Ramayana Cartes | Quizlet

What role do gods and heroes play in the Epics?

They serve as models for behavior, embodying both divine and human qualities.

What is the Ramayana?

An epic story about the prince Rama, an avatar of Vishnu, focusing on the battle between good and evil.

What does 'bhakti' mean in Hindu tradition?

Devotion or worship directed at the divine.

What is Kshatriya dharma?

The duty and code of conduct for the warrior and ruling class in Hindu society.

Who is the author of the Ramayana?

Valmiki, who composed it between 500 BCE and 300 CE.

What is 'Darshana'?

An exchange of vision between the devotee and the divine.

Who are the main characters in the Ramayana?

Key characters include Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, Hanuman, Bharata, Kaikeyi, Ravana, and Dasharatha.

What event leads to Rama's exile?

Kaikeyi's request to make her son Bharata king and to send Rama into the forest for 14 years.

What is the significance of the Svayamvara in the Ramayana?

A ceremony where Princess Sita chooses her husband, which Rama wins by lifting and breaking Lord Shiva's bow.

What is the relationship between Rama and Lakshmana?

They are inseparable brothers, with Lakshmana accompanying Rama into the forest.

What is the role of Dasharatha in the Ramayana?

He is Rama's father and king of Ayodhya, who struggles with keeping his promises.

What happens to Dasharatha after Rama's exile?

He is heartbroken over sending Rama away and dies shortly after.

How does Bharata respond to Rama's exile?

He is furious with Kaikeyi and tries to bring Rama back, ruling in his stead by placing Rama's sandals on the throne.

What is the central theme of the Ramayana?

The cosmic battle between good (Rama and his allies) and evil (Ravana and his forces).

What does 'Smrti' refer to in the context of the Ramayana?

That which is remembered or handed down, indicating the oral tradition of the epic's transmission.

What does Rama's journey into the forest symbolize?

The fulfillment of dharma and the trials faced in pursuit of righteousness.

Who is Ravana in the Ramayana?

The ten-headed demon king of Lanka, representing chaos and evil.

What is the significance of Rama's marriage to Sita?

It symbolizes the union of dharma and devotion, as Sita chooses Rama based on his virtues.

What role does Hanuman play in the Ramayana?

He is a monkey warrior and devoted friend of Rama, known for his strength and loyalty.

What is the outcome of Rama's battle against Ravana?

Rama ultimately defeats Ravana, restoring order and dharma.

What does the term 'dharma' mean?

The moral and ethical duties or responsibilities one must follow in life.

How does the Ramayana reflect Hindu values?

It emphasizes the importance of duty, righteousness, and devotion in one's life.

What is the cultural significance of the Ramayana?

It is a foundational text in Hindu culture, influencing art, literature, and religious practices.

Who are the main characters living in exile in the forest of Panchavati?

Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana

What motivates Ravana to abduct Sita?

His obsession with her beauty after hearing about it from the demoness Shurpanakha.

How does Ravana trick Sita into leaving her circle of protection?

He disguises himself as an ascetic and asks for food, leading her to step outside the protective circle.

What happens to Sita after she is abducted by Ravana?

She is imprisoned in a beautiful garden in Lanka and Ravana attempts to woo her.

What is Hanuman's role in the story?

He is the leader of the Vanara army who helps Rama rescue Sita and has superpowers.

What does Sita refuse to do when Hanuman offers to rescue her?

She refuses to leave with him, stating that it is her husband's duty to rescue her.

What act does Hanuman perform to demonstrate his power and distract Ravana?

He allows himself to be captured and then sets Lanka on fire with his burning tail.

What test does Rama ask Sita to undergo to prove her purity?

She walks into fire, and the god Agni confirms her purity.

What happens to Sita at the end of the story?

She descends into the Earth, proving her purity on her own terms.

What is the primary theme of the Ramayana regarding dharma?

The restoration of dharma through the defeat of adharma and the illustration of ideals for human behavior.

What does the concept of dharma represent in the context of the Ramayana?

The moral and ethical duties that guide the characters' actions and decisions.

How does Rama exemplify the ideal king in the Ramayana?

He prioritizes his kingdom's trust over personal relationships, even banishing Sita.

What role does Lakshmana play in the Ramayana?

He is the ideal brother who supports Rama and sacrifices his own happiness for his brother's safety.

What does Sita's character represent in the Ramayana?

She embodies the ideal wife, demonstrating strength, virtue, and loyalty.

What is the significance of the earth goddess in Sita's story?

Sita is said to come from the Earth, reinforcing her connection to the earth goddess as her mother.