Ram is one of the most revered gods in Hinduism. He is known by many names such as Rama, Ramachandra, Dasarathi, and Maryada Purushottam. Ram is considered to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu who descended on earth to destroy evil. The epic Ramayana chronicles the life of Ram and his quest to rescue his wife Sita who had been abducted by the demon king Ravana. Ram is upheld as a paragon of virtue, morality, dutifulness, courage, and righteousness. He serves as an ideal and inspiration for generations of Hindus. Given Ram’s exalted status, it is not surprising that there are many quotes about his noble character and deeds. Let us explore some of the best quotes about Ram that succinctly capture his essence and exemplary qualities.
Quotes Highlighting Ram’s Virtues
Here are some notable quotes underscoring the virtues embodied by Ram:
“For the noblest, cleanest, most religious-minded and gracious king that ever lived, for the best son, the best brother, the best husband, the best warrior, the best disciple, the best host, the best man, I had in Ram the living presence of God upon earth.” – Mahatma Gandhi
This quote by Mahatma Gandhi extols the various virtues of Ram – as a king, son, brother, husband, warrior, disciple, host, and man. Gandhi eloquently states that Ram represents the living presence of God on earth through his embodiment of noble traits.
“Maryada Purshottam Ram was an ideal son, ideal husband, ideal king and an ideal leader.” – Swami Vivekananda
Swami Vivekananda highlights Ram as being the perfect embodiment of a son, husband, king and leader who upheld the highest ideals. By referring to Ram as ‘Maryada Purshottam’ which means the perfect upholder of moral codes, Vivekananda emphasizes Ram’s role model status.
“Raghukul Reet Sada Chali Aayi, Praan Jaaye Par Vachan Na Jaayi” – Tulsidas in Ramcharitmanas
This famous quote from Tulsidas’ Ramcharitmanas means that in the dynasty of the Raghus (to which Ram belonged), the tradition of pledging and fulfilling promises has always been upheld. Ram prioritized keeping his word over his own life.
Quotes on Ram’s Character and Strength
Some memorable quotes talk about the strength of character displayed by Ram:
“The strength of the soul is courage, honor, character. The strength of Ram makes evil tremble. All things are possible with faith in your heart.” – Tulsidas
Tulsidas highlights Ram’s courage, honor and nobility of character that makes evil forces quiver in fear. According to the poet, Ram’s strength emanates from his soul and his unwavering faith and conviction.
“Courage is the ladder on which all the other virtues mount.” – Clare Boothe Luce
This quote emphasizes how courage serves as the foundation for upholding all other virtues. Ram’s courage enabled him to defend righteousness in the face of adversity, thereby preserving his virtues.
“Have the courage to follow your own nobly independent judgment and have the courage to be just, though the heavens fall.” – Swami Vivekananda
Ram demonstrated the courageous ability to act in accordance with his judgment of what is right and just. His commitment to justice gave him the courage to fulfill his duties without concern for the consequences to himself.
Quotes Highlighting Ram’s Exemplary Leadership
Ram was the epitome of wise and just leadership as evidenced by these quotes:
“A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the quality of his actions and the integrity of his intent.” – Douglas MacArthur
This quote extolls the qualities of confidence, courage, compassion and integrity that are the hallmarks of a true leader. As a ruler dedicated to the welfare of his subjects, Ram manifested these lofty ideals.
“The best executive is the one who has sense enough to pick good men to do what he wants done, and self-restraint to keep from meddling with them while they do it.” – Theodore Roosevelt
Ram is lauded for appointing qualified and skilled individuals in his administration and empowering them to carry out their duties. His non-interference allowed them to flourish in service of the kingdom.
“A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go, but ought to be.” – Rosalynn Carter
Though some of Ram’s decisions as a ruler were unpopular with his subjects, he resolutely acted in accordance with the principles of dharma. This quote praises how as a great leader, Ram did what was right over what was easy.
Quotes on Ram’s Relationship with Sita
Ram and Sita represent the ideal couple whose mutual love and devotion are held up as a paragon. Some heart-touching quotes capture this sentiment:
“Wherever Sita went, the earth became fertile and vibrant. She nurtured life all around her. When she was separated from Ram, she cried and her tears became a river. Such was the power of her love.” – Amish Tripathi
This beautifully illustrates Sita’s nurturing nature and immense love for Ram that transformed the earth. Her agony in separation from Ram was so great that it manifested as a river.
“True love stands by each other’s side on good days and stands closer on bad days.”
Ram and Sita’s unwavering commitment to each other despite enduring trials and tribulations exemplifies true love that endures both good and bad times.
“Hands may join, but hearts remain forever entwined.”
Though Ram and Sita spent long periods apart, their hearts remained united through an unbreakable bond of love and devotion.
Quotes Underscoring Ram’s Struggle Against Evil
Ram’s battle against the forces of evil and unrighteousness is highlighted in the following quotes:
“Whenever there is a decline of righteousness and rise of unrighteousness, I send forth Myself.” – Bhagavad Gita
This popular verse from the Bhagavad Gita refers to Ram’s avatara as Vishnu to rid the world of adharma or unrighteousness by destroying demonic forces.
“Deliverance of mankind from the hands of the wicked became the mission of Ram’s life.”
Ram committed himself to freeing humanity from evil influences which became his life’s purpose as exemplified in his victory over Ravana.
“Some evils have to be defeated. Sometimes even peace must be earned through battle. As the Pandavas showed, good must fight evil: it cannot lie in passivity or flee in fear.” ― Amish Tripathi
This quote emphasizes that in order to establish peace and justice, actively combating evil is essential. Ram sets the precedent in waging war against Ravana’s unjust rule.
