, as phonetically Russia sounds like misnomer of Rishi (this has been
established in our article "Blunders of Indian/World history")
Above mentioned facts clearly give us an insight into the period when was Raam
born. So those who claim that Raam is only a mythological character we are providing
them some more proofs which will establish that before the advent of Christianity
and Islam Raam was revered through out the world as an international cult figure.
Legends of Raamaayan in Various Parts of Globe
(1) Raamaayan in Russian and Mangolia
The Deccan Herald, dated 15 dec 1972, at its front page gave a news which state
that in Elista, capital of Kalmyk in Russia, story relating to Raamaayan had
been published. The news further states that various legends of Raamaayan are
popular among people of Kalmyk. Various version of Raamaayan are already stored
at libraries in Kalmyk. The news clearly states that legends of Raamaayan are
very popular since time immemorial. Domodin Suren, a Russian writer, has compiled
various legends popular among Mongolian and Kalmyk peoples. Prof C F Glostunky‘s
manuscript ‘Academy of sciences’ is stored at Siberian Branch of erstwhile USSR.
That book deals with various legends popular along the coast of Volga river. This
manuscript is in Kalmyk language. In Leningrad also various books dealing with
stories of Raamaayan in Russian and Mangolian languages are preserved.
(2) Raamaayan in China
In China, collection of Jaatak stories relating various events of Raamaayan,
belonging to 251 AD. were complied by KANG_SENG_HUA. Another book, of 742 AD,
relating story of plight of Dasharath after Raam was ordered to go for Vanvaas
is still found in China. Similarly in 1600 AD, His-Yii-Chii wrote a novel with
the title Kapi (monkey) dwelling on the stories of Raamaayan, predominantly that
of Hanumaan.
(3) Raamaayan in Sri Lanka
Naresh Kumar Dhatusena alias Kumardasa, who ruled Sri Lanka in 617 AD wrote ‘Jaanakee
Haran’. This is the oldest Sanskrit literature available in Sri Lanka. In Modern times
C Don Bostean and Jhon d‘silva have written stories based on Raamaayan. Till today
majority of population adore and revere Raam and Seetaa.
(4) Raamaayan in Cambodia (Kampuchea)
Various rock inscription belonging to 700 AD are found in Khmer region of
Cambodia. These rock inscription are based on stories of Raamaayan. Various
temples constructed during the reign of Khmer dynasty depicts the story of
Raamaayan on their wall. The temple of Ankor Vat are very famous for the stories
of Raamaayan and Mahaabhaarata. These temples belong to the earlier part of 400
AD to 700 AD. One astonishing fact in these engraved pictures is that Hanuman
and rest other Vanars are not shown with tail as against the popular belief of
masses. (Whether Hanuman etc are monkeys, this issue will be dealt latter)
(5) Raamaayan in Indonesia
According to De Casperis, there was temple named ‘Chandi loro jongrong’ which
have stories of Raamaayan engraved on its wall. This temple was of 9th century
AD. In Indonesia another version of stories of Raamaayan named Kakavin is very
popular. This story was bit different from that of Prambanan . Besides that
various other version of Raamaayan stories were very in early centuries after
Christ which itself proves that Raamaayan was very popular among Indonesian
people before advent of Islam. It is also an astonishing fact that first international
convention on Raamaayan was organized in Indonesia few years back.
(6) Raamaayan in Laos
Local people when pronounce Laos in their language it phonetically sounds like
the name of one of the son Raam. Besides temple of Vat-she-fum and Vat-pa-Kev
remains depicts the story of Raamaayan on their walls. Whereas temples of Vat-pra-kev
and Vat-sisket are having books containing epic of Raamaayan. Lafont, French
traveler translated story of ‘Pa laka-Pa lama’ in his book named P‘ommachak in
french. This book also deals with story of Raamaayan popular among masses of
Laos.
(7) Raamaayan in Thailand
Stories of Raamaayan are still very popular among masses. In early centuries
after Christ many kings has Raam as either prefix or suffix in their name ruled
this country. Just like as in India we organize play of Raamaayan, similarly
various dramatic version or Raamaayan are organized in Thailand till today.
Similar dramatic version of Raamaayan are still organized in various South East
Asian countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia etc.
(8) Raamaayan in Malayasia
In Malaysia till today plays are organized based on the stories of ‘HIKAYAT SERI
Raam’, written in 14th century AD, Dalang Society organize nearly 200-300 plays
relating to Raamaayan. Before commencement of the play people conduct various
prayers and ablutions revering Raam and Seetaa.
