The Ramayana is one of the finest epics of Indian mythology, with lessons of all kinds. It would be unfair to say one lifetime is enough to understand the essence of each character, the plot, and the overall message, but to explain the context, I will write a few sentences.
The Ramayana was set in an ancient kingdom, at a time when King Dasharatha was at the cusp of passing his duties of kingship on to his first born, Prince Rama. A peculiarity about this kingdom was that once a person had given their word, it was valued to be the highest, even beyond human life.
The kingship of Prince Rama was no surprise to anyone, being the tradition, however it was not accepted by the king’s third wife, Kaikayi, who had been convinced by her maid Manthara that her own son, Bharat, should be king. Her wishes didn’t yield results until one fateful day she happened to help King Dasharatha during a battle, whereafter he granted her a wish. She kept it as leverage for later, and meanwhile crystallized the dream for her son.
Just when the time for Prince Rama came to take over the throne, Kaikayi asked the king to grant her wish, as he had promised. She demanded that her son Bharat be the successor instead of Rama, and that Rama and his new wife Sita be sent into exile in the forest far away for fourteen years.
Upon learning what Kaikayi did, what emotions arise in you? You may wonder what made her like this? Was it her maid Manthara’s words? My current understanding says it was neither those words nor her decisions. It was fear in her heart that prevented her from seeing the truth.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
BEYOND the Beat
The Heart’s Intelligence in Compassion and Healing
The Devil's Tree
DR V. RAMAKANTHA, retired forest officer, who lived, raised a family, and worked in forests for most of his adult life, returns to our pages in 2025 to share his vast knowledge of medicinal plants, and the fascinating stories associated with them. In his signature style, this month he weaves together science, folklore, and traditional knowledge to tell the story of the Devil's Tree, Saptaparni.
The Joy of Unity
SARAVANAN SUBRAMANIAM, Director of HeartyCulture Natural Products, India, introduces us to a new type of grafted mango at the nursery in Kanha Shanti Vanam. Not only does this new variety bring diversity to our taste buds, but also symbolizes the unity in diversity we all wish for in ecosystems that include human beings.
The Beauty and Transformative Nature of Prayer
In the first episode for 2025 on spiritual practices, DAAJI offers us an inspiring and scientific explanation of prayer and its importance on the inner journey. He demystifies prayer by going beyond the religious connotations to its true purpose and the benefits it offers us as a means of evolution.
Parenting: A Purifying Experience
MEGHA BAJAJ is a new mother. She celebrates the life-changing joy of parenting, and the way the equilibrium of parental love keeps the world intact.
The Sacredness of Human Development
CHRISTIANNA DEICHMANN is the Director of Education at the Association for Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology and Health (APPPAH), where she educates both professionals and parents on fostering the most nurturing environments for welcoming new life into the world. She is based in Charlottesville, Virginia, USA. With a multidisciplinary approach, Christianna blends Craniosacral Therapy, massage, and pre- and perinatal psychology into her holistic practice. Her work uniquely combines science and spirituality.In part 2 of this interview, Christianna continues to shares her expertise with DR. SNEHAL DESHPANDE, a Developmental Therapist, PPNE, and the Director of Heartfulness Family Connect Programs, offering a rich dialogue on Birth Trauma and Obstetrical Intervention.
ONCE UPON A Saturday
SULOCHANA SANTHOSH is a young and inspired writer who reminds us of the need to care for our ocean and the environment in general. What are you doing to make a difference?
Seven of Us
is a lecturer at the Bangkok School of Management, a wellness coach, and the co-leader of the Bangkok Women's Writers Group. Here, Bhavna writes about her inspiring experience of cleaning up the garbage in the city that is her home.
UNLEASHING OUR Extraordinary Capabilities
LYNNE McTAGGART is one of the central authorities on the new science of consciousness, and the award-winning author of seven books, including the internationally bestselling The Intention Experiment, The Field, The Bond, and The Power of Eight. Here, Lynne is interviewed by PURNIMA RAMAKRISHNAN about the transformative power of intention, the profound impact of group intention, and the potential for individuals to create significant change in their lives and the world.
FROM Annoyance Serenity ΤΟ
SARALA UPADHYA shares her experience as a college professor to come up with a working model for how to manage annoyance both usefully and kindly. She has now reduced her “annoyance factor” making life more serene for herself and those around her.
