The Principal Kingdoms of the Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa as reflecting the four puruṣārthas
The Principal Kingdoms of the Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa as reflecting the four puruṣārthas
Author(s): B.N. HebbarSubject(s): History, Philosophy, Literary Texts, Cultural history, Essay|Book Review |Scientific Life, Poetry, General Reference Works, Special Branches of Philosophy, History of ideas, Ancient World, Philosophy of Religion, Source Material
Published by: Presa Universitara Clujeana
Keywords: Ayodhyā; Kiṣkindhā; Laṅkā; Mithilā; dharma; artha; kāma; mokṣa; puruṣārtha;
Summary/Abstract: This study looks into the metaphorical understanding of the four principal kingdoms of the Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, i.e., Ayodhyā, Kiṣkindhā, Laṅkā and Mithilā, in terms of the four puruṣārthas of Hinduism, i.e., dharma, artha, kāma and mokṣa. The question is whether Vālmīki was creating a story to illustrate the four puruṣārthas in the form of a magnificent epic with all its plots, twists, intrigues and excitements. Not only do the three main kingdoms fit the trivarga order but seemed to be so aligned geographically north to south with Mithilā being the apavarga as does mokṣa among the puruṣārthas.
Journal: ROMANIAN JOURNAL OF INDIAN STUDIES
- Issue Year: 1/2021
- Issue No: 1
- Page Range: 9-34
- Page Count: 26
- Language: English
