Piety in the Ramayana

Piety in the Ramayana

Piety is one of the most valued virtues in South-Eastern Asia. There is a multitude of different types of Piety including: Heroic, Religious, Neighborly, Socratic, and Filial Piety. In “The Ramayana” by R.K. Narayan the main character Rama embarks on a magical journey to save his wife from the evil demon Ravana who captured his wife. Throughout this journey Rama exemplifies many of these Pieties such as Neighborly, Heroic and Filial Piety.

Neighborly Piety is a reoccurring theme throughout consistently “The Ramayana” by Rama the main character. In chapter three, Rama is supposed to be crowned king but, Kaikeyi gets in the way and reminds the king he has to do anything she wanted. So instead of Rama being king, kaikeyi’s son Bharatha would be crowned king. After, this the king still insisted that “Rama’s crowning” would be with everyone neighbors, family, gods and goddesses so, he sent the ministers to “let everything, every little detail be ready for the ceremony of coronation tomorrow. Let there be widespread decorations and have all items ready at the Coronation Hall. Let the streets be washed cleared and decorated. Let people feast and play and enjoy themselves …” (Page 35). After setting this up, Rama knowing he would not be king still celebrated with his family and friends, enjoying the food and games showing much Neighborly Piety.

Heroic Piety is another huge Piety used throughout the book by Rama. In chapter two Rama has to go on a heroic journey to fight all the five folds of evil. In the story “Thatakas” Rama has to fight the first evil demon. Rama at first was suspicious but, then Viswamithra explains to him Thataka was a demon and not to visualize “her as a women at all. You most rid the world of her. It is your duty.”(Page 13) Rama spoke “I will carry out your wish” (Page13) showing heroic piety by not backing down but, sacrificing himself to defeat the evil for the greater good.

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