An introduction to Hindu Scriptures

An introduction to Hindu Scriptures

Introduction

Hinduism is the misnomer of Sanatan dharma that is professed by more than 80 million people in India. It actually refers to set of belief and customs. In this article we will throw light over sacred scriptures of Hinduism. When it is asked to a Muslim about their holy book then answer is – Quran; similarly our Christian brethren answer – Bible. But when same question is asked to hindus then there is different answers; some may say – bhagwad geeta, some will say ramayan and a very few Vedas. Let’s have brief idea about the scriptures of Hinduism in order to understand each other better.

Scriptures of Hinduism

Vedas
Upnishad
Darshan
Puranas
Itihaas
Smriti

The precise time of origin of each of these is not known. What people say about time is nothing but speculation. In fact – in terms of remembering the time of origin of any of hindu scriptures we have no information at all. No proof for whatever people say about the time of origin of any books. However the only thing guaranteed is the order in which they came into existence. For example – there is no difference of opinion that Vedas are the earliest, then upnishad were authored, then puranas came.

A. VEDAS

Vedas are the earliest scripture of Hinduism. They are held most scared by knowledgeable people of Hinduism. Vedas are considered ISH-WANI or God’s word. Vedas are said to be APAURISHAY meaning “Not from human being” or “divine”. There is no precise information available about the time of origin of Vedas. Regarding Vedas being God’s word or Not from Islamic perspective – is beyond the scope of the article. However I will only mention that though majority of Muslims are silent or negate Vedas being God’s word – we have several proofs based on which we say that Vedas too were word of God like torah,zabur,injeel . This discussion can be taken separately in other article.

Vedas are divided into 4 books. These 4 books are further divided with various terminologies. I will mention the latest rule of division for each ved.

1.Rigved: It is considered to be most scared and oldest Vedas. Rigved is divided into 10 mandal. Each mandal is divided into sukt and each sukt is divided into mantr. It is similar to the division of Quran: 30 para, each para has several ruku and each ruku has several ayah.

For example: “The Only Lord of all created beings. He fixed and holdeth up this earth and heavens. What gods besides Him shall we adore with our oblation?” – Rigved 10:121:1 means this statement is given in rigved 10th mandal, 121st suk and 1st mantr.
Remember there is no shlokas in Vedas. Vedas contain only mantr.

2.Samved: As per the latest division samved is divided into 1875 mantr.

3.Yajurved: It is divided into 40 adhyay and each adhyay is divided into mantr.

For example: “Those who worship natural things enter into darkness of hell, those who worship man made things enter more into darkness of hell” – Yajurved 40:9 – means 40th adhyay and 9th mantr.

4.Atharvaved: It is divided into 20 kand, and each kand is divided into sukt and each sukt into mantr.
For example: “He (God) does not die, nor grows old” – atharvaved 10:8:32 – means Atharvaved 10th kand, 8th sukt and 32nd mantr.

Vedas are full of monotheism. It is absent from idol worship. If someone does not misinterpret then it is free from multiple god concept. It will require a separate book to elaborate these points.

B. UPNISHAD

Primarily 108 upnishad are accepted. They were authored by scholars. They are not claimed to be God’s word. Upnishad contain word of wisdom, about monotheism about social life etc. They too are free from any concept of idol worship.

Probably chandogya upnishad was the starting point of the concept of birth-re birth cycle. Also through upnishad caste system got force. The status of Brahmin was raised.
“A man who steals the gold of a brahmin, he (i.e. a brahmin) who drinks liquor, he who dishonours his teacher’s bed and he who kills a brahmin—these four fall, as also a fifth who associates with them”- Chandogya Upnishad: Part 5, chapter 10, verse 9

However with the upnishad playing with the God’s word (Vedas) has started. Before upnishad only Ved was there – which was considered God’s word. But human interference in God’s word started with the writing of Illopnishad. All hindu scholars agree that illopnishad was the first upnishad – and to your surprise it contains word by word last chapter of Yajurved i.e. 40th Chapter of yajurved was written separately as a book in the form of illopnishad.

C. DARSHAN

Darshan means philosophy. There are 6 books of darshan. They contain philosophy, word of wisdom and monotheistic talk. Again they too free from idol worship concept. Out of these 6 darshan the most famous and popular is uttar-mimansa-darshan which is also called Vedant. It was written by badrayan.

D. PURANAS

Primarily 18 puranas are accepted. Puarans are the work of much later time than Vedas or upnishad. Some of the famous puranas are: shrimad bhagwad puran, shiv puran, Vishnu puran, kalki puran, bhawishy puran, matasya puran, garud puran etc. Puarans does contain the concept of idol worship, the concept of multiple gods, gods like human beings, marriage of gods, fights of gods etc. In fact what is practiced today in Hinduism is not vedic religion rather puranic religion. In shrimadbhagwad puran Krishan is projected as superior god, in Vishnu puran Vishnu is projected as superior, in shiv puran shiva is projected as superior.
The story of Prophet Adam, eve, Prophet Noah and the great flood is mentioned in detailed in puranas. Also puranas contain detailed description of paradise and hell as described in Islam.

