Why is Lord Rama Called 'Maryada Purushottam'?

Why is Lord Rama Called ‘Maryada Purushottam’?

In Hinduism, Lord Rama, also known as Shri Ramachandra, is one of the most revered deities. He is considered as the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu, one of Hinduism’s principal deities. Lord Rama is often referred as the “Maryada Purushottam” which means “the best among honorable men,” which reflects his embodiment of the highest virtues of dignity and exemplary conduct. Today, we will try to explain why Lord Rama is revered as Maryada Purushottam:

What does ‘Maryada Purushottam’ mean?

The term ‘Maryada Purushottam’ is made of two words – ‘Maryada’ and ‘Purushottam’. Maryada is the Hindi term which means – dignity and glory. It denotes adhering to one’s ethical and moral values under all circumstances. Purushottam is a combination of two words, ‘Purush’ (man) and ‘Uttam’ (best), which means – the supreme among men in virtues.

The Virtues of Lord Rama Which Makes Him ‘Maryada Purushottam’

Lord Rama’s life is a testament to the virtues of truth, duty, and righteousness. His title, Maryada Purushottam, is not just a name but a reminder of the ideal human qualities everyone is inspired to achieve. Rama’s story encourages us to lead lives of honor, showing integrity in our actions and kindness in our interactions. Through his tale, we learn the importance of duty, love, and justice, making Lord Rama a timeless symbol of exemplary conduct in human history.

• Duty as a Son: Lord Rama accepted 14 years in exile to uphold his father King Dasharatha’s promise to queen Kaikeyi, showing his unwavering commitment to family and duty.
• Love as a Brother: Despite being the heir to the throne, Lord Rama stepped aside to let his brother Bharat rule, illustrating deep familial love and selflessness.
• Devotion as a Husband: Lord Rama protected his wife Goddess Sita from the demon king Ravana and ventured into dangerous quests to uphold her honor which highlights his role as a devoted and protective partner.
• Justice as a King: Lord Rama left his familial comforts to ensure the happiness and safety of his kingdom, embodying the ideal ruler who places his subjects’ welfare above personal happiness.
• Loyalty as a Friend: Lord Rama’s friendships with Sugriva, Hanuman, and others were based on mutual respect and equality, regardless of their social standings.
• Upholder of Dharma: By defeating Ravana, Lord Rama protected the innocent and maintained cosmic order, showcasing his role as a protector of moral and spiritual laws.