Purity, Hinduism And Sita Summary

Purity, Hinduism, and The Story of Rama and Sita

Purity is as concept derived from the early Hindu faith, and it is the main goal. “Sita Sings the Blues” and “The Ramayan” are examples of two different versions, and they ultimately conclude with very different endings. However, both stories keep their concentration on the importance of remaining pure. Both depictions of this eminent folklore approach this goal from different angels, and by looking at them separately and in comparison, to each other, the audience can get a better understanding of the Hindu religion and what it consists of. Many different versions of the story of Rama and Sita have been told over the years, but all the versions collectively put emphasis on the concept of

One of the main parts of Hinduism is the caste system, which is called Varna in their Sanskrit language. It is believed that, “Ideal society functions properly when everyone knows their role (Color as Religion).” The Bhramins is the highest class of the Varna system followed by Kshatryias, Vaishya, Sudras, and then the Untouchables being on the bottom (Color as Religion). People are born into a certain category, and it determines their everyday etiquette and their Dharma. Dharma goes hand in hand with Varna. Dharma essentially can be translated to mean duty or law, and is a set of guidelines displaying what you should and should not do (Word vs Law). In addition, Hindus believe that every living thing has an atman. An atman is just a word meaning self, and it is pure. However, karma can affect an atman. Karma is a Sanskrit word referring to cosmic reactions which lead to rebirth, pain, and suffering (Liberation in Hinduism). If there is extensive build-up of karma the atman can get lost and the living thing becomes less pure (Liberation in Hinduism). Karma can also prevent the atman from joining with the braham, which is the supreme super-soul. Getting back to the braham is the main goal of the atman. As mentioned before, the main goal of the Hindu religion is to be as pure as you

The book makes the importance of purity very clear, and clearly distinguishes Rama as the reincarnated version of Vishnu. “Rama’s whole purpose of incarnation was ultimately to destroy Ravana, the chief of the asuras, abolish fear from the hearts of men and gods, and establish peace, gentleness, and justice in the world (Narayan 63).” In other words, he was sent to purify the world. There are many examples in the book showing how Rama goes around and lives up to his duty. One example is shown through a character named Ahalya who had sexual relations with someone other than her husband, and he found out. She was then turned to stone, because she was now impure. However, Rama came after some time and purified her saying, “May you seek and join your reverted husband, and live in his service again (Narayan 21).” Another example is when Rama is confronted with a creature named Thataka. She wished everything to be ill, and she appeared in the form of a woman who carried a trident with spikes and spit fire at her enemies. Rama slayed her with an arrow, and the gods appeared in the sky to praise him. He was then given asthras to use anytime (Narayan 13). The book made it clear to the audience that Rama was a form of Vishnu and readers knew that from the very beginning of the book through examples similar to these. At the end of the book, Rama ends up completing his duty in that lifetime by destroying