Quick read: The Kings of Thailand title themselves Rama.
Thailand’s ancient capital, Ayutthaya, was named after Ayodhya by King Ramathibodi (1350 CE). Though Buddhist, he envisioned a golden age (Ramarajya) for his kingdom. Destroyed by Burma in the 18th century, a new dynasty rose in Bangkok and continues to this day. Their kings are called Rama, a reference to the Hindu god Rama. The present King is Rama X – Vajiralongkorn.

In neighboring Malaysia, the king is elected (from the hereditary rulers) for five years and takes an oath referencing “dust on Rama’s slippers” (Seri Paduka Dhuli). This likely connects to Rama’s brother Bharata, who ruled in Rama’s place while Rama was exiled, though this version is disputed.

Despite converting to Islam in the 13th-15th centuries CE, the Malay peninsula retains a connection to Rama. Their 17th-century epic, Hikayat Seri Ram, adapts the Ramayana story to fit Islamic beliefs, with characters like Ravana praying to Adam instead of Shiva.

Source: Rama and Ayodhya by Meenakshi Jain
https//mokshagundam.wordpress.com
Ramkatha by Kamil Bulke

Picture Credit: Ayuthya, Ramanujam S.R

Quick read: Laksamana is an official naval title used in Indonesia, Cambodia and Brunei even now.
The term “Laksamana” is a title used for high-ranking naval officers in Southeast Asia. It has a long history, dating back to the Malay sultanates and still used in Indonesia, Brunei, and Cambodia today.

In the Malacca Sultanate, the Laksamana was the most important military official after the Sultan. They were responsible for the Sultanate’s naval security, including controlling the vital China-India trade route through the Straits of Malacca. Essentially, the Laksamana commanded the entire Malaccan fleet.

Today, “Laksamana” translates to “admiral” in these countries. The highest ranks in the Indonesian and Malaysian navies are Grand Admiral (Laksamana Besar) and Fleet Admiral (Laksamana Armada), respectively. The title is also used to name ships and exercises in the Royal Malaysian Navy.

Source: wordsense.eu, Wikipedia

Picture Credit: Laksamana Malahayati, the 16th century Woman Admiral of Aceh, Indonesia, from detik.id

Quick read: Many dynasties saw themselves as defenders of their land inspired by Lakshmana’s role as a doorkeeper.
The Gurjara-Pratiharas ruled much of North India from the 8th to the 11th centuries CE, succeeding the empire of Harsha. Based in Kannauj, Uttar Pradesh, they controlled a vast territory encompassing the fertile Ganga-Yamuna Doab, Rajasthan, and Malwa. Interestingly, while they referred to themselves as “Pratiharas” (doorkeepers), their neighbors called them “Gurjaras.”

The Gurjara-Pratiharas played a crucial role in defending North India against Muslim incursions for centuries. They even claimed descent from Lakshmana, the loyal brother of the Hindu god Rama, seeing themselves as protectors of the land just like Lakshmana was the protector of Rama’s household. This association with Rama resonated with other North Indian rulers facing the Muslim threat, as seen in the claims of descent from Rama by Chalukyan emperor Jaisimha Siddharaja and Prithviraj Chauhan.

Historians debate the origins of the Gurjara-Pratiharas. Some believe they descended from the invading Hunas, while others suggest an indigenous Gurjara origin, possibly starting as military officials under the neighboring Rashtrakutas.

Note: There were other Raja Bhoja’s also in Indian history.

Source: ‘Rama & Ayodhya’ by Dr Meenakshi Jain

Picture Credit: Teli Ka Mandir in Gwalior built by Mihira Bhoja, Ramanujam S.R

Quick read: Ramavataram is in Tamil.
Kamban (1180-1250 CE) is considered a top Tamil poet, famous for his epic poem, the Ramavataram. This retelling of the Ramayana story blends elements from older Tamil works, devotional songs, and even folk tales. While Rama remains a central figure, the poem also emphasizes the importance of following one’s duty (dharma).

Known for its length, variety of styles, and humor, the Ramavataram influenced later versions of the story. In Kerala, plays based on Kamban’s work are even performed as rituals in Shiva temples.

