In Ayodhya Rama wished to perform the Ashwamedha yajna that establishes the superiority of an emperor over other kingdoms. Rama and his brothers invited all the learned men, rishis, kings and princes across the land. It was customary for yajnas to be performed by the husband and wife together. Rama never thought of any woman […]
Obon is a Japanese Buddhist custom that is more than 500 years old. Do you know: Based on the lunar calendar, the Obon festival is organized at three different times in a year. The Obon festival evolved out of a story of one of the Buddha’s disciples–Mokori and his offerings to the Buddhist monks to
During the rainy season, Shatrughna stopped at Valmiki’s ashrama for a night on his way to slay Lavanasura. It so happened that on the same night Seeta gave birth to twin boys. The ashrama children ran to tell Valmiki the news. He was delighted and came to see the little ones. He arranged for their
Seeta watched the chariot going further and further away. She wept miserably at the terrible tragedy that had befallen her. Some children from the ashrama, playing near by, saw her crying and ran to tell sage Valmiki about her. Valmiki was gifted with divine vision. He could see well into the future. He immediately understood
Fitampoha is a tradition observed by the Sakalava tribe from west Madagascar. Do you know: There are 9 relics of the royal family that are kept in a bag, which is kept in an iron trunk, which is placed in the sacred house or Zomba. The Fitampoha festival is all about celebrating the relics of
It was with a heavy heart that Lakshmana asked Sumantra to prepare his chariot, with a suitable seat for Seeta, to go to Valmiki’s ashrama. Seeta trustingly got into the chariot. When they reached the banks of the Bhageerathi river, they got down and then Lakshmana’s control broke. Weeping like a child, he told Seeta,
Rama was disturbed hearing what his citizens were thinking. When his brothers were with him, he spoke with a heavy heart. “My brothers, you are the dearest to me,” said Rama, “It is your wisdom and effort that helps me to rule our kingdom wisely. I am concerned about the welfare of our subjects more
Malagan is a traditional ceremony that is many things in one, and is held in New Ireland province of Papua New Guinea. Do you know:Malagan is also the name of the beautiful wooden carvings that are used in the ceremony. The Malagan ceremony itself is not only a dedication to the dead but also an
The guests departed after the coronation. Hanuman stayed. When Sugreeva commented on his devotion to Sri Rama, Hanuman tore his chest open to show Sugreeva that Rama and Seeta were seated in his heart! Rama was a wise and just king. Many of his advisors were sent out among the citizens to assess the needs
As Rama accepted Seeta back, they saw the ghost of Dasharatha blessing them. Rama requested him to withdraw the heavy punishment he had given to Kaikeyi and Bharata, disowning them. Indra, the king of gods, came to thank Rama for saving them all from Ravana. Rama requested that all the vanaras who had been killed
The Choctaw people who live in the parts of the USA have various customs that are followed after someone has passed away. Do you know: The Choctaw people place the body of the dead on a plate. According to Choctaw customs, the name of the deceased must never be taken. They believe that if someone
With Ravana’s death the war ended. Vibheeshana performed his last rites and then Rama carried out his coronation as the King of Lanka. Hanuman went to fetch Seeta from the Ashoka Vatika in a palanquin. She got down, happy to see Rama again. But Rama was serious. He said that she would have to take
All the major warriors were dead. Ravana now came into the field for the final battle with Rama. He was undeterred by all the evil omens. The battlefield was terrible, with Ravana, Rama, Lakshmana, Sugreeva, Hanuman and both the armies fighting mercilessly. Sugreeva killed Mahodara and Virupaksha. Kumbha and Nikumbha, sons of Kumbhakarna, died in
The Navajo tribe that lives in various parts of the USA has many different death rites; some of which are still performed today. Do you know: The Navajo people consider the sound of an owl hooting or coyote howling as a sign of impending death or evil. After a person has passed away, the Navajo
Lakshmana revived and immediately asked for Indrajeet. He was determined to destroy the son of Ravana. Indrajeet was trying to perform a sacrifice that would make him unconquerable. But the monkeys came to know of it and interrupted it making it fail. Enraged, Indrajeet returned to the battlefield to finish Lakshmana who was waiting for