E. ITIHAAS

Itihas means history. Two most famous books of itihas are : Ramayan and Mahabharat

1. RAMAYAN

Ramayan is the great epic written by valmiki ji. However the ramayan that we know today and that is read in temples is NOT the valmiki ramayan but tulsidas written ramcharitmanas. Ramcharitmanas was written during the time of Akbar and its mostly read, preached and telecasted through TV Serial. While valmiki ramayan projected ram only as a human being or an obedient son – ramcharitmanas projects ram as God. Valmiki ramayan speaks about king dashrath having more than 360 wives – ramcharitmanas speaks about he having only 3 wives. Similarly as per valmiki ramayan Ram had several wives. (For more information: click here – )

2. MAHABHARAT

This is also one of the greatest literary works in Sanskrit. This epic was written originally by Ved vyas. However what ved vyas wrote was a book called jay. It contained 8000 shlokas. After him Vaishampayan and other added shlokas in the book and named it bharat. Number of shlokas was increased from 8000 to 24,000. And today mahabharat contains more than 1,00,000 or 1 lakh shlokas and it is now called mahabhrata. So the book that was originally written with 8000 shlokas – today contain more than 1 lakh shlokas. So on an average out of every 13 shlokas in mahabharat 12 are adulteration and only 1 is as per original book.

BHAGWAD GEETA

Practically it is considered most sacred by hindus. Bhagwad Geeta is nothing but a small part of Mahabharat. It is from the bhism parv of mahabharat. Geeta contains conversation between arjuna and Krishna. In the battlefield when arjuna refused to take arms against his relatives then Krishna encouraged him to fight for truth and justice. Now as I already mentioned that today’s mahabharat contains every 12 shlokas out of 13 as adulteration or interpolation. So whatever krihna / arjuna say in geeta there is only 1/13 chance (on an average) that they have said as per original mahabharat.

F. SMRITI

Most popular book under this category is manusmriti. This is the book of Hindu law. Hindu laws are derived from this book. It emphasizes lot on caste system. However I would like to add that one should not get confused by the name that MANU was the author of this book. . It is of very later origin. Manu was not the author rather it was in his remembrance that book was written and attributed to him.

These are very brief information about Hindu scriptures. One should know it in order to have better understanding of Hinduism.

If you don’t agree with the mail then instead of giving fatwa of deviation /kufr /shirk/biddat – have faith
in Allah and leave it to him to judge

Author: Khurshid Imam is software engineer at Bangalore. For any criticism / feedback / suggestion
feel free to mail – serviceforhumanity@gmail.com

Meat eating and animal killing in valmiki ramayan

Meat eating and animal killing in Valmiki ramayan

 

By: Khurshid Imam

 

 

 

A. Introduction

 

Valmiki Ramayan happens to be the “Original Ramayan” in Indian tradition. This is the book that introduced people to the story of Shri Ram chandr ji. This great epic was written by Shri Valmiki ji. Owing to the popularity of this book; several versions of Ramayana were written afterwards. Several centuries later Ramcharitmanas written by Tulsidas came into existence. Now days it is Ramcharitmanas that is read widely. Valmiki Ramayan is not read as much, but thankfully it is accessible and available to people.

 

To know about some differences between Original Ramayana and the Ramayana that you know – click here.

http://khurshidimam.blogspot.in/2011/08/difference-between-original-ramayan-and.html

 

Our Hindu brethren accuse muslims of meat eating and declare this act as inhumane and barbaric. This issue of “meat eating” has even become a political tool for some mischievous elements of society. However when we go through Sacred Books of Sanatan dharma or Hinduism then we find several references that not only permit or justify meat eating but also encourage in some case. When killing of animal for sacrifice or eating is done by revered personality or those who are worshipped then it poses a very big question mark over the issue of meat eating. In this article we will look at very few such references (7-8) wherein sacred personalities of Hinduism kill animal for sacrifice and for eating purpose.

 

Kindly note: I am not presenting research work on all references related to meat eating in Hindu Scriptures but only showing very few references from one book only!!

 

Another important point is that I would like to draw attention of dear readers of gross mistranslation done by some publishers. It is not difficult to understand that there are deliberate mistranslations done for some verses which speak about meat eating or animal killing. Why this literal fraud? Of course; to conceal truth from the common mass and let them not understand the reality of the issue.

For the ease of user we are presenting at least 2-3 different translations for each shlok (Verse).

 

 

B. Glorification of roasted meat for eating by Shri Ram chandr ji and others

 

1. Sanskrit text

तां तदा दर्शयित्वा तु मैथिली गिरिनिम्नगाम् ।निषसाद गिरिप्रस्थे सीतां मांसेन छन्दयन् ।।

इदं मध्यमिदं स्वादु निष्टप्तमिद मग्निना ।एवमास्ते स धर्मात्मा सीतया सह राघवः ।।

(वाल्मीकि रामायण, अयोध्या काण्ड, 96, 1 व 2)

 

Hindi Translation

अर्थात इस प्रकार सीता जी को (नदी के) दर्शन कराकर उस समय श्री रामचन्द्र जी उनके पास बैठ गए और तपस्वी जनों के उपभोग में आने योग्यमांस से उनका इस प्रकार लालन करने लगे, ‘‘इधर देखो प्रिये, यह कितना मुलायम है, स्वादिष्ट है और इसको आग पर अच्छी तरह सेका गयाहै।‘‘

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Word by word Sanskrit to english translation:

मैथिलीम् princess of Mithila, तां सीताम् that Sita, तथा in that way, गिरिनिम्नगाम् mountain-river, दर्शयित्वा having shown, मांसेन with meat,छन्दयन् gratifying, गिरिप्रस्थे on the mountain-slope, निषसाद sat.

धर्मात्मा righteous, स राघवः that Rama, इदम् this, मेध्यम् sacred meat, इदम् this, स्वादु is savoury, इदम् this one, अग्निना with fire,निष्टप्तम् roasted, एवम् uttering this way, सीतया सह in the company of Sita, आस्ते was seated.

