Why are Ramayana and Mahabharata so important for Hindus? Are the most celebrated and worshipped epics like Ramayana and Mahabharat for underaged kids? Let’s read about why Ramayana and Mahabharata are not for kids under 13?
What is Ramayana?
The Ramayana is one of the two significant celebrated epics of ancient India. Written by Maharishi Valmiki, this epic speaks about the life of Rama, the central character of the epic, who is a well-known prince of Ayodhya. The epic focuses on his 14 year-long exiles commanded by his father at the request of his stepmother. It was a conspiracy to remove Rama from the throne and put his son on it. Rama steps out of his house with brother Lakshmana and his wife Sita. The abduction of Sita by Ravana, the king of Lanka leads to a conflict and the epic ends with Rama’s ultimate homecoming to be declared as the king.
What is Mahabharata?
The Mahabharata is one of the most renowned Sanskrit epics, the other one being the Ramayana. It speaks about the conflict between two groups of cousins named Kaurava and Pandava. Like the Ramayana, the focal point of the conflict in this epic was also for the dominance over the throne and that led to the Kurukshetra war.
Why is it so celebrated and important?
Both the epics are well-known and celebrated based on the central theme of victory over evils. In the Ramayana, Rama wins over the evil Ravana. Rama is acknowledged as another embodiment of Lord Vishnu, the god of all gods. Although the Ramayana does not contain as many pious outlooks as Mahabharata still Rama is worshipped as a god by the Hindus.
The Mahabharata is one of the significant sources of the growth of Hinduism. It is considered the moral law book of Hindus. This epic contains Shri Krishna, who is the almighty for Hindus. During the battle Shri Krishna advises Arjun, one of the Pandavas, on how to look out at good and evil, what is the purpose of his life, and several other life lessons – the collection of those life lessons and advice is called ‘Bhagavad Gita’, another significant book in Hinduism.
Why Ramayana and Mahabharata are Not for Kids under 13?
With the growth of science and development of the human mind towards the economy, we are somewhat lacking in getting to know about mythology and as much as we want the children to learn about Rama, Krishna, Arjun, or Draupadi, it is safe to say that these two epics are not for kids. At least, not the virtual version of it is for kids under 13.
Solely because of the rage, violence, and vengeance the epic depicts is unhealthy for kids under 13. Childhood is that stage of life when the brain is vulnerable and concentrated on any and every knowledge. It is normal to hear a story of a war from our grandparents but it is another thing to witness the violence, disgrace, and conflict between brothers like Kaurava and Pandava.
The comical or cartoon depictions in the TV channels do not negatively affect the head of kids because they are unable to see the cartoon in real life. But if you watch Mahabharata or Ramayana played by human characters where there is the portrayal of abduction and molestation of Sita and Draupadi, harsh words against cousins out of vengeance, and lastly bloodshed on the battlefield, this can cause a deeper and worse than negative impact on children.
What are your views on the age limit of Ramayana and Mahabharata? Share what you think through email: contact@gobookmart.com
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