(9) Raamaayan in Burma
King Kayanjhitha who reigned during 1084 – 1112 AD; regarded himself as descendant
of clan of Raam. Various books relating to the stories of Raamaayan as earlier as
15th century AD are still found in Burma. Books like ‘Kavyadarsh’, ‘Subhaashit
Ratanidhi’ are based on the stories of Raamaayan. Zhang-Zhungpa, commentary of
Raamaayan was written by Taranath, which is not available in modern times. In
Burma also various form of plays are conducted based on the stories of Raamaayan.
(10) Raamaayan in Nepal
Oldest version of Raamaayan, belonging ot 1075 AD is still found in Nepal.
(11) Raamaayan in Philippines
Effect of stories of Raamaayan can easily felt in the customs, traditions and
legends of majority of masses. Prof Juon R Francisco found that in Marineo
Muslims, legend based on Raamaayan is popular, in which Raam has been depicted
as Incarnation of God. Similarly among Magindanao or Sulu folk Muslims also
various legends based on the stories of Raamaayan are popular.
(12) Raamaayan in Iran
In Hyderabaad city, capital of Aandhra Pradesh, there is museum name Saalaarjang.
There one portrait which is depicting a burly monkey having a very big stone in
its hand. This portrait reminds one of Hanumaan holding Drona Giri. Similarly
Marco Polo in his book (translated by Sir Henry Yule in English) wrote at page
no 302, vol II about a peculiar belief among Muslims, spread from Afgaanistaan
to Morocco and Algeria. These Muslims believed that members of imperial house of
Trebizond were endowed with short tails while mediavel continentals had like
stories about Englishmen as - Mathew Paris relates…. ; . We are of the belief
that if one seriously start investigating various legends prevalent, before advent
of Islam and Christianity, in Arabic countries and European countries than existence
of Raamaayan and Mahaabhaarat can be proved. Due to barbaric and dogmatic acts of
these peoples wide range of literature and buildings of historical importance has
been wiped out.
(13) Raamaayan in Europe
In Italy, when excavation were carried out in the remains of Astrocon
civilization, then various houses were found having peculiar type of paintings
on their wall. These paintings, on closure investigation, seems to be based on
the stories of Raamaayan. Some of the paintings shows peculiar persons having
tails along with two men bearing bows and arrow on their shoulders, while a lady
is standing besides them. These paintings are of 7th century BC. It should be
remembered that once Astrocon civilization was spread over 75% of Italy.
Sir Henry Yule in his translation
of works of Marcopolo has referred to the belief prevalent among Medival
Europeans that there Ancestors were having small tails. The same fact has been
referred by Maharshi Dayanand in his magnum opus ‘Satyaarth Prakaash’. There
Swamiji state that people of Europe were called as Vaanar (monkeys), due to
their appearance in our epic like Mahaabhaarat, Vaalmeeki Raamaayan etc. If we a
analyze this statement in present context, then how we are going to define
various statements like Kangaaroos (Australian team) meet men in blue (Indian
team) at Calcutta.
Similar sort of epithets were used
during World war to describe armies of different countries or else we see that
we have helicopters named cheetah etc. As these words (epithets) are just a way
to describe different set of people, arms etc, similarly world like Raakshas,
Vaanar etc were used in our legends. These facts clearly indicates that legends
of Raamaayan are not work of fiction and were very popular around the world.
(14) Raamaayan in African Continent
People of Ethiopia call themselves as descendents of Cushites. This word Cush is
basically phonetic misnomer of Kush, the son of Raam. This fact is verily established
by Shatapath Braahaman, commentary on Ved. These Braahman while explaining various
Mantra of Ved uses many historical events to elucidate the topic. Astonishingly in
Shatapath Braahman we find reference regarding the rule of King Bharat (predecessor
of Kaurav and Paandav) in Rhodesia.
Besides many inconsistent legends
inspired by the epic of Raamaayan are prevalent in African Communities and they
basically refers to various activities of Vaanar. Egypt basically derives its
name from Ajapati which is one of the names of forefathers of Raam. If we analyze
various legends prevalent in Egypt we will found references of Dasharath (father
of Raam). These facts can be very well established from various historical references
of Braahman. (for the proof of it see our article Blunders of Indian/World
history)
(15) Raamaayan in North American and South American Continents
Before Columbus discovered North American continent Europeans were not knowing
about it. However A De Qnatrefages in his book, "The human Species",
categorically says that Chinese people were aware about the American continent
and they used to have trade relations with them America was referred as Fad-Sang.
Similarly in Japanese people it was known as Fad-See.
Similarly, if we refer to various
historical reference in Mahaabhaarat, Vaalmeeki Raamaayan etc we will find that
American continent has been referred to as Paataal Desh (Paataal means below
foot). If we geographically see then we will find that American continent is
just below the Indian Subcontinent. We will throw greater light on this issue
in our topic, "Blunders of Indian History/World History".
