The Importance of Animals in the Ramayan

The Almighty has created every life form with its own entity and offered a role to play in the sustenance of creation. The animals are no exception to this. Ramayan proves this fact truly. Without the roleplay of various animals in Ramayan, it would be incomplete. It shows the compassion Bhagwan Ram has for them and how he has made them a part of his ideal life.

The Deer
The golden deer captures Mata Sita’s attention, who is enamoured by its beauty and sends Shri Ram to catch it. Although the inevitable happens, the courses of events lead Shri Ram re-establish Dharma. The deer is the most important animal in the Ramayan which signifies that all that glitters is not gold and one needs to be away dubious attractions.

ImageSource

The Eagle
The mighty eagles, Jaytayu and Sampati also played crucial roles in the Ramayan. During Bhagwan Ram’s exile at Panchavati, Jatayu befriends him and offers all the three his protection. When Mata Sita was being taken away by Ravan, he tries to save her, and fights valiantly with the demon. Inspite of being in terrible pain in his last moments, he bears it and gives up his life only after telling Bhagwan Ram the whereabouts of Mata Sita. He sets the greatest ideal of sacrifice of his own life for the greater good of his friend. Sampati, Jatuyu’s brother with his far-fetched vision tells the location of Mata Sita to the Vanaras when all hope was lost. The help of the two mighty birds denotes that when guided in the right direction, success is bound to come.

ImageSource

The Monkey
Off all the roles played by different animals, the contribution of the monkeys in Ramayan is outstanding. Sugriv with friendship, Hanuman with devotion and Angad with loyalty serve Bhagwan Ram. They search for Mata Sita, find her, build a bridge across the ocean, fight the mighty warriors of Lanka and help Bhagwan Ram kill Ravan get his Sita back. They prove Ravan wrong for his statement of what can mere monkeys can do. They establish the reality that no task is big if one has the determination and trust to achieve it.

ImageSource

The Bear
The wise, intellect and the gallant animals which stood with Bhagwan Ram along with the monkeys were the bears. Jambavant, the son of Brahma Ji was the most revered minister of Sugriv. Apart from killing mighty warriors of Ravan, he gives valuable counsel to Sugriv and Shri Ram during the war and guides them to victory. He plays the most responsible role with his great knowledge and wisdom

ImageSource

The Squirrel
On the mighty ocean shores, every Vaanar is contributing in building the Ram Setu. To be a part of the mighty task, a little squirrel runs and starts collecting sand and fills the gap between the rocks. Bhagwan Ram is so very pleased with its work and he gently rubs it on his back. The black stripes on the squirrels we see today are the gentle finger strokes of Bhagwan Ram itself. The gesture of the squirrel indicates that even a small creature can contribute to success, if it has belief and the drive to achieve it.

ImageSource

All these animals essayed pivotal roles in Ramayan through their actions and deeds. Not just being a part of it, they have set us the highest principles of ethics and valour to mankind, and thus have become epitomes of worship to us.