The word “dharma” does not seem to be a dominant idea in Vedic times. It is here that the idea of dharma is elaborated for the first time in Hindu history, making them the containers of dharma for the world at large. It is these refined and reframed retellings that we today consider as the “original”. A little over 2,000 years ago, after centuries of oral transmission, these stories were refined and reframed as the Sanskrit epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. They may have included the story of Ram and Krishna, but we cannot be sure. The earliest references to Puranas and Itihasas can be found 2,800 years ago in the Shatapatha Brahmana – however, we do not know the stories that were told at the time. Watch: BJP MP Pragya Thakur plays cricket in Bhopal while avoiding court on medical grounds.The backstory: What I learnt about the inequities of a ‘noble’ profession.Best of 2021 soundtracks: Santhosh Narayanan, Anirudh Ravichander and Sachin-Jigar shine.‘The Center Will Not Hold’: Remembering the life and times of author Joan Didion.Readers’ comments: Because of inefficient US visa system, I have missed important life moments.Why an IIT Kharagpur calendar aiming to highlight traditional Indian knowledge has irked experts.Muneeza Shamsie: My family’s culinary history across India, Pakistan and Britain.Watch: US security officer jumps over conveyor belt at airport to help baby who stopped breathing.Sex in marriage: In libertarian societies, forcing anyone into sex is wrong, no matter why.In photos: Five of the most thrilling telescope images of the cosmos.Omicron may not be the last time coronavirus is mutating, but it may be the final variant of concern.
Mahabharata and ramayana drivers#
The Bhagwat Gita which is a part of the Mahabharat is not only a Vaishnava scripture but a profound philosophical doctrine. The Mahabharata examines closely the question of Dharma or what is righteous behavior and what is not. Like Maryadapurushottam Rama and the Chaste Sita, which have had a powerful influence on shaping Indian social thought and practice. The Ramayana lays down the model of ideal behavior for men and women in various roles. Like devotion to one’s parents ( Relationship between Rama and Dashratha & Kaikeyi) and elder brother ( Bharata, Laxman, Shtrujna, and Rama) and loyalty to one’s husband (Sita and Rama). They enshrine significant social and cultural values.
The Great Epics are also perfect examples of informative texts. The passing of the throne to the eldest son is first challenged and then re-established in both texts. The establishment in the history of significant political practices.
Killing of Ravana by Shri Ram Significance of Great Epics