ਰੋਵੈ ਰਾਮੁ ਨਿਕਾਲਾ ਭਇਆ ॥ ਸੀਤਾ ਲਖਮਣੁ ਵਿਛੁੜਿ ਗਇਆ ॥
Sri Raam Chandar Ji, the son of King Dasharath, was one of the 24 incarnations of Vishnu (Sustaining Deity). In many parts of India, there are Hindu temples where Raam and Sita’s statues are worshipped. The word 'Raam’ is a symbol or name for the Almighty Lord. The word 'Raam’ as a reference to God is mentioned many times within Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. The term 'Raam’ has appeared in many Gurus’ Bani and in Bhagat Bani.
Bilaaval Fourth Mehl
ਰਾਮ ਨਾਮੁ ਰਸੁ ਰਾਮ ਰਸਾਇਣੁ ਹਰਿ ਸੇਵਹੁ ਸੰਤ ਜਨਹੁ ॥
Bilaaval, First Mehl, Chhant, Dakhnee:
ਸਚਿ ਨਵੇਲੜੀਏ ਜੋਬਨਿ ਬਾਲੀ ਰਾਮ ॥ ਆਉ ਨ ਜਾਉ ਕਹੀ ਅਪਨੇ ਸਹ ਨਾਲੀ ਰਾਮ ॥
Bilaaval, The Word Of Devotee Ravi Daas
ਤੂ ਜਾਨਤ ਮੈ ਕਿਛੁ ਨਹੀ ਭਵ ਖੰਡਨ ਰਾਮ ॥
In Guru Granth Sahib Ji, there is a Raag (Musical Mode) called Raag Raamkali. In this Raag, the word 'Raam’ appears in almost every line. This is because the term 'Raam’ symbolizes the attribute of God being Omnipresent.
Raamkali, The Word of Bhagat Kabeer Ji
ਰਾਮ ਕਬੀਰਾ ਏਕ ਭਏ ਹੈ ਕੋਇ ਨ ਸਕੈ ਪਛਾਨੀ ॥੬॥੩॥
So, Raam, Vaheguru, Satnaam are all the names or attributes of The Primal Being, the giver, sustainer, and destroyer of life. To remember and know God is called devotional worship.
Sri Raam Chandar Ji’s Early Life
The wives of King Dasharath had no children. So he organized a ritualistic sacrifice, and from that, he received the boon of his heir. Soon after, four sons were born in his house. During the birth of all four sons, the King celebrated grandly. Raam and Lashman, the two brothers, loved each other very much, despite being born from different mothers. They were the students of Sage Vashist. Vishvamitr, a great sage, took both princes out of the palace. They had wars with many demons. Vishvamitr taught them how to use different physical weapons (shastars) and supernatural weapons obtained from Mantric powers (ashtar). After killing all the demons, they arrived in the land of King Janak.
When they arrived in King Janak’s palace, the ceremony of groom selection for Sita was going on. The condition stated was that whoever could string the Dhanush (bow) given to King Janak by Shiva Ji (Deity of Destruction), would be the groom for Sita. Unfortunately, no king could carry the bow as it was huge and heavy. Sri Raam Chandar Ji was the only one who could string the bow, and while doing so, they broke the bow. This displays that Sri Raam Chandar Ji was mighty and strong.
They won over the heart of Sita Ji who was a beautiful girl. Then, Sri Raam Chandar Ji, alongside his congregation of ministers, kings, and sages, arrived in King Janak’s palace for the marriage ceremony. Alongside Sri Raam Chandar Ji’s marriage, the other three princes’ marriages were solemnized as well. Sri Raam Chandar Ji took Sita Ji back to Ayudhya where everyone celebrated the wedding.
Whatever happens, happens in the will of God, and no one can stop it. King Dasharath was very pleased with Raam’s bravery and intelligence. He discussed with the ministers and decided to give the throne to Raam. The coronation ceremony began, and the news spread very soon. All rituals and prayers began for the coronation.
Sri Raam Chandar Ji’s Coronation is Stopped
On the night before the coronation ceremony, Queen Kaikeyi, whose palace King Dasharath lived in, pleaded in front of the king and said, “Oh King, you gave me two wishes as a reward for doing your service after your war with King Indra. So, today, please fulfill those wishes.” Kind Dasharath replied, “Kaikeyi, ask what you want, I will fulfill it. What do you desire?” That time, the king was pleased. He didn’t think that the queen’s wish could be a dangerous one. Queen Kaikeyi said, “My first wish is that you exile Raam for fourteen years to the forest, and the second is that you make my son, Bharat, the king of Ayudhya.” She said this in one breath, without thinking about the king, the people, or the society. Instead, she showed her true colors as a stepmother. Hearing this, the happiness on the king’s face faded. King Dasharath was shocked, as he didn’t expect such words from his queen. He didn’t imagine that Kaikeyi would be so selfish and adamant. He said, “Kaikeyi! You should not have this much enmity. You should not have hurt my heart.” The king’s physical and mental state became worse, he was ready to die.
Sri Raam Chandar Ji arrived at the palace for the ceremony, but looking at his father, he stopped. Seeing Sri Raam Chandar, Kaikeyi spoke and told him about her two wishes. Kaikeyi said, “The King couldn’t tell you because he loves you and is afraid now. You are a good son. You have to adhere to the command of your father.” “Alright, mother.” Sri Raam Chandar Ji said as he walked out of the palace, took off the coronation clothes, and wore simple clothes. He got ready to go into the forest with Sita and Lashman alongside him. Leaving the people of Ayudhya restless and anxious, Sri Raam Chandar Ji left Ayudhya. King Dasharath died in agony. When Bharat found out, he became nervous and denied the throne of Ayudhya. He went into the forest to meet his brother. In the end, he brought back the footwear of Sri Raam Chandar Ji and put them on the throne of Ayudhya. He served as a servant and managed the royal matters.
Sri Raam Chandar Ji Fights a Great Battle
After crossing the Ganges river, Sri Raam Chandar Ji went south into the forest. This forest is now located in the state of Odisha. Here, Surphanakha, the sister of Raavan (the King of Lanka), came to the forest. Recognizing the intention she had in mind for Raam, Lashman cut off her nose. Due to that, Raavan took the form of a sage and took Sita away. Sri Raam Chandar Ji and Lashman went looking for Sita. They joined forces with Hanuman, and with his help, they found where Sita was held hostage. They attacked Lanka, in which Raavan and his sons were killed. The throne of Lanka was given to the younger brother of Raavan, Vibhishana, who sought sanctuary from Sri Raam Chandar Ji. Sri Raam Chandar Ji brought Sita back to Ayudhya and became the king. The day of return was celebrated with lighted candles, which is still a practice today, called Deepavali (Diwali). Some say that he ruled for 10000 years.
Raam sets an example of a good son, they exemplify how a child should obey and respect their parents.