Source: Britannica

Picture Credit: The mandapam at Srirangam in Tamil Nadu where Kamban recited his Ramayana, Wikimedia Commons

Quick read: Samarth Ramdas is considered a Guru of Shivaji, though many dispute this claim.
Samarth Ramdas stands out among Maharashtra’s long lineage of saints (Sant Parampara). He combined spiritual teachings with political activism, becoming a powerful voice against Mughal rule.

Ramdas spent twelve years traveling across India, witnessing firsthand the oppression of the Mughal Empire. His writings on this topic, filled with conviction, earned him the title “Samarth” (meaning “powerful”).

While not a traditional guru-student relationship, a connection existed between Ramdas and the Maratha Chhatrapati Shivaji. Though Shivaji had already established his territory when Ramdas first wrote to him, a later letter from the Chhatrapati in 1678 acknowledges the inspiration he drew from Ramdas’ ideals.

A fervent devotee of Rama and Hanuman, Ramdas used these heroic figures as models to advocate resistance against Mughal rule.

Source: “The Political Thought of Samarth Ramdas Swami,” SG Kashikar

Picture Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Quick read: Orcha is in Madhya Pradesh and revers Rama as a King.
Orchha, a town in Madhya Pradesh, boasts a unique temple dedicated to Lord Rama. Unlike any other in India, the Ram Raja Temple enshrines Rama as a king, not just a deity. This fascinating tradition extends to the daily “Guard of Honour” ceremony, where local police salute the deity with royal respect.

Orchha’s history adds another layer to the temple’s intrigue. Founded in the 16th century, it housed a queen, Ganesh Kunwari, deeply devoted to Rama, while her husband favored Krishna. When she expressed a desire to visit Rama’s birthplace, Ayodhya, a deal was struck: the queen could go, but only if she persuaded Rama to return to Orchha as a child-aged deity.

Miraculously, Rama agreed, on two conditions: to remain as a deity and settle wherever he first rested. Upon reaching Orchha, the queen, overcome with fatigue, set the deity down in the palace. Remarkably, it wouldn’t budge. Taking this as a divine sign, the queen transformed the palace into a temple – the Ram Raja Temple.

The king, further enthralled by this turn of events, even abdicated his throne in favor of Rama Raja (King Rama) and became his regent. He also established the tradition of soldiers offering a salute, a practice that continues to this day. In fact, no other figure in Orchha receives such an honor from the police.

Source: thecolorofblur.org

Picture Credit: Wikimedia Commons

Quick Read: Tyagaraja (King of sacrifices) was immersed in Rama Bhakti and music.
Tyagaraja (1767-1847) was a composer saint from Tamil Nadu, known for his devotion to Rama and his belief in the divinity of music. His songs beautifully capture Rama’s grace, beauty, and divine qualities.

He is credited with perfecting the “kriti” form, which blends devotional (bhakti) and artistic elements. These compositions are songs of praise for deities, but also crafted with musical excellence.

Tyagaraja, along with Muthuswamy Dikshitar and Shyama Sastri, is considered part of the revered “Trinity” of Carnatic music. His compositions remain central to Carnatic music concerts even today.

Every year, a grand music festival called Tyagaraja Aradhana is held at his samadhi (memorial) in Thiruvaiyaru. This festival brings together prominent Carnatic musicians who sing along with common devotees in public.

Source: An Appreciation – Shri Tyagaraja, T.L.Venkatarama Aiyar

Picture Credit: Tyagaraja Aradhana, The Hindu

Quick read: Adhyatma Ramayana explains the spiritual meaning of Valmiki Ramayana in the Advaita Vedanta framework.
The Adhyatma Ramayana (“Spiritual Ramayana”) is a Sanskrit text from the 13th-15th centuries CE. It retells the Ramayana story through the lens of Advaita Vedanta philosophy. This text is part of the larger Brahmanda Purana and traditionally attributed to Vyasa, the writer of the Mahabharata and compiler of the Vedas. Another tradition assigns authorship to Ramananda, a saint of the Bhakti movement.