But for your reference we are providing you some prevalent legends.
(1) beautiful girl in Mexican tribal area till today are called as Ulopy. If we
see in Mahaabhaarat we find reference of Arjun marrying girl named Ulopy who was
daughter of King of Paataal Desh.
(2) W H Prescott in his book , ‘ History of conquest of Mexico’, provides
various reference which prove that earlier civilization of American subcontinent
have major similarities with that of Indian (Aryan) civilization.
However here we are providing you
one reference which clearly state that Raamaayan is not a mythological epic but
it bears historical testimony. According to the writer of the book there is
popular legend in Aztec community which states that a beautiful person named
Quevtsal Katal came there from East and taught them various aspects of advanced
civilization as a result his period was treated as golden era. He then went back
to his original homeland because of the persecution by some divine creature.
This legends surprisingly does not throw light on the reasons why he returned.
Another interesting fact that has
been stated by Prescott is that this legend is available in documented form.
Now, none except Indian tradition can claim that they bear root to this legend.
The same story has been narrated in Vaalmeeki Raamaayan, in Uttar Kaand where it
is mentioned that Salkantak Raakshas who dwelled in Lankaa were persecuted by
Vishnu. Due to this persecution they left Lankaa and went to Paataal Desh. The
leader of this group was Sumaalee. According to Raamaayan they lived in Paataal
Desh for long time. When they found condition congenial they returned to their
homeland.
It is for readers to decide when such conclusive proof are there to establish
that epic of Raamaayan is not mythological legend but it is historical evidence
which bears testimony to various legends prevalent around the world. Till today
play named Raam Sitotav is played in various communities of Mexico.
To our amazement Raam has been
mentioned in Bible also. New Testament, Mathew, 2/18, where it is mentioned “his
voices was heard in Raam”. Raam is proper noun there. Now it is for biblical
society to define who was Raam and why he has been mentioned in Bible. Even the
name of Dasharath and Ayodhyaa are there in Bible. We will be referring to these
facts in "Blunders of Indian/World History".
Now we would pose some tickling
questions to the historians:
(1) Why month of fasting among Muslims is called Raamdhan?
(2) Why place in Gaza strip is called Raamllaha?
(3) Why place in London is named as Ramsgate?
(4) Why capital of Italy is known as Rome (misnomer of Raam)
We can provide various examples
where word Raam has been used as suffix or prefix with the names of various
historical places/persons or misnomer of Raam has been used as name for
historical places/persons. None of the historical evidence provides conclusive
answer to these facts unless we take Indian historical evidences into account.
In our article ‘ Blunders of
Indian/World history ‘ we will provide proof for it. We also believe that if
barbaric religion like Christianity and Islam have not gained popularity than we
would have more data to prove our point conclusively. These two sematic religion
have inflicted unparalleled havoc on historical data and buildings. They
destroyed all the libraries/monuments of historical importance which does not
confer their beliefs.
Still we have lot with us and we
can recreate correct chronological data of world history. It is widely accepted
that the King Alexander invaded India. It really sounds ironical that we are
accepting this theory without any historical evidence, on the other hand we go
on to deny existence of Raam despite various historical evidences are there to
prove that he was not mythical but a historical Mahaanaayak. These historians in
order to defy Raam‘s existence are ridiculously harping the same old tone of
theory of evolution which does not have any scientific proof. (why and how
theory of evolution gained importance
will be dealt in our article How the universe is created. The only thing
of significance regarding theory of evolution, we want to state here is that it
was a tool which was invented to challenge the anarchaic/draconian supremacy of
church. The church use to claim that this world was created by God out of
nothing and the age of this Universe is not more than 10,000 years. By the help
of evolutionary theory scientific world challenged the supremacy of church and
overcame the clergy.)
This is for readers to decide by
themselves how they are going to treat Raam. We think that we have provided lot
of food for thought. Those who are illogically biased may still refute the
existence of Raam while those who are logical and believe that mythological
character can never gain such world wide respect/reverence will start looking
upon Raam from wider historical evidences. Here we want to clarify following
points:
(1) Raam was not an incarnation of
God but he was Mahanaayak, a legendary person who lived a pristine life and is
an example to be emulated till today.
(2) Raam Setu, on which lot of controversy is being created, might not be built
by Raam as the period of Raam is at least 10,00,000 years. During this time
geographical conditions has changed drastically.
(3) Vaalmeeki Raamaayan is not fiction but an epic based on historical evidence.
We can analyze the issue of Raam Setu only on the basis of environmental/
economical viability.
|
