The Age of Shree Ram: Exploring His Lifespan and Journey

Introduction

Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu, is a revered figure in Hinduism, with his life story and deeds recounted in the ancient epic Ramayana. The question of Lord Rama's exact age is not straightforward, as it varies based on different interpretations and time periods within the myths. In this article, we delve deeper into the various aspects of Lord Rama's age as described in the Ramayana and other Hindu texts.

Early Life and Marriage

According to the Ramayana, Lord Rama, along with his brothers Laxmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna, spent 12 years in gurukula studying under Valmiki Maharshi. At the age of 12, Rama accompanied Viswamitra to Mithila, where he got married to Lord Rama's beloved Sita. They then returned to Ayodhya, where Rama lived a happy life as a prince for 12 more years. At the age of 24, Rama went into vanavasam (exile) for 14 years, a period marked by tragedy when Ravana abducted Sita. After overcoming this challenge and killing Ravana, Rama returned to Ayodhya in his 36th year, where he was coronated as king at 39 years old.

Ruling Ayodhya and Departure

Rama ruled Ayodhya for 11,000 years, a period that significantly exceeds the typical human lifespan. It is believed that after his divine mission on Earth was complete, Rama departed from this world by voluntarily entering the Sarayu River. This event, known as Samadhi, marked the end of his earthly journey. According to The Mahabharata and other texts, Sita also reached Paramapadam (heaven) after a separate incident, while Laxmana also followed suit after some time.

Note: The lifespan of Lord Rama is a matter of faith and belief rather than historical documentation. The tales of Lord Rama and other Hindu deities hold significant spiritual and cultural importance for millions of people.

The Age of Divine Beings in Different Yugas

It is important to understand that the lifespan of beings in different Yugas (ages) is not uniform. According to Hindu mythology, the duration of life in Kaliyuga is 100 years, in Dwapar Yuga 1000 years, in Treta Yuga 10,000 years, and in Satya Yuga 100,000 years. Therefore, in the Treta Yuga, Lord Rama's age could have been around 8,000 years old before he decided to end his divine mission and return to Vaikuntha.

Conclusion

The question of Lord Rama's exact age is complex and varies depending on the sources. In the Ramayana, Lord Rama is described as living for 11,039 years, a period that includes his divine mission on Earth. However, it is crucial to remember that these stories are rooted in faith and spirituality rather than historical documentation. The tales of Lord Rama continue to inspire millions and shape the cultural and religious practices of Hindus worldwide.