 

Having shown to Sita the mountain-river Mandakini and gratifying her with meat, Rama sat on the mountain slope. Righteous Rama was seated in Sita’s company and remarked saying “This meat is sacred. This is savoury roasted in fire“. (Valmiki Ramayan, Ayodha Kand 96:1-2)

 

Source: http://valmiki.iitk.ac.in/index.php?id=translation 

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The intentional mistranslation by Geeta Press, Gorakhpur:

 

 

 

See the mistranslation done by Geeta press, Gorakhpur. Word “meat” is mistranslated as fruit and plants parts!!Though Original Sanskrit text is talking about meat that is meant for eating; meat that is roasted well on fire but in hindi translation readers are told that fruits and plant parts were meant for eating and cooked well on fire J

 

 

C. Shri Ram chandr ji and Shri Lakshman killing animals for meat

 

2. Sanskrit text

तौ तत्र हत्वा चतुरो महामृगान्      वराहमृश्यं पृषतं महारुरुम् ।

आदाय मेध्यं त्वरितं बुभुक्षितौ      वासाय काले ययतुर्वनस्पतिम्

(Valmiki Ramayan, Ayodha Kand 52:102)

 

Word by word Sanskrit to english translation

बुभुक्षितौ being very hungry, तौ they, तत्र there, वराहम् a boar, ऋश्यम् a white footed male antelope, पृषतम् spotted deer, महागुरुम् a great deer with black stripes, चतुरः four, मृगान् animals, हत्वा killed, मेध्यम् pure meat, त्वरितम् quickly, आदाय partaking as food,काले in the evening time, वासाय for rest, वनस्पतिम् under a tree, ययतुः reached.

 

Being famished, Rama, Lakshmana hunted and killed a boar, a Rishya animal (a white footed male antelope), a spotted deer and a great deer with black stripes and quickly partaking the pure meat reached a tree by the evening to spend the night. (Valmiki Ramayan, Ayodha Kand 52:102) 

 

Source: http://valmiki.iitk.ac.in/index.php?id=translation 

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See the intentional gross mistranslation

 

In the below photo taken from the site http://nyktrivedi.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/valmiki-ramayan-sanskrit-hindi-vol-02-ayodhya-kaand-purvardh1.pdf  one can see how readers are made to understand things wrongly.

 

 

 

The Sanskrit word HATWA (हत्वा) = after KILLING. But it’s wrongly translated as “shikaar kheli” i.e. (they enjoyed hunting???)

Similarly word  Medhyam (मेध्यम्) = pure meat here. But it is wrongly translated as “kand mul, phal” i.e. Plants, fruits etc J

Can you see this open forgery?

 

The intentional mistranslation by Geeta Press, Gorakhpur:

 

 

 

Yet again we can see entirely different translation. Text says that Shri Ram chandr ji and Lakshman ji killed various animals and took meat from it but translation says that they merely threw at animals and took plant food for eating J Is not this literal scam? People are being fooled.

 

 

D. Shri Ram chandr ji and lakshman ji killing animals for sacrifice

 

3. Sanskrit text

ऐणेयं मांसमाहृत्य शालां यक्ष्यामहे वयम्।

कर्तव्यं वास्तुशमनं सौमित्रे! चिरजीविभि:।       ।Valmiki Ramayan, Ayodha Kand 56.22।।

 

Word by word Sanskrit to english translation

सौमित्रे! O Lakshmana, ऐणेयं मांसम् flesh of black antelope, आहृत्य having brought, वयम् we, शालाम् this leafy hut, यक्ष्यामहे will worship,चिरजीविभि: those who intend to live for long time, वास्तुशमनम् pacification by house-hold deity, कर्तव्यम् should to be done.

 

O Lakshmana! Those who intend to live for long should pacify the deity residing over here.Therefore, we shall bring the flesh of black antelope and offer sacrifice at the leaf hut. (Valmiki Ramayan, Ayodha Kand 56.22)

 

Source: http://valmiki.iitk.ac.in/index.php?id=translation 

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The intentional mistranslation by Geeta Press, Gorakhpur:

 

 

The mistranslation is clear. Meat is again replaced with some plant part; Nothing more to say.

 

 

4. Sanskrit text

मृगं हत्वाऽऽनय क्षिप्रं लक्ष्मणेह शुभेक्षण!।

कर्तव्य श्शास्त्रदृष्टो हि विधिर्धर्ममनुस्मर।       ।Valmiki Ramayan, Ayodha Kand 56.23।।

 

Word by word Sanskrit to english translation

शुभेक्षण one who has auspicious looking eyes, लक्ष्मण Lakshmana, मृगम् the antelope, हत्वा having killed, क्षिप्रम् quickly, इह here, आनयbring, शास्त्रदृष्ट: as prescribed by the scriptures, विधि: rites, कर्तव्यः हि will have to be carried out, धर्मम् the tradition, अनुस्मर recollect.

 

O Lakshmana!, Kill an antelope and bring it here quickly. The rites as prescribed by the scriptures will have to be carried out. You know and recollect that tradition also.

 

Source: http://valmiki.iitk.ac.in/index.php?id=translation 

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http://nyktrivedi.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/valmiki-ramayan-sanskrit-hindi-vol-03-ayodhya-kaand-uttarardh1.pdfsays:

 

 

The intentional mistranslation by Geeta Press, Gorakhpur:

 

 

One can see the same trend here. Word “meat” being replaced as plant’s part. Word “After killing” omitted.

