Why is Rama Called Maryādā Puruṣottama
वाक्-कर्म-कुल-सङ्ग्राम-शत्रु-मित्र-प्रजासु च।
नीतिमान् धृतिमान् शिष्टो मर्यादापुरुषोत्तमः॥
vāk-karma-kula-saṅgrāma-śatru-mitra-prajāsu ca.
nītimān dhṛtimān śiṣṭo maryādāpuruṣottamaḥ..
The above verse from an unknown source describes why Bhagavan Rama is called Maryādā Puruṣottama — the epitome of moral and steadfast leadership. In the history of Bharatavarsha, Bhagavan Rama stands as a beacon of virtue, wisdom, and righteousness. His life story, as depicted in the Ramayana of Valmiki, is replete with instances that exemplify the qualities of nīti and dhṛti. These two virtues, often translated as guidance, conduct, firmness, and constancy, are the cornerstones of leadership that not only govern the interactions between individuals but also shape the very fabric of society.
The term nīti, in its multifaceted meanings, encompasses the principles of guidance, wisdom, righteousness, and proper conduct. A true leader, one who embodies nītimān, cherishes and nurtures qualities that resonate with the core values of human existence. Patience, tolerance, truthfulness in thought, speech, and action, confidence, and benevolence are just a few threads in the rich field of virtues that define nīti.
Bhagavan Rama’s life story is a testament to his embodiment of nīti. His unwavering adherence to dharma (righteousness) is exemplified when he exiles himself to the forest, upholding his father’s promise and the welfare of his people over his own comfort. His interactions with diverse characters, such as the rakshasa king Ravana and the humble vanara Hanuman, reflect his wisdom and empathy, bridging gaps through ethical conduct and diplomacy.
Dhṛti, often translated as firmness, constancy, and perseverance, is the backbone of a true leader’s character. It represents the unshakable resolve to navigate challenges with equanimity, maintaining inner strength in the face of adversity. A dhṛtimān individual embodies qualities like contentment, strong will, positive attitude, and unwavering faith.
The character of Bhagavan Rama shines brightly with the essence of dhṛti. His unyielding commitment to fulfilling his responsibilities as a son, husband, and king, despite the trials and tribulations that befall him, showcases his determination. From traversing the treacherous forests to waging a war against Ravana’s formidable forces, Bhagavan Rama’s resolve remains steadfast, underlining his unwavering dedication to his cause.
Endowed with the above qualities when one operates in the world and executes one’s duties (kartavyakarma) one is said to be in maryādā or one aware of the limits of everything and operating within the limit. When the action performed is within the bounds of Dharma then it is the right action and the performer can be called as maryādāvān.
Though various etymologies of the word maryādā are found in the tradition, in its root sense it refers to a clear sign of limit or mark. The one who sets the limit and follows it in one’s life and action is maryādāvān.
The word maryādā is what the sacred texts like the Veda, Upannishads, Gita etc. define as acceptable behaviour and actions. In order for society to remain orderly and harmonious, these boundaries had to be respected. Bhagavan Rama represents these ideals, and his life is a shining example of how one should live in accordance with these values.
Here are some qualities that Rama is praised for and endowed with:
As we navigate the complexities of modern life, cultivating these qualities within ourselves has the power to spark a transformation similar to that of becoming like Rama. This journey leads us towards inner strength, steadfastness, endless happiness, and empathetic comprehension.
नियतात्मा niyatātmā — A person well disciplined
A person to be well disciplined has to have Self-mastery. A man’s discipline makes him a man; without it one is just an animal. And to be disciplined means to have control over one’s entire being and especially one’s lower nature. Trapped by the movements of the lower nature one loses control over oneself. All that can be called as negative belongs to the lower nature. It is by a thorough self-discipline that one can slowly gain self-mastery. A well-disciplined man is able to exercise self-control, maintain focus, and stay organized and is consistent in behaviour. Discipline helps achieve the true goals of life and live a fulfilling life.
महावीर्य mahāvīrya — Of great valour
To handle all challenges and succeed in life one has to develop the strength within. Beyond the physical, vital and mental strength is the spiritual strength. When one is endowed with spiritual strength one is called mahāvīrya. Such a person is free from all weaknesses and has the strength to overcome all challenges in life. Indeed a man of valour is someone who embodies courage, integrity, leadership, humility, perseverance, and compassion, and who is committed to making a positive difference in the world.
द्युतिमान् dyutimān — Radiant
The one who keeps oneself open to the light and facilitates the growth of the inner flame starts shining. By the power of one’s tapasyā one grows to radiate in all dimensions of one’s personality. The one who is engrossed in light, truth and knowledge is dyutimān or radiant or self-shining. Such a person is someone who is brilliant and possesses a combination of intelligence, creativity, adaptability, perfectionism, persistence, and humility. It is through these that one can excel in one’s chosen field and make a significant impact on the world around.
धृतिमान् dhṛtimān — Persevering
Perseverance is steady and persistent action. It implies resolute and unyielding holding on in following a course of action. The persevering ones never give up anything half the way. They persistently keep doing till they reach the final goal. To do this one has to have immense patience, courage and a strong will. A man of perseverance is someone who possesses the determination, resilience, focus, patience, self-discipline, positive attitude, and flexibility needed to overcome challenges and achieve the goals of life.
वशी vaśī — One with great control
In order to be a man of self-control, one must possess the ability to manage his thoughts, emotions, and actions responsibly and with discipline. A man of self-control is disciplined, patient, emotionally stable, thoughtful, of high integrity, humble, and self-aware, enabling them to navigate life’s challenges and make wise decisions.
