The original Ramayana, composed by Rishi Valmiki, contains a total of 24,000 verses. However, very few people know that the first letter of every 1000th verse forms a complete Gayatri Mantra. This is considered not a coincidence, but an extraordinary plan of the Rishis. The Gayatri Mantra is one of the most sacred mantras described in the Vedas.
Ram Had a Big Sister Too
Most people know about Lord Rama's brothers, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna, but very few are familiar with his sister "Shanta." Shanta was the daughter of King Dasharatha and Queen Kaushalya, who was given in adoption to King Romapada of Angadesha.
Which Deities Were Ram's Brothers Avatars Of?
While Lord Rama is considered an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Lakshmana is considered an incarnation of Sheshnag, Bharata of the Sudarshana Chakra, and Shatrughna of Vishnu's conch. All these incarnations took place on Earth with the objective of establishing Dharma.
The Pinaka Bow Was Used in Sita's Swayamvara
The bow that Rama broke in the Swayamvara was named "Pinaka." It was the same bow of Lord Shiva that no one could lift easily.
Lakshmana Didn't Sleep for 14 Years, Urmila Took His Sleep
During the exile, Lakshmana remained awake continuously to protect Rama and Sita. He sought a boon from the Goddess of Sleep, and in return, Urmila took his sleep for 14 years.
The Forest of Ram and Sita's Exile was Dandakaranya
The forest where Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana spent their exile was called Dandakaranya. It currently extended to parts of Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh.
There is no mention of the Lakshmana Rekha in the original Ramayana
Everyone knows the story of the Lakshmana Rekha today, but it is not found in the Valmiki Ramayana or Ramcharitmanas. It was first mentioned by Mandodari.
Ravana Was a Veena Player and a Scholar of the Vedas
Ravana was not just a cruel demon. He was a great scholar and was proficient in playing the Veena. That is why the symbol of the Veena was on his flag.
Kumbhakarna's Sleep was Not a Boon, But a Deception
Kumbhakarna was supposed to ask for Indrasana (the throne of Indra) as a boon from Brahma, but at Indra's behest, Goddess Saraswati controlled his tongue, and he asked for 'Nidrasana' (sleep). Because of this, he slept for 6 months and woke up for a day.
NASA Also Considers Ram Setu to be Man-Made
Modern science could not dismiss the Ram Setu described in the Ramayana. NASA has confirmed this 30-kilometer-long bridge that connects India and Sri Lanka.
Ravana Already Knew About His End
When Ravana was warned by his brothers after the abduction of Sita, he clearly said that if Rama is a god, he would attain Moksha by dying at his hands.
Rama Gave Lakshmana the Death Penalty
When Yamaraj came to talk to Lord Rama in private and took a vow that there would be no interruption, Lakshmana was appointed at the door. But on the arrival of Rishi Durvasa, Lakshmana broke the vow, and as a result, Rama abandoned him. After this, Lakshmana took Jal Samadhi (water burial).
Rama Took Jal Samadhi in the Sarayu River
After Sita merged into the earth, Lord Rama left the mortal world by taking a dip in the Sarayu River. This is seen as the process of Lord Vishnu returning to Vaikuntha.