 

 

5. Sanskrit text

भ्रातुर्वचनमाज्ञाय लक्ष्मण: परवीरहा।

चकार स यथोक्तं च तं राम पुनरब्रवीत्।       ।Valmiki Ramayan, Ayodha Kand 56.24।।

 

Word by word Sanskrit to english translation

परवीरहा slayer of enemy heroes, स लक्ष्मण: that Lakshmana, भ्रातु: brother’ s, वचनम् words, आज्ञाय having understood, यथोक्तम् as told,चकार carried out, राम: Rama, तम् him, पुन: again, अब्रवीत् said.

 

Lakshmana who is slayer of enemy heroes having understood his brother’s words carried out accordingly. Again Rama said to him.

 

Source: http://valmiki.iitk.ac.in/index.php?id=translation 

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http://nyktrivedi.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/valmiki-ramayan-sanskrit-hindi-vol-03-ayodhya-kaand-uttarardh1.pdfsays:

 

 

 

6. Sanskrit text

ऐणेयं श्रपयस्वैतच्छालां यक्ष्यामहे वयम्।

त्वर सौम्य! मुहूर्तोऽयं ध्रुवश्च दिवसोऽप्ययम्।       ।Valmiki Ramayan, Ayodha Kand 56.25।।

 

Word by word Sanskrit to english translation

सौम्य! O gentle Lakshmana, एतत् this, ऐणेयम् flesh of antelope, श्रपयस्व cook, वयम् we, शालाम् hut, यक्ष्यामहे will offer sacrifice, अयम्this, दिवस: day, अयम् this, मुहूर्त:अपि auspicious moment also, ध्रुवश्च is firm, त्वर hasten up.

 

O gentle Lakshmana!, dress this meat. We will offer sacrifice to the presiding deity of this hut. This moment indicates stability. Hasten up.

 

Source: http://valmiki.iitk.ac.in/index.php?id=translation 

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http://nyktrivedi.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/valmiki-ramayan-sanskrit-hindi-vol-03-ayodhya-kaand-uttarardh1.pdfsays:

 

 

 

7. Sanskrit text

स लक्ष्मण: कृष्णमृगं मेध्यं हत्वा प्रतापवान्।

अथ चिक्षेप सौमित्रिस्समिद्धे जातवेदसि।         ।Valmiki Ramayan, Ayodha Kand 56.26।।

 

Word by word Sanskrit to english translation

अथ then, सौमित्रि: son of Sumitra, प्रतापवान् valorous, स: लक्ष्मण: that Lakshmana, मेथ्यम् fit for sacrifice pure, कृष्णमृगम् black antelope,हत्वा having killed, समिद्धे in a well-kindled, जातवेदसि fire, चिक्षेप offered.

 

Then, Lakshmana, the valorous son of Sumitra, having killed a black antelope pure enough for a sacrifice, cast it in a well-kindled fire.

 

Source: http://valmiki.iitk.ac.in/index.php?id=translation 

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http://nyktrivedi.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/valmiki-ramayan-sanskrit-hindi-vol-03-ayodhya-kaand-uttarardh1.pdfsays:

 

 

The intentional mistranslation by Geeta Press, Gorakhpur:

 

 

Though Sanskrit text spoke about Lakshmana killing animal and getting sacred meat but hindi translation is done in such a way that reader will not have even glimpse of this fact!!!

 

 

8. Sanskrit text

तन्तु पक्वं परिज्ञाय निष्टप्तं छिन्नशोणितम्।

लक्ष्मण: पुरुषव्याघ्रमथ राघवमब्रवीत्।             ।Valmiki Ramayan, Ayodha Kand 56.27।।

 

Word by word Sanskrit to english translation

लक्ष्मण: Lakshmana, निष्टप्तम् roasted well, छिन्नशोणितम् drained the blood, तम् that, पक्वम् cooked, परिज्ञाय having found, अथ then,पुरुषव्याघ्रम् tiger among men, राघवम् Rama, अब्रवीत् said.

 

Having observed that it is well-boiled, drained off the blood and cooked well, thus said Lakshmana to Rama, the best of men.

 

Source: http://valmiki.iitk.ac.in/index.php?id=translation 

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http://nyktrivedi.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/valmiki-ramayan-sanskrit-hindi-vol-03-ayodhya-kaand-uttarardh1.pdfsays:

 

 

The intentional mistranslation by Geeta Press, Gorakhpur:

 

 

Once again this publication – Geeta press, Gorakhpur – has made mockery of Sanskrit to hindi translation. Revered personality lakshaman follows order of his elder brother Shri Ram chandr and got the meat drained off blood; roasted it well and cooked it. But hindi translation is telling different story about some plant / vegetable.

 

 

9. Sanskrit text

अयं कृष्ण स्समाप्ताङ्ग श्शृतो कृष्णमृगो यथा ।

देवतां देवसङ्काश! यजस्व कुशलो ह्यसि।          ।Valmiki Ramayan, Ayodha Kand 56.28।।

 

Word by word Sanskrit to english translation

समस्ताङ्ग: with all the limbs, अयम् this, कृष्णमृग: black antelope, सर्व: completely, मया by me, श्रुत: is well-cooked, देवसङ्काश equal to devatas, देवता: devatas, यजस्व offer with sacrifice, कुशल: असि हि you are proficient.

 

This black antelope with all the limbs is completely and well-cooked. As such O! devine sir, you may offer sacrifice to Vastu devata. You are proficient in doing such acts.

 

Source: http://valmiki.iitk.ac.in/index.php?id=translation 

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http://nyktrivedi.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/valmiki-ramayan-sanskrit-hindi-vol-03-ayodhya-kaand-uttarardh1.pdfsays:

 

 

The intentional mistranslation by Geeta Press, Gorakhpur:

 

 

Same story of literal fraud is repeated here. Sanskrit text is openly abused and wrong translation is being presented to the innocent mass. People are made to believe that Non-veg food is against their culture while sacred books talk about “god” eating animal meat after killing them.

