URGENT NEED FOR TRAFFIC LIGHTS- ext/javascript’ src=

The road round the Shiva Temple at Trichur, is similar to the Connaught Circle in New Delhi, impossible to cross, because of unending flow of vehicles Yet, there are no traffic lights.
There are two subways, but people are reluctant to use them; even otherwise, the primary objective of traffic lights, is to regulate vehicular traffic.
This omission is in the whole Kerala State.
Will the authorities take note?

URMILA’S LAMENT – EVEN THE POET FORGOT HER

RAMAYAN AT A GLANCE

Dashrath, the King of Ayodhya had four sons by his three wives. Kausalya had Ram, Kaikeyi had Bharat and Sumitra gave birth to twins- Lakshman and Shatrughn. They all loved each other, but Ram and Lakshman were always together; Bharat and Shatrughn moved together.

The main story revolves around Ram and his wife Sita.

When Dashrath announced his intention to crown Ram, the eldest, Kaikeyi demanded the throne for her son Bharat.  The king suffered a big shock and died. But Ram volunteered to fulfil his step mother’s wish and went into the forest for fourteen years, as demanded by Kaikeyi. Sita, his wife and Lakshman too accompanied him.

Thirteen years they wandered in the forest, enjoying its beauty and the hospitality of sages doing tapasya (concentrated thinking). The last year proved tragic. The events of this crucial year made the epic a gripping story.

Ravan, the King of Srilanka, had an eye for  Sita. He sent his uncle in the guise of a golden spotted deer (I have written a blog about this episode) and Sita wanted to posses it. Both Ram and Lakshman tried in vain to capture it, but the animal deluded capture and led the brothers away, when Ravan came and kidnapped Sita..

In the south, Bali and his brother Sugriv were fighting for the kingdom and a woman (all monkeys, apparently there were no men there) and Ram killed Bali, by stealthily sending an arrow from his hiding spot. In return, Sugriv and his army of monkeys helped in defeating Ravan. Vibhishan, Ravan’s brother, was throned in Srilanka and Sita freed from captivity.

As she had spent a long time in captivity, she was asked to jump into the fire to prove her chastity. She complied and all returned to Ayodhya where Bharat was ruling by proxy. He placed Ram’s footwear on the throne and slept on the floor, eating only the minimum food; such was his reverence towards Ram.

During the reign of Ram, fondly recalled as Ramraj, the wishes of his subjects were paramount. When there were whispers about the chastity of Sita, she was thrown into the forest by her husband, when she was carrying twins, Lav and Kush. The king wanted to call her back, but the proud woman committed suicide, by disappearing into the earth.

Unlike other epics, Ramayan is the sacred text of Hindus who read it during the month of Shravan (July 16 to August 15) at home and in temples.

URMILA’S LAMENT

While describing the scene, where the princes meet their mothers before setting out into the forest, they see Kausalya and Sumitra. Sumitra advises them about how they should face the long journey into the unknown forest, where they may have to face formidable difficulties.

Ram tried to dissuade Sita but she insisted on following her beloved.

What about Urmila? She too could have followed suit. It would have been good company for Sita. But Lakshman even forgot to say good bye to her.

I AM BAFFLED BY THIS BIG OMISSION IN VALMIKI’S RAMAYAN.

A lot has been written about Ram’s treatment of Sita. Kumaran Asan has written the beautiful and sad poem “Chinthavishta aya Sita”( Sita immersed in thoughts). A number of commentators have mercilessly criticised Ram; but why did they ignore the poor, lonely girl Urmila?

I think Lakshman never loved her. Otherwise, how could he go away ? Did he ever think of her?

If I have written a blunder, please enlighten me; I am ready to withdraw this.