बुद्धिमान् buddhimān — The wise one
The one endowed with the vevekabuddhi or the intuitive discernment is called the buddhimān or wise in a true sense. The buddhimān not only knows what is right and what is not but has the strength to execute what is right. He too has the power to destroy what is not right for the establishment of Dharma as he knows what is good for all.
वाग्मी vāgmī — Skillful in Speech
The one who is skilful in giving verbal expression to one’s thoughts, ideas and other experiences with clarity and without loss of content is known as vāgmī. Such a person has sweetness, eloquence and rhythm in his speech, and his speech is vibrant with light, truth and wisdom. Also a person skilled in speech is capable of communicating effectively, confidently, and respectfully.
नीतिमान् nītimān — Full of nīti
Anything that sets the movements of life into the right and harmonious rhythm is nīti. By nīti life is beautiful. By anīti life is miserable. A truly wise person is full of nīti, is led by nīti and leads all by nīti.
श्रीमान् śrīmān — Full of śrī
The word śrī in its root sense means light, lustre, radiance, splendour, glory, beauty, grace, loveliness, prosperity, welfare, good fortune, success, auspiciousness, wealth, treasure, riches, high rank, power, might, majesty, royal dignity etc. Goddess Lakshmi is known as śrī because she is the refuge and support of all existence; she is the goddess of beauty and harmony. It is the greater harmony that supports all movements in the creation, without that there will be no creation. The word śrīmān (feminine śrīmatī) means one who is in possession of śrī, the one who shines with the knowledge of Atman, lives in the light of the spirit.
शत्रुनिबर्हण śatrunibarhaṇa — Destroyer of enemies
The one well-equipped to destroy all the inner and outer enemies is called śatrunibarhaṇa. All the negative stuff that we all carry within ourselves are more dangerous than our outer enemies. It is always easy to fight against and win over the outer enemies but to have victory over the inner enemies needs rigorous and sincere efforts. The one who has conquered the inner enemies by the power of self-discipline is truly a hero warrior.
धर्मज्ञ dharmajña — The knower of Dharma
A knower of Dharma or dharmajña is the one who knows that Dharma is to have benevolence, beneficence, love, compassion, altruism, long-suffering, liberality, kindliness, patience in the heart; courage, heroism, energy, loyalty, continence, truth, honour, justice, faith, obedience and reverence in the character; wisdom and intelligence and love of learning, knowledge of all the best thought, an openness to poetry, art and beauty, an educated capacity and skill in works in the mind; love of God, seeking after the Highest, the spiritual turn in the inner being; and a strict observance of all the social dharmas as father, son, husband, brother, kinsman, friend, ruler or subject, master or servant, priest or warrior or worker, king or sage, member of clan or caste in social relations and conduct.
सत्यसंध satyasandha — Committed to Truth
The one committed to Truth never deviates from the Truth. For him Truth alone matters. Such a person is true to himself in all possible ways and at all levels.
यशस्वी yaśasvī — Glorious
The one who is celebrated by all at all places because of his illustrious deeds is yaśasvī. Such a person is always engrossed in doing good to all and sees that by him the world is tortured and he also is not tortured by the world. Such a person embodies excellence, honour, and distinction.
समाधिमान् samādhimān — One Absorbed in Silence
The one who is focused, concentrated and absorbed in silence is samādhimān. The one who is a man of justice and sets everything into right, brings harmony into all, works for unity and equanimity is also called samādhimān.
सर्वशास्त्रार्थतत्त्वज्ञ sarvaśāstrārthatattvajña — The one who know the essence of all śāstra-s
The one well-versed in all śāstra-s is knowledgeable enough to do justice to all situations and be a right guide to all. Such a person has a deep understanding of himself and others. He is knowledgeable, devoted, humble, self-disciplined, respectful, clear in communication, and is service-oriented. His knowledge and understanding of the Shastras allow to lead a virtuous life and help others do the same.
स्मृतिमान् smṛtimān — With a great memory
The one who has a great memory of all the various traditions and codes of conduct of all ages is called smṛtimān. Such a person is prudent and never causes embarrassment to any by his deeds.
प्रतिभानवान् pratibhānavān — The one with a shining intelligence
The one whose mind is clear and brilliant and luminous is pratibhānavān. Such a person is creative and is capable of generating novel ideas. A pratibhānavān person is open, curious, flexible and persistent. Those who are like this are always open to new ideas, willing to take risks, and able to think differently.
सर्वलोकप्रिय sarvalokapriya — One loved by all
The one who loves all is loved by all. A person who is kind, empathetic, and respectful towards others can make people feel valued and appreciated. Those who are authentic and true to themselves are seen by the people with love and respect. They are dear to people as they are reliable, trustworthy, and are true to their words.
विचक्षण vicakṣaṇa — Sagacious
The one who is capable of making wise decisions, solving complex problems, and providing insightful guidance to others is known vicakṣaṇa or of brilliant mind. Such a person possesses a unique combination of knowledge, insight, judgement, and empathy, which enables him to make wise decisions and provide valuable guidance to others.
अदीनात्मा adīnātmā — A high-spirited one
The one who never experiences the poorness of spirit and is always lively, energetic, enthusiastic, resilient, optimistic, courageous and creative is called adīnātmā. A person like this can create positive change in the world through inspiration, positivity, creativity, and resilience.
Leading a fulfilling, meaningful life and contributing to a better world can both be achieved by practising these values. By living according to principles of Dharma and Maryādā we can promote personal growth, strengthen our character, and foster a more harmonious society. These are some of the important lessons learnt from the life and character of Bhagavan Rama who is worshipped as Maryādā Puruṣottama.
-Sampadananda Mishra
PS: This article was first published in two parts in the May and June issues of Rishiplus — a monthly magazine of Rishihood University.
