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Sacred Writings |
The four Vedas, the earliest-known Sanskrit literature from the Brahmanic period, are sacrificial hymns
compiled from an earlier oral tradition. The Rig Veda, the earliest book, probably dates from 1200 BC;
the fourth, the Avtharva Veda, dates from 900 BC and consists chiefly of formulas and spells; the
Brahmanas, associated with the Vedas, are ritual instructions. From 700 to 300 BC, an era of
religious speculation gave rise to philosophical works. These include the Aranyakas, or "Forest
Books" (arising from reflection on the meaning of ritual), and later, the Upanishads. The Puranas,
stories of the creation and lives of the gods, also appeared. Devotional cults arose, receiving inspiration
from and inspiring the great epic literature, such as the Mahabharata (500 BC), an account of the wars of
the house of Bharata. This includes a section called the Bhagavad Gita, "the Song of Lord," which is famous
for the dialogue between Krishna, an avatar of Vishnu, and his charioteer, Arjuna. It is revered by nearly
all Hindus and is the heart of the Hindu faith. The Ramayana, another great epic, was written between
200 BC and 200 AD.
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Krishna, the Romantic Hero:
The tales of Krishna's life were first compiled in the Bhagavata Purana, tales very popular in royal circles
in India. Legend tells how Krishna was taken to the forests to live with the cow herders to escape the evil
designs on his life by his wicked uncle. While he was there his divine powers became evident. He grew up adored
by all the village women and the gopis, or cow girls. He is often depicted surrounded by dancing gopis, playing
the flute. His favorite gopi was Radha.
Hanuman:
Hunuman, the Monkey God and general of the monkey army, is selfless and loyal, the Hindu ideal of a perfect
servant. He may already have been ancient when the Ramayana was conceived - a leftover from an earlier
cult of nature worship. He is capable of changing shape and is said to be the son of Vayu, the god of the wind.
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The Ramayana: The Ramayana consists of 24,000 couplets and tells the tale of Prince Rama; of his
enforced abdication as the royal heir; his exile in the forest with his wife Sita and brother Lakshmana; and
of Sita's abduction by and rescue from the evil demon Ravana. It has been suggested that Ravana symbolizes
ambition and lustful greed, which resulted in upsetting the cosmic order and the sanctity of women and the family.
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The Defeat of Ravana: There was a battle in the Ramayana between Prince Rama and the demon Ravana. The epic
was written in Sanskrit by the poet Valmiki and inspired later versions. The story of Sita's abduction may
symbolize the tensions between the Indo-Aryan races, represented by Rama, who entered India around 1500 BC, and
the indigenous Dravidian population, represented by Ravana, who had lived there since 10,000 BC.
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Krishna and Radha: Krishna is with his married lover, Radha, in the forest. The story of their
passion is told in the poem, the Gita Govinda. A tribal origin for Krishna is suggested by his
dark skin, his bamboo flute, and the implication of greater sexual freedom, all characteristics of
the appearance and behavior of tribal society in India.
The Gold City of Lanka:
Lanka, traditionally believed to be the island of Sri Lanka, was Ravana's home. Sita was brought
here and threatened with torture and death if she did not consent to marry Ravana. She was
discovered by Hanuman, who set the city alight and battled with the demons before escaping to
bring Rama to Sita's aid.
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Prince Rama:
Rama, Prince of Ayodhya, is the epitome of all that is noble, charming, and talented. With his
three brothers, of whom he is the eldest and the most noble, he is an incarnation of the god
Vishnu, as shown by his blue skin. He was born at the request of the gods who where being
oppressed by the demon Ravana. Years before, the god Brahma had promised Ravana immunity from
attack by all gods and creatures, with the exception of men. So Rama was born to bring Ravana's
tyranny to an end.
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Lakshmana: Lakshmana, Rama's half-brother, is his devoted follower who shared in his
exile. Sit was kidnapped while in his care. Tricked into believing Rama was in danger, she
forced Lakshmana to leave her, whereupon Ravana whisked her away.
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