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Shri
Rama was the seventh incarnation (or avatara
–
a Sanskrit word meaning "descent") of Lord Vishnu, the god of
preservation and restorer of righteousness in the universe. He came at
least 5,500 years ago. His following
incarnation was a Shri Krishna.
He played the part of
the perfect husband, warrior and father. Prince Rama was the righteous
heir to the throne after king Dasharatha’s demise. However, Dasharatha’s
third wife, Kaikeyi, demanded that her son Bharata be king and that Rama
be banished into the forest for 14 years. During Sri Rama’s exile, His
wife Sita was abducted by the demon Ravana. After Shri Rama’s defeating
Ravana and return from exile, He ruled the kingdom in the most righteous
manner.
He is pictured above surrounded by
his brother Lakshman and wife Sita, with Hanuman, his most faithful
devotee, kneeling at His feet.
His name means "sporting" or "playing"
in Sanskrit.
  
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