Written in the form of a dialogue between Shiva and Parvati, the Adhyatma Ramayana presents Rama as the ultimate reality (Brahman) and reinterprets the struggles of Rama and Sita in a symbolic, spiritual way. Similar to the Bhagavad Gita, it combines the paths of knowledge and devotion.

The text includes philosophical discussions that explain the core ideas of Advaita Vedanta in a clear and accessible way. It’s seen as an elaboration on the hidden spiritual meanings within Valmiki’s original Ramayana.

Source: Adhyatma Ramayana – Chandan Lal Dhody, Lala Baij Nath, Swami Tapasyananda

Picture Credit: Adhyatama Ramayana manuscript part of Brahmanda Purana, Wikimedia Commons

Quick read: Kerala observes Ramayana Masam during the intense monsoon months.
Kerala observes a unique tradition during the monsoon months of July and August – Ramayana Masam, a month-long celebration. With heavy rains flooding the fields and farming at a standstill, families traditionally spend more time indoors.

In the past, elders would use this time to share the Ramayana story with younger generations. The Sundara Kandam, focusing on Hanuman’s brave journey to find Sita, is a popular choice for these readings.

Another special practice during this month is the Nalambala Darshanam pilgrimage. Devotees visit four temples dedicated to the four Ramayana brothers – Rama, Lakshmana, Bharatha, and Shatrugna. To facilitate this pilgrimage, the state transport corporation even runs special bus services during Ramayana Masam.

The month also coincides with the sun’s movement into Karkidaka Rasi, hence the alternative name Karkidaka Masam. For 2024, Ramayana Masam begins on July 16th.

Source: Swarajya Magazine, Nalambalam.Org

Picture Credit: Asianet News

Quick read: Kodandarama inspited Aditya Chola (I)
Aditya I (871-907 CE) greatly expanded the Chola territory beyond Tamil lands defeating both the Pandyas & Pallavas. He was a great devotee of Shiva and is said to have built 108 Shiva temples along the Cauvery river. However, he also called himself Kodandarama (Rama with a bow) as his Kanyakumari inscription shows. As a warlike king, he likely wanted to associate with Rama’s valour.

He died near Sri Kalahasti (now in Andhra). A palippadai temple (temple over a king’s funeral site) was built there which is both known as Adityaesvara and Kodandaramesvara.

Source: ‘Rama & Ayodhya’ by Dr Meenakshi Jain

Picture Credit: Ugra, Twitter

Quick read: Guru Nanakji’s visit to Ayodhya was relied on to establish the importance of Ayodhya even before Babur’s invasion.
According to Janam Sakhis (oral biographies), Guru Nanak Dev Ji visited Ayodhya around 1510-11, predating Babur’s invasion. The Supreme Court acknowledged these texts in the Ayodhya case as evidence of Hindu pilgrims visiting the site before the 16th century.

The Sikh tradition shows respect for the Ramayana. Amritsar was earlier known as Ramdaspur, named after Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh Guru who started the building of the city. Guru Ram Das himself was given the name Ramdas by his Guru, Amar Das.

In 1858, a Nihang Singh organized a Havan (fire ritual) and puja (worship) dedicated to Guru Gobind Singh within the Babri Masjid. He also placed a deity of Rama there. This event is documented in official records and referenced in the Supreme Court judgement.

Source: Supreme Court Judgement on Ayodhya.
History of Sikhs, Hari Ram Gupta

Picture Credit: Illustrated Janma Sakhi of Guru Nanakji, Wikimedia Commons

Quick read: Ramarajya is symbolically depicted in the chapter on fundamental rights.

The original, handwritten copy of the Indian Constitution is a work of art. Adorned with 22 exquisite paintings, it visually represents the nation’s rich heritage.

These illustrations are particularly meaningful. For instance, the chapter on Fundamental Rights features an image of Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana returning to Ayodhya, symbolizing the ideal of a just and righteous rule (Rama Rajya).

Other notable paintings include Arjuna and Krishna from the Mahabharata, Buddha, Mahavira, Guru Gobind Singh, Nataraja, Akbar, Shivaji, Gandhi and Netaji.

Source: Indian Constitution

Picture Credit: Indian Constitution