Quotes on Ram’s Exile and Hardships
Ram’s 14 year exile and separation from Sita exposed him to much hardship and sorrow as described poignantly in these quotes:
“Exile is not just a state of being but a state of mind.” ― Nilanjana S. Roy
During his exile, Ram underwent mental and emotional anguish in addition to physical discomforts while maintaining fortitude, dignity and faith.
“Wherever we go, wherever we remain, the hard truth that we must all face and the only peace that we can claim, is when we come to terms with our own humanity. Only human, no divine.” ― Nilanjana S. Roy
Despite being divine, during his exile Ram fully experienced the human condition including its vulnerabilities and limitations with courageous acceptance.
“To banish the agony of exile is what the religion and the science of Ram have done for India.” ― Romain Rolland
Ram’s unwavering adherence to dharma during hardship serves as a guiding light for Hindus providing solace against the agony of earthly trials and separation.
Quotes Underscoring Ram’s Righteousness
Ram is considered as the embodiment of dharma or righteousness. Some key quotes extol this virtue:
“Righteousness is the essence of Ram. He is ‘maryada purushottama’ – the supreme upholder of moral values.”
This highlights Ram’s flawless adherence to dharma making him ‘maryada purushottam’ – the ideal and most righteous man.
“The name of Ram is one that spells harmony and people welfare. The whole ideal of Ram Rajya was the ideal of defending the weak and the helpless.” ― Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar
Ram Rajya represents Ram’s ideal rule which upheld justice, harmony and welfare for all citizens without partiality or prejudice.
“Dharma protects those who protect Dharma.” ― Vālmīki
This emphasizes how righteousness safeguards those who act righteously. Ram’s unwavering commitment to moral conduct allowed him to emerge victorious despite challenges.
Quotes about Ram’s Ideal Reign – Ram Rajya
Ram is held up as the exemplar ruler whose reign represented an ideal welfare state:
“Ram rajya means peace and prosperity.”
Ram’s rule delivered social harmony, justice and economic prosperity resulting in peace and abundance.
“The reign of Ram was free from vices. During that age there were no thieves and dishonest people. The people were all happy and disease free.”
There was no crime or corruption during Ram’s time when citizens lived joyful lives free from suffering and dishonesty.
“The ideal state was the Ram Raj when the Hindu political theory held the field. Every person was doing his duty. Ram Rajya prevailed over the length and breadth of the country.” ― Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar
Ram Rajya reflected the ideal Hindu state with citizens diligently performing their prescribed duties, ensuring order and justice.
Quotes Underscoring Ram’s Influence and Legacy
These quotes highlight Ram’s lasting influence as a cultural and inspirational icon:
“Ram, the prince and king of Ayodhya, is one of the most popular deities worshipped across the length and breadth of India. The righteous king is venerated as a role model of morality, dutifulness, courage and ethical values in the Hindu tradition.”
As a righteous ruler and moral exemplar, Ram continues to be revered pan-India as an ideal worth emulating.
“Ram is deeply etched in the psyche and imagination of the Indian populace, cutting across lines of caste, class, region, age and gender.”
Ram’s appeal has united people across social divisions due to the universal values manifested through his life.
“The character of Ram has so profoundly influenced the mind and sentiment of the Indian people that it is impossible to understand the soul of India without appreciating the lasting influence of Ram on the country.”
Ram’s persona has shaped India’s national and cultural ethos to such an extent that grasping the essence of India necessitates understanding Ram’s mark on its soul.
Key Takeaways from Quotes About Ram
Some of the key highlights from the quotes presented above include:
- Ram represents the perfect embodiment of values like courage, morality, virtue, dutifulness and righteousness.
- He exemplified noble qualities as a son, brother, warrior, husband, ruler and leader.
- Ram’s unwavering commitment to dharma imbued him with immense courage and integrity to uphold justice.
- His bond of love with Sita serves as an ideal romantic template.
- Ram vanquishing Ravana underscores the triumph of good over evil.
- Despite enduring hardship during exile, Ram remained steadfast in his principles.
- Ram Rajya depicts his ideal governance upholding welfare, harmony and prosperity.
- As a cultural icon, Ram has profoundly shaped India’s national identity and psyche.
These inspirational quotes offer a window into Ram’s exalted stature as ‘maryada purushottam’ in Hindu scriptures and ethos. They provide valuable guidance for leading an ethical, purposeful and socially conscious life. Ram’s combination of strength and compassion, courage and tenderness, power and humility contain valuable lessons for humanity. By invoking Ram’s exemplary behavior across roles and trials, the verses motivate adhering to dharma’s path. For generations of Hindus, Ram remains the ideal man whose words and deeds can light life’s journey.
Conclusion
In this article, we explored illuminating quotes about the revered Hindu deity Ram. These quotes beautifully encapsulate Ram’s noble character, highlighting his courage, integrity, leadership, compassion, commitment to dharma and devotion for Sita. The verses shed light on Ram’s unjust exile, his righteous war against evil forces, and his exemplary reign of Ram Rajya centered on social welfare. Ram’s enduring influence as a cultural icon and moral compass is evident from his immense popularity across India even today. The quotes provide glimpses into Ram’s multi-faceted persona while underlying his unwavering adherence to universal values that remain timelessly relevant. Ram’s life story continues to inspire Hindus to face life’s tribulations with fortitude while upholding dharma’s ideals.