 

 

E. Shri Ram chandr ji killing animals and bring meat

 

10. Sanskrit text

समाश्वस मुहूर्तं तु शक्यं वस्तुमिह त्वया।        ।Valmiki Ramayan, Aranya Kand 47.22।।

आगमिष्यति मे भर्ता वन्यमादाय पुष्कलम्।

रुरून्गोधा न्वराहांश्च हत्वाऽदायाऽमिषान्बहून्।    ।Valmiki Ramayan, Aranya Kand 47.23।।

 

Word by word Sanskrit to english translation

मुहूर्तम् for a while, समाश्वस take rest, त्वया you, इह here, वस्तुम् staying, शक्यम् it is possible, मे भर्ता my husband, रुरून् deer, गोधाःalligators, वराहांश्च hogs, हत्वा after killing, बहून् many of them, आमिषान् varieties of meat, आदाय after fetching, पुष्कलम् in plenty,वन्यम् from the forest, आदाय getting, आगमिष्यति will come.

 

Take rest for a while staying here. It is hoped that my husband will come and be getting from the forest plenty of meat of many kinds on killing deer, alligators and hogs.

 

Source: http://valmiki.iitk.ac.in/index.php?id=translation 

===============================================================================

 

Source: http://nyktrivedi.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/valmiki-ramayan-sanskrit-hindi-vol-04-aranya-kaand.pdfsays:

 

 

The intentional mistranslation by Geeta Press, Gorakhpur:

 

 

Geeta press, Gorakhpur – again misleads the common mass. The Sanskrit text is talking about Shri ram chandr ji bringing meat of animals after killing deer, alligators, hogs/pigs for purpose of eating; but the hindi translation speaks about “fruit” for eating J. Fooling the common mass!!!

 

 

F. Conclusion

 

<!–[if !supportLists]–>1.      <!–[endif]–>Majority of our Hindu brethren are made to believe that Non-veg food is against their culture and tradition. They are told that Hinduism is against killing of animals for food. However a careful study of  their sacred scripture gives entirely different picture.

 

<!–[if !supportLists]–>2.      <!–[endif]–>Valmiki Ramayan not only speaks about shri Ram chandr ji – who is worshipped by millions of Indians as ideal person – eating meat but gives the picture that he was very fond of it.

 

<!–[if !supportLists]–>3.      <!–[endif]–>Shri Ram chandr ji would kill animals, get meat to eat. He would order his brother Shri lakshmana ji to do the same. They would offer animals for sacrifice also.

 

<!–[if !supportLists]–>4.      <!–[endif]–>Unfortunately some Ramayana publications grossly mistranslate such sholkas of Valmiki Ramayan that speaks about meat eating and animal killing. They not only mislead common mass but also disrespect scripture by not giving its due.

 

<!–[if !supportLists]–>5.      <!–[endif]–>It’s heartening to note that some translators DO have translated such sholkas correctly and accepted meat eating and animal killing in Ramayana.

 

<!–[if !supportLists]–>6.      <!–[endif]–>When Ramayana speaks about permissibility of meat eating then one should not lead common mass into believing wrong thing.

 

<!–[if !supportLists]–>7.      <!–[endif]–>Intention is not at all to hurt any of our brethren but to draw attention towards the literary fraud done by some publications and wrong principles preached by some people.

 

<!–[if !supportLists]–>8.      <!–[endif]–>We have not speculated, assumed or guessed but presented correct translation of such references done by learned Hindu Scholars.

 

<!–[if !supportLists]–>9.      <!–[endif]–>Also its time for our Indian brethren to wake up and understand the tactics of some elements of our society who use meat eating as a political tool to divide people. Due to the sensitive nature of the topic some of our innocent’s brethren get carried away in emotion and don’t look at facts. Let’s not be divided and don’t let people polarize the society.

 

<!–[if !supportLists]–>10.  <!–[endif]–>Let us not allow anti-social elements to spread hatred, create division and polarize hearts of fellow countrymen in the name of meat and animals.

 

 

 

Note:  Lets look at another source which proves our point. Please find below translation of above mentioned verses from Scholars of Hindu scriptures available at other site: http://www.valmikiramayan.net

 

Reference 1.  Valmiki Ramayan, Ayodha Kand 96:1-2

 

तां तथा दर्शयित्वा तु मैथिलीं गिरिनिम्नगाम् |निषसाद गिरिप्रस्थे सीतां मांसेन चन्दयन् || २–९६–१

 

tathaa = thus; darshayitvaa = having shown; girinimnagaam = the mountaneous river Mandakini; taam siitaam = to that Seetha; maithiliim = the daughter of the king of Mithila; niSasaada = sat; giriprashthe = on the hill side; chhandayan = in order to gratify her appetite; maamsena = with flesh.

 

Having shown Mandakini River in that manner to Seetha, the daughter of Mithila, Rama set on the hill-side in order to gratify her appetite with a piece of flesh.

 

इदं मेध्यमिदं स्वादु निष्टप्तमिदमग्निना |एवमास्ते स धर्मात्मा सीतया सह राघवः || २–९६–२

 

2. saH raaghavaH = that Rama; dharmaatmaa = of righteousness; aaste = stayed; siitayaa sha = with Seetha; evam = thus speaking; idam = this meat; madhyam = is fresh; idam = this; niSTaptam = was roasted; agninaa = in the fire.

 

Rama, whose mind was devoted to righteousness stayed there with Seetha, saying; “This meat is fresh, this is savoury and roasted in the fire.”

