The Ramayana depicts the triple qualifies of Sathwa, Rajas and Thamas. The relevance of the Ramayana is not confined to a particular time, place or circumstances. It is of universal significance for all times. Its relevance is not limited to India alone.
The Ramayana holds out Rama as an embodiment of ideal qualities. As a son, friend, husband, masterand ruler, He was an ideal without a parallel. In the world one may be an ideal son, but not an ideal friend. One may be an ideal friend, but not an ideal brother. But Rama stands out unique as an embodiment of all ideal attributes.
We should note an important aspect relating to the breaking of the bow of Shiva at the court of Janaka. Though the bow was broken, the string connecting the two ends of the bow did not break at all, for the two ends of the bow stand for Sita and Rama–Prakruthi and Purusha. In fact the bond between Rama and Sita, Paramaatma and Prakruthi is an unbreakable one. The Ramayana demonstrates the inseparable bond between Prakruthi and Purusha.
The Ramayana has been divided into two sections: the Puurva Ramayana and the Utthara Ramayana. The Puurva Ramayana deals with the valorous deeds of Rama, his victory over indomitable heroes like Parashursama, Vaali and Ravana. These events speak of the dauntless courage, the matchless valour and the immense physical and mental prowess of Sri Rama. The Utthara Ramayana (the latter half is suffused with Karuna (compassion) and seeks to install the Rama Thathwa (The Rama Principle) in the hearts of the people.
Manifestation of three Gunas in Sita’s wedding:
One of the rites in the marriage ceremony in India is Thalambraalu the act of pouring rice on the head of the bridegroom by the bride. Since Janaka, the father of Sita, was immensely rich, he arranged for the pouring, of pearls instead of rice. Sita held a palmful of pearls in her hand over Rama’s head. The white pearls in the palms of Sita shone with reddish splendour as her palms were of reddish hue. When she poured the pearls on the white turban Rama wore for the occasion, the pearls shone with the white hue of the turban. The pearls rolling down the body of Sri Rama assumed a dark colour reflecting the bluish colour of Sri Rama.
The pearls shining with reddish hue in the hands of Sita are symbolic of the Rajo Guna, conveying the message that one is of Rajasik nature in the company of Prakruthi[Sita]. The pearls shining with whitish splendour are symbolic of the Sathwa Guna indicating the fact that one acquires the Sathwik nature in the company of God. The nature of persons who belonged neither to Prakruthi nor God will be Thamasik persons like the colour of the pearls that rolled down from Rama’s head. People of divine orientation shine with Sathwik serenity and purity. People with a worldly outlook display Rajasik quality while those who are neither worldly nor Godly are Thamasik.
