Shubh Valmiki Janmadivas
Valmiki – the original compiler of Ramayana is not a poet per se but an empowered learned sage & classic historian speaking skillful poetry that is unique & par excellence.
But unfortunately in modern times, the logical human mind bemused by the sheer depths of sacred epics, try to unveil & uncover what our timeless authors like Valmiki may have overlooked. For instance, many intellectuals feel that “Urmila – wife of Lakshamana” is one of the unsung heroines of the Ramayana who has been completely overlooked by Valmiki and many have accused the writer of doing injustice to Urmila and other ladies.
It is important to understand the foundational principle from the characters of Ramayana and the vision & mood of the compiler rather than trying to be sympathetic to someone and spoil the mellows of Ramayana .
It is like whilst cooking, all the hard labor of the farmer who grows different ingredients used in making the delicacy is not seen. Most of the times, the host is glorified rather than the cook so what to speak of the harvester, the farmer.
The farmer remains unnoticed all his life producing what he is meant to produce.Similarly, theme of the Ramayana is that some characters are noticed and others remain unnoticed but both perform unlimited sacrifice.
This is the core substance of the Ramayana, Urmila remains unnoticed but never makes an issue. Why? Because she is happy in serving, being in service is her pleasure and recognition is immaterial .
Valmiki muni is a sensitive author who entertains different characters according to the mood and plot of the story. The underlying principle of the Ramayana is that – sacrifice is sacrifice even if it is made with or without recognition.
Like the farmers are not even remembered while enjoying the high-quality food.
– Do we ever think of them while eating?
– Do we ever glorify them for producing good quality?
Seldom, is it not? But without them, food is not there.
Life moves on with so many sacrifices which are completely unnoticed but “sacrifice is sacrifice” . A person with substance does not sacrifice with the intentions of being recognized. If he is glorified, he feels dirty. For him, sacrifice is a great privilege and recognition is nothing but a by-product.
Let us not tamper with the sensitive Valmiki and silent Urmila who did everything to make their sacrifice since time and immemorial.
A perspective other than this, is not the substance of Ramayana but just a hollow and shallow imagination of selfishness and small mindedness of non-Ramayana.