 

Source:    http://www.valmikiramayan.net/utf8/ayodhya/sarga96/ayodhya_96_frame.htm

 

Reference 2.  Valmiki Ramayan, Ayodha Kand 52:102

 

तौ तत्र हत्वा चतुरः महा मृगान् |वराहम् ऋश्यम् पृषतम् महा रुरुम् |आदाय मेध्यम त्वरितम् बुभुक्षितौ|वासायकाले ययतुर् वनः पतिम् || २–५२–१०२

 

102. hatvaa = having killed; tatra = there; chaturaH = four; mR^igaan = deer (namely); varaaham = Varaaha;R^ishyam = Risya; pR^ishhatam = PR^isata; mahaaruru = (and) Mahaaruru; (the four principal species of deer); aadayaa = and taking; tvaritam = quickly; medhyam = the portions that were pure; tou = Rama and Lakshmana; bubhukshhitou = being hungry as they were; yayatuH = reached; vanaspatim = a tree; vaasayaa = to take rest; kaale = in the evening.

 

Having hunted there four deer, namely Varaaha, Rishya, Prisata; and Mahaaruru (the four principal species of deer) and taking quickly the portions that were pure, being hungry as they were, Rama and Lakshmana reached a tree to take rest in the evening.

 

Source: http://www.valmikiramayan.net/utf8/ayodhya/sarga52/ayodhya_52_frame.htm

 

 

Reference 3-9. Valmiki Ramayan, Ayodha Kand 56.22-28

 

ऐणेयम् मांसम् आहृत्य शालाम् यक्ष्यामहे वयम् |कर्त्व्यम् वास्तुशमनम् सौमित्रे चिरजीवभिः || २–५६–२२

 

22. saumitre = Oh; Lakshmana!; aahR^itya = being; aiNeyam maamsam = bring meat of the antelope; vayam = we;yakshyaamahe = shall worship; shaalaam = (this) leaf-hut; vaastushamanam = purifactory ceremony on entering the house;kartavyam = on entering the; chirajiivibhiH = by those who wish to live long.

 

“Oh, Lakshmana! Bring the meat of an antelope. We shall perform a purifactory ceremony while entering the house. Which is to be done by those who wish to live long.”

 

मृगम् हत्वाऽऽनय क्षिप्रम् लक्ष्मणेह शुभेक्षण
कर्तव्यः शास्त्रदृष्टो हि विधिर्दर्ममनुस्मर || २–५६–२३

 

23. shubhekshaNa = Oh; large-eyed; lakshmaNa = Lakshmana!; hatvaa = killing; mR^igam = the antelope; kshhipram = quickly; anaya = bring; iha = here; vidhiH = the prescribed rite; shaastra dR^iSTaH = according to scriptural point of view;kartavyaH hi = indeed is to be done; anusmara = keep in mind; dharmam = the sacred obligation.”

 

“Oh, large-eyed Lakshmana! Killing the antelope quickly, bring it here. The prescribed rite according to scriptural point of view indeed is to be performed. Keep in mind the sacred obligation.”

 

भ्रातुर्वचन माज्ञाय लक्ष्मणः परवीरहा |चकार स यथोक्तम् च तम् रामः पुनरब्रवीत् || २–५६–२४

 

24. saH lakshmaNaH = that Lakshmana; paraviirahaa = the slayer of enemies; aaJNaaya = understanding; bhraatruH = his brother’s; vachanam = words; chakaara = acted; yathoktamcha = as instructed; raamaH = Rama; abraviit = spoke; punaH = again; tam = to him (as follows).

 

Lakshmana the slayer of enemies, understanding his brother’s words, acted as instructed. Rama spoke again to Lakshmana as follows.

 

इणेयम् श्रपयस्वैतच्च्चालाम् यक्ष्यमहे वयम् |त्वरसौम्य मुहूर्तोऽयम् ध्रुवश्च दिवसोऽप्ययम् || २–५६–२५

 

25. saumya = Oh; great brother!; shrapayasva = boil; etat = this; aiNeyam = antelope’s meat; vayam = we; yakshyaamahe = shall worship; shaalaam = the leaf-hut; ayam = this; divasaH = day; ayam = (and) this; muhuurtaH api = instant also; dhruvaH= are of a distinctive character; tvara = be quick.

 

“Oh, gentle brother! Boil this antelope’s meat. We shall worship the leaf-hut. This day and this instant also are of a distinctive character. Be quick.”

 

स लक्ष्मणः कृष्ण मृगम् हत्वा मेध्यम् पतापवान् |अथ चिक्षेप सौमित्रिः समिद्धे जात वेदसि || २–५६–२६

 

atha = then; saH lakshmaNaH = that Lakshmana; prataapavaan = the strong man; saumitriH = and son of Sumitra; hatvaa = killing; medhyam = the holy; kR^iSNa mR^igam = black antelope; chikSepa = tossed; jaata vedasi = in a fire; samiddhe = ignited.

 

Then, Lakshmana the strong man and son of Sumitra, killing a holy back antelope, tossed it in an ignited fire.

 

तम् तु पक्वम् समाज्ञाय निष्टप्तम् चिन्न शोणितम् |लक्ष्मणः पुरुष व्याघ्रम् अथ राघवम् अब्रवीत् || २–५६–२७

 

27. parijJNaaya = feeling certain; pakvam = it is cooked; niSTaptam = and heated thoroughly; chinna shoNitam = with no blood remaining; lakshmaNaH = Lakshmana; atha = thereafter; abraviit = spoke; raaghavam = to Rama; puruSa vyaaghram= the lion among men (as follows).

