Ramayana is one of the great epics of Hindu mythology, which narrates the story of the victory of the good over the evil. All the characters of the Ramayana Gatha signify a deeper meaning for the human beings. The positive characters in the epic, in particular, inspire human beings to inculcate virtues like goodness, piousness, truth and righteousness in themselves.
List of Top characters of Ramayana Gatha:
11. Jatayu
Jatayu was a vulture and a noble ally in the Indian epic Ramayana. He valiantly fought to rescue Sita, Lord Rama’s wife, from the demon king Ravana. Despite being mortally wounded in the battle, Jatayu played a crucial role by informing Rama of Sita’s abduction before his demise, thus aiding the quest.
- Also Read: Best Characters of Mahabharata Gatha
10. Mandodari
Mandodari, the wife of Ravana, is one of the best characters in Ramayana Gatha because she always tried to dissuade her husband from wrong doings and also, because she wanted to help Sita by saving her from Ravana.
9. Vibhishana
Vibhishana is the brother of Ravana, the evil Rakshasa who abducts Sita. Vibhishana played a key role in helping Lord Rama kill Ravana and win the battle, as he supported the right, instead of favoring his brother and his evil deeds.
8. Shatrughan
Shatrughan is the fourth son of King Dasaratha, who spent his life helping his brother Bharata manage the kingdom of Ayodhya, while Lord Rama was on exile. He is one of the best characters in Ramayana Gatha because he too symbolizes devotion and righteousness like his brothers.
7. Kausalya
Kausalya is the wife of King Dasratha and mother of Lord Rama. Her greatness can be judged from the fact that she bore no ill will towards Kaikeyi, who was behind the exile of Lord Rama. She loved her step sons Bharat, Lakshman and Shatrughan, as much as he loved Rama.
6. King Dasaratha
Next among the best characters of Ramayana is King Dasaratha, who is the father of Lord Rama. He never went against his promise and even sent his own son in exile to fulfill it. However, he could not live without his son and died soon after Lord Rama went on exile.
5. Hanuman
One of the best characters in the Ramayana Gatha is that of Hanuman, the monkey warrior, who is the symbolic of undying devotion towards Lord Rama. From the day he met Lord Rama, Hunuman considered Lord Rama to be his master and dedicated his life in his service. Without bothering about his own life, Hanuman bravely fought against the Rakshasas in the war against Ravana to rescue Sita. He also saved the life of Laksman by bringing the Sanjeevani to revive him.
4. Bharata
Bharata is another great character from Ramayana. He is the son of Queen Kaikeyi, the third wife of King Dasaratha, who sent Lord Rama on exile, so that Bharat could become the king of Ayodhya. When Bharat came to know of this misdeed, he gave up everything and went after Lord Rama to bring him back. But on refusal of Rama to come back, Bharat decided to manage the kingdom and serve the people till Rama returned, without ever sitting on the throne, as a service to his elder brother.
3. Lakshmana
Lakshmana is the younger brother of Lord Rama, who decided to give up palatial comforts and go for exile, along with Lord Rama and Sita, which is the sign of his endless devotion towards them. He gave up his whole life for serving them and is very protective for Sita. Lakshman is also known for his anger and bravery and never stops at anything when it comes to his honor.
2. Sita
Sita is the epitome of chastity and purity, who will always be an inspiration for every married woman. She left everything behind to follow her husband in 14 years of exile. Despite the torture imposed on her by Ravana, Sita did not give up her chastity and devotion. She continued to show her devotion after her rescue from Sri Lanka, when she went through Agni Pariksha to prove her purity.
1. Lord Rama
Lord Rama, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is the hero of the epic and also the most important character of the story, who is considered as the maryada purushottam (the best among men). He is a dutiful son, a devoted husband, a loving brother, a faithful friend and a dedicated ruler. He never thought twice before renouncing his kingdom and going for exile on the order of his mother. He even sent his wife away when the subjects suspected her purity.
Vashishtha, Sugreeva, Janaka, Urmila and Vishwamitra are some other positive characters of Ramayana Gatha. All these characters give inspiration to men to live a better life.
Lessor Known Facts About Ramayana Gatha
1. Authorship and Origin: The Ramayana, attributed to the sage Valmiki, is one of the oldest epic poems in Sanskrit. It is traditionally believed to have originated over 2,000 years ago.
2. Seven Books: The Ramayana is divided into seven books, known as Kandas or Cantos. These are Balakanda, Ayodhyakanda, Aranyakanda, Kishkindhakanda, Sundarakanda, Yuddhakanda, and Uttarakanda.
3. Versification Style: Valmiki used a specific meter called Anushtubh for composing the Ramayana. Anushtubh is a poetic meter consisting of 32 syllables in a verse, making the narrative rhythmic and memorable.
4. Hanuman’s Role: Hanuman, a central character in the Ramayana, is known for his unwavering devotion to Lord Rama. His devotion is so revered that the phrase “Jai Shri Ram” (Hail Lord Rama) is often associated with him.
5. Sita’s Agni Pariksha: Sita, after being rescued from Lanka, undergoes the Agni Pariksha (trial by fire) to prove her purity. This event is symbolic and emphasizes her chastity, but it has been a subject of debate and interpretation.
6. Rama’s Bow: In the Swayamvara (bridal choice) of Sita, only Rama, with his immense strength, could string the divine bow of Lord Shiva, known as the Pinaka. The breaking of this bow by Rama leads to his marriage with Sita.
7. Killing of Vali: Rama’s alliance with the monkey king Sugriva leads to the killing of Vali, Sugriva’s brother, sparking ethical debates about dharma and the righteousness of Rama’s actions.
8. Floating Stones: In the construction of the bridge (Setu Bandhan) to Lanka, the stones carried the name of Rama, and they floated on water due to the power of his name, emphasizing the significance of faith and devotion.
9. Lav and Kush: Rama’s twin sons, Lav and Kush, were born during Sita’s exile. Their upbringing in the forest, unaware of their royal lineage, adds an interesting twist to the narrative.
10. Vibhishana’s Role: Vibhishana, Ravana’s brother, defects from Lanka to join Rama’s side, emphasizing the importance of dharma and righteousness even in difficult familial situations.
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