The Ramayana sums up all the values that we hold sacred; every character in this great epic, starting from Sri Rama himself and including Laxman, Bharata, Hanuman, Vibhishana, even Ravana himself stand for values that are true and eternal. The term ‘maryaada’ sums them all. Sri Rama is the Maryaada Purush evoking all that is best in human relations; respect for elders, carrying out pledges given, loyalty, fearlessness, faith and, in the end, the ruler’s submission to the will of the people under the most trying circumstances. The Ramayana in sum is the exalting story of Man.
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