दक्षिण पूर्व एशिया में रामायण संस्कृति - Ramayana Culture in South East Asia

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The study of Ramayana is also important from the historical point of view, because it gives us an account of the state of Aryan civilization in ancient times. It provides us an Insight Into the social and political conditions of ancient India. Besides, it also gives us copious Information about the geographical conditions of Ancient India.

The Ramayana has been universal since 19th Century. The third and most powerful phase brought Ramayana to East and South-eastern part of the world, where Ramayana is incorporated as part of the Culture. The poets & writers of these countries wrote about the significance of Ramayana. Local names of cities and people were used to depict characters, to the point that in seems that Ramayana took place in their country. However, the essence of Ramayana is still based on the sage Valmiki°s original Sanskrit Ramayana.

However, the Ramayana is very famous In Thailand. Hence, In Thailand, Lord Rama is interwined in their cultural as well as religious practices. Rama and Buddha co-exist and are integrated. The biggest example is the Royal Place in Thailand, in which the Emerald Buddha resides. There is the most famous landmark and is visited by people from all over the world. The story of Ramayana Is painted along the walls of this temple. They have their own version of Ramayana called Ramakiens which was written by King Rama the First. The present King is the King Rama Ten of Thailand is now ruling over Thailand.

The world-famous temple Angkor Wat of Cambodia is the biggest symbol of Indian Culture the presence of Lord Rama Is South-east Asia. The walls of Angkor Wat depict different episodes of Ramayana, like Hanuman°s arrival in Ashok Vatika, the war between Rama & Ravana in Lanka, the war between Bali & Sugriva. The Ramayana is called Ramker, which is similar to Thai Ramayana. Similarly, in other Buddhist countries like Laos and Burma, the story of Rama is prevalent and is seen in their stage plays and dances. In Indonesia regardless one is a Hindu from Bali, or Muslim from Java, Sumatra, everybody thinks of Rama as national hero and considers Rama as an important historical and cultural heritage In Bali, the popularity of Rama Lila or dance is increasing every day. The famous Ramayana epic is called Kakvin. In Malaysia, leather puppets by night are shown in the context of Ramayana. Their version of Ramayana Is called Hikayat Seri Rama, in which they believe Rama to be an Incarnation of Lord Vishnu. However, Ramayana is very popular in Thailand, Cambodia & Indonesia.

There is no doubt that at least two thirds of the world are Influenced by the Ramayana in different forms. From Egypt and Rome to Vietnam Cambodia, Indonesia and here in Thailand, you can see the pervasive Influence of the Ramayana. This indicates that the great Indian Epic Ramayana is a pillar for the way of life in our civilization. Just the way all the characters in the Ramayana follow the principles of their roles, we should learn our role and follow it sincerely.

Book's Contents and Sample Pages