RAMAYANA AND MAHABHARATA

And their symbolic connections with Maharashtra

Composed in the 5th century, Ramayana is an Indian epic originally written in Sanskrit by Rishi Valmiki. It consists of about 24000 verses mostly set in Shloka form. The literal meaning of Ramayana is the “Life journey of Rama”.

This epic also has its geographic relation with the present day Maharashtra. Some places in Maharashtra associated with the life of rama include Panchavati- The grove of 5 banyan trees which is today located in Nashik in mountainous parts. Ram Kala Mandir (One of the most visited Ram temple) is also situated in this place. “Sita’s gufa” or cave is also situated near Panchavati in today’s Nashik. Other places include The Ram Kund, where Rama is believed to have bathed once in his exile. Hence we can say that Ramayana has a deep connection with the mountainous regions of Maharashtra.

Similarly Mahabharata was an epic written around the same age by Rishi Vyas.

It is originally written in Sanskrit in about 2,00,000 verses.

It is the story of conflict between Pandavas and Kauravas which later results in a great battle called Mahabharata in Kurukshetra.It also relates to the Vidarbha kingdom in Maharashtra on mentioning two famous ladies — Damayanti and Rukmini (Eldest wife of Vasudev Krishna) who lived here. Vidarbha kindom in the southern parts of Maharashtra is one of the many kingdoms ruled by the Yadu kings. Bhima was also known to be ruling its capital Kundinapuri. There also exists a mention of a southern route connecting Vidarbha and Ayodhya.

The beauty of Indian ancient literature is enhanced by the medium of these epics. They are the epitome of great literary and cultural knowledge of the ancient times. These, composed in the Later Vedic period are also valuable sources of the rituals, and cultural practices of the Epic Age. Their connection with Maharashtra also cannot go unnoticed.

Khushi Nahar