 

Feeling certain that it is cooked and heated thoroughly with no blood remaining, Lakshmana spoke to Rama the lion among man as follows:

 

अयम् कृष्णः समाप्त अन्गः शृतः कृष्ण मृगो यथा |देवता देव सम्काश यजस्व कुशलो हि असि || २–५६–२८

 

28. ayam = this; kR^iSNaH mR^igo = black antelope; samaapta angaH = with its complete limbs; shR^itaH = has been cooked; sarvaH = completely; mayaa = by me; deva damkaasha = Oh Rama; remsembling god!; yajasva = worship;devataaH = the deities; asi ahi = you are indeed; kushalaH = skilled (in such act)

 

“This black antelope, with its complete limbs, has been cooked completely by me. Oh, Rama resembling God! Worship the concerned deity, as you are skilled in that act.”

 

Source:  http://www.valmikiramayan.net/utf8/ayodhya/sarga56/ayodhya_56_frame.htm

 

 

Reference 10.  Valmiki Ramayan, Aranya Kand 47.22-23

 

समाश्वस मुहूर्तम् तु शक्यम् वस्तुम् इह त्वया || ३–४७–२२
आगमिष्यति मे भर्ता वन्यम् आदाय पुष्कलम् |रुरून् गोधान् वराहान् च हत्वा आदाय अमिषान् बहु || ३–४७–२३

 

22b, 23. muhuurtam samaashvasa = for a moment, be comfortable; tvayaa iha vastum shakyam = by you, here, to take rest, possible; me bhartaa = my, husband; ruruun = stag with black stripes; godhaan = mongooses like [civet-like mammals of the family Viverridae, esp. of the genus Herpestes, Marathi manguus]; varaahaan ca = wild-boars, also; hatvaa= on killing; bahu amiSaan aadaaya = aplenty, meat, on taking; puSkalam vanyam aadaaya = plentiful, forest produce, on taking; aagamiSyati = will be coming [soon.]

 

“Be comfortable for a moment, here it is possible for you to make a sojourn, and soon my husband will be coming on taking plentiful forest produce, and on killing stags, mongooses, wild boars he fetches meat, aplenty. [3-47-22b, 23]

 

Source:   http://www.valmikiramayan.net/utf8/aranya/sarga47/aranya_47_frame.htm

 

 

The article can be found at: http://khurshidimam.blogspot.in/2013/03/meat-eating-and-animal-killing-in.html

The article can be downloaded as pdf from: http://www.scribd.com/doc/132140971/Meat-Eating-and-Animal-Killing-in-Valmiki-Ramayan-and-the-literary-fraud

Difference between original ramayan and the ramayan you know

Know about ORIGINAL Ramayana

Introduction
Almost all of indian are well aware of the great epic RAMAYANA which is considered very sacred by our hindu brethren. From this epic we come to know about Shri Ram chandr ji who is highly respected and revered by our hindu brethren. Shri Ram chandr ji is worshipped by most of hindus. They consider him incarnation of God. However ar the same time Shri Ram chandr ji is called – purushottam – means Best among MEN.

Ramayan
                Ramayan literary means – The coming of Ram. This great epic was written by Valmiki ji. Period of valmiki ji is estimated to be around 400-500BC. So people call ramayan popularly as Valmiki Ramayan. It contains story about the King dashrath, his  wives and 4 sons. Shri Ram chandr ji was the eldest of son and he sacrificed his position as king and was forced to exile in jungle for 14 years.
Now most of you may be thinking why i am telling you all these when all these are know to every common indian. Kindly read ahead for the answer.

Why i am telling all these
But……wait-Do you know that the Ramayan i and you know is NOT the original VALMIKI RAMAYAN? Do you know the ramayan TV serial that we watched on TV during 1990s is NOT based on original Ramayan?
Now here comes a question in mind – what is original ramayan and what is other ramayan?
Actually when valmiki ji wrote the Ramayan – it was a great epic, it was a masterpeice in the field of literature. It became highly popular among common people. Hindus would read Ramayana in their homes.
After this Valmiki Ramayan there were several ramayan written by people afterwards. All these subsequent ramayan contained story of Valmiki ramayan but with plus and minus. It means that subsequent ramayana differed from the original ramayan in several ways. But there was only one Ramayan which was written after Valmiki Ramayan that became highly popular and that was Tulsidas (He was contemporary to King Akbar) written RAMCHARITMANAS. So Ramcharitmanas was written around 2000 years after original ramayan was written.
And to give you shock – hold your breath – the Ramayan that you know today is NOT the original Ramayan written by Valmiki ji rather it is Tulsidas written Ramcharitmanas. So now you would have got the idea of original ramayan and the Ramayan you know today.
But important point is – what are major differences between original ramayan and Ramcharitmanas?
Here is the answer:

A. Tulsidas written Ramcharitamans (The ramayan you know today)
1. Shri Ram chandr Ji was an avtaar of God or he was God.
2. Shri Ram chandr Ji had one wife.
3. King dashrath had 3 wives
4. It was written during 1500AD

B. Original ramayan written by Valmiki ji(The ramayan you did not know)
1. There is NOT a single refernce where Shri Ram chandr Ji is projected as God or avtaar or God or diety. Let me repeat. There is NOT a single refernce in original Ramayan where Shri Ram chandr Ji is projected as God or avtaar or God or diety.
Always he is projected as a man, a nice and nobel person. Maryada Puroshattam ram as Hindus call him testifies to this. Purushottam – means Best among MEN. All those reference where Shri Ram chandr Ji is depicted as “human being-and-Not god” are removed and not to be found in Ramcharitamans. If you read original ramayan then you will feel Shri Ram chandr Ji to be a human being only.

