Central Idea:

The article explores the evolving perceptions of Lord Rama in Hindu society, with a focus on the transformation of the invocation “Jai Shri Ram” and the upcoming consecration of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple. It emphasizes the need to revisit the Ramacharitmanas in its entirety to comprehend Lord Rama in all dimensions, especially his compassionate and childlike aspects.

Key Highlights:

• Lord Rama, as depicted by Tulsidas in the Ramacharitmanas, is seen as divine and the upholder of maryada, connoting righteous conduct.
• The aggressive tone of the current popular invocation, “Jai Shri Ram,” emerged in 1990 during the Rath Yatra led by Lal Krishna Advani for the construction of the Ram temple.
• The construction of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple is widely welcomed, symbolizing a correction of historical wrongs and a call for Hindu assertiveness.

Key Challenges:

• The shift in the invocation from traditional greetings like “Ram Ram” to the more militant “Jai Shri Ram” reflects a change in social thinking, raising concerns about sharpness in Hindu thought.
• The article notes that the infant form of Lord Rama is rarely invoked, highlighting a departure from Tulsidas’s portrayal in the Ramacharitmanas.

Key Terms:

• Maryada: Connotes righteous conduct, context-specific.
• Rath Yatra: A procession advocating the construction of the Ram temple.
• Ramlalla Virajman: The deity representing Lord Rama in the Ayodhya case.
• Samadhi: A memorial, in this context, referring to Gandhi’s resting place at Rajghat.

Key Phrases:

• “Jai Shri Ram”: Evolved from the Rath Yatra in 1990, emphasizing a militant tone for the Ram Janmabhoomi temple.
• “He Ram”: Uttered by Gandhi at the time of his assassination, reflecting a deep connection to Lord Rama.

Key Quotes:

• “It is evocative that his samadhi at Rajghat carries these words.” – Referring to the words “He Ram” on Gandhi’s memorial.
• “Recognising the entire creation as full of Siya and Rama, I make obeisance to them with joined palms.” – Tulsidas’s perspective on Lord Rama and Sita.

Key Examples and References:

• Lal Krishna Advani’s Rath Yatra in 1990.
• D.V. Paluskar’s rendering of the bhajan “Thumak chalat Ramachandra.”
• Gandhi’s utterance of “He Ram” at the time of his assassination.

Key Facts and Data:

• Lord Rama is widely perceived in his warrior mode, especially during the celebration of Dussehra.
• The consecration of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple is scheduled for January 22, 2024.

Critical Analysis:

The article critically examines the changing invocation from traditional greetings to the militant “Jai Shri Ram,” expressing concerns about the sharpness in Hindu thinking. It reflects on the evolution of societal perceptions of Lord Rama, emphasizing the need to embrace the diverse dimensions portrayed in the Ramacharitmanas.

Way Forward:

• Encourage a broader understanding of Lord Rama by revisiting the Ramacharitmanas in its entirety.
• Emphasize the compassionate and childlike aspects of Lord Rama, especially in the context of the upcoming temple consecration.
• Reflect on Gandhi’s Rama bhakti as a guiding principle, promoting tolerance and compassion in the celebration of religious milestones.

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