The Endings of Two Timeless Indian Epics: Ramayana and Mahabharata

Indian culture boasts a wealth of ancient epics that shape the narratives and philosophies of its people. Among these, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata stand out as two of the most revered and influential stories. Both epics conclude with events that solidify their place in history and resonate with themes of duty, sacrifice, and the pursuit of righteousness.

The Ramayana's Conclusion

The Ramayana is an ancient Indian epic attributed to the sage Valmiki. Its conclusion is marked by several key events that echo the triumph of virtue and the complexities of dharma (righteousness).

Rama's Return to Ayodhya

The epic culminates with Rama's triumphant return to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana and rescuing his wife Sita. This reunion is celebrated with great joy, marking the beginning of Rama's reign as king. Rama is crowned in a grand ceremony, characterized by righteousness and justice.

Sita's Trial by Fire

Despite the reunion's joy, doubts about Sita's purity arise among the citizens of Ayodhya due to her time spent in Ravana's captivity. To prove her chastity, Sita undergoes an Agni Pariksha (trial by fire). She emerges unscathed, thus proving her purity.

Exile of Sita

Subsequently, Rama reluctantly sends Sita into exile when she becomes pregnant. This decision stems from his desire to maintain his reputation and fulfill his duty as a king. Sita finds refuge in the hermitage of sage Valmiki, giving birth to twin sons, Lava and Kusha.

Reunion with Sons

Years later, during a horse sacrifice, Ashwamedha Yagna, Rama's sons Lava and Kusha capture the sacrificial horse and eventually confront their father. Rama learns of their identity and embraces them, closing a chapter of separation and reunion.

Sita's Departure and Rama's Ascension

When called to prove her purity once again, Sita requests the Earth to receive her, and the ground opens up, symbolizing her return to her mother, the Earth. After Sita's departure, Rama rules for many years before deciding to leave his earthly form, departing to the heavens accompanied by his brothers and loyal followers.

The Mahabharata's Conclusion

The Mahabharata is one of India's most revered epics, detailing the great war between the Pandavas and the Kauravas. Its conclusion is marked by the end of an era and the triumph of righteousness over unrighteousness.

The Great War and Its Aftermath

The Mahabharata ends with the death of Krishna, the end of his dynasty, and the Pandava brothers ascending to heaven. Although the Pandavas won the 18-day war, they did not live happily. Yudhishthira eventually became the king of Hastinapura and Indraprastha, and they ruled for 36 years. After this period, they crowned Parikshit, the son of Abhimanyu, as the emperor of the Kuru dynasty and decided to go to the vanprastha (forest dweller) stage of life.

The Final Ascent to Heaven

The Pandavas and Draupadi walked to the Himalayas, intending to live out their final days in heaven. One by one, they died on their journey, and their spirits ascended to the heavens. The epic concludes with the Pandavas' eventual departure from the world, symbolizing the end of an era.

Recital of the Epic

Years later, Parikshit's son became king and held a sacrifice. Vaishampayan, a disciple of Vyasa, recited the entire story for the first time, cementing the Mahabharata's place in Indian literature and culture.

Theme of Righteousness and Justice

The Mahabharata concludes with the triumph of dharma (righteousness) over adharma (unrighteousness), highlighting the ultimate victory of good over evil. These themes permeate both epics, offering moral lessons and philosophical insights to generations of Indians.

Conclusion

The endings of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata offer profound insights into the human condition and the complexities of living a righteous life. Through these stories, the ideas of duty, sacrifice, and the pursuit of righteousness continue to inspire and inform Indian culture and philosophy.