2. Shri Ram chandr Ji had several wives apart from seeta.

Ayodha Kandam 8th Chapter, verse 12 – “Rama’s wives will get delighted”

3. King dashrath had more than 350 wives.
(i) Valmiki Ramayana, Ayodhya Kanda, Chapter 34, Verses 10 to 13:

‘Dasharatha summons Sumantra to fetch all his wives when Rama was ready to to go to forest. Sumantra, after entering the gynaecium, spoke these words to those women as follows: “Oh, the venerable ladies! The king is calling you. Go there without delay. All those women, asked thus by Sumantra as per the king’s orders, went to his palace, after knowing the instructions of their husband.’

Valmiki Ramayana, Ayodhya Kanda, Chapter 34, Verse 10

Dasaratha said to Sumantra,

“Oh, Sumantra! being all my wives, who are here. Surrounded by all of them, I want to see the virtuous Rama.”

(‘who are here’ means available at the capital city then)

Valmiki Ramayana, Ayodhya Kanda, Chapter 34, Verse 13:

अर्ध सप्त शताः ताः तु प्रमदाः ताम्र लोचनाः |
कौसल्याम् परिवार्य अथ शनैः जग्मुर् धृत व्रताः || २-३४-१३

“ardha sapta shataah taah tu pramadaah taamra locanaah |
kausalyaam parivaarya atha shanaih jagmur dhrita vrataah ||” 2-34-13

atha= thereafter; taah= those; ardha sapta shataah= THREE
HUNDRED AND FIFTY pramadaah= women; dhritavrataah= steadfast in their vow (of devotion to their husband); taamra lochanaah= having red eyes; parivaarya= encircling; kausalyaam= Kausaly; jagmuh= went; shanaih= slowly.

‘Encircling Kausalya, three hundred fifty women, steadfast in their vow (of devotion to their husband), with their eyes reddened, went there slowly.’

(ii) Valmiki Ramayana, Book II : Ayodhya Kanda, Chapter (Sarga) 39, Verse 34 & 35:

Rama said to Queen Kausalya, His mother,

“Oh, mother! You do not grieve. You look after my father. The end of exile will come rather soon.”

“Fourteen years will elapse, while you are asleep. you as such, will see me, duly arrived here in my entire being, surrounded by my well-wishers.”

(iii) Valmiki Ramayana, Book II : Ayodhya Kanda, Chapter (Sarga) 39, Verse 36:

एतावद् अभिनीत अर्थम् उक्त्वा स जननीम् वचः |
त्रयः शत शत अर्धा हि ददर्श अवेक्ष्य मातरः || २-३९-३६

etaavad abhiniita artham uktvaa sa jananiim vacah |
trayah shata shata ardhaa hi dadarsha avekshya maatarah || 2-39-36

36. uktvaa = uttering; vachah = words; etaavat = of such quality; abhiniitaartham = end appropriate meaning; aavekshhya = refelected again; dadarsha = (and) gazed at; trayah shata shataardhaah = his three hundred fifty; maatarah cha = mothers also.

Uttering the aforesaid words of such quality and appropriate meaning to his mother, Rama thought once again and gazed at his three hundred and fifty step-mothers.

(iv) Valmiki Ramayana, Book II : Ayodhya Kanda, Chapter (Sarga) 39, Verses 37 to 40:

Rama joined his palms and saluted those step mothers also, who were too distressed in the same way and spoke these words which were in consonance with the spirit of righteousness.

“Please excuse me, if I have done any mistake either becuase of our living together or due to ignorance on my part. I now take leave of you all.”

All those women, whose mind was overpowered with grief, heard the aforesaid cool submission of Rama, which was in consonance with righteousness.

While Rama was speaking thus, an outery, resembling the wail of female cranes arose from those wives of Dasaratha.

4. Shri Ram used to eat meat

चतुर्दश हि वर्षाणि वत्स्यामि विजने वने।
मधुमूलफलैर्जीवन्हित्वा मुनिवदामिषम्।।2.20.29।।

अमिषम् all meat, हित्वा abstaining, मुनिवत् like a hermit, मधुमूलफलैः honey, fruits and roots, जीवन् while living, चतुर्दश fourteen, वर्षाणि years, विजने in a desolate, वने in the forest, वत्स्यामि am to dwell.

Abstaing from eating meat like hermits and living on honey, fruits and roots, I am to dwell in the desolate forest for fourteen years. [Valmiki Ramayan –Ayodha kand 20:29]
Source: http://valmiki.iitk.ac.in/index.php?id=translation

 

To know about this topic in detail kindly read:

 http://khurshidimam.blogspot.in/2013/03/meat-eating-and-animal-killing-in.html

 

Or Download in pdf format from : http://www.scribd.com/doc/132140971/Meat-Eating-and-Animal-Killing-in-Valmiki-Ramayan-and-the-literary-fraud

 

5. It was written around 400-500BC

 

Conclusion:
1. The ramayan you know, the ramayan that is recited in temples-homes-programs is NOT original ramayan but it is tulsidas written ramcharitmanas. The ramayan you viewed in TV Serial was also based on ramcharitmanas.
2. Shri Ram chandr Ji was projected only as a human being in the original ramayan, however in the tulsidas written ramcharitmanas he was projected as a diety or God or incarnation of God.


Note: This post is only for providing information. It should not be used for any negative propagation or spreading hatred/ disharmony.It can be used for informing about ramayna to our hindu brethren in humble and lovely manner.Author can be reached at serviceforhumanity@gmail.com