The Honourable Rama: Why Only He is Called Maryada Purushottam and Not Krishna
The Hindu tradition is replete with divine manifestations of Vishnu, each symbolizing different qualities and ideals. From the Matsya the fish to the Kalki avatar, these avatars of Vishnu showcase the evolution of divine principles. This article explores why Lord Rama is singled out as Maryada Purushottam, whereas Lord Krishna is not, despite both being embodiment of Dharma in their respective Yugas.
Understanding the Vishnu Avatars
This article lists the 10 principal avatars of Vishnu as tabulated in the Garuda Purana:
Matsya - Fish, the symbol of aquatic life. Kurma - Tortoise, representing the transition from sea to land. Varaha - Boar, signifying the rise of mammalian life. Narasimha - The man-beast, possibly from a time before Homo erectus. Vamana - Dwarf, symbolizing the beginning of Homo sapiens. Parashurama - A wandering human, likely a toolmaker of the Homo habilis stage. Ram (Shri Ram) - A civilized human, Homo sapiens, representing simplicity and straightforwardness. Krishna - A being of high intelligence, Homo sapiens sapiens. Kalki - The future avatar, expected to herald the new era.According to the Shrimad Kausika Ramayana, these avatars are all lila avatars, meaning they embody divine play. However, amongst these, Shri Ram is uniquely identified as Maryada Purushottam.
The Concept of Maryada Purushottam
Shri Ram is often referred to as Maryada Purushottam, which translates to the ideal man or perfect human. This concept is deeply rooted in Hindu philosophy, symbolizing not just ethical perfection but also a model of righteous conduct and moral integrity.
Scriptural Evidence
"From the Upanishads, we find that Lord Rama, having transformed into Krishna, achieved sarvaatmaaktaa by His divine exploits and satisfied all beings on earth. I pay homage to that same glorious Rama."
"Shruti clearly states that there is no difference between Shri Ram and Krishna, but also signifies that Shri Ram, transformed into Krishna, fulfilled the wishes of sages and deities."
These shruti (revealed knowledge) passages provide profound insights into the nature of these avatars and their roles. They highlight the unity and distinction of Rama and Krishna, underlining the unique qualities of each.
The Unique Qualities of Shri Ram
Although both Shri Ram and Shri Krishna are supreme avatars and paripurnnam avatars (fully manifested avatars), the Shrimad Kausika Ramayana provides a particular emphasis on Shri Ram's qualities:
“Among all the avatars of Vishnu, Shri Ramachandra is great. Among these, Lord Shri Ramachandra is the greatest.”
This quote finds support in various ancient texts and traditions, which attribute to Shri Ram the qualities of Maryada Purushottam. The term Maryada refers to perfect conduct and Purushottam to the supreme man or perfect human. This combination signifies a person who embodies perfect duty, honour, and righteousness.
Conclusion: The Wisdom of Guruji
The elevation of Shri Ram as the Maryada Purushottam is not arbitrary but a reflection of His profound contributions to Dharma and moral conduct. His reign as the chieftain of Ayodhya exemplifies the highest form of leadership and righteousness, setting a benchmark for ethical living for generations to come.
Understanding the significance of Shri Ram and His unique qualities as Maryada Purushottam helps us appreciate the depth and richness of Hindu philosophy and the importance of those who have been the torchbearers of Dharma.