The Enchanting Rama
Tree of Knowledge
By Niranjana Karthigairajan
The name ‘Rama’ means “one who bestows happiness.” True to this meaning, Sage Vashistha named Him Rama because His very presence brought boundless joy to everyone who beheld Him.
Dasharatha’s Beloved Child
To King Dasharatha, Rama was not merely the Almighty; He was a cherished son. When Sage Vishwamitra arrived at the court and requested Rama’s help to protect his sacrificial ritual (Yagna) from demons, Dasharatha replied hesitantly:
ūnaṣoḍaśavarṣo me rāmo rājīvalocanaḥ | na yuddhayogyatām asya paśyāmi saha rākṣasaiḥ || (1-20-2)
This translates to:
“My Rama is but a young boy, not even sixteen years of age. I do not see him as fit to engage in battle with demons.”
Dasharatha further describes Rama as ‘Raajeevalocanaha’ — the one with lotus-like eyes. Just as a lotus closes its petals when the sun sets, Rama was accustomed to sleeping early. Since demons are night-stalkers who fight in the darkness, Dasharatha argued that his tender son would be of no use in such a gruelling conflict.
The Beauty that Moved Vishwamitra
Despite knowing Rama’s true divine prowess, even the great Sage Vishwamitra succumbed to His charm. While leading Rama and Lakshmana through the forest, they encountered the ogress Tataka. Sage Vishwamitra — who had earlier testified to Dasharatha about Rama’s supremacy — suddenly felt a surge of protective instinct and uttered:
svasti rāghavayor astu jayaṃ caivābhyabhāṣata || (1-26-14)
Here, ‘Svasti’ means auspiciousness or well-being. The very Sage who insisted to Dasharatha that “nothing can harm the Supreme Lord” was now so moved by Rama’s grace and beauty that he began to pray for Rama’s safety.
Blessing the Eternal
When Jatayu was breathing his last — his wings clipped by Ravana while trying to rescue Sita — he encountered Rama and Lakshmana in the forest. Even during his final moments of agony, Jatayu forgot his own pain as he was engrossed in the sight of Rama. He addressed Rama as:
yām oṣadhim ivāyuṣman anveṣasi mahāvane | (3.67.15)
The word ‘Ayushman’ means “May you live a long life.” It is a profound paradox: a mortal bird wishing a long life to the eternal Supreme Being. Such was the effect of Rama’s enchanting beauty; it evoked a natural desire in everyone to protect Him.
If we look at Rama through the lens of mere knowledge (Gnana), He appears only as the Supreme (Paramatma). However, when we view Him through knowledge infused with love and devotion (Bhakti), we realize He is the Enchanting One who captivates the hearts of all.
Mauritius Times ePaper Friday 27 March 2026
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